Even though it’s been roughly 2 1/2 months since we’ve been home during this pandemic, it can sometimes feel like an eternity. I’m sure lots of you are looking at this and saying to yourselves, “it feels even longer since I’ve moved my body, but I have no space!” So what is there to do when you feel like there’s no space? Really, space is simply what you make of a designated area you want to use for something. So really, you don’t need a lot of space to do most of what can to keep you moving, and you can at least try to make small amounts of more space – and that starts by utilizing your small space in the correct way. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you make your small space the best it can be.
1. Creating Your Space
- The first thing you’ll want to do is choose a consistent area to practice in. Having an area that is consistently prepped and ready to dance or workout in is tremendously helpful – especially on those under-motivated days. Something that takes less work to start is more likely to happen. Think of small unconventional areas, like even your hallway!
- Now that you’ve chosen your area, cleaning your new space is just as important as choosing it. A space that is scrubbed, dusted and sparkling will be more appealing than one that is dreary looking or dirty. You’ll also want to declutter anything moveable in the area to allow you to have more space around you. Think of rearranging smaller, more portable pieces of furniture or standalone items that seem to be in your way. Something else many of us do is to sage the area, or burn palo santo. This practice is meant to clear the previous energies held in the area, allowing for new feelings, ideas, and intentions to come to fruition. In the event it’s not possible to declutter, just try to create organization for outside items or just keep them covered – it will make it feel more like your personal space, and less like a shared space with other members of the household. Clean and clear spaces will allow you clarity of mind and the freedom to experiment and create.
- Adding “mood lighting” is a great way to turn any space from 0 to 100 instantly. Even think of using natural lighting to enhance any dance session depending on the time of day. Is what you’re looking for an energizing morning workout? Try opening your shades or windows if it’s warm enough. You’ll feel that natural sunlight and fresh air and it will enhance your workout. Or perhaps you’d rather create a sultry tone for some late night self-love and feeling sexy – try changing your lights to a dark red tone, or dimming your regular lights down from their normal brightness. Another technique and easy fix or lighting addition to your space is to add some string/christmas lights. You can get them in a multitude of colors to help reach the aesthetic you’re looking to achieve, and they’re very inexpensive as far as lighting options go. There are also multi colored lightbulb options – we use Hue lights at Dream Dance Fitness – that can be controlled by an app on your phone or tablet. If all else fails, try candles! They can provide the perfect needed to create that great dimmed atmosphere for that late night jam session. Just make sure your candles are out of kicking range – we don’t want to cause any fires! Try out different things and see what works best for you. It may be one, or a combination of these – but this added element will provide a new sense of excitement to using your new space.
- Add personal items/talismans to your space to make it feel more “yours,” For me, it’s crystals, oils, and my ganesha figures. For you, it may be a picture, a tapestry, a statue, even a stuffed animal – anything to help make the space more personal. Here are some other items that many of us have in our spaces: music options, pole (if you’re curious, we suggest X-Pole as that’s what we use at the studio…you can find the link on our homepage), mirrors (you’d be amazed at the options from Ikea and what you can do with them!), phone stand, ring light, etc. You may also want to consider adding unique things that truly distinguish a difference in this space compared to our studio space. This can be something added that is stationary and always there, or you can simply add something new each time you dance. You can try using distinctively different lighting options from DDF, diffusing essential oils that enhance whatever mood you’re feeling that day, or even just changing into a fun or sexy outfit to help change your mindset – maybe even one you’ve been too shy to wear out to the studio yet! Any of these will help motivate you to have scheduled time in your personal area.
2. Pump Up the Volume, Pump Up the Bass
- What every dance space needs are some great tunes! our instructors have provided some playlists from class on Spotify that you all know and love from being at the studio. You can visit those here. Otherwise you’ll want a themed playlist that matches the mood you’re feeling for your dancing that day.
3. Your Space, Your Time
- Another thing to remember is that it’s not about how your dancing looks – you are dancing for yourself, not worrying about other onlookers. Your only necessary step here is to let yourself move however feels right to you on that day. It may be more than yesterday, it may be less… wherever you are is just fine.
- When you take class at DDF via ZOOM, you will still be provided that supportive atmosphere too…and, if you’re worried about how you look…it doesn’t matter because everyone is focusing on themselves, just like you.
- Via webcam, you will notice you won’t see much of a background, just you…so no one will be judging your space you created for yourself.
- You will also notice, once you take class, and felt movement in your body, your will notice that you will feel so glad that you did this for yourself. Your energy will be lifted.
4. Find Your Inspiration, Then Find It Again
- Finally, you’ll want to find your inspiration to use your space and continue finding more. There is so much great content that is so accessible out there that’s constantly evolving and providing new options of combinations, new entries to moves, new dance techniques, new challenges, etc. – that inspiration shouldn’t be too hard to find. You can even just look as far as our studio and instructors’ Instagrams! We’re constantly posting new content, so be sure to follow us all for inspiration, studio news, fun, and entertainment! You all inspire us, and we hope that we inspire you too!
- If you feel like you have no motivation to do it on your own, DDF has adjusted their schedule to accommodate small spaces, as we are working and dancing from our homes too! We are cognizant that we don’t have large spaces at home, so our classes have changed to accommodate you, yet, keep you active, making you feel good.
We hope that this all helps to provide some guidance for your personal spaces at home! Try them out and join us virtually. We miss you! We can’t wait to see you all in person again, but let’s make the best of our time now that we possibly can. It’ll make the time pass that much faster and just think, large or small, you’ll have created another practice space for yourself to utilize even when COVID-19 is a distant memory. You’ll have ingrained new habits in yourself, a new way to release energy and stress while at home, and a new and improved self-love and appreciation for alone time. We love you all and can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy creating and happy dancing!
Love,
Dream Dance Fitness