Let me ask you something. Have you ever said, “I just want to be better at dance” but had no clue where to start? Like, okay… better how? Better turns? Better stamina? Better stage presence? And then you kinda just… do everything all at once and hope it works?

Yeah, same.

For years, I would get so frustrated watching other dancers level up while I felt like I was just throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something would stick. It wasn’t until I learned how to set actual goals—like, ones with real structure and strategy—that things started shifting. And that’s where SMART goals come in.

If you’ve never heard of SMART goals, don’t worry, I used to think they were kinda gimmicky. But turns out, they’re actually one of the most powerful tools for dancers to actually improve. And when I started using them? Game. Changer.

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Basically, it forces you to get crystal clear on what you want, how you’ll get there, and when you’ll make it happen. No more vague “I wanna be better” nonsense— we’re getting real about progress.

Let’s break it down:

1. Specific: What EXACTLY do you want to achieve? Instead of “I want better turns,” try: 

“I want to nail consistent triple pirouettes on both sides with proper spotting and control.”

2. Measurable: How will you track your progress? Create a plan:

“I’ll practice turns for 10 minutes after class, three times a week.”

3. Achievable: Be real with yourself. If you’re struggling with doubles, set a realistic goal like getting a triple.

“By the end of the season, I’ll have solid triples. After that, I’ll work towards quads.”

4. Relevant: Does this goal actually matter to you? Are you setting it because YOU want it, or because your teacher/friend/Instagram feed made you feel like you should?

5. Time-bound: Set a deadline, but be smart about it.

 “I’ll have my triples clean 2 weeks before competition so I’m not panicking at the last minute.”

How to Actually Stick to Your Goals

Let’s be real, it’s easy to set goals. Sticking to them? That’s the hard part. Here’s what’s helped me stay on track:

1. Break It Down. Start small. Instead of “I need perfect turns,” try “I’ll spend one week just focusing on spotting.” One thing at a time.

2. Say It Out Loud. Tell your coach, your bestie, your cat—anyone. When you say your goals out loud, they become real.

3. Track Progress. Once a week, check in. Are you improving? If not, what needs adjusting? No judgment—just honest reflection.

4. Celebrate Every Win. Even the tiny ones. Your brain literally builds momentum when you acknowledge progress, so don’t skip this step.

Why This Actually Works (Science Says So)

✔ Studies show that breaking down goals into manageable steps increases success rates by 60% (American Psychological Association).

✔ You’re 33% more likely to succeed if you tell someone your goal.

✔ Writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them. (Harvard Business Review)

Feeling Stuck? Let’s Fix That.

Listen, I get it—setting goals sounds simple, but sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. How many reps? What drills? How do you know if you’re even working on the right things?

That’s where I come in.

As a wellness coach, I help dancers go from overwhelmed to crystal clear on their training plans. We take your big, exciting, slightly-scary goal and reverse engineer it into small, actionable steps that make sense. No more guessing. No more “I’ll just try harder.” Just a clear, doable plan that actually works. And I hold you accountable so you don’t fall off track.

Because here’s the thing: the dancers who succeed aren’t the ones who just train the hardest. They’re the ones who train the smartest.

So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real progress, let’s do this together. Message me, tell me your goals, and let’s build a plan that makes this your strongest dance season yet.

I can’t wait to hear what you’re working on. Let’s make it happen.

— Dr. Kristen