While dance studios in Port Orange want to teach excellent technique, teaching dancers to perform is just as important to developing well-rounded students! But can performance quality actually be taught?
At The Legacy Dance Studio, dance teachers strive to instill the skill of performing in students by encouraging practicing away from the mirror, being a good storyteller, and staying consistent.
If dancers commit to these practice habits, their performance quality will develop in no time!
When it comes to a long dance competition weekend, it can feel like you’re packing for a month away from home instead of a few days! As we enter competition season, it’s a good idea to have a checklist of your must-have items when you prepare for these events.
Port Orange dancers may not have to travel far to attend competition, but by having everything you need packed and ready, your comp weekend will go much smoother!
Local Port Orange Dance Studios, like The Legacy Dance Studio get wonderful training in all styles of dance. But for the dancer who wants more, dance conventions are a worthwhile investment in addition to studio training.
Dance conventions travel the country annually to share the love of dance with dancers of all ages and levels. If you’ve never considered taking your dancer to a convention, here are a few things you should know!
Dance conventions have been around for decades and were created as educational experiences primarily for instructors. Nowadays, dance conventions are for everyone who loves to dance!
A dance convention includes either one day or a full weekend of dance classes in different styles of dance. Sometimes, a convention will specialize in one specific style, like hip hop, and the classes will focus on the different aspects of the style.
Dance conventions also offer seminars on other related subjects, like audition advice, parent classes, and mental health and wellness for dancers.
Another perk of dance conventions is the opportunity to win scholarships or awards. Many dance conventions give away scholarships to future events or even college scholarships to dancers who demonstrate exceptional abilities in class.
Check the convention’s website for more information on what is included in the price of admission – many times it’s more than just classes!
At The Legacy Dance Studio in Port Orange, owner and director Shannon Thomas strives to promote a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and integrity through dance education. Dancers and families at The Legacy Dance Studio can expect to be welcomed with open arms from the very first dance class to the final bow.
Our positive dance studio culture embraces four core values that our staff follows in each interaction with students and dance families – Positivity, Leadership, Integrity, and Education.
But we can’t do it alone! Dance parents, guardians, and students all have a role to play in creating a positive dance studio culture so that everyone involved has a great experience.
Dancers spend many hours in class and rehearsals getting ready for a performance, they often overlook a very important detail on show day: a healthy food plan. Just as you would do a pre-show warm up to prepare your muscles to dance, you also need to do planned snacks and meals to ensure you have enough fuel to make it through the performance. The last thing you want to be worried about on stage is feeling hungry, bloated or over caffeinated. You can check out some of our healthy eating tips below to guarantee you have your best performance on stage.Continue reading
When 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. 😉
Stage 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
Dance Competitions are a great way to get on stage and help develop your dancers performance qualities.
If you are new to dance competitions, it may be a nerve racking experience at first, but here are some tips, tricks and resources to help you get through this long, difficult but very rewarding weekend.