EDC is following all CDC guidelines to provide a safe environment for your dancer when they are in our studio!

Please review the our procedure video to understand how we are implementing these safety standards.

Author Archive

8 Tips to Help you Stand Out at a Dance Convention

Dance conventions are an incredible opportunity for dancers to learn, grow, and connect with other dancers from all over the world.

These conventions provide a unique and challenging experience that can help dancers build strength, confidence, and resilience in their craft.  Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, there is something for everyone to learn at a dance convention. In this blog post, we’ll share eight tips for a successful dance convention experience that will help you get the most out of this amazing opportunity and take your skills to the next level. 

Set some positive goals. 

Before you arrive at the convention, take some time to set clear and achievable goals for yourself. Whether you want to improve your technique, learn a new style, or make connections with other dancers, having a specific objective in mind will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the weekend. 

Show off your style. 

It’s easy to get caught up in all the latest trends, but sometimes classic and flattering attire can make just as big of an impact. Ask yourself what looks best on you – dressing to flatter your body type and personal style is always a good idea. And don’t forget to consider the type of dance you’ll be doing – for hip-hop, dressing like a hip-hop dancer will help you feel confident and in the zone. The same goes for ballet – nothing boosts your performance like dressing a professional. Know your style, understand what complements, choose some bright colors, make sure you’re comfortable, and dress to impress. 

Be smart about spacing. 

During dance conventions, the front row may seem like the prime spot. Unfortunately, it’s usually overcrowded, and keeping up with the instructor’s moves can be challenging when you’re cramped. So, try something different and stand out from the rest. Head to the back and give yourself some breathing room, both physically and mentally. 

[Considering taking dance to the next level? Step into the shoes of a competitive dancer to learn more!]

Learn to adjust quickly. 

The mark of a great dancer is the ability to adjust. Conventions are fast-paced, and students will have a lot thrown at them in one day. Different styles, different instructors, and different spaces to learn in. It can be overwhelming, but taking it in stride and adjusting while learning will set you apart from the crowd.   

Be kind at all times. 

It’s all about the vibes at conventions, which means your attitude plays a significant role in standing out. Remember that people are watching you beyond the classroom and performances, including how you treat your teachers, family, and peers. So use the same etiquette you would in the classroom and be kind to those around you. Don’t let the talents of other dancers intimidate you. Instead, embrace them as a source of inspiration and motivation to improve yourself. 

Network. 

Dance conventions are a great place to meet new people and make connections within the dance community. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to other dancers and instructors. You never know where these connections could take you in the future. 

Have fun. 

Above all else, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience! Dance conventions are a unique opportunity to connect with other dancers and learn from top instructors. Embrace the energy and excitement of the event and let yourself fully immerse in the experience. 

Attending a dance convention can be an incredible opportunity to improve your skills and connect with other dancers. By setting goals, challenging yourself, staying hydrated, taking breaks, networking, and having fun, you can make the most of your convention experience and leave feeling confident and inspired.

If you’re ready to take your skills to another level and get involved in the more competitive side of dance, check out our company teams – tryouts are coming soon! So take advantage of this incredible opportunity to become a stronger, more resilient and a more confident dancer! 

Why Costumes Are So Crucial for Dance

Whether it’s a lyrical, contemporary, jazz, or tap routine, costumes can help bring your dance to life.

From classic ballerina tutus to hip-hop hoodies and sneakers, each costume choice can help tell the story of the dance. Let’s explore why costumes are so crucial for dance routines.

The power of color and texture.

Costumes come in many colors and textures; all these varieties will help create a feeling or bring a specific emotion to a routine. For example, if you want to create a whimsical atmosphere for a lyrical number, you will need to find costumes with light pastel colors, soft textures, and flowing pieces. If you want a more somber feel for a contemporary routine, try using darker shades of purples or reds. The right color palette can make or break the mood you’re trying to set with your costume choices.

In addition to color, the texture is also essential when selecting costumes. Different fabrics move differently on stage, which can add an extra dimension to your routine. Shiny materials can reflect light beautifully, while velvet fabric moves gracefully with each step. Textured pieces such as fringe will add extra movement and some fun when done correctly. Playing around with different fabric types can take your routine to another level.

[A significant part of costuming is make-up – click here to learn more about stage make-up for dancers!]

They provide comfort.

Dance costumes are more than just a fashion statement – they play a crucial role in helping dancers reach their full potential. To perform at their absolute best, dancers must feel comfortable and confident in their attire. Anything less than total comfort can impede a dancer’s execution and detract from their performance. This is why dancers invest so much time and effort into creating costumes that are visually stunning while allowing them to move with ease and grace. The success of a dance ultimately hinges on the ability of the dancers to execute their moves flawlessly, and comfortable costumes are a key factor in achieving that goal.

Storytelling through costume choices.

Costumes are also important because they help give context about who the dancers are portraying in their performance. The dance may be a love story, but how does that look? Is it a dramatic ballet piece? An upbeat jazz number? Costumes will help determine what kind of character traits each dancer has based on their style. It should be easy for the audience to read who each dancer is without having to guess what their costume “means” by just looking at it.

Costumes enhance the visual effect.

The art of creating dance costumes is much more than simply choosing fabrics and colors. Every aspect of a ballerina’s attire has a purpose and function, carefully designed to enhance the overall performance. Every element is intentional and impactful, from the freedom of movement allowed by special leotards to the graceful flow and flight portrayed by tutus. The power of a dance costume lies in its ability to visually match the emotions and movements of the dancer while enchanting and enthralling the audience. In dance, the costumes are an art form all on their own.

Costume choices play an integral role in telling the story behind each dance routine. They provide clues about what kind of characters are being portrayed and set the tone for the entire performance through color and texture choices. By understanding why costumes have such power over performances, we hope you will have better insight into creating memorable experiences through costuming decisions. Are you ready for a studio that can take your performance to another level with choreography, instruction, and costume selection? Contact the expert and high-trained staff at Evolution Dance Complex today! 

6 Ways to Stay Motivated this Spring

Spring is here, and that means spring fever is not far behind.

As we head deeper into competition season and approach the warmer months, it may be challenging to stay motivated. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on dance and upcoming performances.  

Find a new challenge. 

If you are feeling unmotivated or uninspired, try something new! There are many different dance styles, so why not explore them? Take a class in another style or pick up some new moves from YouTube tutorials. Learning something new will help you stay sharp while also giving you an extra boost of motivation.   

Set small goals. 

Most dancers have big dreams, but these can be hard to achieve all at once. Instead of trying to do everything at once, set small goals to help you gradually reach your larger objectives over time. For instance, if you want to improve your leaps by 10%, break that goal into smaller steps, such as focusing on one particular leap every week and improving its technique before moving on to another the following week.   

Practice mindfulness. 

Take time each day for reflection and mindfulness practice to reconnect with your body and mind after a long competition season. Sitting still in silence for five minutes each day can profoundly affect your mental health and well-being, helping you stay grounded and focused on what matters in life—including your dancing!   

PROTIP: Yoga is a great physical and mental tool for dancers!

Stay active. 

During the break, stretch and stay active each day. Set aside time for physical activity whenever possible, even if just walking around the block or doing yoga at home. You should also stay mentally active by reading books about dance or watching dance-related movies; this will help keep those creative juices flowing. 

Celebrate your achievements. 

Take time each day to celebrate your wins instead of dwelling on what didn’t go according to plan. This will give you more energy and motivation going into next season’s rehearsals, knowing how much progress has been made already!   

Sign up for camps and intensives.  

As we approach summer, start looking into some workshops, camps, or private lessons to help keep your dance technique fresh. Dance workshops, intensives, clinics, and camps are great opportunities to try new styles and push yourself out of your comfort zone.  

Staying motivated is essential if we want to continue making progress as dancers. By setting small goals, practicing mindfulness techniques regularly, staying physically and mentally active through various dance-related activities, and celebrating our successes, we can easily maintain our enthusiasm and love for dance. Keep pushing forward and challenging yourself because extraordinary things always come from hard work & dedication! 

3 Ways Yoga Can Benefit Dancers

If you’re a dancer, chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of incorporating yoga into your dance practice.

But what is it about yoga specifically that can make you a better dancer? As it turns out, there are many ways that practicing yoga can help you become a stronger and more flexible dancer. Keep reading to learn the three ways that yoga can help you become a better dancer.  

The history of yoga.

Yoga began as an ancient practice in India circa 3,000 BCE and has since evolved into various styles, including:    

  • Vinyasa  
  • Bikram 
  • Restorative  
  • Ashtanga 
  • Kundalini  
  • Hatha  
  • Yin and more   

Yoga has been used for centuries to promote physical and mental well-being. It’s no surprise that it can also be used to help improve your dance skills. Most dancers have been exposed to yoga at some point, but many dancers don’t realize that yoga can benefit your technique, athleticism, and artistry. 

Yoga enhances a mind-body connection.

Yoga helps to create an awareness of how your body moves through space, which is an integral part of being a successful dancer. Through this mind-body connection, dancers can become more aware of their bodies in motion and understand how to control their movements without having to think about them too much. With this connection comes improved coordination and posture, both essential skills for dancers.    

Yoga improves flexibility and strength.

Flexibility is an essential skill for any dancer; greater flexibility can help you perform complicated steps or poses easily. Yoga is excellent for increasing flexibility because it stretches your muscles and improves circulation throughout the body. In addition, strengthening your core muscles with yoga will help improve your stability when performing jumps or turns.   

Yoga reduces stress.

Dancing can be physically demanding; long hours of practice often lead to fatigue, soreness, and even stress or anxiety. Practicing yoga regularly can reduce these feelings by calming the mind and relieving tension in the body. Yoga also encourages mindful breathing techniques that will help keep you centered during performance or practice sessions.  

Incorporating yoga into your regular dance classes is an excellent way to enhance your physical strength and mental focus while improving flexibility and range of motion, all things that make us better dancers!  

Whether you’re just starting in dance or have been performing for years, adding some simple yoga poses into your practice routine can make all the difference in terms of improvement and growth as a dancer.  

8 Tips for Helping You Find Your Own Dance Style

Some dancers just have that ‘it’ factor.

A unique dance style that’s all their own and makes them stand out on stage. If you are wondering about finding and developing your individual style, we have eight tips to help you.  

Master your mechanics.  

You can only develop your style if you have your fundamentals down. That means mastering the mechanical skills you need for each dance genre you’re perfecting. With a strong foundation, you can execute movements and tell your story in a way that grips the audience and makes you stand out.  

Study your favorite music.  

The music you gravitate towards will be a source of inspiration when you’re struggling to find your style. There’s no right or wrong answer; it depends on what you like most and what resonates best with you.  

Open your mind.  

It can be easy to mimic your favorite dancer who inspires you while dancing. However, you will never grow your own style with this approach. If you want to challenge yourself and develop more, you have to forget about everyone else. Let your muscle memory and the music take over, and see how your body responds to it. Dance from your heart with passion and emotion, and you’ll be surprised at what emerges.  

Expose yourself to different genres.  

If you’re working to develop your style, exposing yourself to as many different dance genres and instructors as possible is crucial. If you force yourself into new worlds and out of your comfort zone, you’ll have a much more diverse dance background, which will help you find your style. Whether it’s acro, ballet, or hip hop working with different instructors, will help you gain a more accurate sense of your strengths and weaknesses, which can help during the development process.   

Work alone.  

Working on your style in the studio with eight to ten other dancers is difficult. It’s distracting and hard to focus on creating something unique and all your own. You should practice alone as much as possible outside of dance class. Whether at home, taking a walk, or in the studio, focus on practicing alone every week. You’ll be less self-conscious and better able to concentrate as you work.  

Be sure to journal as you go so you can easily reference your sessions and figure out what you like and what you don’t like. You should also consider recording yourself so you can critique yourself afterward. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you’re watching the footage. Instead, look for moments that look uniquely like you and use that as insight for your next practice session.  

[Want to know what it’s like to be a competitive dancer? Click here!]

Be patient.  

You’re passionate about dance and desperately want to develop your style, but give it time. These things don’t happen overnight or even over a few weeks. A personal style is created over long periods of time, during experiences, with practice and hard work. Also, keep in mind that dance style is something that evolves constantly. So be open to change; change is ok! Embrace it, and remember it’s all a part of the adventure. 

Confidence is key.  

When it comes to two dancers performing, whether in the studio or on the stage, a big factor that can make one stand out over another is confidence. If you believe in yourself and feel good about the dance style you’re developing, then let it shine through. Your fellow dancers and instructors will undoubtedly take notice.  

Dancers who push themselves to find their own dance style will begin to blossom quickly. The excitement of developing and progressing provides a sense of accomplishment in dancers, and when they do this, their confidence will soar as they grow more comfortable in their own skin.  

Are you ready to take your child’s dance to another level and help your child find their style? Contact the expert and high-trained staff at Evolution Dance Complex today! 

 

8 Realistic Resolutions for Dancers

Unfortunately, many of us don’t bother with resolutions because they are too hard to keep.

The key to sticking with your goals in the new year is avoiding extreme resolutions and expecting magical transformations. Instead, take practical baby steps toward your goals and decide to make better choices.  

Here are eight simple and realistic resolutions that dancers can make to become better people and better dancers.   

Focus on your health.   

This just doesn’t mean stretching and exercising. It’s crucial to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. Don’t let these things don’t take a back seat, especially as we embark on a fresh new year. Your health is everything, and it is your responsibility, so make self-care a priority in 2023.  

Invest in some “me time,” whether it’s physical therapy for that sore knee, massages, healthy food choices, more family time, getting more sleep, or investing in a foam roller – take care of your needs. You can’t give back if you don’t give to yourself first.  

Learn something new.   

As a dancer, we know your schedule is pretty full, but take some time to learn something new that will make you better at dancing.   

Some ideas include:  

  • Learning an instrument  
  • Yoga  
  • Mixing music  
  • Gymnastics  
  • Martial arts  

Be authentic.  

A round of “great jobs” is pretty routine in the studio, but how often are your kudos truly genuine? A round of applause is nice, but an authentic compliment means so much more.    

If you see a dancer working hard and improving, tell them in detail. If someone inspires you, let them know and thank them.    

Keep a dance journal.  

Take a few minutes to jot some things down in the evening. Note how you’re dancing, create a list of the classes you’ve taken, pieces you’ve been a part of, how you feel when you’re dancing, etc.     

Keeping a dance diary will provide an easy way to review your training, where you are succeeding, and where you need some extra help. It’s essential to take inventory and reflect once in a while. This gives you more clarity on where you want to go and how to get there.  

Make a new friend.  

You can’t be best friends with everyone, but you can make a conscious effort to make a genuine connection with someone new. Get to know someone in class by asking them questions about their life. Be open and chat with new teammates at competitions.   

You’ll never know the relationships you miss out on if you don’t take a chance.    

Know your body and mind.  

Understand when you need a break, and take it! The only thing worse than getting burnt out mentally or physically injured is to keep damaging yourself by continuing to dance when you need a moment.     

Your body and mind will know when to take a break. Don’t get anxious at the idea. Instead, enjoy your time off to rejuvenate your mind and body. Then you can come back fully ready to dance and learn.  

[Need tips for keeping that energy level high? Click here!]

Don’t compare.  

There’s so much talent in the dance community that it’s easy to feel envious. However, comparisons aren’t beneficial. They only dull your passion for the art of dance.   

Instead, if you develop a spirit of appreciation, you will find yourself being pushed by others’ successes instead of feeling threatened.   

Get out of your comfort zone.   

Say yes to more things that feel uncomfortable or scary. You don’t know what the future holds, and you’ll never know if you say no to things. Be open, and don’t be so quick to reject opportunities that come your way.     

Use your instincts to make sound judgments, but do not let the fear of failure hold you back. Give new and uncomfortable things a chance, and see where it takes you!  

‍These eight small, realistic resolutions will fuel your passion and work ethic as a dancer. This year, resolve to help you become a healthier, happier dancer. New Year’s resolutions should make you feel inspired and motivated, not anxious and overwhelmed. Start small and take realistic baby steps to help attain your goals.   

Are you or your child ready to try dance in the new year? Contact the dance experts at Evolution Dance Complex today! 

5 Tips for Keeping a Dancers’ Energy Levels High

Dancers are artists, but they’re also athletes who must support their busy schedules with long-lasting energy. 

From the foods you eat to how you eat and care for your mind and body, you can develop choices that impact your energy levels. Let’s discuss five key strategies for dancers seeking high energy to get them through their day and their performances. 

Functional fuel for your diet.  

Prioritizing healthy meal balance means incorporating a source of each nutrient within your food choices, especially your snack. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are all macronutrients that are essential to a busy dancer’s diet and each provide many benefits. 

  • Carbohydrates replenish muscle and help to fuel your movement. Carbohydrates come from many foods like bread, veggies, fruits, and sweets. Be careful about the sweets you consume, while you may get a quick burst of energy, you will crash. 
  • If you’re sluggish and tired midway through class, it may be time to add more balance to your snacks. Good sources of protein and fat will help. Protein provides the minerals and nutrients vital for muscle recovery and will keep you feeling full.  
  • Feeling hungry while dancing does not help your energy levels and will leave you feeling heavy. Healthy fats will help support feeling satisfied between meals. A balanced mixed that provides protein and fat with your carbohydrates is the goal. Excellent sources of both proteins and fats include string cheese, chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, guacamole, and nut butters. 

Stay hydrated.  

Start hydrating early in the day and work to stay consistent. The first thing you should do when you wake it up is consume a large glass of water. Grab a reusable water bottle and attempt actively hydrate throughout your day.

PRO TIP: Don’t love water? Add some lemon, lime, or orange slices for flavor. This can also help with energy levels.

You can find your hydration from other sources too! While water contributes to a good portion of our fluid intake, specific foods can boost your hydration levels. Make a yummy salad or pack some snacks to munch on throug the day. Some things to include: 

  • Tomatoes 
  • Cucumbers 
  • Celery 
  • Apples 
  • Watermelon 
  • Peaches 
  • Grapes 

Focus on meal timing.  

Dancers often know what foods are best for fueling their busy day, but many need help with timing, especially when it comes to snacking. When someone eats is just as important as what they eat. Going for long periods without properly fueling can affect energy levels and performance, and can leave dancers susceptible to injury. 

Regular meals and snacks will help to keep your energy up without causing you to feel sluggish while dancing. Create a plan to scatter your meals and snacks into five or six eating times through the day.

Get quality rest.  

Research shows that when athletes and dancers aren’t getting adequate sleep, coordination and balance suffer, leading to an increased potential for injury. In addition, your immune system is weakened, increasing your chances of getting sick. In a recent study, lack of sleep was shown to adversely affect reaction time and the ability to make quick decisions.  

It can be challenging to get adequate sleep as a busy dancer. Especially when working around a rigorous training and competition schedule. Some ways dancers can improve sleep quality include:  

  • Optimizing your sleep environment – Your bedroom should be a peaceful sanctuary, especially after a long day of school and dance. Keep it uncluttered and ensure it’s dark and cool; studies show optimal sleep temperatures are between 62 and 68 degrees.  
  • Stick to a schedule – Maintaining a consistent agenda can be challenging. However, finding consistency in sleep times can lead to a better night’s sleep.  
  • Create a relaxing nighttime routine – A soothing bedtime routine can help you relax and prepare your body and mind for sleep. Some things you can do include meditation-style breathing techniques, reading, journaling, or soaking in a warm bath.  
  • Limit electronics – Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops emit blue light, interfering with our natural circadian rhythm. Avoiding screens before bed can help active dancers fall asleep faster and rest deeper.

Reevaluate your caffeine intake.

Too much caffeine can impact sleep and leave you feeling anxious and jittery. Aim for no more than two cups of coffee per day. Since caffeine is present in other foods and drinks, be mindful of caffeinated teas, sodas, and even chocolate intake.

Like warming up, proper nutrition and health management are vital to mastering your craft and keeping your energy high. Educating our dancers on how to improve their energy and longevity will set everyone up for success! Keeping our dancers mentally and physically healthy is extremely important at EDC. For more dance tips and essential class information, follow our informative blog and social media. 

Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Dance Class Etiquette

Your daily dance class is a special time and it’s important to take it seriously.

Understanding the dos and don’ts of dance class etiquette will help you have the best experience and dance education possible from your class.    

Everyone wants to be the teacher’s favorite, even in dance class, so there are a few simple rules of etiquette every dancer should know. Following these dance class etiquette tips will help you create good habits, stand out in auditions, and be more confident in performances.   

The DO’s   

DO make sure you are prepared.   

You always want to represent yourself in the best light, even during class. As dancers, it’s crucial to get in the habit of being prepared for that unpredictable moment when someone may notice you. Wear appropriate form-fitting clothes so your instructor can see your lines, keep your hair neat and back from your face, and remove jewelry. Most dance studios have specific rules for dress, so be sure to adhere to those.    

In addition to dressing appropriately, ensure you have eaten a good meal, drink plenty of water, and have snacks and water on hand.   

DO pay attention.   

Listening is a huge part of dance class etiquette. Staying focused and engaged while your teacher talks is respectful, and you will learn a lot if you keep your ears open. You can also learn from your peers. Listening to their questions and applying corrections will make you a better dancer.    

DO demonstrate spatial awareness.    

Dance classes are often crowded. Be aware of your movement, so you don’t step on or kick the other dancers around you.    

DO practice proper manners.    

Greet your teachers at the start of class, thank them if they offer you a correction, and be sure to apply that correction!    

Refrain from interrupting while they’re instructing by talking with your friends, practicing the choreography to the side, or asking questions. Questions should be asked once the teacher has finished.    

DO support fellow dance students.  

Respect your peers by giving them attention and as much of the studio space as possible when it’s their turn to dance. If the room is small or you’re expected to watch, give them your undivided attention.    

DO remember; dance class is for you!   

Class is a safe space to challenge yourself and grow as a dancer. Challenge yourself and focus on progress, not perfection. They are a great place to make connections, and perfect your dance etiquette.   

The DONT’s    

DON’T check your phone.   

Even if you have a 5-minute water break, sneaking a peek at your text messages or social media notifications is distracting to you and your classmates. Keep your phone on silent and tucked away.    

DON’T stand in front if you aren’t confident in the choreography.  

If you are new to the class or a specific combination, standing in the back is a good idea if you are unsure. Standing in front is a privilege and a responsibility since dancers behind you may be trying to follow along.   

DON’T arrive late or leave early.

Be considerate of your teacher and classmates by showing up on time and staying for the class duration. If you have to leave early or come late, notify your teacher before the start of class. Ensure your exit or entrance is swift and silent, so you’re not distracting.    

DON’T feed into bad habits.  

We all have pet peeves, and the truth is you probably have some bad habits you don’t even realize. This includes looking and acting like you’re bored or don’t want to be there. Standing with your arms crossed and with an apathetic expression gives off the impression you don’t care. Staying attentive and alert will keep your mind energized and shows your teacher you’re engaged in class.    

Dance classes open the door to learning and growing. There are so many positives to learning and taking the classes. If you follow all of the dos and don’ts of dance class etiquette, you will not only become a good student but positively stand out in any class.   

If you think dance classes are suitable for you or your child, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your time in class. If you’d like to learn to dance and are in the Wilmington, NC, area, please contact our expert staff at Evolution Dance Complex. We’d love to share the joy of dance with you! 

01 May

8 Tips to Help you Stand Out at a Dance Convention

01 Apr

Why Costumes Are So Crucial for Dance

01 Mar

6 Ways to Stay Motivated this Spring