Blog Post
Happy Wednesday IHD Family! We are so excited to be returning to the studio after another lockdown. We’ve always believed that dance classes are truly a gift. If you have been signed up for a dance class, you have been given something very special and we should treat it as such. Now more than ever we should be aware of how blessed we are to have a space to move, a capable and healthy body and the means to take classes from people who care. As we get ready to return to in person classes we want to talk about how to make the most out of your time at the studio.
Go Full Out
Often we see dancers holding back in class, saving their best work for the stage or putting more effort into learning choreography than to technique class. These practices can hold back your development and make your performances less clean or exciting. We encourage our dancers to go full out in class. Make sure you are always putting your best foot forward. Ensure you are working hard to pay attention to the details of each exercise, trying again if you don’t get a skill on the first try and practicing not only executing a exercise or routine technically but with heart, passion and performance. Dancing in all your classes this way can inspire your teammates and create a stronger team overall. It can inspire your teachers to push you harder or try new things as you accomplish goals more quickly. Dancing in this way will surely inspire your audiences as they will benefit the most from this diligent practice in the studio.
Ask Questions
Your teachers are there to guide you and teach you on your dance journey. Your instructors or choreographers always have the goal to explain things thoroughly and make sure you understand what they are giving you to work on. They are not, however, mind readers. If you have a question, if something doesn’t make sense, we encourage you to speak up. The questions you ask can help the teacher guide the class. Questions can help your teammates as they may be silently struggling with the same issue. Asking questions makes class more interactive and helps you engage with the work. As dancers we often get very used to communicating with our bodies and sometimes loose your voice but a good question is always welcome in class.
Keep an Open Mind and Heart
From teachers to dancers we are all trying our best to get the best results possible. As we continue in our dance training we can have days when feedback or change can be hard to handle. We encourage our dancers to keep an open mind and heart. Take your corrections with grace and know that they are a sign that your teacher cares about your development. Take changes in choreography in stride as they are your choreographer's way of making sure your dance looks it’s best. Be open to trying new styles and techniques as it will make you a more well rounded dancer. Be excited and open to working with new teachers and choreographers as everyone you meet will have something new to teach you. Welcome new students into your class as they can add to your life in ways you could never imagine.
Your teachers and choreographers are always there to guide you in a positive direction but at the end of the day what you get out of class and the way you feel about class at the end of the day is largely up to you. If you give your all, stay engaged and ask questions in class and keep an open mind and heart, you’ll leave class feeling encouraged and accomplished. We are so excited to see you back in the studio soon!
