Although the predisposition to dance is an innate quality, not everyone knows how to dance well. If you want to learn how to dance, you must first choose a genre. So, you can take the time to learn on your own. Alternatively, to improve, you can enroll in a course at a school in the city. Don't forget that in order to become a skilled dancer, you will need to take care of your body with a healthy diet and exercise.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Genre
Step 1. Find out the styles you want to learn more about
Each dance style has its own distinct personality. For example, the quick beats of tap dance differ greatly from the slow, graceful movements of ballet or the jerky movements of hip hop. Try ballroom dancing as a couple or try an Irish dance.
Step 2. Watch dance movies online
Try learning the fundamentals of different dance styles by watching videos on the Internet. Your knees may not be strong enough for tap. The way you have to flex your foot in ballet may not appeal to you. Find out what you are attracted to.
Step 3. Browse dance magazines and books
These texts illustrate the basics of dance, allowing you to get a general idea of what awaits you.
- Try to consult the magazines available in the library. It's a free way to delve into your alternatives.
- Dive into the history of dance disciplines. You may find the right inspiration.
Step 4. Watch the professional dancers
See a live show in your city. It doesn't have to be the most expensive. The school in your city could host a dance academy. In any case, witnessing in person will allow you to have a different experience than a simple movie. It will allow you to get to the heart of the show.
If you observe a person dancing, you will begin to understand better how it is done. You will have the opportunity to admire exceptional dance moves and be inspired by the professionals of the sector. If you can't afford a live show, try watching dance movies, such as musicals. Watch the dancers carefully to admire their movements. Are you focused? What is their technique? Do their emotions blend with the music? Finding out what attracts you to their movements will help you make a decision
Step 5. Sign up for a dance class in your city
In many cities there are introductory dance courses. These courses simultaneously illustrate different types of dance. Inquire at the cultural associations or library in your area.
If your neighborhood doesn't have such courses, check the school. Courses in schools don't cost much
Step 6. Be aware of your limitations
If you have good posture, adequate leg flexibility, and can stand on pointe, try ballet, not hip hop. While analyzing the disciplines of dance, do not underestimate the positions of the body. Consider which positions you think you can replicate appropriately. But always remember that you are learning: you will be able to develop more flexibility in the future.
Step 7. Choose the dance genre you prefer
Although in the future you will be able to broaden your horizons, at first focus on only one type of dance. Dig into that style before moving on to anything else.
Part 2 of 4: Dance To Your Own Rhythm
Step 1. Find a large setting in which to practice
You need room to practice. Choose an environment with a hard floor and where you can make noise.
Step 2. Choose some music with a suitable rhythm
Many songs have a dance-remix version, but you can dance to almost any type of music, as long as it has a steady beat.
Step 3. Learn to feel the rhythm
Not everyone is able to hear the rhythm. If this is your case, try listening to music at the beginning of a song. Ask a competent person to help you count the beats, tapping your foot in time. Once you have mastered the technique, you can continue on your own.
Step 4. Don't be afraid to move
The moment you feel the rhythm, try to follow it with the movement - you will think about the technique later. At this stage, you just have to learn how to move your body to the beat of the music.
Maybe it's best to start with just the arm movement, and then add the leg movement later (or vice versa). It is easier to focus on just one part of the body. Listen carefully to the rhythm to move to the beat of the music
Step 5. Dance at your own pace
You are certainly looking forward to becoming a fantastic dancer, but it takes some time to learn how to dance. Don't try to learn everything right away, otherwise you risk getting hurt.
Step 6. First of all, learn the basics
Starting at the beginning will help you not get frustrated. In this way, by consolidating the technique, you will be able to learn more and more complex movements. Learn the basics with the help of online tutorials or manuals.
For ballet, try the basic postures. For example, start in the first position. In the first position, the heels are together and the toes are turned outwards. This type of rotation is not automatic, but if you start the movement from the hips you will be able to reach the position more easily. The arms must curve outwards, describing an arc starting from the shoulders
Step 7. Go clubbing
Discos or clubs are ideal places to practice some dance steps, such as hip hop, folk dance or swing.
Part 3 of 4: Improving your Skills
Step 1. Sign up for a dance class in your city
Even if you have taken a dance class just to choose a genre, it is time to attend one specific to the type of dance you prefer. As mentioned, look for courses in your neighborhood or school. Select a beginner course, as you are just getting started.
Step 2. Watch the professional dancers
Observing professionals at work will help you create a mind map. In practice, by observing their movements you will be able to replicate the steps better because you will have already examined them in your head.
See a show in your neighborhood, as mentioned above. Also, watch your instructor closely as she shows you how to do the movements
Step 3. Practice with friends
If you convince your friends to take the course with you, you can practice together outside of class. In this way, you will also have the opportunity to exchange opinions on your work. You can improve together.
Step 4. Make time for physical activity
The only way to train the body is by exercising regularly. This will help your body develop muscle memory so that you can dance without having to think about the movements.
Step 5. Analyze your movements
Shoot yourself with a camera to be able to review how you move. There is also the possibility to publish the video on some dance Internet sites to ask other dancers for their opinions.
Step 6. Practice in front of a mirror
By training in front of a mirror you will be able to notice in real time what you are doing wrong and thus avoid performing a movement incorrectly.
Step 7. Take a walk around the neighborhood
Look for theater companies in the area and audition for one of them. You can also check if there is a dance troupe in your city that you can join.
One way to find these kinds of groups is to check the show column in the newspaper. By seeing who is performing, you can track down local companies
Part 4 of 4: Developing the Right Physical Form
Step 1. Eat fruits and vegetables
These foods contain highly effective nutrients. The body needs these types of vitamins and minerals to function optimally, so never miss vegetables in your daily diet.
Step 2. Learn to do proportions
If you dance frequently, you need to get half your calories from carbohydrates. The other 50% must be distributed as follows: about 35% fat and 15% protein.
- Carbohydrates prepare the muscles for dance and are a source of energy.
- Proteins promote muscle rebuilding. In intense dance sessions, the muscles are subjected to a stress that can cause the breakdown of the fibers that the proteins help to repair.
Step 3. Avoid simple carbohydrates
Avoid refined sugar, bread, and rice. Alternatively, choose whole grains and fruit as carbohydrate sources.
Step 4. Hydrate your body
It is of fundamental importance to replenish lost fluids. Also, dehydration could help slow down your movements.
- Aim to drink 8 x 20cl glasses of water per day.
- In an intense dance session, you have to drink approximately 4 glasses per hour to replenish the loss of fluids.
Step 5. Go for lean foods that contain protein
Fish or chicken are an ideal source of protein because they contain less saturated fat than red meats. There are also proteins of vegetable origin, such as nuts and beans.
Step 6. Experiment with cross training
To help build body mass, try other exercises to strengthen muscles and increase endurance.
- For example, swimming is a great workout for the whole body, capable of increasing its elasticity. In addition, it eliminates tension in the joints. The backstroke style is particularly suitable for loosening up the upper body.
- To develop leg muscles, try cycling. It is also a great way to increase overall endurance. Sit with your back straight as you pedal, otherwise you risk shortening your hip muscles.
- To improve elasticity and power, take yoga classes. Yoga can help you stretch your muscles, as well as strengthen your core.
Step 7. Practice weight lifting
Weight lifting promotes muscle development. In this way, you will be able to maintain certain positions of the dance for longer or to perform movements that you never thought you could do. You can do normal weight lifting exercises, such as bicep curls or leg squats, but only in sets of three for six or eight reps with a slightly heavier weight than you would normally use. A heavier weight (but not the same number of reps) will help you build body mass without adding too much muscle weight to your body.
- To perform a bicep curl, grab a dumbbell with one hand and one with the other. The palm of the hand must be facing inwards towards the body. Raise your arms slightly so that the palm is facing up. Raise one arm first and then the other up to the shoulder.
- For squats, space your feet so that they are exactly at your shoulders. Hold the dumbbells in front of your body. Bend your knees at the same time, going down and then back up to the starting position. Repeat the exercise.
Advice
Especially if you are in financial straits, search the Internet for a video of a regular training session. It's a quick way to learn the moves and it's free
Warnings
- Free the space in which you dance, so you will avoid colliding with your surroundings.
- Do not make any moves that are not suited to your level or that are dangerous. As long as you don't master these movements, you risk getting hurt very easily.
- The best solution is to take lessons from a professional.
