10 Habits of Highly Effective Dancers Series (#2)

In this series I am discussing some of the behaviors that great students of dance exhibit. My hope is that somewhere in these articles you will find something that is useful and helpful to you in your development as a dancer.

Habit #2: Highly Effective Dancers Seek Resources Outside of Class!

It seems that attending regular dance classes lulls many students into a false sense of security. Every week you can find yourself coming to class, trying to grasp what the instructor has prepared without ever realizing that learning should continue away from the classroom as well.

Again, highly effective dancers seek out additional dance resources and information!

They do this because they are truly hungry to learn more about dance. A one hour tap class does not nothing to satisfy their appetite. These students are always on the look out for additional workshops in their area, video clips, or maybe even books about dance. Often, these dancers do not have to be motivated to do these things as their own curiosity compels them.

Have you ever been in a dance class and heard a teacher mention a master tap dancer or a piece of choreography that you had never heard of before?

What did you do about it?

Did you ignore it?

Were you curious enough to go and find out more about it or did you just write it off as unimportant?

Thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to do research and find footage of master dancers for further study. Through the Internet I have gotten to observe and study many master dancers including Jimmy Slyde, Gregory Hines, & Baby Laurence. While this type of study can never compare with actually knowing these great dancers, it is still absolutely necessary.

By doing this you can go from being a talented dancer to being a knowledgeable one. You can develop a deeper understanding of how the Masters expressed themselves through dance and be inspired to do the same.

Instead of just coming to class hoping to receive, you will begin to come with something to offer.

The more you give, the more you receive! This is as true in dance class as it is in life. But the only way you will be able to give anything to others is if you go out and get it for yourself!

Here is a clip to get you started, it features Gregory Hines, Brenda Bufalino, & The American Tap Dance Orchestra.

Watch it every day for a week and see if it doesn’t change you! If you would like to add something to this “Habit” please do so in the comments sections below!