Spring is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and refresh your training. As winter fades and recital season approaches, there’s no better time to build strength, sharpen technique, and spark creativity. That’s why we’re launching the March-April 2026 Dance Challenge: a 31 day movement and skills journey designed to help dancers of all levels grow stronger and more confident.

Whether you take ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, or a mix of styles, this challenge is adaptable to your training schedule and goals. The best part? Each activity takes just 10-20 minutes, making it easy to fit into busy school and rehearsal days.

How the Challenge Works

Each day in March, complete the listed movement task. Here are some options to seamlessly work it into your daily routine: 

  • Add it to the end of class
  • Use it as a warm-up before rehearsal
  • Do it at home on off-days
  • Turn it into a friendly studio competition!

Track your progress in a dance journal or checklist. By March 31st, you should notice improved stamina, flexibility, musicality, and control! 

31 Day March Dance Challenge

Week 1: Strength & Stability

Day 1: 2 minutes plank (break into intervals if needed)
 Day 2: 50 relevés (parallel or turned out)
 Day 3: Core circuit (sit-ups, Russian twists, leg lifts)
 Day 4: Balance hold: 60 seconds per side (passé or attitude)
 Day 5: 30 slow pliés focusing on alignment
 Day 6: Wall sit challenge (aim for 90 seconds)
 Day 7: Active recovery: stretch hamstrings, calves, hips (15 minutes)

Week 2: Flexibility & Lines

Day 8: Front splits practice (both sides)
 Day 9: Back flexibility: bridges or cobra stretches
 Day 10: Arabesque holds (10 per side)
 Day 11: Turnout strengthening exercises
 Day 12: 20 développés each side
 Day 13: Shoulder & back mobility work
 Day 14: Full-body stretch session (minimum 20 minutes)

Week 3: Turns, Jumps & Technique

Day 15: Pirouette drill: 10 attempts per side
 Day 16: Spotting practice across the floor
 Day 17: Small jump series (échappés, changements, sautés)
 Day 18: Across-the-floor combo (any style)
 Day 19: Musicality exercise: improv to a new song (hit shuffle and see what comes up!)
 Day 20: 25 controlled tendus each side
 Day 21: Film yourself and review technique

Week 4: Performance & Artistry

Day 22: Facial expression practice in the mirror
 Day 23: Freestyle/improv for 10 minutes
 Day 24: Practice your recital choreography full-out
 Day 25: Endurance run-through (no stopping!)
 Day 26: Arms & port de bras focus
 Day 27: Dance for a friend or family member
 Day 28: Visualization exercise: mentally rehearse your routine

Final Push: Finish Strong 

Day 29: 100 calf raises (split throughout the day)
 Day 30: Stretch & recovery session
 Day 31: Perform your favourite combination full-out and celebrate!

Why Join the March Challenge?

Spring is a season of renewal. This challenge helps dancers:

  • Improve strength before recital season
  • Increase flexibility after winter stiffness
  • Build daily discipline
  • Boost confidence
  • Stay motivated between competitions

Even small daily improvements add up. Thirty-one days of focused effort can create noticeable changes in balance, control, and stamina.

Tips for Success

  • Set a goal. Do you want cleaner turns? Higher jumps? Better endurance?
  • Stay consistent. Even 10 minutes matters.
  • Fuel your body. Hydration and balanced meals support recovery.
  • Rest when needed. If something hurts (not just sore), take a break.
  • Invite friends. Everything is more fun with a challenge buddy!

Consider rewarding yourself at the end of the month! Maybe a fresh pair of tights, a new leotard, or updated warm-up gear to carry your momentum into April. The Dance Store offers free Canada-wide shipping on all orders over $150. Go on… Treat yourself!