Four Daily Habits for Dance and Theater Students that you can Start doing TODAY!
When you are learning a physically involved art form, like dance or theater, time spent in the studio is precious and necessary for obtaining feedback and coaching in real time. It is an opportunity to learn alongside fellow students and engage in an art form that builds connection and community. Contrary to what many believe, time spent OUTSIDE of the studio can be just as important!
But I don’t have a fancy dance studio setup at home…
Not necessary! Here are four out of studio habits that you can pick up and use EVERY DAY that will improve your skill in dance or theater:
Active Listening- you may have read our article about The Benefits of Active Listening for our music students. Believe it or not, active listening can be utilized by dance and theater students as well. Play your dance recital music and go through the choreography in your head. Play the backing track of your musical number and sing in your head. This will help you better grasp rhythmic cues and build musicality!
Visualization- This technique can be used in tandem with active listening, or maybe when you find your mind wandering during the next school assembly you visualize your choreography or stage blocking. You will be surprised how naturally you pick up where you left off in rehearsal just by spending your time outside the studio imagining yourself doing your thing!
Watch a Video of your Art Form- sometimes the best way to improve in something is by watching performers who have mastered their artistry. Not only is this super inspiring, but it also opens up your perspective to new possibilities! If you watch a different two minute video every day, you will expose yourself to SO much. You will learn to form opinions and refine your ability to observe and critique.
A Toe Touch a Day Keeps the Injuries Away!- Dance and theater are both physical art forms that utilize the body as an instrument. Just as you would care for your violin or guitar, you must care for your body! Spend 5 minutes before bed every night stretching and you will not only create a routine centered around self care and injury prevention but you will also become more flexible and be able to kick that leg a little bit higher! ;)
How are you engaging with your art form outside of the studio? What daily habits can you add to your agenda in order to grow toward improvement?
