Learning to dance without lessons?
I’ve danced for about a year in total, but I’ve stopped because the studio I was in was not teaching me a thing first of all. Also, to get better I would have to take many classes, and I don’t have that money. I was just reminded though of how badly I want to be a dancer though. I want to be able to do things that are beautiful, not just stand and do tendus for an hour.
What are ways to learn dance without formal classes, at least just to be my muscles strong for when I get back into a studio? Are there DVDs teaching ballet? Any ideas?
You can’t really learn the technique of dance without a proper /formal class. Many studios also offer trial classes for free, or just cheaper classes, try taking one and see which teaching style you like the best. Also, if you think normal classes are too easy go to a prestigious dance studio and take an advanced class, it will probably include more moves and go at a faster pace. But if you really are keen to learn dance at home just get a DVD made by a professional. But you won’t be able to correct yourself because you don’t know the correct technique. DVDs are okay if you are looking at dance just as a hobby, but if you want to do it professionally than you MUST take classes to perfect your technique. And if you don’t have the money for classes then make it! What I mean by that is if every morning you stop by Starbucks for a coffee, and eat lunch out everyday, thats about $105 per week. Just pack your lunch and coffee and use the money for dance classes. Think about it, which will benefit you most?
June 20th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
You can’t really learn the technique of dance without a proper /formal class. Many studios also offer trial classes for free, or just cheaper classes, try taking one and see which teaching style you like the best. Also, if you think normal classes are too easy go to a prestigious dance studio and take an advanced class, it will probably include more moves and go at a faster pace. But if you really are keen to learn dance at home just get a DVD made by a professional. But you won’t be able to correct yourself because you don’t know the correct technique. DVDs are okay if you are looking at dance just as a hobby, but if you want to do it professionally than you MUST take classes to perfect your technique. And if you don’t have the money for classes then make it! What I mean by that is if every morning you stop by Starbucks for a coffee, and eat lunch out everyday, thats about $105 per week. Just pack your lunch and coffee and use the money for dance classes. Think about it, which will benefit you most?
References :
June 20th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Yes, there are some good DVDs and internet videos which will help you learn ballet, although nothing can replace a good teacher, so do keep looking for one. You can keep practising the exercises you learned, but finding another teacher is the best idea.
References :
June 20th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
For me I like to watch video tutorials on youtube and learn from them. I take some classes besides that though. However, I find the more you stretch and become flexible, the easier it is to learn to dance.
References :
Dance experience
June 20th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
you could try youtube and learn some basics or get dvds
http://www.youtube.com/SkinnyMinny39
References :
June 20th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I am a dancer, and for years I just danced in my bedroom. I think if your truly passionate with dance, you should choreograph your own dancers (even if its crap!!) and rehearse it. You can get inspiration by watching video clips that has great dancing in it. You said in the description that you want to do things that look beautiful……. the best thing about dancing is that it’s up to you how you want to make your dance look. It’s more than likely, you have an idea in your head on how you want your dance to look like, so just get in front of a mirror, and do exactly what you pictured in your head. Just Try!
Alternatively, many dance schools have Holiday Workshops, that are a lot cheaper than classes, and it would give you an opportunity to expand on your technique. Hope that helped!!
References :
I am a pre professional dancer.
June 20th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
You must have been in a good studio if they have you doing tons of tendus. It takes years to build the right muscles and engage your turnout correctly and that comes from barre work. What do you think you would be doing if you went to a top ballet academy? Ballet is all about perfection of movement. The only way to get it is in class with corrections. It is like saying you want to be a surgeon and thinking you can skip medical school. You cannot do anything that will look like anything without good solid ballet technique. That comes from barre and yes, tons of tendus. Every single day dancers who are in major ballet companies like ABT take class. Yes, they still do tendus at the barre. The do a 45 min. barre, followed by center then across the floor. Then they go to rehearsals or have a performance. If you really want to dance as much as you say you do, you would be at the barre doing tendus. See if you can get a work scholarship for more classes. Maybe sit at the desk, sweep the floors and wash the mirrors. If you want to dance it takes sacrifice
References :
Academy trained ballet dancer NYC