Unleash Your Full Potential Dancers! Don’t waste class time by chatting with friends, marking your work, or not giving your best.
Going All Out In Your Dance Class
In a recent class I was teaching, I challenged my students to give it their all in a full-out run-through of the combination. One student remembered some wise words I shared from when I was training.
My teacher always emphasized the importance of not holding back in class and going all out. Face it, whether you dance with full energy or mark the movements, you’re still exerting energy and getting tired. So why not go all out and make the most of every moment in dance class?
There is a time and place for marking movements, but too often dancers don’t give their best effort. I remind my students to push themselves in every exercise to continue progressing. Staying in your comfort zone won’t lead to growth. Don’t settle for the minimum – dance with passion and energy in every class!
Make every class count and commit to giving it your all in every movement. Practicing full out with mental focus and passion will lead to steady improvement. As George Balanchine famously said, “There are no other times. There is only now. Right now.”
So, don’t hold back – let your passion for dance shine through in every class. Embrace the sweat, the fatigue, and the challenges. Make sure that you are going all out, every time, and watch yourself soar to new heights in your dancing journey!
This article really resonates! The reminder to “go all out” in every dance class is such a powerful mindset shift. I love the emphasis on stepping out of your comfort zone because that’s where real growth happens, not just in dance but in life.
The George Balanchine quote adds so much depth. “There are no other times. There is only now.” It’s such a simple yet profound reminder to be fully present and give your best in the moment.
Your message about embracing the sweat and fatigue as part of the process is so motivating. Dancing with passion and focus transforms not just your skills but also your mindset. It’s inspiring and a great nudge for dancers (and anyone striving to improve) to push themselves to new heights. Amazing write-up!
Thank you, Kavitha. It is a great reminder to live life to the fullest and not just halfway.
This article is an inspiring read for anyone passionate about dance, whether they’re beginners or seasoned performers. I love how you’ve highlighted the importance of giving 100% in dance classes, not just for technical improvement but also for building confidence and expressing oneself fully. Your tips on staying motivated, focusing on personal progress, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey are incredibly encouraging. It’s clear that you understand the dedication and mindset required to thrive in the dance world, and your advice will resonate with dancers at all levels.
One point that stood out to me was your emphasis on using every class as an opportunity to perform, rather than just practice. I’ve found this mindset incredibly helpful in my own dance journey—it not only sharpens my skills but also helps me connect more deeply with the music and choreography. How do you recommend dancers stay mentally focused during challenging or fast-paced classes? Are there specific techniques you’ve seen work well for staying present and maintaining energy throughout a session? I’d love to hear your perspective!
Hi Laura,
In a fast-paced class, the choreo is normally more difficult to pick up and I tell the dancers to try and do each movement flat out, but if they make mistakes to not beat themselves up about it as the next time they do it, it will be better. Most importantly, keep hydrated.
Hello Michel!
This article is such an inspiring reminder to fully commit to dance classes! The focus on pushing boundaries and embracing the challenge really resonates. I love how it emphasizes not just physical effort but also mental engagement—really owning each move and expressing yourself authentically.
One thing I’d love to know more about is how to maintain this “all-out” mindset consistently. Are there tips for staying motivated, especially on days when energy levels or confidence might be low?
The mention of pushing past comfort zones is so valuable. What strategies would you recommend for managing fear or frustration when trying something completely new in class? It’s such an essential skill not just for dance, but for personal growth in general.
Lastly, I’m curious about how you balance going all-out with avoiding burnout. Do you have suggestions for dancers to pace themselves while still bringing intensity and passion to each class?
Angela M 🙂
It is always frustrating learning something new and you discover that you can’t master it right away. I normally take a few deep breaths and keep on trying. Dancers need to learn not to be too hard on themselves and reward themselves for the small successes they do achieve. It is not a marathon, but a journey, and new skills always take time to perfect.
Hello Michel,
I agree with you, make the most of it, go all out. But I would add, not just in dance class but in life. In any class you are taking, you or someone else is spending money on you. So, you want to take the opportunity and live it to the fullest, go all out. Getting out of your comfort zone only allows you to get better, improve, grow! The more you get out of your comfort zone, the easier it gets, reach for the stars!
But, wouldn’t you want a balance of making marks and going all out? If you miss your marks, you are doing it wrong. Don’t you want to keep practicing getting it right. And as you are hitting your marks, start pushing it further! I don’t really know the answer to that. What would you say and why? Do I keep going all out even if I am doing it wrong?
Thank you,
Mark
Hi Mark, Yes well said in dance class an in life.
However with a dance class, you need to build muscle memory, so by going all out and hitting all the marks you are training your body to remember what to do next. Maybe that part doesn’t work in all the other areas of life.