This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 6:07 am and is filed under dance classes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
SalsaCrazy
What are some tips for doing better in dance classes?
I am really bored right now so I was wondering what do you think is very important to do in dance classes? What do you think every dancer should be able to do? I’m really focusing on ballet and modern. So what do you think are good things for a dancer to know? Thanks and please no rude answers
Well I believe every dancer should know how and when to listen, even if the teacher is giving corrections to another dancer, you should always listen and grasp on to what they have to say… Soak every bit of knowledge up.
Also just push yourself, push yourself for that extra turn in your pirouette… and keep positive thoughts, b/c you will never pull off a triple if you go into it thinking you cant do it.
Another thing is, keep your movement alive, even if it is the simplest, if you feel alive your movement will look and feel much more passionate.
One more thing I think is good, is to know how to pick up choreography quick, well I know I have trouble with this, so i am always trying to find ways to try and improve this skill.
I hope I have helped, these are just some things I think every dancer should be able to do, to be able to grow… 
3 Responses to “What are some tips for doing better in dance classes?”
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August 24th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Well I believe every dancer should know how and when to listen, even if the teacher is giving corrections to another dancer, you should always listen and grasp on to what they have to say… Soak every bit of knowledge up.
Also just push yourself, push yourself for that extra turn in your pirouette… and keep positive thoughts, b/c you will never pull off a triple if you go into it thinking you cant do it.
Another thing is, keep your movement alive, even if it is the simplest, if you feel alive your movement will look and feel much more passionate.
One more thing I think is good, is to know how to pick up choreography quick, well I know I have trouble with this, so i am always trying to find ways to try and improve this skill.
I hope I have helped, these are just some things I think every dancer should be able to do, to be able to grow…
References :
I am a dancer.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Basic training, strength, coordination, and balance all are improved with ballet. I have been dancing since I was two years old, and now help my mom run that very same dance studio I started at over 20 years ago. I always encourage my students to properly stretch, eat healthy, and excercise regularly (this is outside of class… aerobic and muscle toning workouts). The healthier your body is, the better you can perform!! You can always work on the arches of your feet by stretching them to get a better point. And the more techniques and moves you learn the better… just be creative, and always watch and learn from others. I learned by watching very closely what my teacher was doing… and copied her exactly, and then put my own spin on things. Good luck!!
References :
August 24th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Listen: This is so very important! Listen when the teacher is talking to other students (regarding dance stuff) because you might overhear a correction that you need for yourself. Listen to every single thing your teacher says because her "lectures" may be the best info you can get. Teachers give their students the info and advice that they themselves may have taken years to learn or figure out. But instead of you going through years of trial and error, your teacher is giving this info to you now.
Don’t Pause: Never stop dancing in class. Practice or stretch (while listening) if the teacher is helping someone else. Don’t stop to chat if the teacher leaves the room, keep practicing what you’ve just learned. Always stand with proper alignment and posture no matter what, even when you’re changing between steps at the barre. Always be read to dance.
Be Prepared: My Ballet prof. always told us "A dancer is on time when she’s 15min early, and if she arrives right when class begins she’s late". Get to class early and warm up in the studio (if you’re allowed) or outside of it. Prepare yourself mentally and physically to dance. Bring water in the studio so you don’t need to walk out to get some. Turn your cell phone off.
Be Polite: Dance etiquette is very important and is something a lot of dancers never seem to learn. Don’t talk in class, chew gum, or leave your hair loose. Be polite to your teacher and happy she gives you a correction or points out a mistake. She wants you to get better.
Focus: Eat healthy food before class (and after) that will help you stay focused and energetic. I know dance gets tiring mentally and physically but remember, your teacher is tired too. They like seeing people who are happy to be in class, no matter how hot or tired they are. Having a positive attitude will help you focus better. Take notes when you can and write down your steps if that helps you. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Take in the corrections and really try to focus on fixing them, at least one of them during the class. Don’t just dance and forget the corrections or technique, but also don’t only focus on the technique and forget to dance! It has to be balanced.
*I teach dance and these are some of the things I try to remind my students. It drives me crazy when I see poor dance etiquette (like chewing gum or chatterboxes). I learned most of this stuff at a much later age in college, but I teach my young students this info now so they have it forever. Teachers give you all the tools you need, but its up to you if you want to use them!
Great question BTW.
References :
I’m a dance teacher/choreographer + dance major in NYC.