Teachers are 1st to express to you that it takes a little more than just talent to become a great dancer. It should go without saying that you have to work hard in your dance classes, too.
That being said, are you aware that the best dance students not only work the hardest, but display other common qualities? If you desire to rise to the top of your own dance class, be aware of each of these eighteen top dancer qualities.
1. Arrive early
Not on time. Early.
2. Come prepared
Everyone is forgetful sometimes but the best students start preparing for their class in advance.
3. Stay focused and alert during class
Be rested and eat well to make this easier.
4. Apply corrections quickly
No one likes to give the same correction over and over, so if you don’t understand…
5. Ask questions and listen to the questions asked by others
Just remember to think before you ask.
6. Practice or think about dance outside of the lesson
Practice makes permanent.
7. Absorb movement and direction as quickly as possible
Sure, this is a skill that takes practice but good dance students always work to get it faster.
8. Think ahead as you dance
Believe it or not, this also takes practice. Develop your intuition for choreography and other things by making sure you are practicing numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6.
9. Take notes
Dancers don’t often take written notes during class, but they do take mental ones and then write them down later.
10. Condition the body outside of class
Dance class is where you develop your dance skills. You develop greater dance fitness, strength, and endurance to perform these dance skills with cross-training outside of class.
11. Avoid being a distraction
Yes, this is a ‘what not to do’. Know proper dance class etiquette and follow it.
12. Listen to the body in class
A good dance student knows his limitations and modifies the movement or steps aside (see number 11) when it is necessary to avoid injury.
13. Talk with your teacher about things relative to the class
Establish a solid, professional relationship with your teacher. Stick to the subject and see also numbers 5 and 11.
14. Trust and respect your teacher
Trust his/her judgement, decisions, methods, and knowledge. If you have good reason not to, find a teacher you CAN trust and respect.
15. Be ready, willing, and eager to go back to the basics.
Hard-core dancers learn from dancing with beginners and returning to the basics of their technique. That’s why they love it.
16. Mentally tag your mistakes and show up rather than show off
Wouldn’t you rather spend time trying to improve than rehash what you already do well? Thought so.
17. Be supportive and encouraging of your classmates
Clap for them. Praise their efforts and accomplishments. Offer to help or give help when asked.
18. Respond graciously and with gratitude at all times
Leave any negativity outside the studio. Remember to say thank you for corrections and compliments.
