10 Tips for a Flawless Appearance at Competition

Competitive Dance Studio

Port Orange Dance StudioWhen it comes to competitive dance, there is a lot of aspects that are NOT in your control. But one thing you can do is make sure your appearance at competition is perfect. A finished look that is consistent with your group will not only make you look great on stage, but it will give your group a uniform look that exudes professionalism. The last thing you want to do is to distract the audience from your amazing dancing. Head pieces that fall out or inconstancy in their appearance can lower the overall value of your presentation. The judges won’t notice your beautiful stretched foot if your costume is falling down or your hair is messy and out of place.

1. Costume Fit: It is important that the costume fits properly. If a dancer is uncomfortable in their costume, it shows on stage. They should not be pulling tugging or adjusting the costume in any way. It should be comfortable and fit them well to ensure it presents well on stage and is not distracting to the dancer or the audience.

2. Costume Style: When selecting a costume for a routine, it is important to take every dancer in to account. Choosing styles that are flattering and appealing to your students, parents and audience members will help to sell your routine. Each member of the ensemble should feel confident and great in their costume.

3. Costumes that are Age Appropriate: Dancers should wear costumes that cover their body in a way that is appropriate for young children. Two piece costumes, bra tops and bare legs are not appropriate costuming. Dancers should aspire to be seen as classy. Covering their legs with tights not only finishes the look on stage, but protects them and keeps their muscles warm while dancing and performing.

4. Noticeable Undergarments: Showing any type of undergarments is not becoming on stage. Being sure to tuck nude leotards or any straps out of view. Wearing appropriate undergarments when needed is important as well to ensure there are no costume malfunctions.

5. Messy Hair: It is important that dancers use plenty of gel to smooth hair before going on stage. Loose hairs create a halo in the stage lights and it looks sloppy. Use plenty of bobby pins in your bun to ensure it doesn’t fall out. If your required to wear a ponytail, make sure you either straighten the ends or curl the ends. Otherwise, your hair can look unfinished. Whatever the hair style required, make sure it is neat and polished.

6. Tights with Runs or Holes: Tights that are worn out and have holes and runs DO NOT look good on stage. The judges are usually right at your feet staring at your bottom half. You want them to see a fresh pair of tights that match your shoes. You should always have class tights and performance tights separate. Always keep extra tights with you, you never know when you could get a run or a snag.

7. Accessories that are NOT Secured Properly: Whether it is a part of your costume or a hair piece, ensuring everything is properly secure is key to avoid unnecessary distractions. Jewelry should not be worn when dancing unless it is part of a unique costume request from your choreographer.

8. Nail Polish and Care: Nails should be natural (no polish) and trimmed. Having long nails can be hazardous to the people around you since you are in such close proximity when dancing. Not to mention partner work and tumbling aspects to consider.

9. Dirty or Mismatched Shoes: Shoes should all be the same shape, color, style and over all look. Brands can differentiate. Shoes should be kept clean for class and performance. Dance shoe care is very important to help make them last and for sanitary reasons as well.

10. One Shoe Look: This is NOT OK! It is an unflattering trend on even the most amazing dancers. You would never see anyone on Broadway with one shoe? So please, wear them both or don’t wear any. 😉

 

You Win Some, You Lose Some: Maintaining a Positive Attitude as a Competitive Dancer

Daytona Hip Hop Dance Classes

Port Orange dance“I’m not in competition with anybody but myself. My goal is to beat my last performance” Celine Dion

Competitive Dance is a wonderful experience, but just like traditional sports it can bring along some tough life lessons for young kids involved. Like with any competitive activity or sport, you win some – you lose some and keeping a positive mind set can be difficult at times of defeat or embarrassment. A good teacher instills core values into their students that help them understand how to have a positive competitive experience. Competition can be a fun and rewarding experience, not only focusing on their development as athletes and dancers, but their psychological and social development as well.Continue reading

Get the Most Wear Out of Your Dance Shoes

Shannon Thomas Choreographer

Ballet Classes In Port OrangeAs we know, dance shoes can be expensive. In order to get the most wear out of them, it is important you take care of them. Each pair of shoes in unique and it is important they receive the proper care to provide maximum support, protection and performance. Below I will explain how to repair, wear and clean your dance shoes the correct way to ensure they last you as long as possible.Continue reading

The Legacy Dance Studio Port Orange Grand Opening and Registration Event

Dance Studio in Port Orange

Please join us for our Grand Opening and Registration Event, August 5th from 4:00-8:00pm at Spruce Creek High School.

Be Sure to RSVP By August 1st To Receive 50% OFF Registration Fee at the Event! https://thelegacydancestudio.com/contact-us/

At our event you can meet Miss Shannon, register for classes, get class recommendations, ask questions and see what The Legacy Dance Studio is all about. There will also be giveaways and refreshments.

Enroll your child before August 5th, and bring a friend to registration to get a $20.00 referral credit on your next months tuition after they pay for at least 1 month tuition and registration! Your Friend will get 50% OFF registration too!

Classes begin August 31st and continue through May for dancers ages 3-18.

We will be holding auditions for our Competitive Performing Arts Company, The Legacy Stars on August 8th from 10:00am-12:00pm. This is a pre professional company for dancers ages 8 and up who are interested in additional performance and competition opportunities.

Sign up for Stars Auditions today and save on the audition fee, ONLY $10- After August 5th the fee is $15! Please see The Legacy Stars page on our website for more information or contact us today for your audition packet and to reserve your spot.

*Dancers must bring complete audition packet with them on the day of the audition.

Click Here to Register Your Student for Classes Online

Port Orange Jazz Dance Studio
Daytona Hip Hop Dance Classes

5 Things to Expect in Your Child’s First Dance Class

Ballet Classes In Port Orange

Ballet Classes In Port OrangeYour child’s first dance class can be a magical experience for both the student and parent. But, from the very first class, you can expect your child to learn social and class room skills that will not only help them excel in dance class, but in other classroom situations as well.

Here is a list of 5 things you can expect your dancer to learn in his or her first dance class.

  1. How to Sit and Stand Like a Dancer: Your dancer will learn to sit like a dancer in a cris cross position.They will also learn how to stand like a dancer with one foot at a time. This is a very important exercise for them, since they are learning to move from a high level to a low level and vice versa. This will help develop coordination and balance as they develop, minimizing risk of injury as they progress to harder movements as they age.
  2. How to Raise their hand: This will help them become more accustomed to waiting for the teacher to call on them. Many kids have a hard time waiting on their turn to be called. Reiterating this in dance class is a great way to create good classroom habits for the future.
  3. How to Take Turns: Taking turns is an important action for young kids. They are working on sharing and being courteous to others in their everyday life. Sharing their space and the dance floor is a lesson that will continue with them as they grow. Spacial awareness while dancing has to be nurtured and groomed from the beginning.
  4. How to Stand on their Spot: Standing still in one spot is a difficult task for any young child. They have energy bursting out of the seems! Starting as young as 3, they are introduced to standing on their spots. This is their special dance space and it’s to be treated with care.
  5. How to Line up for Pick Up and Drop Off: Waiting in a nice line outside of the dance room will keep the dancers organized before and after classes. It is of the utmost importance that dancers are lined up waiting for their parents to come get them in order to make sure they are picked up by the appropriate person. Having a calm and orderly pick and drop off procedure will make for a smoother, safer process.

 

What’s in Your Dance Bag?

Dance Studio Ballet Port Orange

Dance Studio Ballet Port OrangeEvery dancer has their go to items they keep in their dance bag. With hectic school schedules, crazy dance class and rehearsal schedules, being prepared is the best way to set yourself up for success. Items in a dance bag can range from shoes to bobby pins to band-aids. Below is a brief list of the common things you find in any dancers bag at anytime.
Continue reading

Creating Entertaining and Age Appropriate Choreography

Port Orange Dance Classes

Port Orange Dance ClassesWhen it comes to teaching young people the wonderful art of dance, there are many aspects to consider when creating choreography tailored for their specific age groups. Too many times we see young people on stage dancing in inappropriate ways, in inappropriate costumes to inappropriate songs about adult topics. This can not only make the audience uncomfortable, but can be detrimental to their development as a performer, if we introduce these topics too soon in performances.Continue reading

Building Dancers Through Self Motivation

port orange hip hop classes

port orange hip hop classes“The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.”

– Anatole France

Due the physical and mental demands it takes to achieve a high level of dance, it is important that young bodies and minds are nurtured with clear expectations and positive encouragement through the emotional up and downs of an art form such as dance. From the teacher’s perspective, we see the immeasurable potential in students and have no other mission but to awaken the mind and set it free through the education and expression of dance. Students often are distracted by the rigors or physicality of dance. Creating a motivated class room based in positive reinforcement and expression, will not only create a positive environment, it will create an environment conducive to learning and trying.Continue reading

Overcoming Stage Fright

Port Orange Hip Hop Dance ClassesStage Fright can be a terrifying experience for any performer. Regardless of age or experience performance anxiety, or stage fright can effect up to 50 percent of performing artists. Whether it’s caused from a previous injury, past bad experience or the overwhelming pressure performers can feel at an important performance; it can hit you anytime, even mid career.

Some of these symptoms include sweaty or cold hands, increased breathing rate, rapid heart beat, trembling, dry mouth, throat and inability to focus.Continue reading