Choosing where to study full-time is a big decision. This simple, fun quiz will get you thinking about what type of school would suit you best. Take a pen and paper and note down whether you answer A, B, C or D to each question..... 1. What is your favorite genre of dance to do? You spend a lot of your time dancing - going to class, practicing, stretching. Maybe you even wake up dreaming about dance! But sometimes you wonder where it's all taking you: are you actually getting better and how good are you at dancing, really? Self assessment is hard. When you're heavily immersed in your own training it can be difficult to get your head long above water long enough to look around and see where you're really at. The following are a few signs that you're actually doing better than you think as well as some hints to think about when you're looking for feedback.
1. Get lots of corrections Each time you apply a correction, you're making yourself a better dancer. And the more corrections you can get and apply in the least amount of time, the quicker you'll get better! I recommend putting yourself at the front of the studio or barre, right under the teacher's nose! This way she/ he is more likely to see you and give you corrections. Most good teachers try to share their attention around the room, however teachers are human too and they're probably more likely to notice you if you're in their face rather than hiding down the back like a wall flower. (I'm suggesting you do this within reason - getting seen is one thing but monopolizing ALL of the teacher's attention is another - remember there are other students in the room who need some attention too!) Not all corrections must come from your teacher - watch yourself in the mirror and try filming yourself to see what you can change! So, you started ballet in your late teens or even your early twenties but you've been training intensively. Now you're wondering if you could make this your career. Or, perhaps you started late and are wondering if it's worth your while to go full-time - or is it too late? This article is for you. Starting late can rule out some options. You probably won't get into any of the world's most renowned ballet companies (although, I would love to be proven wrong here, so please don't let me stop you trying!) However, there is a world between getting in to The Paris Opera and throwing in the towel to get a day job. And in that gap there exist an array of opportunities to create a viable career in dance. (And I'm not talking about being a teacher or a choreographer - not that there's anything wrong with those careers - but in this post I'm going to talk about actually getting paid to dance). Below I have compiled a list of all the options that I can think of! Happy reading. :) 1. Stay Calm
Panicking, or going into fight or flight causes a concoction of hormones and chemicals to be released into your brain. This mechanism is useful in life or death situations such as if you've just stumbled across a bear. However, when you're in this state, your ability to process, learn and store new information is significantly hindered. This is why, even though it's easier said than done, if you can find a way to make yourself relax, you'll find picking up choreography a lot easier. |
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AuthorI've been dancing since I was little. I've danced with Melbourne Dance Theatre, Look Left Dance Circus Theatre and Lyrebird Dance Theatre as well as and freelancing around Melbourne as a dancer and circus performer. This blog contains some of the lessons I've learned on my journey and some of the things I wish someone had told me earlier! |