competitive dance Archives - Evolution Dance Complex

5 Reasons Why Every Dancer Needs Ballet

April 1, 2024

Ballet is often the foundational bedrock for many dancers, regardless of their dance style or trajectory.

From the attention to form and technique to the discipline it instills, ballet provides much more than just a series of graceful movements. This classical dance form is a powerful tool that can take a dancer to new heights and pave the way for a lifelong love and understanding of the art of movement. Here, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why every dancer needs ballet and why it should be essential to every dancer’s repertoire.

The backbone of dance technique.

One of the most apparent reasons for studying ballet is its pivotal role in developing dance techniques. The precision and strength required in ballet are unparalleled in the dance world. The rigorous training cultivates a level of control over one’s body that is crucial for every dancer, regardless of their chosen style. The characteristic posture, known as ‘turnout,’ and the emphasis on using the core muscles to maintain balance translate to heightened performance in other dance forms. By mastering ballet’s technical complexities, dancers can fortify their foundation and transcend their limitations, honing a skill set that can make them stand out in any style.

[Want to know what it takes to be a competitive dancer? Click here!]

Enhancing artistry and expression.

Ballet is not only about technique; it’s a storytelling medium that inspires and demands unique levels of artistry and expression from its dancers. The graceful lines, fluid transitions, and emotive nuances taught in ballet classes encourage dancers to embody a character or create a narrative. This ability to convey emotions through movement equips a dancer with a powerful tool for self-expression. The discipline of ballet allows for a more profound understanding of the body’s capabilities, unlocking a world of artistic potential that can be applied to any performance.

Building physical strength and flexibility.

Engaging in ballet offers dancers unparalleled strength and flexibility benefits. The demanding choreography and repetitive exercises build muscular strength, particularly in the legs, back, and core. This is supported by dedicated warm-ups, barre exercises, and center work that systematically target and tone the entire body. Simultaneously, ballet’s emphasis on elongating the muscles through stretches and exercises like ‘adagio’ contributes to a dancer’s flexibility and pliancy. These physical attributes reduce the risk of injury and enable dancers to perform movements with increased range, fluidity, and control.

Fostering discipline and mental focus.

Ballet is renowned for its demanding schedule and high-precision movements. To excel, a dancer must cultivate a strong sense of discipline and mental focus. Each class and rehearsal requires mental awareness, dedication, and the ability to push through physical challenges. Learning complex choreography and mastering intricate sequences demands patience and a relentless pursuit of progress. Aligning with a regular ballet regimen teaches invaluable life skills that extend beyond the studio, such as time management, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

Opening doors to diverse dance opportunities.

While ballet itself is a captivating art form, the skills it imparts are highly transferable, creating opportunities within the broader world of dance. Many professional dancers and choreographers, regardless of their primary genre, have highlighted the crucial role ballet has played in their careers. Even in commercial dance or hip-hop, the finesse and discipline of ballet can set a performer apart. Additionally, ballet opens the door to various performance chances, from classic ballet productions to contemporary works that draw on balletic elements. By including ballet in their training, dancers can expand their horizons and participate in a diverse range of performances and career paths.

Ballet is an indispensable asset for any dancer looking to develop a strong technical foundation, enhance their artistry, and build a durable career in dance. It offers many benefits, instills a discipline that extends to every aspect of life, and offers a pathway to diverse and rewarding performing opportunities. Whether your passion lies in classical ballet, modern dance, or hip hop, every dancer needs ballet. The lessons learned in ballet classes will resonate throughout a dancer’s life, shaping and enriching their relationship with the art of dance. Want to add the beauty of ballet to your repertoire? Contact one of our ballet experts at Evolution Dance Complex today!

Five Ways to Improve Your Group Work in Dance

March 1, 2024

As dancers, there’s a natural desire to shine individually and catch the spotlight.

However, the art of dancing cohesively as a group is an equally crucial skill set that often goes underappreciated. Mastering synchronicity and exhibiting uniform energy levels is no small feat—it requires meticulous timing, spatial awareness, and the ability to connect physically and emotionally with your fellow performers. Keep reading to learn some tips on how dancers can enhance their group work and performances and create visually stunning, harmonious routines that captivate audiences every time.

Practice active listening and observation.

When you’re part of a dance ensemble, active listening goes beyond just hearing the music; it involves observing the rhythms and movements of the dancers around you. Like a symphony orchestra, where each musician must tune into the others to create a seamless sound, dancers must synchronize with the group’s movements. Watching recordings of your group’s performances can be enlightening. Critically evaluate your timing and fluidity compared to the ensemble, and strive for consistency during rehearsals.

Hone your spatial awareness.

A key element of group work is understanding and maintaining the formations. This is where spatial awareness comes into play. Practice your positioning within the ensemble by learning every dancer’s placement in each formation. Train yourself to be aware of the correct distances and angles without the need to look. Drills in formations and changing lines without losing synchronization can significantly improve the cohesiveness of the performance. Always remember that every individual’s position is critical for the collective visual effect.

Cultivate a sense of unity.

Unity in a dance group is both a mental and physical endeavor. All dancers must execute movements with technical precision and share a common intention and emotional expression. During group practices, discuss the intention behind the performance with your peers to ensure everyone conveys the same story and sentiment. This camaraderie offstage translates to a unified presence onstage, making the difference between a good performance and a great one.

Master the art of mirroring.

Mirroring refers to the ability to replicate the movements of another dancer precisely. Work on mirroring exercises with the members of your dance group to foster a better sense of timing and movement quality calibration. Start with simple exercises by facing a partner and copying their movements, and gradually incorporate these skills into more complex sequences. Mirroring enhances not only unison dancing but also the intuitive understanding between dancers.

Embrace constructive feedback.

Feedback is the bedrock of improvement for any dancer, especially when it comes to group dynamics. After practice sessions, make time for group discussions where members can offer constructive criticism. Openness to feedback promotes growth and collaboration, helping dancers refine their movements and adjust to the group’s needs. Encourage positive reinforcement and critiques to maintain morale and foster a supportive environment among dancers.

Dancing as a cohesive unit demands dedication and mutual respect among dancers. Often, the subtle nuances of timing, eye contact, and energy matching augment the group’s overall performance. Undoubtedly, while soloist roles are desirable, the strength of the ensemble leaves a lasting impression. Developing these group dynamics takes effort, but when achieved, the resulting synergy is magical, powerful, and truly mesmerizing to watch.

Remember, while we all aspire to shine individually, the brilliance of a collective performance can illuminate the entire ensemble, allowing each dancer to gleam in the unified glow of excellence. Keep practicing, stay connected, and let the magic of ensemble work elevate your dance to new heights.

If you’re ready to take your group and individual dance 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 more confident dancer!

6 Tips For Boosting Your Stamina While Dancing

November 1, 2023

As a dancer, have you ever found yourself gasping for air during your performance?

Even if you have rehearsed your routine countless times before, performing on stage can still feel challenging. Nerves, adrenaline, and the stage size can all take a toll on your stamina, leaving you feeling like you’ve run a marathon. This is because conventional dance training doesn’t always focus on the cardiovascular aspect of performing. However, there are ways to build up your stamina so you’re able to dance stronger for longer. Keep reading for six tips for boosting your stamina while dancing.

Consistent training.

The most obvious way to build stamina is to train consistently. Just as a runner needs to practice regularly to build up endurance, dancers, too, need to practice their routines consistently. This will help you develop cardiorespiratory fitness, which is the ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to the body during physical activity. A study published by the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science found that dancers who engaged in regular aerobic exercise had better endurance and cardiovascular function than their peers who didn’t.

Cross-training.

Cross-training is another effective method for building stamina. It involves engaging in different forms of physical activity to strengthen your body in different ways. For example, swimming or cycling can give your legs a break from the constant impact of dancing while still improving your cardiovascular fitness. Incorporating other forms of exercise can also help prevent injury and improve overall fitness levels. Some other forms of suitable cross training includes:

Yoga
Medicine balls
Resistance bands
Suspension training
Cardio

Interval training.

Interval training involves alternating between high-intensity exercise and periods of rest. It is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness. During an interval workout, you push yourself to the limit for a certain period of time and then rest for a shorter period before repeating. This helps to strengthen your heart and lungs, as well as build endurance. You can try incorporating interval training into your dance classes by doing short bursts of high-intensity dancing followed by a brief rest period.

Breathe with intention.

When your breathing becomes uncontrollable during dancing, regaining control can feel extremely challenging. However, there are a few techniques that can help. One common recommendation is to focus on your breath by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. However, the key is to find what works best for you, allowing you to take full and deep breaths. In fact, you can even choreograph your breath, synchronizing it with your movements, similar to what you would do in a yoga class. So, take a moment to pay attention to your breath and make it an integral part of your dance routine.

Proper nutrition.

Proper nutrition is essential for building stamina. Dancers require a lot of energy to perform on stage, and eating a well-balanced diet can help ensure you have the energy you need to dance at your best. A diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats can give you the fuel you need to power through a performance. It’s also important to stay hydrated before, during, and after performances to maintain optimal performance and prevent muscle fatigue.

Mental preparation.

Lastly, mental preparation is critical for building stamina. Nerves and anxiety can quickly deplete your energy, leaving you exhausted before hitting the stage. One way to combat this is to practice visualization techniques. Spend time visualizing yourself performing flawlessly on stage, and imagine yourself feeling energized and strong throughout your routine. Mental preparation can help you approach performances with a positive mindset and renewed energy.

Building stamina for dancing requires consistent training, cross-training, interval training, proper nutrition, and mental preparation. By implementing these methods, you can perform with greater endurance and less exhaustion. Just as you wouldn’t expect a runner to compete in a marathon without training, dancers must also focus on building up their cardiovascular endurance. With hard work and dedication, you can dance stronger for longer and give a performance that will leave your audience breathless.

The Importance of Nutritious Eating for Dancers

October 1, 2023

Dancers are athletes; like all athletes, they require proper nutrition to perform at their best.

However, dancers often face unique challenges when it comes to eating well – they have long rehearsals, hectic schedules and are often under significant pressure to maintain a certain body type. Finding the time and energy to prepare and eat nutritious meals can make it challenging. However, eating consistent, balanced, and varied meals is crucial for overall health and can help with injury prevention.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of nutritious eating, how to educate yourself on a healthy diet, why it’s essential to focus on the long term, and how to understand labels without getting caught up in numbers.

Nutritious snacking.

Eating healthy snacks throughout the day is an excellent way to stay energized and focused, especially during long rehearsal days. Instead of reaching for a sugary or processed snack, try to opt for something that is high in protein and fiber, such as a piece of fruit with nut butter, Greek yogurt, or whole-grain crackers with hummus. These snacks will help keep you full longer and provide sustained energy, which is particularly important for dancers who often have long days of physical activity.

Educate yourself.

It’s essential to educate yourself about proper nutrition if you want to make healthy choices. Start by understanding a balanced meal, which will include:

A combination of complex carbohydrates
Lean protein
Healthy fats
And plenty of fruits and vegetables.

This will help you make informed decisions when planning your meals, especially when you’re on the go.

Focus on the long-term.

It’s easy to get caught up in short-term goals, such as fitting into a particular costume or achieving a specific weight, but focusing on the long-term is crucial. Eating various nutrient-dense foods will help keep you in good health, which is essential for preventing injuries and keeping your body strong. Be patient with yourself and your body, and remember that slow progress is better than no progress.

Don’t get caught up in numbers.

Reading labels can be overwhelming, but understanding them is crucial for making informed decisions about what you’re putting into your body. Try not to get too caught up in numbers like calorie count; instead, focus on the ingredients. Look for whole foods and avoid anything that has added sugars or artificial ingredients. Try to limit processed foods and opt for whole, fresh foods as much as possible.

Meal planning.

Meal planning is an excellent way to ensure you get the proper nutrition while saving time and energy. Pick one day a week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list before heading to the store. Try to incorporate a variety of foods, and be sure to include healthy snacks for when you’re on the go.

Eating well is crucial for dancers to perform at their best and is essential to injury prevention. Many challenges make eating healthy difficult for dancers, including long rehearsal hours and the pressure to maintain a certain body type. However, with a bit of planning, knowledge, and patience, it’s possible to make healthy choices that will keep you energized and focused. It’s essential to focus on the long-term benefits of eating well and to educate yourself on proper nutrition without getting too caught up in numbers. Remember that small changes can lead to significant progress and that your body deserves to be fueled with nutrient-dense foods.

Why Costumes Are So Crucial for Dance

April 1, 2023

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

March 1, 2023

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!

5 Tips for Keeping a Dancers’ Energy Levels High

November 1, 2022

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.

5 Benefits of Dance Competitions

March 1, 2022

For many dancers, competitions are an extra perk alongside their training.

Dance competitions provide a boost that can help take children from talented dancers to certified artists. However, it’s not just the dance themselves or being on the stage that makes the difference.

Dance competitions can provide dancers with high-level skill work, clinics, industry seminars, and networking opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about the five benefits of dance competitions.

Develops skills.

All those long hours spent in the studio perfecting technique and preparing for competitions help sharpen a completely different skill – performance.

The ultimate objective is to take all those steps you’ve rehearsed and the muscle memory you created and tell a captivating story through your body and the choreography. The purpose is to connect with an audience. While judges may seem intimidating, they offer the perfect suggestions to help dancers develop those skills and improve poise and showmanship.

Teaches the ability to apply constructive criticism.

One of the most valuable aspects of dance competitions is hearing what trained and experienced judges think of your performance.

While they are “judging” you, it can be an excellent thing if you approach it with the proper perspective. The ability to take their feedback as inspiration and as fuel to improve and work harder will serve you well as you dance and well into your professional future no matter what route it may be.

They help expand your circle.

You are at a dance competition to compete against other dancers. Still, any major dance event will provide a great chance to form valuable connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.

They’re also a fantastic chance for positive exposure. Dancers are more likely to meet professionals who could serve as mentors or provide advice to put them on the path to achieving their dance goals!

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

Takes your skill to a new level.

The atmosphere at dance competitions differs greatly from what a dancer will experience in the studio.

While that brings a special set of challenges, the uniqueness and level of emotion at a competition will inspire dancers to excel. Preparing for competition and being on a big stage in front of many viewers is excellent motivation.

Helps build resilience.

Dance competitions are about much more than wins and losses. It’s about learning beneficial lessons that you can use to improve as a dancer and as a person.

Competition teaches character and to come back when things don’t go your way. If you have the courage to compete and leave it all on the stage, you will be successful wherever you go in life.

At Evolution Dance Complex, we love everything about competitive dance and the positive effects on our dancers. We strive to provide our dancers with the tools they need to feel confident on stage and connect with their audiences.

Explore the genres, classes, and company teams we offer to take your or your child’s performance to the next level!

5 Reasons Why Boys Should Dance

February 1, 2022

As progressive as our society has become, dance is still often thought of as an activity for girls.

The combination of strength training, skill, and coordination make dance one of the best ways to stay active no matter what gender. Dance is inclusive and one of the best ways to stay active while having fun. These are just a few reasons why boys should get involved with dance. Keep reading for five reasons why boys should dance!

Builds self-esteem and confidence.

Dancers often put themselves in challenging circumstances, such as being on stage to be scrutinized by others or by trying a new, difficult dance class. If you work hard on a dance floor to learn new things and achieve goals, you’ll feel like you can accomplish anything.

Depending on your child’s level of dance engagement, it will eventually involve competition, which can push dancers past their limits while also gaining poise and confidence. Being put in the public eye can help overcome the fear of public performances while encouraging a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Dance encourages self-expression.

Dancing is an art that encourages one to express emotion and passion openly to enhance the presentation. This is especially excellent for boys since our society often promotes the masculinity of repressing emotions, which can be unhealthy for their emotional growth.

Being able to transmit artistic expression poignantly is vital to dancers. Having discipline, advanced technique, and dedication allows a dancer to use dance as a language to communicate. This will enable audiences to embrace the inner beauty of dance itself and take the dancer’s skills to another level.

Teaches teamwork.

Working together in a group or with a partner helps build communication and respect in achieving a goal. This can help prepare dancers for future ambitions and growth when working with others in a team setting.

[Want to know some more benefits of dance? Click here!]

Develops strength and coordination.

Dancing works muscles while building stamina. It also helps to develop coordination and intensifies attention to detail. It can be challenging as each move involves controlling the body and supporting and lifting dance partners. Dance also helps increase strength and fitness levels which can benefit other sports and activities, making you a better all-around athlete.

The work it takes to dance constantly aids in developing muscle groups and teaches dancers to use their muscle groups in graceful and coordinated ways. Frequently using the four limbs in different dance positions significantly improves coordination.

Improves posture.

The movement involved in various types of dances helps build up the core muscles needed to keep your posture upright and strong. Having good posture improves overall spine conditions and proper body alignment while reducing your chance of straining muscles.

When searching for a dance class for boys, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. Start by:

Creating a list of local dance studios and taking the time to research them. Find out what kind of dance styles they offer and what type of experience each instructor has.
Take the time to watch some classes. Observing classes can be valuable as you can see firsthand the dance styles and the method by which children are instructed.
Most dance schools offer a free trial or a drop-in fee for single classes. Take advantage of these opportunities.

Evolution Dance Complex is one of the leading dance studios for boys and girls in Wilmington, NC, and beyond. Our dance programs include acro, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, and ballet classes that inspire creativity, coordination, and self-confidence. Contact us today for more information.

6 Tips for Managing Time Outside of the Dance Studio

January 1, 2022

Most dancers spend a significant amount of time per week in the dance studio.

While they are doing what they love, this can cause some stress in other areas of life. Sometimes the demands of school, socializing, work, community service, and everyday life can be overwhelming.

As a dancer, it can be challenging to balance all those requirements on top of your many hours at dance, but it’s not unattainable! Keep reading for six tips on managing time and balancing dance with the other essential aspects of your life.

Stay organized.

As a dancer, it’s crucial that you take responsibility for staying organized. Invest in a calendar application on your phone or an agenda book and use them regularly. People struggling to manage their time aren’t short on time, they just aren’t planning ahead.

Set yourself up for success with a calendar or journal that will allow you to see the commitments and responsibilities that lie ahead. This will enable you to set your priorities and get the most pressing items done first. Staying on top of these everyday tasks and keeping them organized will minimize your stress, allowing you to focus on those long-term goals.

Focus on prioritizing.

We get it, dancers want to spend every second of their free time dancing, but to succeed in life, you must put other things first from time to time.

If you have a school project due and need to practice some steps, think about which is more important. Getting your project out of the way will give you more time to focus on dance, as you won’t have the schoolwork lurking in the back of your mind.

Set goals.

Set SMART goals to understand where dance fits in in your life. Finding time is just as much about staying motivated and focused as creating free time.

This is where setting goals for dance is critical. However, these cannot be just any random goals or desires; they need to be SMART goals, which means:

Specific – you need to give yourself as much information as possible about exactly what you want to accomplish.
Measurable – the goal needs to be quantifiable. For example, apply an extra 30 minutes to practice, learn two new steps, etc.
Achievable – something that you can realistically achieve.
Relevant – ensure the goal applies to you at this particular time in your life.
Time – the goal needs to have a time target. If the plan does not have a time target, how do you know when to achieve it?

Learn to multitask.

Multitasking is one of the best ways to use your time efficiently. This means checking numerous things off your to-do list at once, and it’s a great way to create some free time in your week.

However, everybody is different, and some people require full attention on a task to get it done correctly. Chances are, if you’re a dancer, you are used to thinking about one hundred things at a time. An excellent example of multitasking is stretching while studying for an upcoming exam. Just ensure that you’re stretching safely and aren’t holding single stretches for extended periods while distracted by other things.

Stay clutter-free.

Another great way to get organized is to keep your space tidy. This can include your locker, bedroom, desk, dance bag, and school bag.

Keeping things organized and clutter-free will help you manage your time more effectively by ensuring that you aren’t wasting time searching for lost items or digging around your room for your dance costume last minute!

Pencil in some downtime.

Allowing some downtime is a vital part of time management. It’s also good for your body and your brain. On Sunday, think about your week ahead and pencil in some quality time for yourself. It’ll help keep you centered and balanced during the week, especially when things get chaotic.

[Did you schedule a little TOO much downtime during the holiday break? Click here to get back on track!]

As dancers, our schedules can be overwhelming and prone to changes. Rehearsals get moved and schedules can shift. Exploring time management and being aware of your schedule can help you grow as a dancer and as a person.

We hope these tips have you ready for the week ahead and help you manage your time a little more efficiently! For more information and tricks, check out our informative blog.

Posts Tagged ‘competitive dance’