How to improve as a dancer? Watch the video if you don't want to read :)
How to improve precision?
What do we mean by precision? In order to be precise when learning movement, you have to become a visual learner and observe angles, flow, tension and timing. A move done precisely has the correct angle, tension and is done at the correct timing with the correct flow between move A to B.
In order to improve precision, become more observant -- observe angles of limbs, weight shifts and when it comes to Bollywood dancing, observe bounciness of each movement coupled with neck movements. A lot of classically trained dancers (especially those trained in Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and other South Asian classical dance styles and even those trained in Ballet/Jazz/Contemporary) don't use their neck and shoulder areas enough to make the movement more appealing in Bollywood dance.
To improve precision, become more observant and rehearse enough to hit the timing of the moves with the right intension and extension -- practice makes progress!
In order to improve precision, become more observant -- observe angles of limbs, weight shifts and when it comes to Bollywood dancing, observe bounciness of each movement coupled with neck movements. A lot of classically trained dancers (especially those trained in Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and other South Asian classical dance styles and even those trained in Ballet/Jazz/Contemporary) don't use their neck and shoulder areas enough to make the movement more appealing in Bollywood dance.
To improve precision, become more observant and rehearse enough to hit the timing of the moves with the right intension and extension -- practice makes progress!
How to improve stamina?
The answer is quite simple -- its implementation, not so much!
To improve stamina you must workout outside of dance class. And you need three things:
To improve stamina you must workout outside of dance class. And you need three things:
- Strength training improves tension and power in your movement
- Yoga improves flexibility
- Cardio improves your overall endurance especially when you must dance for three plus minutes.
How to improve grace?
What we mean by grace is whether or not you are able to match the style of your choreographer while maintaining the aesthetics required for certain type of dancing.
For example: too much neck/shoulder movement is considered ungraceful for classical/semi-classical movements whereas the lack of is considered ungraceful for more commercial contemporary Bollywood movement. Grace is a subjective topic and the only way to improve that in any style is to practice that style often. Grace is quite a style specific attribute. The more workshops you take and the more you practice the choreography outside of class to emulate the movement as close to that of the choreographer, the more grace you develop.
For example: too much neck/shoulder movement is considered ungraceful for classical/semi-classical movements whereas the lack of is considered ungraceful for more commercial contemporary Bollywood movement. Grace is a subjective topic and the only way to improve that in any style is to practice that style often. Grace is quite a style specific attribute. The more workshops you take and the more you practice the choreography outside of class to emulate the movement as close to that of the choreographer, the more grace you develop.
What else? As if this wasn't enough :)
Work ethic is equally important when it comes to becoming a better dancer. Here are the things we consider when we look at your work ethic:
- Are you a team player?
- Do you come prepared to rehearsals? How reliable are you as a dancer -- how comfortable a choreographer feels experimenting choreography on you without needing much feedback? How much feedback was given to you during the season?
- How were you backstage -- did you take instruction well?
- What's your spacial awareness like when you dance on stage with the team -- are you able to keep up when formations are taught or does it take you a few rehearsals to get your bearings right?
- Were you communicative during the season about missing rehearsals, setting expectations?