As dancers, it is important to consistently challenge yourself and give yourself new opportunities and experiences. Try new dance styles, studios, and learning combos from different choreographers. The more open-minded you become in the dance world, the more experiences you can collect to improve your skills and perspective.
Step into New Styles with an Open Mind
Every choreographer brings their own style and energy, which results in different dance moves and combinations for you to learn. Training with new people is easy encouragement to adapt and learn their style of expression through dancing. It’s easy to be uncomfortable and compare their style to what you are used to, but it’s more productive to take it as an opportunity to explore something new. The more open you are to learning from those around you, the more you are going to grow as a dancer and a person.
Be Teachable, not Perfect
We all know the pressure of feeling like you need to impress new choreographers, teachers, or peers. However, they are not expecting perfection from you. That is not what dancing is all about. What they will appreciate is seeing you incorporate your own style, being confident, and respectful. Go into class ready to learn and accept positive feedback and corrections, and ask as many questions as you want. Being teachable will leave a better and more memorable impression than appearing like the “perfect” dancer with nothing to learn.
Staying Observant
Dancing isn’t just about learning when you are the one dancing, but also by observing what is going on around you. Pay close attention to how other dancers around you pick up the choreography, interpret the moves to their own style, and how they apply the given corrections. Surrounding yourself with new dancers who are experienced in different styles and training will give you a chance to pick up on new things that you can incorporate into your own dancing.
Train Like You’re Networking
Training for dance can be a great chance to network! Take every class as a chance to meet new people and create connections. Building those solid relationships with professors or other students will open future doors for auditions, collaborations, or recommendations. Stay genuine and respectful! It will go a long way.