How to Get the Most Out Of Your Dance Class

By Rachel Oberg

It is important to know how to get the most out of each and every dance class you attend, so that you can continue to improve your skills and become a better dancer.  So how do you get the most out of every class?

First and foremost, always come to class prepared.  This means that you have fueled your body correctly with good nutrients, have water with you to keep you hydrated during class, have stretched and warmed up your body prior to class, and you are mentally ready to work hard.

It is important to keep a positive attitude.  Dancers tend to be perfectionists and often times get frustrated when something is not working exactly the way that they want it to, or if they are not able to perform something correctly.  It is important to remember that dance is hard, and it takes time to improve and build muscle memory.  If you continue to work hard and apply your dance teacher’s corrections to the best of your ability, you will improve over time.  Compare yourself to yourself, not to others.  Every dancer’s body is built differently; therefore, every dancer’s body is capable of doing different things well.  Evaluate your success based on your improvements, not on what your peers can do.

Staying focused at all times during class is key.  You could miss out on a very important correction if you lose focus.  Also, you could put yourself at risk of an injury if you do not pay attention to how a new step is done.  Listen, not only, to corrections your dance teacher is giving to you directly, but also to corrections your dance teacher gives to your peers.  Learn to evaluate your own body, and see if the correction your peer is getting can be applied to your dancing.  Try your best to apply every correction you get during that dance class, and to the next class as well.  After class or rehearsal, writing down the corrections that you received will help you to remember them for the next time you dance.

Watch your peers dance during class, and ask yourself:  What do you like about the way they dance or perform a movement?  How can you apply it to yourself?

Finally, always work to the very best of your ability.  Pour everything you have into every movement you do.  Listen to, and apply corrections to every step you can.   If you are injured, realize your inhibitions, discuss how you are feeling with your dance teacher, and work on the things you are able to without further aggravating the injury.  This may mean sitting out during part of the class; however, while you are sitting out, you can still work hard.  Take notes of the corrections your dance teacher is giving out to the class, watch your peers dance, and stretch your muscles.

You can still get a lot out of class by observing.

By following these simple guidelines, you are bound for success in dance.

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