Summer 2006 Issue
July/August/Sep 2006
Getting the “most” out of your Dance Classes!
By Celine
For the last twenty years I have been a student of Belly Dance; I have been involved in folkloric dance, recreation of dances of the past, dabbled in tribal, been in several troupes and lately been studying to become a cabaret soloist. Over the years I have made many mistakes, both on stage and in the classroom. This article comes from what I have learned, and will focus on getting the most out of your weekly Belly Dance classes.
Regular instruction with one or more teachers is crucial for a beginning dancer. Teachers can get to know your strengths and weaknesses and continue to be the best form of instruction until you are ready for a one-on-one dance coach. Weekly classes force the repetition that is necessary to add movements to muscle memory. Of course, for these classes to be effective, you must attend on a regular basis and stick with them for a lengthy period of time. So, assuming you have found a teacher you enjoy and respect, how can you maximize your experience?
Know why you are in class. There are many reasons we learn to and continue dancing: to get fit; make friends and socialize; learn to dance without any intention of performance; be a hobbyist who performs in student settings; be an amateur without a regular or long lasting commitment; join a performance troupe; become a regular-gig (restaurant or nightclub) dancer; become a renowned star. Think carefully about this: There is a big difference between what we wish for (to be a Star) and what we really want or have time to achieve (to feel like a Star now and then).
Since you are reading this magazine, your interest is beyond exercise and a social outlet, and even if you have not yet performed, you will at some point. Dance is an emotional language, a way to express your self. Self-expression really needs some kind of audience to be completely fulfilling. So lets continue with the idea that you will perform at some time even if you don't believe it right now. That means (among other things) you need to learn your isolations, be able to combine them with other steps and movements into a dance that is pleasing to an audience.
The various levels of commitment mentioned above will have a great deal to do with the level of commitment you bring with you to class. Ooh- I said commitment, yes I did! Above all Belly Dance is fun, but it can be MORE fun if you are honest with yourself about how much work you are willing put into it. I am an amateur who likes to perform about once a month, which means I attend class or do a video several times a week, seek out opportunities to dance about once a month and fully prepare myself to perform. I don't have the same level of commitment (or the workload) of a professional. Professional dancers practice every single day for hours at a time, in addition to performance. Hobbyists can do as little take one class a week and perform once or twice a year.
Know where your commitment level is and be realistic about where it will get you. I have seen many dancers become frustrated because they want to be a star-quality dancer with a hobbyist's commitment and workload This lack of balance between what is wanted and what is worked for/achieved is toxic. For a while I dreamed of being a star (at least a little one) and was very frustrated with my progress in dance. After lots of time wasted agonizing, I realized that that other aspects of my life precluded my becoming a star, but I could become a competent amateur. When I set a realistic goal my enjoyment of dance increased tenfold. I guarantee that if your commitment level and dance goal are well matched you will have the time of your life. Now, lets get to class; on time and ready to dance.
Have respect for your teacher; she/he has a store of knowledge to impart to you and can only perform that function if you are paying attention. Remember, you are paying for their knowledge, not their affection or friendship. Ask questions if you are confused; either of your teacher or an advanced student when the teacher is otherwise engaged. Keep all questions and conversations to the topic of the class. This seems very basic, but many people are guilty of talking about their personal lives and problems in class. Clear your mind of the day's clutter; suppress the desire to chat about anything not related to the class at that moment and just dance! You will find yourself much more relaxed and energized after class, and you will learn more and faster.
Be mindful of what you say and do in class and around the dance community. Any good teacher will want you to take every opportunity to improve your dance. Do take seminars in your area (or out of it if you can), buy teaching DVD's and take classes from other teachers as well. But, be respectful of your teacher's feelings and livelihood. Don't talk about one teacher while in the studio of another. That is advertising another dance teacher's competing business. And don't gossip! The Belly Dance community is small, and talking in a derogatory way about anyone only engenders problems. Concentrate your efforts and energies on what you can do - become a better dancer.
About work: That word has a bad connotation in our society at present, but work is a good thing. Work is just getting something done. Be Zen about it- focus your mind on dancing and work your muscles to your best ability. Disallow negative thoughts like "this is hard" and "I can't". Of course this is hard; you are training your mind and muscles to work together in new ways, that takes time and repetition. Banish "I can't"! You can and you will, it just will take time, repetition and patience. How hard you work, how much time you devote to dance, and the attitudes you bring with you have everything to do with how quickly you progress.
Most of all; be patient with yourself. In my first year of solo performance, I only had about four to six minutes of dance to offer; now in my second year I can do eight or nine. Most professionals can dance for Twenty to Forty minutes! Don't expect to be a great dancer without a great effort; even 'naturals' need to practice to perfect moves. Try to keep it positive, dance is not Brain Surgery; no one is going to die so don't bog down your dance experience with worrying about problems big or little. Keep it fun and positive and not only will you enjoy your class more, you will help add to the positive experience of your teacher and fellow students.
Celine is an amateur dancer who has been taking classes and performing parts of the last twenty years. She is also an amateur costume designer/maker. Please come see her work at: www.swcp.com/~celine or send her an email at celine@swcp.com
Photographs by Brendan Conoboy
