10 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Dance Classes Author: Kevin Shwe
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Once you've started your first dance class, it can become an addictive activity and it can become a regular part of your schedule. As well as being fun and a great form of fitness it's great to learn to be able to dance properly like the professionals as well.
Most of the time you will not be told how to make the most out of your dance classes, and as a result many people neglect things which can help them a lot with their dancing. Whereas if you learn HOW to learn and know what things in a dance class you should be paying attention to you can make your learning more effective.
Here are the things which you should be doing in your dance classes to get the most out of them and make the most progress:
1. Treat your dance classes as 'me' time and something you do for yourself. The more you have fun in the dance classes and enjoy yourself, the easier it is for your brain to learn, and besides it's much more fun!
2. Listen to what the dance teacher says, don't just copy them. Many times their words can describe the exact feel of the moves which can be hard to decipher by just watching.
3. Don't feel it's the end of the world if things are not going perfectly. Dance classes can be difficult at times and will stretch you - this is a good thing. If you treat each challenge as something you can master with practise, things can seem a lot less daunting.
4. Try and look exactly like the dance teacher. This includes the exact shapes they are making with their body, hand and feet, body angle, lines, tempo, rhythm and anything else you can pick up on!
5. Perform dance moves full out as much as you can.
6. Breathe while you dance, don't hold your breath!
7. Don't take short cuts. If the teacher shows you the way to do a move, it might seem like a lot of hard work but there'll be a reason they'll be teaching you to do things a certain way.
8. Every dance class and dance style is different. Try and learn every new style as it is without 'flavouring' it with other things you may have learnt in the past. Learn to do it their way. Doing things your way is a separate skill.
9. Focus on what you're doing well, not your shortcomings. Instead practise your weaknesses instead of dwelling upon them.
10. Practise can make perfect (sometimes)!
