Another year full of studio time, practice, and performances is behind you once again. Now you have eight whole weeks of summer days to fill. So how should you spend those so-called "lazy days" so you can come back to dance class in the fall stronger than ever? And do you have to put away your best dance leotards and say good-bye to dance for two whole months? Definitely not. Here are some tips to help you along the way so you can get the most out of your summer and be a better dancer next season:

Tip #1: Set goals.

What do you want to achieve over the summer? Are there certain techniques or moves you want to perfect? Does your flexibility or endurance need work? Or perhaps you simply want to get healthier and eat more nutritious foods. Whatever the case for you, set some solid and achievable goals for the summer. That way, you can ensure that whatever you choose to do aligns with what you want to accomplish over the break.

Tip #2: Cross-train.

Cross-training is a great way to boost your overall health and strength. It can also help you to limit the risk of injury during dance and can improve flexibility and coordination, as well. So what are some of the best ways to cross-train for dancers? Swimming tops the list, which is the perfect summer activity. You can also try biking or a Pilates class, or simply do stretching and weight lifting at home to stay in shape.

Tip #3: Sign up for a summer intensive.

If you want to continue dancing at the same level you have throughout the year, sign up for a summer intensive. There are opportunities for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Just make sure you do your homework and find one that's a good fit for you.

Tip #4: Try a different style of dance.

Look for open studio classes in a style of dance different from what you usually focus on. Are you a ballerina? Try a hip-hop class. Do you love jazz? Then try a ballet class. This is your opportunity to explore and discover something new, and branch out into a different area of dance. Even if ballet is your first passion, you can transfer the skills and techniques you learn from a jazz class back into the studio with you come fall. You'll also meet different teachers with different experience and training. They can offer a variety of valuable feedback that can help you to improve your skills and technique.

Tip #5: Find a friend and choreograph a dance.

Summer is supposed to be fun and you've just finished up a long year of practicing . Now it's time to put all you've learned to use by choreographing a dance with a friend. Find your favorite song and put together some moves, then perform them for your family. It's a great way to stay in shape and on point artistically, as well as have some fun with your friends.

Tip #6: Eat healthy, but splurge every once in a while.

A good diet with plenty of nutritious foods is vital if you want to stay strong over the summer and return back to class in good health. That can be hard, though, with all the summer picnics, barbecues and trips to the ice cream shop. That's why it's important to have a nutrition plan in place and aim to stick to it. Keep in mind, moderation is key. That means you can and should indulge every once in a while. Just don't make an ice cream sundae a daily habit during the summer.

Tip #7: Sleep well.

During summer, it's easy to get off your regular sleep schedule. But this can impact your overall health and motivation. You'll then be off kilter come fall when it's time to return to the studio. That's why it's so important to stay on a good sleep schedule throughout the summer. It's ok to stay up a little later, but don't push it too far. If you want to stay in the best shape possible over summer and hit the ground running next season, you need your beauty sleep.

Tip #8: Go outside.

You've been in the studio and on stage all year. Now that the weather is nice, it's time to go outside and enjoy it. Whether you want to go hiking, walking or simply just sit outside is up to you. Just turn off the phone or iPad and get outside this summer. You'll feel better and stronger for it.

Tip #9: Update your dance wardrobe with new leotards.

Summer is a great time to update your dancewear and invest in some new looks for the year ahead. When shopping, it's always a good idea to stick to the basics -- for instance, new leotards and tights. That way, you know you'll get plenty of use out of them and they won't wind up collecting dust in your closet.

Summer is a wonderful time to be a dancer. You can experiment with new styles of dance -- as well as branch out in your fitness regime -- all without the added stress and responsibilities of school work. Just make sure you have some fun, too, along the way.