How to learn dance choreography quickly is every dancer’s dream. When you go to an audition, you need to be able to do this if you want to be hired, as you only have a short time to impress the director, and you can’t do it if you are too busy thinking about what your feet are doing.
I know firsthand how intimidating it can feel to learn a new combination during class or during a dance competition convention when there are hundreds of other dancers present.
It can be hard to feel confident in a room full of watchful eyes. So here are som tips on how to learn dance choreography and learn it fast.
How To Learn Dance Choreography Faster…..
Take Classes With Different Teachers
It’s easy to anticipate the teachers you spend the most time with. Taking classes from different teachers allows you to practice dancing full out when it’s unfamiliar.
Take Dance Class More Often
Seems obvious but if you don’t put yourself in a position to practice picking up steps, you won’t get better at it.
Observe Your Classmates
Notice how the instructor and dancers who are “getting it” are moving and try to do the same from watching them.
Don’t Mark
If you battle to pick up choreography, try doing it full out and not marking. In this way you are training your body and your brain to do the moves properly from the beginning.
Make sure to study the choreographer the first time he or she does it without dancing.
Not only will you pick up choreography fast, but you’ll also learn to embody the mood, timing, and character much better – which are more important than the exact body placements, anyway.
Learn Different Styles
If you want to be a dancer, you need to learn as many different styles of dance as you can. To pick up choreography fast, it helps to have an expansive range of dance vocabulary.
Hip-hop is especially beneficial for learning how to catch onto dance moves quickly, as there are a lot of steps to do and they are really fast, so it is a great way to train your brain.
Find Benchmarks In The Choreography
Always have a few 8 counts you know perfectly and 1-2 big moves you are positive about (ie, if all else fails, hit the double on 8).
Prepare Your Mental Game
Take time to prepare yourself mentally by saying affirmations before class, trying some deep breathing, or meditating prior.
Remember to trust the process. Learning choreography is part of your journey as a dancer! Don’t give up, keep going, and lean into the discomfort.
