Why Rest Matters Over the Christmas Break
As we reach the end of a busy term here at New Forest Academy of Dance, the Christmas break offers dancers a valuable chance to pause, reset and give their bodies and minds time to recover. Rest is one of the most important parts of training — it supports progress just as much as the classes themselves — and the holidays are the perfect moment to build it in.
Why Rest Is So Important for Dancers
Dance is physically and mentally demanding. Each week our NFAD students develop new skills, strengthen their bodies, learn choreography and balance school, activities and everyday life. Stepping back for a short period allows the body to recharge and prevents fatigue from building up across the year.
Rest helps dancers:
rebuild energy
recover from the term’s physical load
process new skills they’ve learned
reduce stress on joints and muscles
return in January feeling refreshed and motivated
These benefits are well supported by research across children’s physical development and sports science: regular breaks improve long-term performance, coordination and wellbeing.
Rest Doesn’t Mean Being Inactive
A break from structured dance classes doesn’t mean stopping movement altogether. Light activity keeps bodies feeling comfortable and mobile without pushing them too hard.
Good options include:
relaxed New Forest walks
gentle stretching
outdoor play
swimming
easy mobility exercises
These keep the body warm, boost circulation and support healthy recovery — without the intensity of a full class.
Eating Well and Staying Hydrated
Rest works best when supported by good nutrition and hydration. Over the holidays, encourage dancers to keep a balance of nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, fruit, nuts, eggs, cheese, oats and lean protein. Drinking enough water also makes a noticeable difference to energy levels and recovery.
Rest for the Mind
Children and teens carry a lot through the term — academically, socially and emotionally. A quieter Christmas break allows dancers to slow down, sleep more consistently and enjoy unstructured time, which all support mental wellbeing. Many dancers return in January with renewed focus simply because they’ve had space to breathe.
A Fresh Start for the New Term
Rest is not a step backwards. It sets dancers up for a stronger start to the new term, helping them return with:
improved concentration
better physical readiness
renewed enthusiasm
confidence from recognising how much they’ve grown
At NFAD, we want every student to enjoy sustainable progress — and rest is a key part of that journey.
Enjoy the Break
Every family’s Christmas looks different, but creating moments of rest — physical, emotional, and mental — will benefit dancers of every age and level. Gentle movement, good food, hydration, sleep and a slower pace all help the body and mind prepare for the year ahead.
Wishing all our New Forest Academy of Dance students and families a restorative, happy Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January.
