#butulis

How to Build Momentum for Turns

Question: I’m having trouble getting momentum for a set of open turns. Any tips? Response: Thank you for the question on turn technique. There are often 3 areas where momentum escapes: Your knee – If you really straighten your standing knee, it will be difficult to hop. Hopping in one of the reasons dancers tend to lose turn momentum. Your hip – If you squeeze your glutes and core during the turn…

How to Increase Back Flexibility

Question: Do you have any tips on how to improve my back flexibility? I’m trying to get my scorpion and firebird leap, but nothing seems to work. Response: Thank you for the question on back flexibility. Scorpions and firebirds require flexibility, strength, balance, and learning to align your body to attain the position. Many times the hip flexors and upper back are the areas limiting low back…

Tips to get heels down on jumps

Question: During ballet technique, my dance teacher keeps noting that I need to get my heels down on jumps. I stretch my calves all the time, but I can’t get my heels down on jumps. Any ideas? Response: Thank you for the question on jump technique. There are a few possibilities. One of the most common reasons that a dancer can plié and stretch, yet still have difficulty with heels down on jumps…

MEA Weekend Dance Team Audition Prep Tip #3 Show Your Best Self

Are you ready? Many teams start a week long audition process tomorrow! Here are 5 tips to present your best self to that audition! Sleep. Prioritize sleep every night this week. It helps you learn faster, recovery faster, and bring your most energetic self forward. If you cannot sleep, stay in bed and visualize yourself performing clean technique and clear routines. Focus only on the present.…

Tips for summer intensives: Tip #1 Pack this before you go

Dancers, Headed out for a summer intensive? Whether it is a few days or a few weeks, be sure to pack these items now! Freezer proof zip locks. Tendons and muscles often become inflamed with new activity. Your first line of defense is taking the zip lock to the ice machine, coffee shop, or cafe. Fill it with ice and put it on the sore area for 10-15 minutes. A lacrosse/release ball. Feet are the…

Dance Team Audition Prep Tips: 5 Presentation Tips #mndancenews #DancePT

We’ve discussed how to learn about the audience and how to learn about yourself. Now, let’s discuss how to present yourself on audition day. Here’s a checklist in preparation: Does the team have a required dress code for auditions? Be sure to wear what is asked. Did the team specify your hairstyle? Practice dancing in this style prior to the audition. Open your mindset to a learning experience.…

Dance Team Audition Prep Tip Number Two: How to Know Yourself #mndancenews #DancePT

Tip #2: How to Know Yourself Yesterday we discussed how to learn about your audience. Now, how do you meet their expectations? Take a moment to ask yourself these questions: What have coaches/dance teachers given you corrections on? In dance, corrections mean that they care and want to help you. Focus on 1-2 items and practice focusing on fixing these corrections every day. Watch videos of your…

How to make the dance team off season amazing #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers and coaches, congratulations on another spectacular season! In any judged event, the final placings and scores can influence our thoughts. Take a moment to ask yourself what you are thinking right now. Give your thoughts a name. Acknowledge the feeling that goes with them. Now, how will these thoughts guide your next actions as a dancer? More importantly, how will you take these thoughts…