Dance tips

Top Practise and Performance Tips from Lynn Wallis, Artistic Director at the Royal Academy of Dance.

Practise Tips:

• Before you start dancing make sure that you have warmed up properly as performing certain movements before your muscles are properly ready can cause injury. Ask your teacher for advice on how to do this.
• If you are going to be dancing for a substantial amount of time, it’s a good idea to take a bottle of water with you so that you do not get dehydrated.
• Never be afraid to ask your teacher if you find you are having problems with any particular steps as he/she will be able to give you specific advice on how to overcome difficulties.
• Perfecting steps can be difficult – so try concentrating on one individual step or movement per class rather than on everything at once to avoid frustration. Remember that anything in life you do takes time to perfect!
• A good way to monitor your progress is by setting yourself some achievable personal goals.
• Try to judge your progress by these and not by the achievements of those around you.
• After a workout, it is important to let your body cool properly as this should help you avoid having sore muscles the next day. Ask your teacher for advice on how to do this.

Top Performance Tips

• Try and make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the day of the performance.
• On the actual day, arrive at the venue in plenty of time so that you have lots of time to get ready and don’t feel rushed.
• Sometimes it can help to think through your routine without actually having to get up and dance through it.
• If you make a mistake during your routine – don’t worry about it and carry on with confidence!
• The main thing is to enjoy yourself and know that you have achieved by giving your best.

Or why not visit www.rad.org.uk for even more tips and advice for dancers…..