Any dancers out there? I started a modern dance class this week!

[iheartscience]

I just started taking Intro to Modern Dance yesterday and I love it! It''s through the university I go to and I''m getting credit for it and everything!

I''m not a very good modern dancer just yet (I probably won''t be one ever!) but I feel like I''m getting in shape already! The class is for 2 hours a day Monday through Thursday so it''s a pretty good workout.

So are there any dancers out in PS land? Any tips for a rookie like me? I''m having a hard time with some of the movements...I''ve only ever played soccer and field hockey for physical activity, so any tips on how to get the dance movements down easier would be greatly appreciated!

 

[somehowcollide]

I took some dance classes my freshman year. OMG I sucked! Haha, but everyone else was a newbie like me and taking it for elective credits. Unless you plan on pursuing it professionally, my best advice would be to just enjoy it! Take it at face value. Dance is an awesome hobby if you''re okay with not perfecting it.

I remember almost wanting to quit my first semester because I couldn''t get the foot movements right. I got over it, and while I didn''t fare much better at class, I still got an A for my efforts!

You''ll have to share if you manage to loose weight and inches!

 

[Dandi]

YAY thing20f2, that sounds like so much fun!

I've been a dancer since I was 5, so 21 years... eek!! I'm a calisthenics girl, an Australian-only sport... here's a link to a youtub clip of a few teams performing my 'passion' to give you an idea! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnC9VLHNOsM
I adore cali but love all dance styles and have tried lots modern not being one of them! The only tip I can think of that is universal to most styles is to stretch every day for a good 20 minutes, just gentle to start with. Having decent flexibility helps alot and helps minimise injury, I stretch for about 15-20 minutes every day as we are required to do backbends, splits, walkovers etc. in some of our routines. Plus I enjoy it and it's great for the bod!

Have a heap of fun at classes, it sounds awesome!!

 

[iheartscience]

Thanks somehow and DandiAndi!

somehow, I think I''m just going to settle with sucking!

I can do stuff like chase (sp? It''s the sideways jumping thing) but when it comes to the footwork I pretty much suck. And then when I''m supposed to throw in the arms it gets a little ridiculous! I tried to practice a little last night after class but I kind of forgot how to do it. Oh well, it was only my second day yesterday!

DandiAndi-we do stretch a lot before we start the moves, and I am soooooo not flexible! I think I''m going to stretch more at home after the classes because it''s pretty pathetic! My hamstrings are especially bad-when we lay on our backs I can''t even stick my leg up straight, and I''m pretty athletic so I assumed I was fairly flexible...wrong! Also, I watched that video of the calisthenics, and it is so cool! Definitely something I don''t think I could ever do!

 

[Stephanie]

Thing2of2 that sounds like so much fun! I''ve danced for about 18 years (had to stop a few years ago - I had to get a job) and just as DandiAndi said, stretching is the absolute best thing. For the movements, just really pay attention to the steps being taught, but then try to make them fluid. Does that make sense? Don''t be stiff and just really pay attention to the music. It will come to you, espeically four hours a week - whew! That is an awesome workout!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I used to compete as an Irish step dnacer, I loved it.
My two pieces of advice are practice, which helps, is fun and gets you into shape. Building a routine that you can do over and over again really helps so even if you would forget to do the step on its own, you always remember what it came after and before.
And when you do practice, always try to do the steps right. I knew girls who would try to learn the steps first and then the extra little moements later and it never worked as well because you body gets used to doing it a certain way.

 

[OUpearlgirl]

I''ve beeen dancing since I was four! I was on a high school dance team and we competed nationally in several categories, including modern.

The thing you have to remember about modern is that it''s supposed to be organic and grounded. There is rarely a wrong way to do anything, just try to keep in with the fluid movements and you''ll do fine! I always tried to remember to dance with every single part of my body, from my toes to my fingertips. That can really improve the way you think about dancing.

 

[iheartscience]

Thank you Stephanie, BIH and OUpear! I''m going to practice and streeeeetch tonight for sure! I appreciate the tips-they''re all really helpful...I suck!

Oh well...practice makes perfect!

 

[Miranda]

Back in the day I danced. I agree with the advice you''ve been given. STRETCH. Every day. If you want to continue dancing after this class maybe try a ballet class. The fundamentals of all dance are taught in ballet. You will be surprised at how fast you pick things up once you are used to it. I have just started belly dancing and love it! I have muscle soreness in places I never knew I had muscles.