Dancers are certainly not immune to the spiraling rush of busyness during the holidays. Along with finishing up school or career-related work assignments, holiday shopping, and traveling, many dancers’ schedules are also filled with hours of rehearsal and performances.

If you are the parent, sibling, spouse, or friend of a busy dancer, you may already be accustomed to their lifestyle, but if you’re still getting adjusted, we came up with some simple ways you can support the dancers in your life during every phase of the holiday recital season!

Leading up to a big recital, dancers are committed to hours of stage rehearsals, last minute choreography adjustments, and costume fittings. As they anticipate the big show, they may feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Creating a peaceful atmosphere outside of dance is a great way to support them during this time. Here are a few ways you can do that:

Share their upcoming recital with family and friends, so that people will send well-wishes or buy tickets to see the show.
Be understanding and considerate of their busy schedule. Think of tasks you can take off their plate, such as household chores.
If they have any time, invite them to do relaxing activities that’ll take their mind off of dance, such as getting a manicure, doing a short yoga routine, or watching a movie.

On the day of the recital, a dancer’s nerves are on overdrive! Recital days are filled with hours of stage rehearsals, wardrobe changes, make-up application, and hair styling. Even dancers who don’t have major stage fright will feel jittery with excitement and adrenaline as they count down the minutes to showtime. Here are a few ways you can help them steadily ease through their day:

Cook them a light, nutritious breakfast.
Check their dance bag and add any essentials they may have forgotten.
Send short, positive text messages to their cell phones throughout the day.

Completing a holiday performance is a big deal because, along with the satisfaction of putting on a great show, it marks the end of another dance year! After a recital, dancers likely feel relieved and tired, but also accomplished with a celebratory mood. Here’re a few things you can do to match their energy once the show’s over:

Surprise them with a favorite snack, a bouquet of flowers, or a small gift.
Take them out to dinner after the show to commemorate their performance.
Schedule a massage, pedicure, or at-home spa day for them.
Give them some “me time” by clearing their schedule and allowing them to spend the day however they please.

No matter what you decide to do to support your favorite dancer, always know that your efforts are appreciated! Dancers, in the comments below, share some of the things your family and friends do that help you feel supported!