🚨 Competition Season is Coming… But So Is Burnout (Unless You Do This!) 🚨

Hi friend! Shawn here.

With competitions just around the corner, your to-do list is already exploding. But here’s the truth: You can’t show up as your best self for your dancers if you’re running on empty.

This week, let’s talk boundaries. Because you deserve time for yourself, too! Here’s five simple ways to keep your sanity intact while managing comp season chaos.

✨ Boundaries = A Better Teacher: 5 Tips to Stay Sane This Season

1️⃣ Schedule "Me Time" Like a Class

If it’s not in your calendar, it won’t happen. YOU KNOW THIS. Block off time for yourself! Whether it’s a workout, reading, or just a nap! I’m personally making more effort to nap when our baby naps. Because new Daddy life 🤪 😵‍💫 If you can commit to a rehearsal, you can commit to your own well-being!

2️⃣ Set a “No Work” Cutoff Time

Decide when work stops each day and stick to it. No answering emails at midnight. No music editing your “day off.” Studio owners, guess what? The studio will still be there in the morning!

3️⃣ Delegate Like a Boss

You don’t have to do everything. This year’s mantra in my newsletters is STOP Doing Everything Yourself. I truly hope you’ll get sick of me saying it! Let your team, your assistants, or even automation tools take care of the repetitive tasks so you can focus on what truly needs YOU.

4️⃣ Say No Without Guilt

Not every request, extra rehearsal, or last-minute favour is your responsibility. You don’t have to put out everyone else’s fires when you’re struggling with your own! Protect your time by saying no to things that don’t serve your energy or your goals. Every time you say yes to something, you gotta say no to something else. Use your yesses wisely!

5️⃣ Fill Your Own Cup

Go out for dinner. (Remember nights out?) Watch a movie. (Remember those?) Call a friend. (Oh yeah, remember people?) Do something that reminds you that you exist outside the studio. A happier, more balanced teacher = a stronger leader for your dancers.

🔥 Competition season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing yourself. Take care of YOU so you can bring your best to your dancers.

What’s one boundary you’ll set this week? Hit reply and let me know! 💬

Motivational Quote Break

Pre-Comp Masterclass: Feedback BEFORE the Spotlight

Let’s talk about comp season. Because holy kajoly, it’s almost hereeee! 🤯

The stakes are high. The pressure is real. And the last thing you want is for your dancers to hear surprising feedback from a judge when it’s TOO LATE to make adjustments.

You feel me?

That’s why my Pre-Comp Masterclass exists! To help you get ahead.

Think of it as a behind-the-scenes rehearsal with a judge. I’ll provide actionable, detailed feedback on choreography, technique, and performance tips, so your team shows up prepared and polished.

And, you can legit ask me all the questions you always want to ask a judge on site, but “you’re not allowed to talk to the judges” when you’re there. Soooo, here’s your chance.

✨ Bonus Benefit: You’ll walk into competition season with confidence, knowing exactly what to tweak to impress the judges.

Why wait for feedback when you can perfect it now? Press here or just hit Reply if you want the deets.

BTW! 

If you missed past newsletters, check ‘em out here. Some great stuff.

And a reminder of this year’s mantra: STOP Doing Everything Yourself. If you need help, just reply and ASK. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Asking for help keeps you STRONG.

New for 2025: Dance Teacher Playbook! This class helps you be your best for your dance team, your family, and for YOU. Only found on LeaderPass, which is soooo frickin’ exciting!

By the way, I’ve unlocked FIVE (5!) TOTALLY FREE lessons for you to use today, right now. Check ‘em out here.

I’m doing my part to help reignite dance teachers worldwide. You reading this newsletter is part of that mission. I appreciate you! Thank you for being here.

- Shawn B

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ABOUT DANCE TEACHER INSIDER

Welcome to Dance Teacher Insider, where passionate teachers and studio owners like you come to recharge, get inspired, and make waves in the dance world. You’re here because you care about more than just the steps… you care about making an impact. I started this newsletter with one mission: to reignite teachers globally. Because when teachers are inspired, dancers thrive.

Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of positivity, connection, and growth in studios everywhere. So if this fires you up, don’t keep it to yourself! Share these emails with your fellow teachers and team. Let’s transform studios and keep the world dancing, one clean double pirouette at a time.