|
|
|
||||||||
Visit Tips for Soloists
VisitTips for Competitions
VisitTips for Try-Outs
Practice the basics. (These are being explained from a beginner standpoint.), which you should have learned at tryouts -or already knew how to do. If you didn't master them then, take the time to do it now before the school year starts.
1. For CAMP -
A. Be sure to stay well rested. It will help you stay alert to learn dances.
B. Bring shoes that have already been broken in! I can't stress this enough!
C. Unless your director assigns roommates, pick someone you get along with. Camp can be tough, and people tend to get grumpy. A friend will forgive you quicker!
D. Very important tip - Water. Bring plenty or bring a bottle that you can refill. Dehydration is very serious.
E. Bring along a pain reliever and BenGay, or some other type of muscle cream. Yes, you will get sore!
F. Take only the classes that fall within your limits. If you take a more difficult class, you may only become frustrated.
2. Splits - both left and right. Remember to sit up straight and point your toes! Try not to roll over on to your hip. If you can't do the splits without rolling, keep stretching. It won't take long before you have beautiful splits!
3. Toe-touches - (for some dance teams) I'm sure you've seen cheerleaders do these... Get the height in your jump, sit into the jump, point your toes, keep your legs straight, and your head up.
4. Three step turns - They are exactly what they say. You turn taking three steps (left-right-left or right-left-right). Open your arms to second position when you step out to the side (the first step), close your arms while you turn to the front, stepping with the opposite foot (imagine you're holding a big beach ball in front of your chest - the second step) and open your arms again to second position on the last step. To close, bring your feet together, and lower your arms to your side.
5. Chasse' - (it is also called a "shuffle") You've done this when you were little, you just never knew what they were called! These are simple; when you are in the air, let your feet lightly touch, like a "kiss".
6. Ball-changes (one of several names) - these are quick steps using a half count (ex: instead of 1-2-3-4 it is 1-and-2-and-3-and-4). Your foot never fully touches the ground, only the ball of your foot. I'll try not to get technical here: Stand with your feet slightly separated, bring your right foot behind your left, step your left foot out to the left side (you are now in a releve' second position) and now step your right foot to the front/right side. Your done! Now try it on the other side.
7. High-kicks - The number one rule is that technique should always come before height. Judges will deduct more points for high kicks with poor technique then they will for lower kicks with great technique. Whether you are doing jump kicks or step kicks, the technique is the same; keep your back straight, shoulders back, and do not hunch. Prep with your feet together, your support foot should stay as flat as possible. Keep your legs straight and point your toes. Aim for your nose (i.e. center of the body), and remember to keep your chin up.
8. Walking - I know this sounds silly, but it is important. Dance teams walk toe-heel during performances and parades. If you are not used to this, practice. It does give a prettier look than heel-toe. (Just look at the school band!)
9. Smile - You should be having fun! Show it! Even if you've had the worst day possible, smile. Facial expressions can mean the difference between a good performer and a great performer. Believe it or not, this does take practice. Smiles can look fake; don't you have a yearbook picture that way? I know I do! ;)
10. Teammates - You spend a lot of time together. Everyone has good days and bad days, take that into consideration before getting angry at each other. If there is a serious problem, discuss it with the other person or go to your director.