Because I am very passionate about dancing (even though I am an amateur), I have decided to start this blog to share my journey with other beginners who share the same passion. I want to give back to the community by sharing some of the tips and trick I have gathered along the way that have helped me improve faster.

1. Consistency and Passion

First of all, if you want to see results you need to be consistent. If you want to be consistent, you gotta love it. Otherwise you will eventually quit. That’s the secret to get good at anything (it can be a language, a sport, cooking, you name it.)

2. Learn about music tempo and finding song counts

How to find the counts of a song

How to move faster in dance

3. Mindful movement

This statement is so simple yet so powerful. Learn about weight transfer and transitions vs just throwing limbs left and right.

4. Let the music guide you

Don’t overthink, listen. The music will tell you what move comes next.

5. Cleaning up movements

• Start slow, once you master the movements at 0.5 speed, try faster until reaching full speed.
• Repeat, repeat, repeat.
  • When you are in class, try to find any chance you can to go over and over that step that you can’t seem to get right.
• Record yourself and review your videos to identify areas for improvement

6. Step out of your comfort zone

Try different classes, different teachers and different styles.

Initially, I thought I had to master one style before moving on to the next one, but I was wrong. Each class and style simply added a different set of tools to my kit that I found helpful when learning other choreographies.

Also, try learning from different teachers. Each teacher has a unique teaching style, so ensure you don’t become accustomed to just one method. Mixing it up and challenging yourself will accelerate your learning.

7. Have the right mindset

Don’t be too hard on yourself. When you’re in class, let go of the expectation of getting the whole choreography right. Accept from the beginning that it won’t be perfect; there will be mistakes, and you will miss steps. Lower your expectations and set a single goal to achieve by the end of the class. Focus on that target, whether it’s paying more attention to the music rather than overthinking the next move or ensuring that you add at least one new move to your toolkit, focusing more on balance, etc.

8. Do your homework

I’ll admit, with a busy schedule, I’m not very good at this, but it actually shouldn’t take up much time. Have you noticed a particular movement in choreography that you feel you’re not doing right? Dedicate 5 minutes a day to practicing that movement that’s causing you trouble. You can focus on one movement each week or find a choreography on YouTube and work on it for a couple of weeks.

9. Seek advice from your dancing community

As you spend more time dancing, you’ll notice that your circle is now surrounded by dancers. Reach out to those whose dancing you admire and ask for advice. I recommend seeking advice rather than feedback; it’s easier to give and easier to receive. When you ask for feedback, most people tend to focus only on the negative, which can be discouraging. Additionally, people generally feel flattered when asked for advice. (Adam Grant explains it better.)

10. When you feel you’ve reached a plateau

When you feel that you have come a long way, but you don’t see improvement anymore, it is time to step out of your comfort zone. This can mean taking a more advanced class, participating in intensive training, or opting for private classes, among other options. Try to identify what is holding you back from perfecting those moves and outline a plan that will help you practice them effectively.

In my case, after a year of attending drop-in workshops, I no longer struggle with picking up choreography. I can easily learn somewhat complex choreography in less than an hour. However, when I watched my videos week after week, I noticed the same mistakes recurring: my facial expressions not matching my moves, my arms not being straight enough, and losing balance during turns, among others. So, I’ve decided to enroll in a 6-week beginner technique course for Heels + Jazz Funk. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!

In a Nutshell

Achieving results in dance requires consistency fueled by passion. Embracing repetition, seeking support from your dance community, and stepping out of your comfort zone are crucial steps on this journey. Remember to be kind to yourself and set achievable goals.