3 DANCE COMPETITION PREPARATION SECRETS ALL-PRO DANCERS USE
Cultivate the creative faculty of your imagination.
Stephen Covey says “All things are created twice: first in the mind and then in reality”. There are a mental conceptualization and visualization and a second physical, actual creation of things in life. This concept works perfectly for the competitive ballroom dance style which is based on a complex and very detailed understanding of music, technics, biomechanics, and partnering skills.
It is very important for a dancer to visualize the end product, the “big picture” goal what he/she wants to achieve in the dance competition. It’s like seeing your own performance from the audience’s perspective, sensing and interacting with your own dance. This will help to better understand the “messages” you need to deliver and will create a deeper bond between the performance and performer.
PRO TIP: Play the music, close your eyes, and dance all dances in your imagination. Visualize your costume, your hairstyle, makeup, the venue, audience – everything. Notice all the details: sense your mood, your feelings while you dance.
Beat the sense of inadequacy and “never good enough” syndrome.
Despite the fact that every competitive dancer wants to win and/or wants to be the best version of him/herself it’s very important to learn the skill of letting go. Rationalization and perfectionism kill the creative process and positive flow which are the building blocks of every dance performance.
Michael Jackson said “Thinking is the biggest mistake a dancer could make. You have to feel.”
Every process has phases and learning curves. It is very important to know the timing when you need to switch off your brain and switch on your senses. People want to see a dance that is true and alive, not perfect. Personalities who seem not to care much always attract more attention on the dance floor.
PRO TIP: At least 10 days before the competition stop working on any topic which requires thinking. Work on senses, control, and awareness.
Be absolutely present. Rehearse, but perform like the first time.
Being in the moment is one of the most important skills anyone can learn. Dancing incorporates all five human senses such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
During the performance you have to listen to the sound of the music playing at the moment, to see everything and everyone around you, to feel the touch of your dance partner, to smell the hairspray and makeup, and to taste the sweat that gives the competitive drive.
It is important for any dancer to have a simulation of a competitive environment and to rehearse all the dances in stressful situations. Tougher the preparation is – easier the competition. The confidence is earned by the number of rounds danced on the practice.
PRO TIP: Organize round sessions with other couples. Put yourself in stressful situations on the dance floors. More scenarios you will rehearse, more prepared you will be to let it go on the dance competition.
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Blog Post Author – Slava Visnakovs.
One Response
Wow! This is very profound. I really think these techniques apply to other aspects of our lives as well, not just dance. Thank you! Great read.
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