How to Improve your Performance as a Dancer
To be a dancer means to also be a performer. However, this can be daunting for some of us; to simultaneously dance, act, travel, work on levels, dynamics, all of the above! So, here’s some tips to lighten that load:
Find your character and commit
Actors do this, as well. Whenever they’re given a script, they read their character description and dialogue and learn how to truly embody that character. Since dancers are also actors, we must also do this! As you’re learning choreography, listening to the song, or learning the concept, create a character and embody it. Don’t be afraid to go all in. Does this character have a name? How do they act? How do they feel? How does the choreography and the way you perform it embody that character? If you want to get into this habit, be sure to download the Habit Tracker from DanceVibes for FREE!
2. Be present
Again, that term; presence. The creative choices, the ability to focus solely on a piece of choreography, the feeling of being on cloud nine. Whenever you’re dancing or learning choreography, find that within you. Simply tune out distracting thoughts, maybe by zoning out or meditating on that for a bit before dancing, then walk into the studio or start dancing fully locked in. Learn the choreography, learn the character, all of that.
2. Listen to the music
Don’t get me wrong- it’s totally possible and empowering to dance without a beat, but when you do have it, use it! Think about the lyrics, tone, underlying beat and rhythm. What is that trying to communicate? One listens to music, and a dancer simply visualizes that to create choreography and movement- dance is literally seeing music. Whenever you dance to a song, paint the most accurate picture you can.
How to act on this:
Whenever you take class, figure out a character as you’re learning the choreography and embody that as you’re dancing- make as many creative choices as you need to!
Meditate or clear your thoughts before you dance to truly ‘lock in’ and stay present
Listen to the music whenever you’re dancing and move your body accordingly
Download the Habit Tracker from DanceVibes to implement these new habits!