Winter Break is here!

We made it through the fall, dance families! The winter break is practically here.

I was looking around the studio this past week, watching our dancers pour their hearts into their final rehearsals and classes of the year, and I felt so incredibly proud. But I also saw something else: tired bodies and minds!

Between school testing, Neverland Rehearsals, school & winter performances, and the goings on of the season, our dancers have been working nonstop. That is why I wanted to take a moment to talk about something just as important as your pliés and pirouettes: taking a break.

Winter break is the perfect time to reset. I know that dancers are used to moving 24/7, and I am too! But stepping away from the studio for a week or two can actually make you a stronger dancer when you return in January.

Here are a few reasons why we encourage our On Pointe Arts dancers to use this time wisely when we are on a break from dance (and yes, that includes resting!):

1. Your Body Needs to Recharge. Dance is an athletic pursuit. Your muscles, joints, and ligaments have been working hard since August. Taking a true break allows your body to heal micro-injuries and recover from the repetitive motions of class. Think of it like recharging a battery, you can’t run on 10% forever! A little rest now means you’ll come back with more energy and power for the spring recital season.

2. The Power of Cross-Training. Taking a break from dance doesn’t mean you have to be a couch potato (though a little cozy time is a really good idea!). Winter break is a great time to try cross-training.

• Go for a swim: It’s a low-impact exercise, FUN, and great for stamina. Also, what sounds better in these temperatures than being in a warm, humid room?!

• Try Yoga or Pilates: These build core strength and stability without the high impact of jumping. Yoga and Pilates also work a lot on breathwork, which can add so much to a dance, in addition to making you more efficient with your breath while doing strenuous dances!

• Play outside: Even building a snowman or going sledding uses different muscle groups than ballet or jazz! Moving your body in new ways helps build a more well-rounded athlete and prevents overuse injuries.

3. Gentle Flexibility While You Relax. If you’re missing dance too much, focus on flexibility. The best part? You can do this while watching your favorite holiday movies! Gentle stretching while your muscles are warm (maybe after a hot bath or a walk) is a safe way to maintain your range of motion without the intensity of a full class. Rolling out your muscles with a foam roller or tennis ball is also a great gift you can give your body this season.

The bottom line is this: we want our dancers to be happy, healthy, and ready to soar, not only in 2026, but for the rest of their lives. So, enjoy your hot cocoa, hug your family, get some extra sleep, and know that we will be here waiting for you with open arms and warm smiles when classes resume. Learning how to take a break, prioritize rest and recovery, and find joy in the other parts of life is a lifelong skill that makes us all better people!

Happy Holidays, On Pointe Arts Family! We can’t wait to see you in the New Year!