How to Take Class

A teacher once said to me, “I knew you’d be a good performer just by the way you take class.” Taking class is the building block to performance. It is the place to experiment, push limits, reset, and have fun. In the professional world, many dancers are “discovered” through consistently taking class with choreographers on the hunt for new talent!

As a dancer, it is important to ask questions. Even if you feel confident, questions help you to think critically about the task you’ve been given, give teachers a chance to see your mental process as you dance, help you to refine your approach and technique! As a student, it is important to be a good listener in class. Avoiding conversation while waiting to move across the floor is helpful to your teachers, taking every correction as if it were for yourself helps improve your performance of combinations and choreography, and moving with the teacher through demonstrations (unless specifically told not to move) keeps you focused on the task in front of you. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun! Teachers love to see their students try new things and step out of their comfort zones. This brings life and enthusiasm to your dancing, and taking risks is part of being a student. You don’t need to be perfect to be a great performer! Next time you’re in class, challenge yourself to ask 2 questions, move through every demonstration, and take risks while performing choreography!