DANCE
PRACTICE 1.
Same evening after class - It is very important to REMEMBER what you have
just been taught! Very soon after the class, at home (or even immediately
after class in the parking lot!) spend 2 minutes (that is all you need!)
going over as much as you remember, even just once. If you do not have
the correct footwork, or never understood the correct footwork, it doesn't
matter: just go over the moves, and any technique ideas, anything you
remember. Verbalize any catch phrases aloud. Personally,
writing notes in dance class has never helped me. It's in the doing. 3. Three
days after class - ditto. 5.
Right before class - at home, or even when you are waiting
for class to begin, go over it again. 6. Argue with your partner? Not! Be nice. Take responsibility. Say, "What could I be doing that is making this not work?" Of course, if you discover something your partner is messing up that they don't know, then point it out - kindly, nicely! "You appear to be doing this instead of that..." Don't beat on your partner verbally! And point out good things your partner is doing: "That was good!" 7. Rhythm - a surprising number of people who enjoy dance do not really dnace to the rhythm of the music, even after many years of dance classes! The follower simply follows the leader's movement, even if it has nothing to do with the rhythm of the music - it works. So, if you cannot find the beginning of the phrase, or cannot find the beat, or are not moving to the rhythm of the music, please don't feel that it is hopeless! If you like the music, that is the main thing. If dancing to music as a kind of background energy applies to you - it's OK! Myself, I am quite fond of solid rhythm, and like to feel at one with the music, but we still love you. Comfortable leading and following technique is still important. |