Did I just use the wrong word? Would you rather ace your first dance class than simply survive it? While that’s definitely possible, it doesn’t usually happen, especially if you are a beginner and have enrolled for a dance form that requires technique- whether it’s Indian or International. Here are some tips that will help you survive your first dance class:
1. Be in the right attire
Not getting a move is one thing, but not getting the move because of inappropriate attire is another. Make sure you call up your dance institute in Delhi a few days before your first class to ask about the appropriate attire for the class. I insist calling a few days before because you may need some time to arrange for the right outfit. So always be prepared in terms of the right kind of attire!
2. Some research and videos
You could do some homework on the kind of dance form you will be learning. For instance, if you have enrolled in a Jazz class, knowing about the history and origin of the dance form, the various dance styles under it, etc. can help you a lot. Watching beginner videos as well as movies made on dancing too can help you mentally prepare yourself and may even help you perform well in your first class.
3. Don’t judge yourself
I attended my first dance class ever in a dance academy in Delhi with high hopes. I was burning with the desire to prove my dancing abilities to my friends and family. However, the first roll down that marked the beginning of the class instantly shattered all my hopes. All but me seemed to cope well and there I was unable to display my dancing abilities I thought I had. It’s only later that I realised that first classes are meant to be like that. One is supposed to look funny, awkward, and foolish in the first class. And nobody judges anybody else because everybody is too busy judging themselves. With the constant encouragement of our instructor, people slowly started loosening up. Hence, your first class and first few months are bound to be challenging. But never judge yourself because that’s how it supposed to be and you will certainly get better. How can I say this with so much conviction? That’s because 3 months later I was given a scholarship at the institute to train myself to become a professional dancer. Just believe in yourself, work hard, and things will fall into place.
If you wish to pursue dance more seriously than just joining a Delhi dance academy as a hobby, there are institutes like AAFT School of Fine Arts that offer a number of degree courses in performing arts in which you can choose dance as your specialization. They can give a great start to your career. Do think about it!
Not getting a move is one thing, but not getting the move because of inappropriate attire is another. Make sure you call up your dance institute in Delhi a few days before your first class to ask about the appropriate attire for the class. I insist calling a few days before because you may need some time to arrange for the right outfit. So always be prepared in terms of the right kind of attire!
2. Some research and videos
You could do some homework on the kind of dance form you will be learning. For instance, if you have enrolled in a Jazz class, knowing about the history and origin of the dance form, the various dance styles under it, etc. can help you a lot. Watching beginner videos as well as movies made on dancing too can help you mentally prepare yourself and may even help you perform well in your first class.
3. Don’t judge yourself
I attended my first dance class ever in a dance academy in Delhi with high hopes. I was burning with the desire to prove my dancing abilities to my friends and family. However, the first roll down that marked the beginning of the class instantly shattered all my hopes. All but me seemed to cope well and there I was unable to display my dancing abilities I thought I had. It’s only later that I realised that first classes are meant to be like that. One is supposed to look funny, awkward, and foolish in the first class. And nobody judges anybody else because everybody is too busy judging themselves. With the constant encouragement of our instructor, people slowly started loosening up. Hence, your first class and first few months are bound to be challenging. But never judge yourself because that’s how it supposed to be and you will certainly get better. How can I say this with so much conviction? That’s because 3 months later I was given a scholarship at the institute to train myself to become a professional dancer. Just believe in yourself, work hard, and things will fall into place.
If you wish to pursue dance more seriously than just joining a Delhi dance academy as a hobby, there are institutes like AAFT School of Fine Arts that offer a number of degree courses in performing arts in which you can choose dance as your specialization. They can give a great start to your career. Do think about it!