4 natural mistakes a new dancer might make
Here at LTA Studios in Frankton, Queenstown, we are passionate about teaching adults how to dance, but we are just as committed to ensuring the learning process is fun and empowering. We recognize how nerve-wracking dance classes can be for newbies of any age, so we aim to provide a playful and relaxed environment where dancers can let loose, have fun, and learn a thing or two.
Whether you’re into Ballet, Tap, or Fitness, you’re guaranteed to find an adult dance class to meet your interests. But no matter what genre of dancing you’re into to, remember the first step to dancing greatness begins by stepping into a dance class. So don’t wait...try one today!
#1 – Pre-emptively telling us/yourself that you’re not going to be very good.
Straight up, I don’t like the term “Unco.” For those unaware, it’s short for “uncoordinated” and I hear it a lot. It’s often the first thing a new dancer will tell me “I won’t be very good because I’m unco…”
I don’t accept it. Think of it the other way – you’ve enquired with us about Ballet, you’ve always wanted to do it but you never got the chance as a child & we respond “Hi Jackie, we’re so pleased you’re wanting to take Ballet. Just so you know, you won’t be very good because you’re unco…”
Would you come to a class at out studio? Of course not!
Dance is a journey. You aren’t unco, you’re learning. That’s enough.
#2 – Coming in with a closed mind or pre-conceived ideas.
This links to the above one really but let’s expand a bit. If you’ve already decided that you’re going to be rubbish, that you won’t fit in, that the instructor won’t like you… you’re not going to have a very good class. A lot of these preconceptions or misconceptions come from those awful Netflix shows where everyone is cliquey & mean or from previous bad experiences when Ballet mistresses had canes and no time for anyone who didn’t have a 120 degree developpe.
Times have changed – we’ve changed and so have you. Take the work seriously, try not to take yourself seriously.
That said, we’ve known the reverse. First time dancers coming in with the idea that they are going to be a natural only to find that it’s a lot lot harder than they’d anticipated. Part of the skill, the art, is that we make what we do look easy. It isn’t. One plie & you should know it’s so much more difficult. That’s a good thing! Be challenged.
#3 – Comparing yourself to others.
Have we not learned this yet? No, of course we haven’t, we’re human. That said, it’s so very important not to compare yourself to the dancer next to you. You don’t know their journey. You don’t know how they got there. Maybe they’re on the same path as you – maybe not. If you’re 15 minutes into your first class but they are 3 years into their journey, of course you won’t be at the same level. Why should you be & why do you expect yourself to be?
This goes as far as comparing yourself to the instructor. I’ve heard it all “I’ll never be as good as you. I could never do what you do.”
Well, a couple of things. I couldn’t always do what I can do now, and conversely, there are things I used to be able to do that I can’t anymore. I’ve learned how to do things from scratch and as time has gone on, I’ve relearned how to do them to match my current body and level of fitness. In my mind I can still kick my leg up to my shoulder – can I actually do it? Crikey NO! I’m nearly 40, I’d break a hip.
But what I have done is trained for 25 years, 20 of those I was teaching as well, for nearly 10 I was in intense training for 5-6 days a week. This wasn’t an hour a week hobby for me, indeed it still isn’t. Without wanting to come across an arrogant cow, it’s expected I’d be quite good at what I do. If you’d trained like I’ve trained, you would be too. So the comparison isn’t a fair one is it?
#4 – Arriving late, flustered and unprepared
If you want your class to be a positive experience, you have to be prepared for it. I don’t mean watching hours of YouTube and trying to pre-learn anything that might come up. What I mean is, making sure you’re dressed appropriately, know where you’re going so you don’t get lost and making sure you’ve communicated any additional needs to your instructor before you arrive.
Ask questions, we really don’t mind. If you’re still unsure, dress in activewear (yes, I’ve had people arrive in jeans many many times), your hair should be tied back, and please, have on a good bra! Oh my, that one is important.
Arrive at least 5 minutes before your class time. You might need to fill out some paperwork, or it will just be a good chance to meet your fellow classmates. Dancers do like to be sociable so don’t be afraid to say hello. Many studios do not allow entry to classes after the start time due to safety concerns, especially if you have missed the warm up.
If you have an illness or injury please do declare it in advance. I don’t mean 5 minutes before, but a few days, even if you think it’s nothing. It makes a huge difference to what we do and what we teach. We plan ahead so don’t put us on the spot by telling us on the day that you have a broken toe, slipped disc or recovering from knee surgery.