What Your Child Should Do in August While Dance Is on Break

August is our reset month at Mary Lorraine’s Dance Center — a chance for dancers to breathe, recharge, and prepare their bodies and minds for a brand‑new season. Even though classes pause, your child can still stay connected to their love of dance in simple, healthy ways that don’t feel like “training.”

Below are helpful ways your dancer can make the most of their time off.

1. Rest — Their Bodies Need It

Dance is so fun, but it’s also demanding. August gives dancers a chance to:

• Let muscles recover from a full year of classes

• Reset their energy levels

• Reduce burnout before fall

• Take care of injuries through rest and icing

Rest is not “doing nothing” — it’s an essential part of becoming a stronger dancer.

2. Stretching a Few Times a Week

This is about consistency rather than intensity— don't push your muscles to a breaking point- instead do light stretching to keep their bodies mobile.

Great options include:

• Hamstring stretches

• Butterfly stretch

• Calf and ankle stretches

• Splits (no forcing, no pushing)

Aim for 10–15 minutes, 3-4 times per week. The goal is maintaining flexibility.

If your child is naturally flexible consider doing 1 minute planks 3-4 times per week.

3. Stay Active in Fun, Non‑Dance Ways

Kids don’t need structured dance practice in August. Instead, let them move naturally:

• Swimming

• Riding bikes

• Playing outside

• Walking the dog

• Playground time

These activities keep their muscles engaged without the intensity of dance training. Imagine how strong their arms will be from the monkey bars!?

4. Focus on Going Back to School

August is the perfect time for dancers to ease back into school routines so the transition feels smooth — not stressful.

Taking a break from dance in August allows them to:

• Return to previous bedtimes and wake-up schedules

• Familiarize themselves with their new grade and teachers

• Adjust to the amount of homework

• Practice basic routines such as preparing lunches or setting out clothes

A calm, organized start to school helps dancers feel balanced once dance classes resume in September.

5. Let them Be Creative!

Even without dance class, your child can stay connected to the artistic side of dance:

• Make up dances in the living room

• Listen to music they love

• Watch inspiring performances

• Draw, paint, or color

This keeps their imagination engaged without physical strain.

6. Get Organized For Dance Classes

August is the perfect time to:

• Clean out dance bags

• Check shoes for fit

• Sort tights and leotards

• Replace worn‑out items

• Label everything for fall

A little organization now prevents chaos later.

7. Enjoy Being a Kid

This is the most important part.

August is for:

• Vacations

• Sleepovers

• Popsicles

• Family time

A joyful child becomes a joyful dancer.

Final Thought

Your dancer doesn’t need to “train” in August — they need to rest, move, stay creative, and enjoy summer. When September arrives, they’ll walk back into MLDC refreshed, excited, and ready for a beautiful new season.