Are You Watching More Than You're Dancing?
As a professional ballerina, teacher, and co-director of a professional ballet company, I see it all the time—dancers glued to their screens, scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, watching endless clips of breathtaking fouettés, gravity-defying leaps, and seamless contemporary transitions.
The inspiration is undeniable.
But here’s my question: Are you spending more time watching dance than actually dancing?
I get it. Social media has revolutionized the way we consume dance. It gives us access to world-class performances, behind-the-scenes content, and even tutorials that break down choreography step by step. When I was growing up, we didn’t have this level of exposure unless we bought DVDs or attended live performances - yes, YouTube was in it's infancy and my dial up internet couldn't handle it. Somewhere along the way, our relationship with dance has shifted.
The Shift from Studio to Screen
As a teacher/director, I see the effects of this firsthand. Dancers are watching others perform more than they are physically engaging in their own training. Some are so glued to their phone that the impulse to dance videos (or check notifications) happens between barre exercises. This is an incredible distraction and pulls focus away from their own bodies and corrections. Other dancers spend hours watching and re-watching their own filmed rehearsals, analyzing every detail—sometimes at the expense of simply feeling the movement and making organic corrections through repetition.
There’s even research to support this trend. Studies have shown that increased screen time, particularly on social media, is linked to lower physical activity levels. While the impact varies from person to person, the reality is clear: When we spend more time on our phones, we spend less time moving.
One study found that higher screen time is associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and an overall decrease in physical engagement.
For dancers, this means that the time we spend consuming dance digitally could be actively taking away from the time we spend improving our own technique, stamina, and artistry.
Social Media: Tool or Trap?
I’m not here to say that social media is all bad—I use it myself to share insights, promote performances, connect with the broader dance community, and, honestly, sometimes to zone out. It can be a valuable tool when used intentionally. However, it can also be a trap, leading us into cycles of comparison, procrastination, and even self-doubt.
Think about it: Have you ever watched a video of a flawless dancer and suddenly felt like you weren’t good enough? Or maybe you’ve spent so much time scrolling through dance videos that by the time you put your phone down, you're too drained to actually practice?
That’s when social media stops being a source of inspiration and starts becoming a barrier to progress.
How to Reclaim Your Studio Time
If you’ve noticed that your screen time is creeping into your dance time, here are a few ways to shift the balance:
Set a Time Limit – Give yourself a designated amount of time to watch dance content—then put the phone away and get moving.
Use It as a Learning Tool, Not a Substitute – Instead of passively watching, actively apply what you see. Try a new variation, explore a movement quality, or workshop a challenging transition in your own body.
Be Mindful of Who You Follow – If watching certain dancers makes you feel discouraged rather than inspired, curate your feed to include content that uplifts and motivates you.
Make Studio Time Sacred – When you’re in class or rehearsal, be present. Resist the urge to check your phone between combinations. Engage with your corrections, your peers, and your movement.
Remember: Watching Is Not Training – Seeing someone execute perfect technique is not the same as developing it yourself. To get stronger, more flexible, and more expressive, you have to physically do the work.
The Dance World Exists Beyond the Screen
Dance is meant to be experienced, not just watched. The studio, the stage, and the rehearsal space are where we grow, push our limits, and discover our artistry. Social media will always be there (at least for now), but the fleeting moments of movement in your own body—the ones you create through sweat, repetition, and passion—those are yours.
So, dancers, put your phones down. Step away from the screen, leap into the studio, and let your dancing be more than just something you watch. Let it be something you live.
References
Lepp, A., Barkley, J.E., Sanders, G.J. et al. The relationship between cell phone use, physical and sedentary activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of U.S. college students. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 10, 79 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-79.
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