Tips for Improving In Dance

Wouldn't it be nice if you woke up one morning and could suddenly do twenty flawless fouettes, triple beats during petite, and jump five feet during grand allegro?

We all wish it could happen overnight, but to get better at dance, you have to commit to years of hard work and dedication. But what if I told you I've got some tips for speeding up your improvement? You're in luck, because that's what I'm sharing today.

Don't cheat yourself in class.

It's so easy to go off releve or drop your knees in the plank while the teacher's head is turned. But it's only going to take you that much longer to improve. Push yourself to your limit. My dad was talking to me recently about this, and he said that when you think you can't go any longer, go five more seconds. Then five more. Only stop when you absolutely have to. Do your best, even when the teacher isn't looking. The hard work will pay off.

Get inspired before classes.

Interestingly, I've found that watching advanced ballerinas before I take class helps my own technique as I'm dancing. It's because I notice the skill and grace they perform with, and attempt to copy that in my own dancing.

Don't rely on the mirror.

Becoming so used to dancing with a mirror will lead to a lot of confusion when it's taken away. You may be so used to seeing yourself dance in the mirrors that you're not even feeling the movements anymore. Get comfortable dancing without them.

Do things outside of class.

Not only can you practice technique outside of class, but doing things like workouts, TheraBand, PlumBand, and stretching will improve your dancing significantly. There's so many other exercises you can do to specifically help with ballet, which you can find on the internet or by asking your teachers.

Video yourself.

An easy way to improve quickly is to record yourself executing a move, then to watch and analyze it, over and over, until it looks as close to perfection as possible. To find the smaller details, use the slow-motion setting.

Pick a focus.

Using a notes app or notebook, write down a focus that you have for class each day. I also like to write down something for the week, month, and year. Use stuff that you can become aware of and improve in a short amount of time for you daily and weekly focuses. For example: turnout, straight knees, core activation. Monthly and yearly goals should be things that take longer to improve, like the splits or triple fouettes.

Keep working hard and your dedication will pay off!

Dancing4Jesus

Psalm 149:3~ Let them praise his name with dancing. (NIV)

Contact me here: dancing4jesus20@gmail.com

Comments

Back To Dance Series- How to Avoid Injuries as You Go Back to Dance

It's easier than usual to get injured at the sta rt of a new year of dance. In today's post, you'll learn why that is, and what you can do to prevent it. Why are you more likely to get injured now? One reason is, after months of no classes, or less classes than normal, you won't have the strength and stamina you had months ago. Your muscles will get tired faster, which will result in less support for your joints. The other reason is dancers are more likely to push themselves beyond their limits. Whether it's out of excitement or an effort to prove themselves at the start of a new school year, dancers can actually work too hard. What can you do to prevent injuries? Now that you know why injuries are more likely to occur right now, I'm going to show you what you can do to help prevent it. To start with, go slow. Build your body back up to what it was capable of before summer. Listen to your body, and if you feel fatigue or pain, take it easy. Only attempt things...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi everyone! I know it's been awhile since I've posted, so I wanted to explain my absence. I started a seasonal job soon after my last post, and I was spending more time on dance, school, and with friends. I thought about catching back up and publishing posts for the months I missed, but it would take a long time. Instead, I'm going to spend that time writing posts for the future so they'll be ready each week. With that out of the way, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We are so blessed and have so much to be grateful for. This past Saturday I got to celebrate thanksgiving with all of my mom’s family, which I had never done before. I’m so thankful we got that opportunity! Even though the thanksgiving season is almost over, we should be giving thanks year round. As Christians, we’re called to give thanks continually, in all circumstances. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20.) It’s a command made by God, not just a suggestion. I’ve been reading seve...

Back To Dance Series- How to Transition Back Into a Full Schedule

After months of an empty schedule (for most of us), it can definitely be overwhelming to jump back into school, sports, work, and everything else that comes with a new school year. Over the next two months I'll be starting school (I'm homeschooled), two new jobs, four in-person classes, dancing 4 days a week, and obviously still going to church and youth group. Because I have such a full schedule, I've had to come up with some ways to stay organized, and I thought I'd share what I came up with on here since many of you are starting the new school year soon too. Use a calendar or planner. This one is very important if you have a busy schedule. There's calendar apps, planners, bullet journals, wall calendars, and so much more that you can use to keep track of your schedule. Personally, I use a calendar app on my phone and a planner. Find what works best for you. Get places early. This is one of my biggest goals for this school year. Recently I heard someone say tha...

Dancing4Jesus

Search This Blog