When to do drills?
One of the questions I hear most often is: When should I do neuro drills?
The short answer is: before class is ideal — but that’s not the only time. Small touch points woven into class, rehearsals, or even your day-to-day life can make a meaningful difference.
The reason comes down to a big principle: neuroplasticity. This simply means that your brain is constantly changing itself based on the inputs it receives. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your nervous system is always adapting — reinforcing patterns that are repeated, pruning away ones that aren’t, and making decisions about safety and efficiency in movement.
That’s why frequency matters. The more often you give your brain clear, high-quality input, the more likely those changes are to stick. And if you do the drills with attention and intention — rather than rushing through them — you accelerate that process.
So, what does this mean practically for dancers?
Before class: Think of neuro drills as priming your nervous system. Just a few minutes of vision, vestibular, or proprioceptive work can help you walk into class with better balance, sharper focus, and freer movement. It’s like tuning your instrument before the concert begins.
During class: Don’t be afraid to slip in a “neuro snack.” It doesn’t have to be long — even 15 seconds of a vision drill between turns or a quick joint map before a tricky adagio can reset your system and unlock more ease. These little resets often create surprising improvements because they address the root input the brain is using to control your movement.
Outside of class: Neuroplasticity isn’t confined to the studio. A few mindful moments during your day — while waiting for the kettle to boil or standing in line — can reinforce the changes you’re building. The nervous system thrives on consistency more than intensity.
The takeaway: there’s no single perfect time. Yes, start before class to set yourself up for success, but remember that your brain is learning all the time. By layering in small, intentional moments throughout your training and daily life, you give your brain the input it needs to help you move with greater confidence, control, and artistry.
To your success,
Deborah .