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| Question: How do I catch on to dances and moves faster? |
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Email read:
"I
recently went to a Cheerleading clinic and the Choreographer showed us a dance
and then we had to do the 8 count dance in groups of eight after seeing it once.
How is it possible for me to catch on to the dances and moves faster?"
- Anonymous
To answer this question I asked the help of Michelle Zeitlin, owner of MoreZap Productions and Choreography Central. Her response follows:
Michelle
- "The
best advice I can offer is to TAKE DANCE CLASSES REGULARLY! Picking up choreography
effectively and quickly is so very important in the world of dance and cheerleading.
Since many
pro teams demand that you learn a few seasonal routines in a short amount of
time, they want to know their team members are FAST LEARNERS.
When I give out a combination, I'm looking for dancers who can spit back the steps with clarity, style and energy!
Some professional dance studios offer a range of teachers and classes. Take classes from many different teachers to get a feel for all the different ways people break down the steps.
Don't expect those learning muscles to be at the ready all the time---they are muscles just like others, that require stretching and keeping in shape! Even as a choreographer myself, when I work with other dance stylists, I have to fine tune my brain and really concentrate. Learning new styles and choreography requires a very specific concentration.
Also, don't be the first person to ask questions on the sidelines. See if you can move TO THE FRONT and learn the combos. Then watch the choreographers and listen for cues. Usually the assistants will also offer some tricks or special notes. Pay attention carefully to all that is being said, without getting caught up in the performance and trying to impress too soon. Then, when it's your turn to go, GO FOR IT! with all the gusto and attack you can muster. If you mess up, more than likely, the choreographer will see your determination and forgive a couple minor mistakes. I know it can seem overwhelming when hundreds of girls try out at once. But believe you me, 85% of those girls are also making some mistakes. It's the ones who watch and study and then are strategic about their ultimate delivery, that get my eye.
For recommendations on local studios, read up at www.answers4dancers.com, or see some of the other Internet dance sites that may help you. In Los Angeles, I recommend EDGE, Zeal Studios, Debbie Reynolds, Katnap's Dance Studio and Joe Malone's Professional Studio for the best training and range of classes. Say Michelle from More Zap sent you! GOOD LUCK."
P.S. We offer choreography and AUDITION WORKSHOPS for youth, teen and college teams. (See us at www.morezap.com or www.choreographycentral.com)
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