Back to School 2009 — Student Edition

Hope you had a wonderful summer! Did you do some dancing? Are you excited for the dance season to begin (or has it already)? Here are some past Dance Advantage posts that will help to prepare you for the year ahead.

Getting Your Head in the Game

• Strengths and Weaknesses — We’ve all got ‘em! Read how to make the most of yours!
• I Can’t! — You CAN overcome the I Can’ts. Don’t miss this one!
• 7 Ways Dance is Like Learning the ABC’s — I challenge YOU to come up with the 7th!
• Approaching Your Teacher or Studio Owner — You don’t have to be proposing something BIG to make use of these ways to suggest your ideas to a teacher. Let your voice heard in a way that will make your teacher want to listen!

Choreography

• Strategies for Remembering Choreography
• How To Make Choreography “Your Own”

Performance

• 7 Secrets of Super Performers (Improving Your Performance Skills)
• What Is Artistry and How Do I Develop It?

Pretty Self-Explanatory!

• How to Be a Great Teacher’s Assistant
• How NOT To Ask a Question in Dance Class

More, more, more!

Tune up your Technique

There are articles and how-to’s in our Toolbox about turns, jumps, strengthening exercises, common corrections (like sickling) and more. Looking for something specific? Do a keyword search on the home page!

Brush up on Vocabulary

Confused or need to know more about the terminology used in your classes? Click the image below for related posts or do a search!

College Students

Check out the College Guide Series!

Strategies for Remembering Choreography

Ever have trouble remembering what comes next in a dance?

One of the common struggles students face in class is recalling the sequence of choreography. Particularly, if you are a beginning student, you may not have yet developed the tools needed to quickly retain passages of movement. Everyone is different and you will need to find what works for you. The following are just a few techniques you might try the next time your teacher gives a combination.

Look for the Pattern

Choreography is not typically one, long, string of unrelated movements, though when it is given more quickly than you are used to, it can seem so. Generally you will be shown a sequence more than once. If you’re struggling to keep up with the rush of information coming your way, it may help to focus on the pattern first and worry about the movement second.

The pattern may relate to number of repetitions. For instance, 4 front, 4 side, 2 front, 2 back, 1 front, 1 side, 1 front, 1 back — it may seem an odd pattern, but if you’ve retained at least this, filling in the blanks will be easier.  Patterns may also be directional. Perhaps the choreography travels to the down-stage corner, faces upstage, downstage, then moves stage right.

Focus on One Aspect of the Choreography

Pattern is just one element of choreography. You might also choose to focus on other components, one at a time, to construct the sequence in your body and mind. For example, try focusing your attention on the feet alone if combining the arms, head, and rhythms all at once is proving to be too much information. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the other elements out altogether. Do what you can, but give yourself permission to let one thing go for the sake of absorbing the details of another. You can always layer the movements with more detail as you go.

Attach a Visual Image

Sometimes attaching a mental image to a step or series of steps can help you to put things in order. The movement’s name may offer clues – for instance Pas de Chat is “step of the cat.” This swift jump directly relates to the pounce of a feline. However, sometimes movements don’t have names or at least not ones that correspond to an image. So, it’s okay to attach your own visuals and/or terminology… no matter how strange.

What does each movement or series of steps bring to mind? Maybe your sequence looks like this: chopping vegetables, waves crashing, popcorn, ice skating. As long as the images make sense to you, you will likely be able to keep these images in order, aiding your memory of the choreography itself.

Write it Down

Sometimes the act of writing, or seeing words or sketches on a page can solidify a chain of movement, particularly if there will be some time before your next class or rehearsal. You might try writing down the choreography (in whatever way suits you) as soon as possible after your class. This is not a technique that works for everyone and I have seen students get too attached to their new “cheat sheet. ” The key is remembering that this device is capturing memories you have not creating memories where there are none. The choreography is already stored in your body, putting it on the page is just mental repetition.

Repetition

Speaking of repetition, there are lots of ways you might apply this prominent memory device. Though practicing “full-out” is most helpful, “marking” the movement can also be beneficial. Try marking as much as you can as the teacher demonstrates the combination or, whenever there are spare and appropriate moments during the class – while the first group performs, while the teacher is working independently with someone else, etc.

When there is a moment in the sequence that you trip or get stuck on each time it is performed. Try performing the movement prior, the problem spot, and the moment following, three or more times in a row. Then perform the whole thing again. You may find that this helps to correct the gap in memory you’ve been experiencing.

Also, never underestimate both mental (i.e. visualizing the choreography) and physical practice. This kind of repetition not only solidifies your memories but will bring to light the segments of the combination that seemed clear in class but are trouble spots in your memory.

Sing the Rhythm

Sometimes thinking of dance as a rhythm or melody can assist your recollection of the choreography. Your movement may alreay by set to music, however, the dance itself has a rhythm or phrasing. Try to focus on this and even “sing” it to yourself as you move or recall the movement. Many teachers do this when teaching the movement. It’s very common in tap (Shelly Oliver does it about 20 seconds into the video below) but it is certainly possible in other styles.

No matter what strategies you use to remember choreography…

Don’t Rely Too Much on Others

Many students will depend heavily on the teacher or other students when performing movement. I like to call this “brain-sucking” because when you do this you are leeching the movement sequence from someone else without actually retaining much of it in your own brain. The danger of this is that when that person is no longer performing the choreography or makes a mistake, you will be unable to perform accurately. When attempting the choreography after it has been given, try to keep your focus off of those around you – looking ahead or changing your focus as required in the choreography. A little brain-sucking is normal, however, I find that most students don’t need to do it as much as they think, which brings me to…

Trust Your Motor Memory

Your brain and body have an amazing capacity to “remember” movement patterns, pathways, and relationships. The mechanics and neuroscience of this is not completely understood. Like all skills,  however, motor memory (sometimes referred to as muscle memory), seems to be learned and improved through practice and experience. As you are learning, it pays to trust these neuromuscular systems to do their work. Do not let lack of confidence or “overthinking” undermine the relatively natural process that your mind and body go through as you learn and practice choreography. Replace negative thoughts with positive and affirming ones.

Do you use other memory devices for recalling choreography?

What strategies can you share?

DanceStudioOwner.com Offers Real-Life Experience, Support, and a Personal Touch

Dance studio owners have a unique job.

They wear many hats, requiring skills as an instructor, mentor, administrator, production manager, choreographer, entrepreneur, business manager, “boss” and more. I have never owned a studio but have taught at many throughout the years, and have observed this juggling act which owners perform every season. It can be a lonely job in that you are constantly between two worlds – the business and the artistic, the worker bee and the queen bee, the motivator and the disciplinarian.

Relationships with others who share these experiences can reduce the everyday stress of a being a studio owner. Not only can owners learn from one another, they can be a sounding board or a listening ear when these are most needed.

A Beacon for Dance Studio Owners

Throughout my journey in the online dance community, I’ve been fortunate to meet some wonderful and giving people. I have been freely offered support, encouragement, answers, and information from those who have a passion for dance and seek to share this passion with others. From my very first interaction with Suzanne Blake Gerety, I found her to be a sincere and generous person. This first impression has lasted as I’ve continued to chat with her through Twitter and emails. Therefore, I feel confident in sharing her website, DanceStudioOwner.com, with my readers. I truly feel that this website provides a unique service for those who are or are seeking to become studio owners.

While there are other places online in which dance studio owners can gather, Suzanne, her mom, Kathy, and other site contributors are offering something special with DanceStudioOwner. Its resources alone make the site valuable to any studio administrator. However, in addition to the information and networking opportunities available, this website is facilitated by actual studio owners who cherish the joys and challenges of running a studio after 35 years in the business.

Kathy Blake began her studio with a dream not unlike that of many studio owners. She has weathered ups and downs and currently operates a performing arts studio with over 1,000 students. Now, with the help of her daughter, Suzanne, she is supporting other studio owners with the goal of sharing her success with others. I have witnessed first-hand the generosity and sincerity with which this mother-daughter team make themselves available to the members of their site.

I recently spoke with Suzanne about DanceStudioOwner, its content, and what’s next for the site. Her words illustrate the spirit of collaboration that is behind the mission of this ever-expanding resource.

Your mother’s success as a dance studio owner inspired you to pass on her legacy, knowledge, and passion through DanceStudioOwner.com. If possible, sum up the keys to her success in just a few words.

Dedication, Determination, and Enthusiasm.  My mom’s success has been guided by those words during the times when situations have been challenging or when it seemed impossible to grow.  She’s always been in love with the art of dance and she loves her business, it’s a beautiful combination and I believe it is what makes her a success and also just a great person to be with.  My mom is a lot of fun and she loves to help people find their greatness.

Your website is an online community and resource for studio owners. Why do you think it is important for studio owners to interact with other studio owners, and how does technology facilitate this interaction?

I am a firm believer that studio owners can collaborate together to help encourage each other to build their unique brand – whether they are across town or on another continent – you can be in a conversation of abundance. Studio owners often stretch themselves very thin with the thousands of details it takes to run a studio, our website functions as a collaborative space for them to reduce their time spent on certain tasks, get answers from other owners who are dealing with many of the same challenges, and to get the coaching or support they need to stay focused on keeping their passion for dance alive as they run and grow their studio.

The site explores topics from classroom management to business management and includes a forum where members can post questions and share ideas. What have you seen as the primary concerns of today’s studio owners?

Today’s studio owners are concerned with keeping up with the latest technology available to them to help keep their studio running smoothly.  They are also concerned about the economic situation we are in and what impact it may have on their school.  Lastly, with the popularity of the many dance shows on TV, many worry that the foundations of proper dance technique are being forgotten because young dancers see these shows yet they don’t see the many years of training it takes to lead up to that level of dance.  Studio owners are working to find the balance of offering the popular classes while staying dedicated to the art of dance to maintain a steady foundation of dancers at their schools – student retention.

You have an active group of members. Are these members from all over the U.S.?

Yes, the wonderful thing about being on the web is that our members already represent from over 24 states in the U.S. and also Australia and Scotland. (DA Notes: These figures continue to increase. As of Feb 2010, the site’s membership represents 44 out of the 50 United States. And over 15% of the active membership includes studio
owners from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Greece, France, Kuait, French Guiana, Mexico, Hong Kong, Antigua & Barbados, Montserrat, South Africa, People’s Republic of China, and Norway)

Our members are our number one priority and what I know from the many conversations I’ve had no matter where they are located; studio owners face many of the same challenges.  Having launched our site in the spring of 2008, we are thrilled at the positive response, and that studio owners know that our site is a resource for them no matter where they are located.  The information is available to them 24/7/365.

The site offers articles, downloads, monthly teleconferencing, and more to its members. What’s next for the site? What other features can members look forward to?

We are so excited about the content we are working on for DanceStudioOwner.com.  You’ll see more video clips and video coaching added. Plus, look for podcasts in the future! I am going to keep bringing the latest trends in social networking and technology to studio owners.  I do believe that many of these trends are going to change the way that business has been run in the past.  My number one goal is to always listen to what our members need and want – they’ve loved our custom coloring sheets and we will add more resources for teachers as well.  Plus our network of contributors continues to grow: experts who can make a difference for how studio owners start and grow their business.

For more information about DanceStudioOwner.com, the subscription page lists member benefits. Or, try their free tip of the week mailing.

My Contribution

I have contributed two articles to the DanceStudioOwner technology department about, (what else), blogging. As always, I write what I know and am increasingly certain that a studio blog is a valuable tool for dance studios. In these posts I explain a little bit about why. Suzanne has kindly made these articles available to my readers via the following links:

Why Consider a Studio Blog?

Blogs Have the Potential to Boost Your Business

Update: My Relationship With DanceStudioOwner.com

Since the original posting of this article, I have received compensation from DanceStudioOwner.com as both a ghost writer of articles for the site and as a result of an affiliate relationship. If you are referred to Dance Studio Owner via a Dance Advantage link and decide to make a purchase there, I am compensated for this referral. I’m a huge fan of Suzanne, Kathy, and their website and would rave about them anyway. That they’ve been generous enough to offer something for my efforts is icing on the cake.

If you own a dance studio, are thinking about owning one, or if you are a teacher that operates your own dance program, I hope you’ll check out what the site has to offer. Learn more about subscribing here.