Becoming a great dancer doesn't happen overnight, its a pursuit that takes many years of practise. In saying that it never hurts to have some advice on how to get ahead.
Here are 7 things you can start doing right now to improve your dancing!
1. Take regular dance classes
Like most things in life - if you want to become successful you need to put in the work. In the case of dance it means putting in the time to learn and perfect your craft.
The more time you dedicate to your growth through teaching the better you will get. Its not rocket science but it works!
Find yourself a dance studio with teachers who inspire you and keep challenging you to grow in your dance. In styles like Hip Hop dance ensure you have teachers who are able to keep up with current styles and stay relevant so that your dancing can progress.
2. Practice at Home
Here's where you can make a real difference. It's the time you're able to spend at home where you can practise what you've learnt in class. Practising at home will enable you to move from 'good' to 'great' and really help you to perfect your routines.
See if you can video your classes and get hold of the music you dance to so that you can effectively practice your routine.
You'll feel that much more confident when you go back to class and can remember all your choreography thanks to the extra practice.
3. Keep fighting fit
To be effective all the way through any class or performance you need to be able to give it 100% from start to finish. Having a good level of fitness will certainly help you achieve this and mean the last second of your dance will be just as impactful as the first.
So along with your dance practice you may like to do other activities to keep your body fit and healthy. This may include walking, running, yoga, pilates or other sports. Building an all round level of fitness will help in all aspects of life and also build muscle strength to help with dance.
And don't forget to stretch! Flexibility is important for all dancers in order to maximise the potential from your body and avoid injuries!
4. Set the energy level in the room
One simple thing you can do to improve your dance is to bring the energy! Showing your enthusiasm and love for dance is contagious and will not only improve your performance but it will also lift and inspire other dancers around you.
Dance teachers love seeing students who give their all as it shows they are there to work hard and love what they are doing.
5. Fake it till you make it
Everyone learns at a different pace and sometimes it can be intimidating if other dancers around you seem to have it all figured out.
But comparing with others is not the way to do it!
Instead focus on what you can do to get the best out of yourself, because at the end of the day if you're doing your best that's all anyone can ask for.
Your confidence is not built on your actual ability to perform your dance but the belief in your ability to succeed. Keeping putting yourself in a situation to be challenged and you will continue to grow!
6. Connect with the music
One of the most important things in your performance is connecting with the piece of music or mix that you are dancing to. You will want to develop your ear for music - hear the beats and feel the rhythm of the piece, and really get inside the music. Listen to a variety of music and think about how you performance can change to suit that style. Thinking about how connect to a style of music will work wonders to engage with your audience during a dance performance.
7. Keep Yourself inspired
Keeping inspired helps push through in those times where you might be struggling with your passion for dance
It can be energising to watch your favourite dancers on youtube, attend a dance competition or just freestyle to your favourite song.
Keeping up with recent trends in dance and some of the new kinds of choreography and styles will help you stay interested and engaged.
You may also want to think about starting a new class in a style you've never tried before. Talk with your dance teacher about what you can do to keep learning, upskilling and challenging yourself!