How would you like to improve your dance technique over the summer in one simple step?
Well, there is something you can do outside of class that doesn’t involve wearing dance shoes, listening to music or stretching. It’s something I’ve talked about before.
What is this secret?
Taking notes!
You might think, “Ugh. That’s the last think I want to do.” But it really works. And you can bet that the dancers who take notes are going to improve much faster than those who don’t.
And it’s really not that difficult. While you are in class, concentrate on the corrections your instructor gives you, and try to remember what they are. The same goes for an audition. Think about key points for improvement.
Then, as soon as you can, write down your notes.
What did the instructor or choreographer tell you to do?
What corrections do you need to focus on in the future?
What did you notice that other dancers were doing that you can learn from?
There is so much to learn in the art of dance that’s it’s a constant process. And if you don’t write down new things that you learn, it can be easy to forget. If you write notes, you can review them before your next class or audition.
Just try it for a month, and tell me what you think. I know sometimes I’m amazed at things I forget when I’m reviewing my notes. Then, I make the corrections during class, and my dancing improves.
Dance is not just about going to class, stretching and performing. It’s about perfecting your technique regularly and learning from your mistakes… and it’s a never-ending process.
An instructor once told me that it’s not really a mistake if you learn from it… a good thing to remember the next time you are dancing.
Check out more tips to improve your dancing here.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey. This summer I started gymnastics and I am taking dance. But I’m taking summer classes at a different studio. It’s a different learning process over there. The studio I actually dance at underestimates me and they put me in a lower class. How do I show/tell my real dance studio that I’m more advanced than what they put me in? Help
Hi Diana,
Thanks for your note. Have you tried talking to the owner or instructor at your real dance studio about your level of dance? She or he may have a good reason for putting you in the class you’re in. If not, ask him or her to place you in the more advanced class. If the instructor doesn’t think you’re ready, ask why. Listen carefully to the answer and honestly ask yourself if there is some truth to what he or she is saying.
If you need to, tell the instructor you’re willing to audition to be in the more advanced class. However, if you need to stay in the lower level class, don’t worry. You can learn something in any class you are placed in. Work on your basic technique and perfect your movements. Then, when you move up to the advanced class, you will have a much better foundation to do more advanced moves. Hope this helps. Let me know what happens!
Melanie
Hi i am new to dance. i am scared that i will look stupid. i am dancing with 7-10 year olds and im 11 can you tell me what to do and how to look like i have been in dance before.where do i stand?
Hi Grace,
Thanks for your note. Don’t worry about looking stupid. You have to learn to dance somewhere, right? Just practice as much as possible, and before you know it, you’ll be in a dance class with other kids your own age, or adults. In class, stand where you can see the instructor. As a new person to a class, it’s wise to stand in back until you see where the regulars stand. At the same time, you want to be able to see the instructor. Once you’ve been in class for awhile, you’ll know where to stand so that you can learn. And if you pick up the steps quickly, you may just find yourself in the front row leading everyone else!
Don’t worry about others. Just worry about yourself. Go into each class with a positive attitude and learn as much as you can. That way, you’ll get the most possible out of the class, improve your technique and have fun dancing too!
I wish you all the best. Please let me know how your dance training goes,
Melanie