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.