Get Moving: Why Dance Professionals Need Movement More Than Ever

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-28

You know that feeling when you've been sitting at your desk planning choreography for hours? Your shoulders are tight, your back aches, and your creative spark feels dim. We've all been there. As dance professionals, we spend so much time teaching others to move that we sometimes forget to move ourselves. Let's talk about why getting up and moving isn't just advice for our students—it's essential for our own wellbeing and creativity. When we're stuck in planning mode, our bodies become stagnant, and honestly, our teaching suffers for it. ### The Physical Cost of Being Stationary Think about your typical day. You might spend hours: - Planning class sequences at your desk - Answering studio emails - Creating schedules and lesson plans - Watching performance videos for inspiration That's a lot of sitting. Our bodies are designed for movement, especially bodies trained in dance. When we don't move regularly, we experience muscle stiffness, decreased circulation, and that general feeling of being "stuck"—both physically and mentally.  ### Movement Fuels Creativity Here's something I've noticed in my own practice: the best choreography ideas rarely come when I'm staring at a blank notebook. They come when I'm moving. There's a connection between physical motion and creative flow that we can't ignore. As one of my mentors once told me, "The body knows things the mind hasn't figured out yet." When we allow ourselves to move without agenda, solutions to choreography problems often emerge naturally. That tricky transition you've been struggling with? It might resolve itself during a simple stretching break. ### Practical Ways to Incorporate More Movement You don't need to schedule an extra dance class (though that's great if you can!). Small movements throughout the day make a significant difference: - Set a timer to stand and stretch every 30 minutes - Walk while taking phone calls instead of sitting - Do simple pliés or tendus while waiting for your computer to load - Take the long way to the studio office - Practice breathing exercises that engage your core These aren't just physical breaks—they're mental resets. That five-minute stretch session might be exactly what you need to approach a teaching challenge with fresh eyes. ### The Ripple Effect on Your Teaching When we prioritize our own movement, our teaching transforms. We demonstrate with more energy. We notice student alignment issues more quickly because our own bodies are tuned in. We bring a vitality to the studio that's contagious. Students can tell when their teacher is fully present in their body versus when they're going through the motions. Your movement practice becomes part of your teaching authenticity. ### Making It Sustainable The key isn't perfection—it's consistency. Some days you'll have time for a full warm-up; other days, you'll manage just a few shoulder rolls between classes. Both count. Both matter. Start small. Choose one movement habit to build this week. Maybe it's taking three deep breaths with arm reaches before each class. Maybe it's doing ankle circles while you sip your morning coffee. Whatever feels manageable. Remember why you fell in love with dance in the first place—the joy of movement, the connection between body and expression. That joy deserves to be part of your professional life, not just something you facilitate for others. Your body is your primary teaching tool. Keeping it moving, responsive, and energized isn't self-indulgence—it's professional maintenance. So next time you feel stuck at your desk, listen to that impulse to get up and move. Your choreography, your teaching, and your wellbeing will thank you.