How To Manage Your Time As An Oriental Dance Artist

Being a full-time oriental dance artist means you are a self-employed worker with little fixed schedule, maybe with only some oriental dance classes in the end of the afternoon. Nonetheless, there are a lot of tasks that need to be done besides teaching: preparing classes, promoting our work, answering e-mails, organizing shows, choreographing, practicing, and so many others. Therefore, it is of high importance to have discipline and good habits to be able to complete all tasks. Here you have my tips if you want to be an efficient Oriental Dance Artist:

1. Keep a “normal” time routine even though you work late. Waking up early and going to bed early is essential to take advantage of your whole day and be productive - I wake up every day at around 8 am and fall asleep at 12 am. Even though I come back home from work the earliest at 10 pm, I immediately have dinner, rest for a little bit and then go to bed.

My agenda with my ‘To Do’ list. I have noted all the weekly tasks I need to do related to my classes, CBOS management and logistics and work in private events as a dancer.

2. Organize your goals, have them set every week. Each new year I create a list of main goals that I want to achieve in my dance, then I convert them in monthly goals putting the most important ones in the first months of the year. Then each Sunday I define my goals for the week (from the monthly objectives and other tasks that appear) and distribute them among the weekdays. Having objectives for the day and week makes me take advantage of my whole day and be productive. If I don’t have goals for the day, I probably will get distracted and achieve little in the day.

3. It’s good if you have early activities scheduled that you must comply. For example, I opened regular classes in the morning at 10 am on some days so I am sure I start producing early. I also have yoga lessons, personal trainer sessions, and massages, that make me use my free time more efficiently. Also, doing some “house tasks” in the morning like washing dishes or clothes, or just making your bed, is a great way to ignite your productive mood.

4. Finally, be positive, love yourself and enjoy your company. Play some music according to the mood you want to have. Enjoy your job, your challenges and achievements. Always remember you are living the dream!

What do you think of my tips?