Make Awe-Inspiring Choreography

Choreographing is a great way to push your artistic limits and have fun in the process. Sometimes it's difficult to get started or you find yourself at a loss for new ideas. Try these different strategies to charge up your brain and create beautifully interesting movement!

• Create the movement first. This type of choreographing is great if you know the intention you want the dance you are creating to exude. Don't even bother turning on music. Link movements in an interesting way then add the music later. This choreographing strategy is fun because you get to adjust the tempo and accents of movement you already love.

• Move to the words or music. Sometimes it is difficult to create movement without an idea of the music you like. Put on the song you're feeling especially inspired by and try creating by focusing only on the rhythm of words in the music. You can then switch it up and make more fluid movements that reflect the instrumental undertones of the song. This strategy is a great way to play with and improve your musicality.

• Improvisation. Sometimes it is easier to just shut off your analytical brain and let your body move itself. By freestyling you can figure out what feels good on a body. Be aware of the steps you are doing so that you can solidify and recreate them later. This is bound to make your piece unique and exciting. 

• Dance with a friend! Sometimes just having another body in the studio (or your living room) with you makes it easier. Together you can bounce ideas off one another. Choreography tends to come easy when you have another person right there giving you input.

Try these choreographing strategies and tell us your favorite way to choreograph!

Gifts Your Dancer Will Love

There are some super cool products out there for dancers! This week we bring you some gift ideas for your dancer this holiday season.

Hanging Cosmetic Dance Bag (Find it here) This bag is perfect for all your competition needs. You can conveniently store shoes, cosmetics, and costumes in one place. This reduces the risk of things being forgotten on competition day.

• Rhinestone Earrings to match their solo costume! (Find it here) Dancers love these sparkly pieces. Why not add some spice to their solo costume!
• The I-FLEX (Find it here) This incredible tool comes in adult and junior sizes. It allows you to safely stretch at home with proper hip, shoulder, and back alignment. Any dancer would be ecstatic to open this up this holiday season.

• Music Box with Ballerina (Find it here) Every dancer, young and old, should have a music box at some point in their life. It is a classic gift that can be passed down to their children.
• Footsie Roller (Find it here) Nothing feels better than rolling out your arches before and after a good dance class. The footsie roller is a great addition to any dancer's dance bag, and their feet will thank you for it.

What Your Favorite Dance Style Says About You

You are unique, and that is represented in your favorite dance style. Find your favorite style below and see what that says about you!

Ballet- You are a perfectionist. You will not settle for anything subpar, and as a result, you are an extremely hard worker. You go above and beyond, and people admire you for that. You have a captivating personality which draws people to you.

Ballroom- You are spicy. You have a loud and outgoing personality. You are committed and very detail oriented. You also know how to get along with just about anyone and are good at making deep and meaningful friendships.

Contemporary/Modern- You're the quirky one of the bunch. You aren't afraid to try things that are different and feel comfortable standing out. You're unique personality leaves a lasting impression on those who cross your path.

Hip Hop- You are extremely cool. You know how to hit it hard and keep it smooth when you have to. People aspire to be you. You are charming and know how to get what you want.

Jazz- You have sass!. You aren't afraid to stand up for what you believe and have a sarcastic edge. This can be endearing as long as you aren't overbearing. You are often the life of the party and people love being your friend.

Tap- You're an old soul who loves to get down. You have an inherent sense of rhythm and a bubbly personality. At the same time you are very nostalgic and sentimental. Don't be afraid to show off your personality both on and off the stage.

What Being A Dancer Has Taught Me About Life

I began dancing at the age of three because my parents were tired of me falling over and walking into things. I had no grace, poise, or basic motor skills, really. So I was dressed in a purple velour leotard with a rhinestone encrusted heart on the front and sent into my first ballet class with a bunch of clumsy, yet adorable toddlers. I don't think anyone could have guessed how much dance would effect  my life from that first class on. Being a dancer does not just mean "one who dances" it comes with an attitude and a special understanding of life. Here are just a few things being a dancer has taught and continues to teach me.

• Trust wholeheartedly. By dancing I have had to put my body's well-being in the hands of other dancers in order to execute a lift or trick. In the first moments of trying these new tricks, you have to put complete trust into your fellow dancers and yourself as well. It turns out in life, trusting yourself and being able to put faith in others will make your life 1000 times easier.

• Being goofy is necessary. Dance has helped me build incredible, supportive relationships with my peers. While we are inherently competitive with each other; there is also a lot of support and encouragement. With this comes a feeling of belonging and total comfort. In this environment I was able to let my goofiness go whenever I wanted. This built a lot of self-esteem, and now I feel more comfortable just being myself even around new people.

• If you act like you know what you're doing, no one will question you. This is something I live by, and I swear dancing installed this into my character. I can directly trace this back to being completely lost in choreography at a dance convention. I blanked on all the moves after a certain point in a jazz class, but kept freestyling with the attitude needed for the choreo. The teacher knew I messed up, but loved my passion, so she let me do it again by myself with the whole room watching, and I nailed it (choreo & attitude). From then on, I know I'm better off having confidence in myself because great things are likely to come.

• Commitment. You commit to your moves, and both you and your audience are moved. If you commit to something in your life (a job, a relationship, etc) great things will come. In life, I've found if you only give half your effort, nothing great can be accomplished.

• You will have to deal with difficult people. I had a little girl push me out of my spot in my first performance at three years old. Even then it was clear that I would have to deal with difficult people. Through dancing I learned how to talk to difficult people and figure out exactly what they needed from me without being rude. This skill became essential when I began working because oftentimes you will encounter a challenge in the form of a boss or a colleague. 

• Different is beautiful. Dance has taught me to feel comfortable standing out from the crowd. It is okay to not fit in perfectly, in fact, I tend to like having different opinions, styles, and ideas because dancing has given me the confidence to know that unconventional things are remarkable and should be shared.

Weird Things Dancers Do

Dancers have some pretty weird habits. Sometimes we don't even realize we do these things. Just know you might be a dancer if you've caught yourself doing these things, especially in public.

1) You crack your body parts all the time, especially your toes. Dancers know exactly which way to bend to relieve the pressure in their bodies, and we all know how good a little pressure on the tops of a pointed foot feels!

2) When you hear music, you start twitch-dancing. It's not pretty, but all dancers are guilty of this. You might be on the bus when a great song comes on when you catch yourself twitching to the rhythm.

3) You daydream about choreography. Either you find yourself thinking about choreography for class, or you start to imagine moves in your head. Then when you go to try the tricks you've made up, you may find out that bodies just don't quite move that way.

4) Whenever you sit on the floor, you end up stretching. It just seems natural to pull your legs into a butterfly stretch or even a full second position. Many dancers like to read or play on their phones while in a full on stretch without ever giving it a second thought. Dancers also never realize how they are so much more flexible than the average population. Reaching our toes is no big deal, but some people lose their minds when they see that we can set our chests completely flat against our legs.

5) You wear spandex shorts under just about every outfit. Dress? Spandex! Skirt? Spandex! Slouchy sweatpants? Spandex! You might be shocked to find out that most people don't consider spandex shorts an option with every outfit.

6) Throw their bodies around with little fear of damage. Dancers are fearless. If your instructor tells you to try a dare-devil move that might hurt a little, you go for it because you know going full out is less likely to hurt than bailing in the middle of it.

The Great Sock Debacle

So you're a dancer. When you think of your ideal footwear for the studio, do you think socks? Socks have become a staple in studios across the globe. Dancers love the total coverage and ease they provide for our feet. But how often do you get to dance onstage with socks? I'm going to guess barely ever. So why are dancers training in something they cannot perform in. Well many major dance companies such as the iconic Hubbard Street Dance Center have began to allow dancers to perform in socks. This is a major breakthrough for the dancing community, and it is paving the way for change in the dance world.

Dancers love this because we are finally able to use the stage just like the studio. It helps us glide across the stage with ease, and we are more sure of where our weight is. Artistic directors may be concerned about the aesthetic of socks. They may worry that dancers' lines will be ruined with the blunt edge of a sock, or that their dancers will slip. Precision Arts is here to offer tips for those who may consider making the switch to socks onstage.

1) Nude. Dancers should be wearing nude socks to make sure their lines are as clean as barefoot. It is essential to have dancers pick out socks that match their skin tone. One shade of nude will not necessarily work for every dancer.

2) Cotton. Socks should be as close to 100% cotton as possible. The more polyester or nylon in the sock, the more slippery they become. By choosing socks that are mostly cotton, the risk of slipping onstage is greatly reduced. I have found H&M's socks to be the best. They are 77% cotton.

3) Mid-Calf or Crew Length. By choosing a mid-calf or crew length you can ensure that these socks will remain in place. They will not fall off the heel like a short sock, and unlike knee highs, they will not inhibit floorwork that utilizes dancers' knees.

4) Right size. Make sure you are choosing socks that fit your shoe size. This may seem obvious, but a sock that's too tight will lead to slipping on the floor, and one that's too loose will slide right down the ankle creating an ugly bunch.

The 6 Habits of Confident Dancers

There is nothing more powerful than seeing a dancer command the stage with confidence. Without a doubt these dancers are more likely to get noticed. We checked in with some dancers to find out what they do to keep their confidence high on the stage.

Habit 1: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Confident dancers know the choreography, technique, and timing down to every last detail. To boost your poise onstage, you have to put in the work offstage. Try to go over your dances AT LEAST once a day, even if it's while you are laying in bed about to fall asleep.

Habit 2: Watch yourself in the mirror. So often dancers feel uncomfortable analyzing every move in the mirror while they are in the studio, but doing just this will allow you to identify what aspects of your dancing that you need to improve. When going across the floor, don't just rush to finish. Watch yourself and work on fixing the issues you see.

Habit 3: ASK QUESTIONS. No one expects you to have all the answers. If you are unsure of the orientation of a hand, a technical placement, or even an entire chunk of choreography ask a teacher or friend to help you out. The more you know the more tenacity you'll have as a dancer.

Habit 4: Don't look down. So often we see dancers absolutely killing it onstage, but then their eyes hit the floor. NO!!! Keep those eyes up, it's a simple way to ooze confidence. Practicing this in the studio quickly turns it into habit onstage and in life.

Habit 5: Support your fellow dancers. Dance tends to be competitive in nature, and this is in no way a bad thing. But to feel confident in your own skills, don't forget to help someone else feel confident in theirs. By offering help or complimenting a fellow dancer (whether you know them or not) you open yourself to a new world that feels fantastic. 

Habit 6: Self- compliment. While it is important to support other dancers, you need to support yourself as well. Allow yourself to be proud of your strengths, and don't be afraid to show them off. You have worked hard for them, no shame in showing it!

#Hashtags for Dancers

Pull out your phones (unless you're already reading this on your phone) and log into social media! We have some of the best hashtags for dancers to spice up your social media and let everyone know how much you love dance. Have fun with these and be creative!
                                         

• #BunHead This is perfect for those selfies (hopefully) before ballet class or with everyone in leotards. Let your bun pride fly.
• #Can'tWalkUpStairs For those days when flexibility and conditioning class was extra rough and you actually think walking up the stairs is impossible. This is coupled with walking like 89 year old man and just barely making it to classes because your walk has evolved into more of a waddle.
• #StageSelfie Use this when you are onstage waiting for awards, or if you are in the wings waiting to go on. It is super cute plus everyone will see how fun being on stage really is.
• #GlitterForever We all know that stuff gets everywhere. Pair this with a picture of your makeup bag or your sparkly eyelids. 
• #NailedIt Show off your best moves, jumps, and poses and add a nailed it. You're allowed to be proud of and show off how awesome you are.
• #WERK As my ballet teacher used to tell us, "WERK girls." Put this with an awesome shot you snap of your teammate onstage or in the studio.
• #DanceIsLove When you're feeling a little extra sentimental about how much dancing really means to you.
• #(Insert dance move)ForDays This could be #LegsforDays, #ToeStandsForDays, or #PirouttesForDays. Whatever you're feeling.

The Scoop on SYTYCD Auditions

So You Think You Can Dance, arguably a dancer’s favorite show on television. We get so excited near the end of May because we know the show will be on again, and we can watch in awe as some of the most phenomenal dancer and choreographers take their work to the stage. But what is it like to audition for the show? We have the inside scoop from a dancer who auditioned in Detroit February 22nd! This season’s audition process was modified from previous seasons because this season the Top 20 will be comprised of 10 street dancers and 10 stage dancers, so here’s the low-down.

Step 1: Stand outside for a long time. In Detroit, it was very cold the morning of auditions. I arrived at 5:30 am for the doors opening at 8 a.m. Almost immediately my toes were frozen, so you probably want to bring foot warmers if it’ll be cold. The local news crews came by to film around 7 a.m. The SYTYCD camera crew showed up around 7:30 a.m. and asked us to do a “Welcome to Detroit” introduction. Then around 8 a.m. Cat Deely, looking stunning in her snow gear, began to interview with a select few dancers. She seemed to have set list of people that she had to talk to. I presume a producer was the one to pick them out of the line.

Step 2: Go inside to register, this may be later than the original time they told you to enter (about 8:45 a.m. for us), but after all that waiting an extra 45 minutes is nothing. Only dancers are allowed in at this point, no family or friends. Make sure you have your personal release ready and your bags open so you don’t hold up the line.

Step 3: Get your audition number. Then they ask you whether you are a stage or street dancer. Stage dancers are further divided into styles. The most popular obviously being contemporary and jazz. Now more waiting. All the dancers have to get registered before auditions begin. So that means that whether you lined up at 5:30 a.m. or 7:59 a.m. you have to be in the theater at the same time. So if you don’t mind waiting longer to audition, you don’t have to line up super early. P.S. No photos are allowed after this point.

Step 4: Listen to Jeff, the producer talk. Jeff is a British man who is a little harsh, but that’s his job. You do not get to see the judges on the first day of auditions. Jeff and two previous SYTYCD contestants will decide your fate. 

Step 5: Some helper monkeys will divide you into groups of ten based on style. You then will get plenty of time to warm up (20 or so minutes).

Step 6: AUDITION!!!! In your group of ten you will get a number 1-10. The edges of the floor in front of Jeff and the two previous contestants has a tape with your number on it. Starting with number 1, you will get at least 15 seconds to improvise to whatever song is chosen for your group. Some dancers get more than this because they want to see more. DO NOT DO THE SAME THING. You are getting more time because they want to see what else you can do.

Step 7: Judgment time. Jeff and the two contestants will likely give critique to the dancers. Then they will decide whether you get to stick around so they can see more improv. Some will get this chance, others will get to go straight through to the judges on the following day. Others, like myself, will be asked to come back next year, and the journey will end.

Step 8: Hopefully you will make it to day 2 of auditions. On this day you will show the judges your solo and they will say Vegas or home!

Remember there is nothing to lose by auditioning. It is tough, some of the very best dancers won’t make it through the first round. This was one of the most fun experiences of my dancing life. If you plan on auditioning show off your personality and your uniqueness! Good luck!

Lessons from Left Shark

Katy Perry gave a fun-filled, high-energy performance at this year's Super Bowl. Everyone has been talking about the seemingly off performance of the Left Shark when she was singing "California Gurls." This week we bring you lessons you can learn from Left Shark.

Even the pros make mistakes. As dancers we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. But guess what? That was a pro dancer in the Left Shark costume. He/she was getting paid for that performance and still made a mistake. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, making mistakes is part of being human.

Fake it 'til you make it. So the choreography didn't match up completely with Right Shark's crisp moves, but Left Shark didn't care. The best thing he/she could do is keep going on. Can you imagine if a shark went running off the stage because it forgot its choreography? The better option was clearly to have fun even though it wasn't exactly right. Remember that if you blank, just keep moving, it's way less obvious.

Dance is fun. No doubt that whoever was in Left Shark was having a ball. Just being on stage is a gift itself, but a Super Bowl stage, now that's the experience of a lifetime. Left Shark undoubtedly was loving dancing for the sake of dancing.

Baby you're a firework! You've heard it a million times, but dance like no one is watching. This is by far the best way to enjoy dance. Ignite your light and let it shine!

Stand Out at Conventions

Dance conventions are one of the greatest ways for dancers to improve their skills and try styles outside of their comfort zone. It is also super rewarding to be called out during class and possibly be nominated for an All-Star group or scholarship. This week we bring tips on how to get the most out of your dance convention and how to get noticed by your choreographers.

Brightly Colored and/or Unique Clothing. Wear clothes that you are comfortable dancing in and that show off your lines nicely. Remember that bright colors are more likely to catch a choreographers eye, and if you can do this, then your dancing will keep their attention on you.

Take Every Class. Some dancers like to skip a class or two that they have never taken, but that doesn't help you grow as a dancer. If you have never taken a tap class, conventions are a great place to try it out. Just slip on your jazz shoes and try to get the jist of the movements. 

Front Is NOT Always Best. If you've been to a dance convention you know how there is always a rush to the front of the stage. All these sweaty dancers pack in next to each other so they can be as close to the choreographer as possible. Then when it's time to dance, they end up kicking and punching each other while performing the movements. Try taking a middle-to-back spot. This less dense area will give you room to perform full out. Trust me, full out dancing is a lot more admirable than giving the girl next to you a bloody nose.

Don't Get Frustrated. Conventions are supposed to be hard. You're going to be trying movements that are unfamiliar and awkward and that is GREAT! Treat conventions as times for expanding your repertoire and improving upon your own style. Have fun, and who knows, you may find that "Funky Jazz" class is something you really like, and you want to do a "Funky Jazz" solo next year.

Ask Questions. Can we go over that part again? Can you have the front half kneel, it's difficult to see the moves back here? What would  you like to see our faces do? Choreographers love getting questions like these because it shows that you are interested in their material and improving yourself.

Flaunt Those Facials

Performance is one thing that can really set dancers apart. If you put two great technicians onstage next to each other and one looks beyond bored while the other one is rocking his/her face, you will obviously remember the one with the rocking facials. We bring you tips on how to utilize your face to make the most impactful performance.

Sassy Jazz Dance. Yes girl, this is where your inner sass gets to show. Channel your inner selfie faces. Puckered lips with raised eyebrows are great. Also don't be afraid to show your teeth in a confident smile. Really use the tilt of your face to sell this style. By angling your chin downward and keeping strength behind your eyes your audience will feel the fierceness inside you.

Light, Airy, Lyrical. In this kind of dance you want to seem happy, but plastering a giant smile on your face for this routine can make you look fake and frankly, pretty darn creepy. Using your breath is essential for this style. Use your exhalations to release the tension in both your face and body. Also try smiling with closed lips for brief intervals. By matching your face with your natural breathing pattern, your performance will come across more genuine.

High Energy Tap (or Jazz) Number. This is another style many just keep one smile on throughout the entirety of the dance. While this is passable, it's way more fun to watch a dancer who changes up his or her smile. Again using your natural breathing pattern, try adding a closed lip smile or a great grin with your mouth open. Keep your chin up and a sparkle in your eyes. That's how to sell a high energy number.

Sad, Heart-wrenching Dance. This is perhaps the hardest performance to naturally sell. A lot of times dancers cannot stop gasping for air like a fish out of water. There are much better ways to express sad feeling than these. Practice your facials in the mirror so you know which sad face looks best on you. Once you find it, do no overuse it! The best way to pull off this performance is to keep your eyes and eyebrows not strained looking. You also should keep your breathing in your chest. This will help accentuate your passion without looking like fish.

Soothe Your Sore Muscles

"OW!" "Everything hurts." "I can barely walk!" That's how you know you had a good practice! It's that time of year when you have to start kicking it into high gear. Every practice has to be to the maximum so you can edge out your competition. While not being able to walk is a trophy you can show off, there are things you can do to ease your discomfort and keep your body healthy.

                                                 

The hot vs cold debate. Many people do not know whether to ice or heat their soreness, so here's what is actually happening. Icing your sore muscles will provide temporary relief. It desensitizes the neurons so you have less pain signals alerting your brain and reduces inflammation. On the other hand, heat will help bring blood to the muscle. The more blood that reaches your muscles the faster healing is promoted.

Stretch it out. Try some light stretches to your sore areas. Do not pop into the splits or anything drastic, just give it a little pressure to help increase that blood flow.

Massage your muscles. Using a rolling pin, tennis ball, or foam roller massage work out your sore muscles. Use smooth back and forth motions to work out knots that may have developed.

Pack in the protein and water Sore muscles need protein and to rebuild. Eat lean protein like poultry, nuts, and fish to treat your muscles. It never hurts to drink water. Try drinking an extra glass or two after a hard day of practice. This will speed up recovery.

Ease back in. Before your next practice take 15 minutes to get your sore muscles warm and stretched. This will prepare them for an entire class and prevent further injury.

Inspiration for Incredible Improv

Improvisation is an integral part of being a dancer. It undoubtedly one of the hardest tasks as a dancer, but it is also extremely rewarding. We have some great tips to help you improve your improv and find inspiration to dance.

                                             

• Find Your Style. Whenever you get a chance to improv, it is your time to try out different styles of dance. Find movements that you feel comfortable and confident in. Also try varying the tempo of your movements to make your dancing less monotone and more interesting.
• Challenge Your Body. See how you feel about different movements try isolating parts of your body that you normally do not focus on. Try concentrating on finger movement, pelvis placement, and rib cage isolation instead of your flexible legs. 
• Limit Tricks. Improv is much more meaningful when you are not focusing on how many pirouettes you can whip out or how high you can kick your leg. It is about finding what unique moves and details look and feel good to your body. You can work your flexibility and technique constantly in class so use improv opportunities to find yourself.
• Work Different Levels. If you don't know how to start your improv, start on the floor spend time playing with movements to get you standing and even jumping. Spend time in all levels especially lunges to create interesting movement.
• Listen to the Music. Use the music as your guide. Even if you aren't familiar with the song, let it provide you with inspiration for movement. You won't necessarily match up exactly to counts, but that is not as important as finding your comfort zone where your body takes over and your mind is set free.
• Embrace the Awkward. There is no such thing as a wrong movement when doing improv. If something feels or looks awkward stay in the moment and make it feel right. Working through these spots is what makes a great improvist.
• DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING. This is the most important thing to remember when doing improv. It doesn't matter what others think of your movements, good or bad. Improv is for you and no one else. Embrace these opportunities and have fun with it!