Summertime means sunshine and warm weather!  Chances are you’ll find yourself dancing outside whether part of a flash mob, for a festival, in a parade, or making a music video with your friends.  But dancing outdoors—especially in the summer heat—can feel much different from dancing in your nice air-conditioned studio.  Here are some tips to make your outdoor dancing great:

Stay hydrated:  Drink water—lots of it before, during, and after your dancing!  Also reach for hydrating snacks like grapes, strawberries, oranges, and watermelon.  Because you’re outdoors, you might not realize how much you’re sweating.  Stay on top of your hydration game before it gets the best of you.  If you do start to feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, be sure to sit down, refuel, and take a break.

Don’t don your favorite shoes:  Dancing on concrete can rough up your dance shoes and sneakers.  Wear an older pair that you don’t mind getting a little (or very) scuffed up.  

Wear sunscreen:  Keep sunburns at bay by applying sunscreen throughout the day.  There’s nothing worse than having to put on a strappy leotard over red, stinging shoulders!  Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to continue applying more sunscreen every few hours.  And remember that a cloudy summer day doesn’t reduce your chances of getting burned!

Dress lightly:  Dark colors like black and navy attract the heat.  Go for lighter colors and lighter, breathable fabrics like cotton, jersey, and linen.

Come prepared:  Depending on where you’re dancing, you might not have easy access to stores and restaurants.  Pack a small travel bag with all your necessities like snacks, bandages (humidity amps up your change of getting blisters!), tissues, deodorant, hair ties, makeup and a travel mirror, etc. 

Share with us where you’ll be dancing outside this summer—at your local summer fair, an outdoor amphitheater, or just making memories with your friends.  Let us know your plans in the comments section below!