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No matter what your level of experience or preferred style of dance is, these 10 tips will help you become a better dancer.
1. Find the right dance instructor Have you ever had a teacher who made you feel great and brought the best out of you? Persevere in finding such a person and work with them on a regular basis in order to improve. Choose your instructor carefully if you are new to dance classes. A dance teacher not only teaches new steps and techniques, but also corrects mistakes. The more you dance, the more you realize what qualities you prefer in a dance instructor. If you have been taking lessons for a longer period and don’t seem to be improving, enjoying the class, or learning anything new, consider looking around for a different teacher.
2. Love it If you want to dance, you’ve got to love it. If your heart is not into dancing, you will most likely give up when you cannot do certain moves, and this will decrease your sense of control and confidence.
3. Perfect your posture Stand up straight, push your shoulders down and back, and hold your head up. It’s truly amazing what good posture does for a dancer.
4. Stretch Daily stretching will make your body much more flexible. A big goal in dancing is to make each move look effortless. The more limber your legs are, the easier it will be to move them. Make it a habit to stretch every day. Flexibility is important.
5. Feel the movement Let movement come from deep within, allowing it to emanate outwards. Try doing the moves with your eyes closed. Do each movement repeatedly to develop muscle memory.
6. Relax Your body will dance its best in a relaxed state. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind. Teach yourself to unwind to the music.
7. Keep practising Once you’ve learnt a few techniques, practise them at home on your own. Not only will you be getting good exercise, you’ll also be developing your technique and style. Watch other dancers on television, instructional DVDs, or in other venues and note body alignment, posture, and techniques. When you have free time, practise – just anywhere around your home. The more you practise, the more you develop your craft. Good technique is what separates good dancers from the best dancers. Learn new moves, but strive to perfect the skills of each step. Working towards a specific goal can accelerate your learning tenfold. Specific goals are critical to achieving success, because without them you will not be challenged to grow. If you have a specific goal, such as a competition, performance, or exhibition, you can be sure that you will improve and grow as a result of the pressure.
8. Surround yourself with positive people Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good about your dancing is key to performing well. Dancing is a visual art, and people who feel good about their dancing appear more confident and are more fun to watch. If you are around a negative group of people who isolate you or put you down, find a better crowd to associate with. Doing this will dramatically increase your happiness and performance.
9. Perform! Be proud of your work and enjoy every performance! A smile is an expression of pleasure, happiness, or amusement. If you smile while you’re dancing, people will get the feeling that you love what you’re doing. Even if you are dancing alone, smile at yourself. You love to dance, so let it show!
10. Expect challenges, and don’t give up Some days you’re going to dance poorly and feel tired, unfocused, and not confident. Accepting this reality can help you see it for what is which is completely normal! Everyone has good days and bad days. The key to overcoming these challenges is to acknowledge the way you feel, tell someone you trust about it, and keep working hard in spite of it.