The Benefits of Keeping a Dance Journal

First a confession! I've only recently started doing this for myself but having already reaped the benefits I am of course wishing I'd started many moons ago...

We all keep various notes, logs, photos etc of our dance journey, but have you ever tried actually keeping a dedicated 'Dance Journal'? A personal diary space just for your dance practice. We are recommending keeping one to our dancers taking part in our 4 month - 'Short Term Residency Programme' at Arabesque Nights and here's some ideas why it could be a great tool for your own personal dance journey.

1) Go Shopping!
It's the best bit - start off by allowing yourself some retail therapy. Find a lovely notebook or journal that you can see yourself writing in and has a good feel to it. You want to get a book that appeals to you and that you will find joy in writing in. You could go for lined or blank paper, one already with dates like a normal diary or write your own in (this gives you flexibility when you write). It could be colourful, patterned or plain and A5 or A4 size. Go for a lovely front cover that inspires you or makes you feel good. If you are a stationery geek (like me) and are already getting excited a quick word of warning -  BEWARE of really fancy covers. You don't want to get a book that is 'too beautiful' for you to write in!

2) Make some time for you
Set aside some time during the day to update your dance journal. If you don't work on your dance everyday you don't have to write in it everyday! Make it about taking some time for you rather than a chore. You might like to update it after you have finished practicing, after a regular class or a workshop, after a recent performance or just at the end of each day. 


3) What to write?
Whatever you like! This is personal to you and your dance. Here's some ideas though if you're stuck for words:

• Aspirations and Plans - Have an idea for a themed performance? Want to compete in a competition? Have an idea for a costume you'd like to make? - Put it in and flesh out your ideas
• Technique Corrections from Class - If your teacher is saying the same thing each week you'll soon see a pattern of what you need to work on 
• Those Eureka Moments! - You finally get/understand/feel how something should be, jot it down and celebrate
• Internal struggles - If you're losing your focus or something is bothering you - investigate it, what's the cause or feeling behind it and can you do anything about it?
• Daily Achievements - Some days it's the little things that count for progress, from repairing a hook on your bra to downloading a new music track or doing a 15 minute shimmy practice - if you did it, write it down and give yourself a pat on the back.
• Inspiration - Jot down inspirational quotes or reminders to self to keep you motivated

 4) Remember it's a process and 'Enjoy!'

Remember that dance is a lifetime process and dancers are often aspiring to a level of perfection that they can never achieve... but that's what keeps it interesting.

If you don't already keep a dance journal I hope this article inspires you to give it a go. Who knows what you might discover!

Natalie x

Natalie Irvine (JWAAD Dip) is an oriental dancer, teacher and event organiser based in London. She is one of the organisers and compère at Arabesque Night Bellydance Show in West London. She first started bellydancing with Krystina in 2008 as well as being a member of The Egyptianize Dance Company. Natalie then ran her own FAB Bellydance Classes in Hampton Hill for several years.  She is also a keen Samia Gamal enthusiast and spends her spare time adding to her extensive collection of original photographs. You can see Natalie at Arabesque Nights on the first Thursday of every month at The Gunnersbury.
www.natalieirvine.com
www.arabesquenights.com