Practice Tips

Technique, Energy & Expression

The following practice and performance tips are to help you to improve your dance skills. These tips will help you to practice for your dance classes, end of term performance, medal test exams, shows, gala day performances, & just to improve your dance technique. Remember to ask your teacher if you have any questions. We are happy to help.

Practice Tips

Try to practice 2 to 3 times a week for 15-30 minutes and you will improve your dance skills

Before you start dancing make sure that you have warmed up properly as performing certain movements before your muscles are properly ready can cause injury. You can do the warm up routines you learn in class. Warm up your joints (isolations), get your heart beating faster (warm up) and then stretch your muscles (stretches) slowly and carefully. Ask your teacher for more advice on warming up.

If you are going to be dancing for a long amount of time, it’s a good idea to take a bottle of water with you so that you do not get dehydrated.

Never be afraid to ask if you find you are having problems with any particular steps as we will be able to help you.

Perfecting steps can be difficult. To avoid frustration try concentrating on one individual step or movement per class. You don’t have to perfect everything at once. It takes time to perfect steps so be patient and eventually you will achieve your goals.

Set yourself some achievable personal goals this is a good way to monitor your progress e.g. "In class/practice this week I will try to stretch my arms fully." "I will practise and improve my pirouette turns this week." Judge your progress by your goals and not by the achievements of those around you.

It is important to let your body cool properly after a workout, as this should help you to avoid having sore muscles the next day. Try some gentle stretches, slowly and carefully. Ask your teacher for more advice on how to cool down.

Performance Tips

Try and make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the day of the performance.

On the actual day, arrive at the venue in plenty of time so that you have lots of time to get ready and don’t feel rushed.

Try to imagine yourself dancing your routine really well. Sometimes it can help to think through your routine without actually having to get up and dance through it.