The thing about dancing is you have to be a dancer to understand it. It has been said that a dancer has to control every muscle in his or her body at the same time while making it look effortless. The fact is, being a dancer is no different than being any other athlete. Being a dancer takes tremendous skill, strength, and agility.
Below, we will give you some professional tips that will help you live the life of a dancer. A dancer is not just something you do. A dancer is what you are. The habits we are suggesting are habits that you will need to incorporate into your life. They will help you at every level of your skill and in every form of dance you perform.
Learn how your food fuels your body
We know we should eat a healthy diet. But past that, how much do we really understand? When it comes to the body of any athlete, you must learn which foods give you what you need, when you need it.
Begin with carbohydrates. Carbs are fast fuel. They are needed for the bursts of energy that is needed for a performance. For low burning (long-term) energy, you need protein. Protein comes in many forms. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can get the needed protein in the form of cheese, veggies, nuts, grains, and supplements.
Even fats are needed to keep your body healthy. While many people claim to have the perfect eating plan, your eating plan must be designed to give you the energy and nutrition that you need in your particular state. Your diet must change as your body changes. Your dietary needs must be addressed at all times.
Stretch – A LOT
Stretching is required before you exercise. Your muscles expand and contract and they have memory. It takes times to develop them. If you don’t stretch, you risk injury.
Do not limit yourself to stretching only before dancing. Your body benefits every time you stretch. Stretching should be done every day, several times per day.
Wear the right clothes
Dancers wear killer dance costumes while on stage. Dancers have particular clothes and shoes that are designed to support the dancer’s body. Dance shoes must move properly. Tights support the legs and give control over the hips. Leotards help the body move properly. Warm-up clothes are needed to protect working muscles. Team jackets promote clubs, groups, and teams. But, be careful not to stop there.
Many dancers are careful to dance correctly for their dance classes, and performances. Yet, they let themselves go at other times. This is a mistake. A dancer’s personality, self-esteem, and self-worth are fragile. They work very hard in a competitive field, and they forget that academically, socially, and individually we put ourselves out there. By looking your best, you are making a silent statement that you understand your worth. You are expressing that you are more than just a dancer.
Learning Choreography
Throughout your dance careers, you will learn different choreography. Do not underestimate the power of those moves. Learn every move with focus and dedication. Even if it is not your favorite style, every move allows you to develop physically and mentally.
When you are learning a new move, practice it every day. When you move on to the next one, continue to practice the old one and use it in your workout routines. Stay in control of your routine and use it. If you have a problem with a move, that is a good reason to address it with your instructor. A good dancer can dance to any style and any music.
Develop Musically
It is important that you develop musically. You have to develop past just hearing it. You have to get inside the music. You must feel the music. Your musical abilities will grow with you. If you cannot conquer music, you cannot master dancing. If you do not have a knack for music, you need to pursue it. Seek professional training. Let an expert help you develop the skills you need.
One way to tell if you are mature musically is to listen to variety types of music. A good ear finds beauty in all forms of music. If you cannot find something to love about great classics, you need to grow. You cannot force it. Being aware and try. You will be amazed at how much your skill will improve as your ear develops.
Conclusion
Being a dancer is not easy. It is hard work, and it takes a lot of dedication, beyond dance lessons. It is not something you learn and do. It is a continual lesson. It is an art that is never perfected. It must be a journey, not a destination. Good dancers are not born. They are created. If dancing is what you want to do, you will work on it every day.
Tag: how to become a better dancer
