#danceadvice

I have a memory like Dory. Maybe you do too. This tips have helped me with learning combinations faster. I’m still not good at it, but these have seriously made a difference. 

1.)  Involve as many senses as possible

When learning combinations, try using as many senses as you can. I will watch the combination, say it, physically do it, and listen to the teacher say it. I find that kind of “singing it” also helps a lot with musicality and memory. When I actually perform the combo, I’ll “sing the steps” in my head. 

2.) Create a story

This method helps a lot with abstract choreography and styles of dance that don’t have names for steps. A gesture around my head will turn into “wash my hair” and weird staggering walk will become “Jack Sparrow.”

3.) High stakes combination

This idea is honestly pretty stupid, but it helps me a lot. I’ll pretend that I’m on a game show and I could win a million dollars if I remember the steps, or I’m the female version of James Bond and it’s a high stakes mission. It is silly, but it helps my brain to REALLY pay attention. 

4.) Note choreography in this order: direction, arms, and feet

Oftentimes, dancing involves very intricate footwork. Focusing on that first can be overwhelming. Start first with where you’re going, add the arms next, and then focus on the feet. Even if you only get the first two, you’ll be in good shape. 

5.) If all else fails, stand in the middle 

If you stand in the middle of a group, you’ll be able to see what’s going on from all sides. Try not to make this a habit, but if you’re really struggling, this can be helpful.  

Good luck guys! Trying to learn combinations quickly is difficult. Remember to not be too hard on yourself and have fun. Have an awesome day. 

Love, 

Summer Intensives can be hard on your dancing body.

I wonder if someone could help me? I'm hoping someone can anyway! I've been given the new first step in my heavy jig and it's a real step up to what I normally do so I think once perfected it's going to look really good. However, I do a series of twists with rhythm in between them and I've not got the best twists in the world. The step is pretty fast and it travels me to the front of the stage so I really want it to look effective. Any ideas how I can make the twists really 'twisty' haha? Can't think of the right word. My ankle mobility is pretty good (finally) so I don't think that's the problem. Also, is the twist performed from the ankle/knee down or the whole leg so that the knee turns in too? Different people in my class do it differently. I hope you all understand what I mean by this 'twist' rhythm bit (I think Julia O'Rourke does one in her set video which was posted on Instagram yesterday) they're pretty popular at the moment especially in set dances. So yeah, hopefully someone can answer my questions. Sorry if the questions seem a bit pointless but I work very technically and analyse every step until I know the stages I must pass through to perform it perfectly.