What To Do If You’re Anxious About Recruitment During the Holidays
The holiday season can be one of the most stressful times in the college dance recruitment process. This blog breaks down why December feels so quiet, how dancers can use the time intentionally, and how tools like the Common Recruit Submission can help bring clarity to where they stand with different programs. It’s a calm, realistic guide to staying grounded, prepared, and confident heading into January.
The holiday season is supposed to feel relaxing, but for dancers in the middle of the recruitment and audition process, it often brings the opposite. Schedules slow down, communication pauses, and suddenly your brain has way too much time to spiral:
“Should I be doing more right now?”
“Why hasn’t that coach emailed me back?”
“Am I falling behind?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. December is one of the hardest months mentally for dancers, not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because it’s one of the slowest recruiting windows of the entire year.
Some coaches are preparing their current teams for UDA Nationals, programs are wrapping up semesters, and many are officially on break. That means responses are slow, communication is limited, and recruiting is rarely the top priority.
So instead of stressing, here’s how to use this time intentionally and set yourself up for January success.
First, Understand: Silence Doesn’t Mean “No”
If you emailed a program in early December and haven’t heard back, that is completely normal.
Coaches aren’t ignoring you. They’re juggling:
Two-a-day practices
Basketball games and appearances
Travel prep
Finals and academic closures
Their own families and holiday time
For most programs, recruiting ramps back up after Nationals. Take a breath — nothing is wrong with your timeline.
Focus on Your Training (Not Everyone Else’s Timeline)
Holiday break is actually one of the best windows to improve without external pressure. With fewer distractions, you can:
Dial in technique
Build strength and flexibility
Study and practice your dream teams style, look and requirements
Improve performance quality
Review footage and set clear goals
Map out a back up plan
This kind of intentional training is what builds confidence going into January clinics and spring auditions. Your preparation is fully in your control.
Get Your Common Recruit Submission Ready (Don’t Wait Until the Clock Strikes Midnight)
The Common Recruit Submission deadline is January 1st, and the worst thing you can do is wait until 11:59 PM to submit.
Use December wisely:
Film while you have time and space
Clean up technique you want highlighted
Make sure your video reflects the best version of you
Review your S2S profile so everything is complete and polished
Submitting a few days early signals organization, preparedness, and professionalism, qualities coaches value just as much as skill.
Early = calm.
Last minute = chaos.
Use the Common Recruit Submission as a Clarity Tool
It’s important to be clear: dancers should always follow each school’s individual recruiting protocol first. If a program asks for email submissions, specific forms, or registrations, those steps matter.
The Common Recruit Submission feature isn’t a replacement, it’s an additional tool. What it does help with is clarity.
By using our tool, you can:
See which programs are actually engaging with your material
Take the guesswork out of “Did they even watch my video?”
Identify which schools may be a stronger mutual fit
This helps dancers make smarter decisions about:
Which programs to continue pursuing
Where to focus energy, travel, and training
When it may be time to shift direction or expand the list
Recruitment isn’t just about being seen, it’s about understanding where there’s real interest.
Shift Your Mental Energy Toward January
Instead of stressing about what you can’t control right now, ask: “What can I do today that my January self will thank me for?”
Ideas:
Plan clinics you want to attend
Book that PT appointment to stay on top of any potential injuries
Watch Nationals routines from 2025 to stay motivated and excited for 2026
Narrow your list of schools based on fit, not pressure
Set winter training goals
Update your Studio 2 Stadium profile and organize materials
Small actions now = less stress later.
Give Yourself Permission to Actually Rest
This matters more than people admit. Resting isn’t lazy. Resting isn’t falling behind.Resting is part of your training.
Your body needs a reset. Your mind needs a reset. College dance teams demand your best, and you can’t pour from an empty tank. If you feel anxious right now, that’s normal but it doesn’t mean you’re off track. December is quiet for communication, but powerful for preparation.
Use this time to:
✔ Reset
✔ Train with intention
✔ Prepare your Common Recruit Submission
✔ Get organized for January
You’re not behind. You’re building. And the work you do now carries into the most important part of the season.