these 3 habits will improve your dancing skills
So often as dancers, we look at ourselves in the mirror in class and despise our movement. Or, we look back on videos of us dancing and think, why did I do that? So, here are some simple habits to implement whenever you are dancing to improve the quality of your movement. It won’t happen overnight, but even these small habits can make a world of a difference.
1. Find stops and pauses
This is a typical correction from judges at dance competitions. You’re moving so fast- find stops in your movement. Quite simply put, this means to not always be dancing; to find moments of pause, even if it’s for a single count or second for the audience to see and comprehend your movement and poses. If you can’t find clear pictures whenever you watch yourself dancing, this is likely why. So, here are some tips to find stops and pauses while you’re dancing-
Listen carefully to the music when you’re in a class and find moments to not move- maybe even breathe!
When you do find those moments to not move, ensure that those poses are apparent to ensure clean movement
2. Engage your muscles
It’s mostly during contemporary or technique classes when you get this correction.
Engage your core.
Flat back.
Clean arms.
Dance training especially emphasizes balance and strength in your core. But, when performing choreography that isn’t a turn, leap, jump, or pure technique, it’s difficult to remind ourselves to activate the corresponding muscles to ensure strong, clean movement while you’re dancing, and not just moving your body- the difference is apparent. So, here are some habits to implement to work on this-
During dance class, ask your teacher clarifying questions on what muscles should be engaged during a specific part to ensure you understand the movement correctly and can make it as distinct as possible.
Do regular workouts (even if it’s 10 minutes a day) to strengthen your muscles to work while you’re dancing!
Find an accountability partner or teacher to call you out when your movement can be stronger and clearer by engaging your muscles.
4. Levels
Another common critique from dance competition judges. Lower. Lower. Get lower and bend your legs on that part. But, during the stress of learning a complex combo in class or choreography in rehearsal, this comment slips out the back of our minds. So, how can we remember this?
This corresponds to engaging your muscles when you dance- by doing that, your body can automatically discern when to get lower for a certain part
As you’re learning choreography, watch the teacher or assistant and when their level drops, so you can tell when to do so, as well.
There’s a difference between bending your legs and getting lower- being on a certain level or height when dancing means your whole body should be there unless otherwise specified
Actionable habits to improve your dancing skills:
Now that you have three ideas to think about and incorporate when you’re dancing, how can you actually act on it?
Download the Goal Growth Guide or Habit Tracker from DanceVibes to stay consistent with these new habits
Find an accountability partner or teacher to hold you accountable while working towards these goals