As a choreographer, I work with many experienced dancers, who are a part of my troupe, and this gang has a very high turnover too. Many dancers leave for better prospects and other projects, several of them work on assignment basis. Hence, many new and less experienced dancers too come join the fold for big events. When new dancers join the troupe, they have to build a rapport with the seniors, and at the same time try to fit in. One of the most important skills for a new dancer is being able to learn the steps of a routine and execute it perfectly. Not many people realise that a dancer requires good memory to become successful. Not only must a dancer be able to execute several dance steps, but he or she must also be able to remember these steps set in a particular order. The ability to learn dance routines quickly is a prerequisite during dance auditions. Directors and choreographers prefer dancers who grasp the moves fast.
The tips that I have listed below will help you memorise dance routines and execute them perfectly.
Know Your Steps
Every dance routine can be broken down into a series of familiar steps and combinations. A good dance instructor makes an effort to instil core skills in introductory classes, urging students and dancers to learn steps as well as the names of the steps. The sooner you get familiar with the steps, the faster you will be able to combine them to memorise the routine. After learning the steps and their names well, it is faster to put names together, instead of guessing the next move that follows. In case the step has no name and is a mix of different moves, then it is best to give it your own funny name.
Watch Your Dance Instructor Closely
Choreography is generally taught in a series of step combinations. Watch your dance instructor closely, when he or she demonstrates the steps. A good dance teacher will stand in front of the class, and demonstrate each step slowly. If your instructor only teaches verbally, without actually performing the steps, you may want to look for a new instructor or join a new dance group. Wait till the teacher has completely finished demonstrating, before trying the steps yourself. Some dancers follow the instructor, mimicking the steps as they are being demonstrated. If you fail to watch first, you risk missing some part of the routine. It is better to watch first, and then try. Always keep the visual of the teacher teaching you alive in your memory, as when you perform the step, the glimpses will help you remember it better.
Understand the Music
Dance usually combines movements with music. When a choreographer creates a dance routine, the chosen music is important to make the dance a success. A piece of music is often selected because it possesses certain beats and tempo changes. Listen closely to the music. Try to mentally associate certain steps with strong beats or lyrics of a song. Remember that step combinations are often repeated each time the chorus of a song is played. This will also help a dancer enjoy the movement to the music, and enact it well.
Practice
With any new routine, practice makes the dancer perfect. Don’t be too hard on yourself the steps of a dance routine. Your ability to learn the moves quickly will improve over time, as your mind will grow accustomed to forming associations. Practice will bring about improvements in all areas of your dancing, which will make it easier for you to learn complicated step combinations. The more comfortable you are with the steps, the easier it will be to link them together in your mind. So if you are not on the dance floor and you still want to practise, make a personal video or write down the choreography and keep going through it in your free time.
Dance is an expression of joy, and the journey to it should be fun and satisfying.