How To Succeed in the Studio As an Adult Dancer
Confidence, Poise, and Dancing Abilities in Your Twenties and Beyond
Nov 23, 2008
Some adults at your studio may have taken dance at a young age and are looking to re-start their dancing activity. Others may have never been exposed to dance. No matter what your ability, age, or experience, dance can be very beneficial for adults.
Setting Goals
Try to set some specific, measurable goals. Some examples of dance goals include: Losing 15 pounds by going to class twice a week for the next six months; Dancing in the studio's summer performance in 9 months. Goals like these can be met because they are specific, measurable, attainable, and have a certain timeframe attached to them.
Before your first class, know your goals. Writing your goals in a journal or on a piece of paper tucked inside your dance bag will help you stick to them. Let your instructor know what your goals are, so they can help you. It is a team effort between you and your instructor, because they want you to be happy in class and feel that you are making strides toward achieving your dance goals.
Dancing With "Kids"
In some cases, your studio may not have specific classes for adults. They may allow you to take classes with younger students, depending on your previous experience or abilities. This can be a rewarding experience for both the adult dancer and the younger dancers. Ideally, you will all be at the same ability level and can work with each other to succeed.
In classes specifically geared toward adults, the instructor may be more lenient, and he or she may tailor the movements to fit the adult dancers' bodies. If you are taking a class with younger students, know your limitations. While the students may be able to perform more repetitions of movements, stretch longer, or jump higher, you must know when you need to stop. This will help you to avoid injury.
Dealing With Pain
When you begin, you will probably be in some pain for the first few weeks of classes. While your body is adjusting to this new activity, you will go home at night with a few aches and pains (and probably wake up the next morning with more). Simple muscle pain in your legs, feet, and arms should be taken care of by icing for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Over time, you will experience less pain after your body begins to adjust.
If your pains persist for more than the first month of classes, or if you have more severe pain in your joints, especially your ankles, see your doctor. Dance requires ankle and foot strength, and it is easy to over-exert yourself in the first classes. Keep an open dialoge with your dance instructor to let him or her know of your injuries, limitations, or any exercise advice from your doctor.
Dressing Your Age
Most dance studios have a certain dress code for all students, which may or may not apply to adult dancers. Consult with your instructors to make sure that you are following the correct dress code. If there is no set dress code for adults, try to wear form-fitting clothing that you can move in easily, and in which the instructor can see your body line to make any corrections.
A leotard can help you to feel more comfortable in class as well. It can be worn as a foundation garment under a t-shirt and pants or shorts. A leotard with a high lyrcra content, or cotton/lycra, is preferred over a nylon leotard, as it is thicker and can "hold in" your midsection a little better.
Motionwear and other dance clothing companies offer leotards in plus-sizes. Mirella also sells leotards with built-in underwire bras. Another option, under a leotard, is a bodytight or bodystocking. These are dance tights that are one-piece from the feet to the shoulder straps. Wearing a bodystocking gives you a seamless, more forgiving line under your dance clothing.
Memorizing Choreography
Adult dancers are typically able to learn movements faster than younger students. This may be due to longer attention spans, or a desire to learn, or a better working relationship with the instructor. However, adult dancers are less likely to be able to remember a series of steps in combination. The easiest way to memorize choreography is through repetition. You may need to practice the steps outside of the classroom more than the younger students. You will also need to focus on memorization and repetition more while in class.
Another way to remember a series of steps is to remember what happens on certain emphasized points, or on certain counts. For example, if you know what to do on counts 1, 4 and 8, then the sequence of steps in between will come to you more easily.
Knowing the names of the steps you are doing will also help in memorization. If you are unsure of what a step is called, ask the instructor. Make a point to associate saying the name of the step with performing it. If necessary, take notes either during or after class. Writing down a sequence or combination of steps will make it easier to practice the steps at home.
Working With Your Teacher
From the first class you attend, start a dialogue with your teacher. Let him or her know your dance background, why you are taking classes now, and any limitations you may have. If you have a good working relationship with your instructor, you will be able to go to him or her if any problems should arise.
Remember that your instructor is there to help you learn and to meet your dance and fitness goals. As an adult, younger students will look up to you as an example of what can happen if you set specific goals and set out to try new things.
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