Improve your Improvisation!

5 Tools To Try To Improve Your Improvisation:

1. Start with a structure. In an improv class, you’re likely to be assigned a topic to explore, such as weight, space, a particular movement quality (fluid or airy) or even an emotion. To practice, go into the studio and give yourself such an assignment. You can use music or create your dance in silence. Move with your structure in mind, and if you find yourself drifting away from your original idea, return to it.


2. Watch improv. Your teachers may divide you into groups and have you watch each other improvise. Observing someone else’s practice will help you gain a keener eye for the things that make an improv interesting. You may also pick up new ways of moving by watching others. Take turns improvising with a group of friends, maybe even videotaping your movement. Watch each other or the tape and make notes about what worked and what didn’t, and have friends give you constructive feedback.


3. Push for contrast in your tempo, levels and other aspects of the movement you create. Teachers and choreographers will give you notes as you move, but be aware of your tendencies when you’re practicing on your own. Developing contrast—and trying things that are new or unfamiliar to you—will make your dancing stronger and your choreography more engaging.


4. Stay in the moment and the movement. If you’re given a set amount of time to improvise in class, stay focused the whole time. “Don’t judge or self-edit as you go through these explorations,” says Divelbliss. Give the unexpected room to emerge by allowing each movement to evolve from the one before and lead naturally into the one that follows. Shadowing and mirroring can be a great way to create movement when working with a partner or a group, but don’t spend time copying your neighbors—even if it’s embarrassing at first, you’ll learn more from taking risks on your own.


5. Layer an improvisation by creating your own experience, even if you’re working on an assigned structure that a teacher or fellow dancer has given you. For instance, if the assignment is to work on timing and direction in space, but you know you have a problem transitioning through level changes, try exploring different levels as you work.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: 

http://www.dancespirit.com/improve_your_improv-2326036538.html

No Dance Classes on Monday, February 19th!

Hello Parents and Dancers, 

We will NOT be having dance classes this Monday, February 19th due to President's Day.

Sincerely,

Bryn Mawr Dance Instructors

Professional Day on Friday, February 16th!

Hello Parents and Dancers, 

We will not be having dance classes this Friday, February 16th due to Professional Day. Enjoy your long weekend!

Sincerely,

Bryn Mawr Dance Instructors 

10 Tips For Improving Your Dance Versatility

10 TIPS FOR IMPROVING DANCE VERSATILITY 

Gaby Diaz's from Dance Spirit Magazine lists her TOP ten tips for improving dance versatility. Read more below!

Have an Open Mind

Don't be a slave to dance trends. Be willing to give anything a try. "The styles you see on Instagram might be what you think of as popular, but there are a ton of great styles and great teachers out there, so keep an open mind," Diaz says.

Take a Lot of Classes

This one's a no-brainer: If you want to become a versatile dancer, you have to "take as many classes in as many different styles as you can," Diaz says.

Find Your Own Groove

"Be true to yourself in every class you're in," Diaz says. "I was always really self-conscious in ballet classes because I didn't necessarily look like the ballerina type. As soon as I just accepted who I was in that class, I found it to be a lot more enjoyable."

Don't Compare Yourself to Others

When you're working in an unfamiliar style, others in your class will probably be more advanced than you are—but don't let that bring you down! ""Be inspired by the people around you, instead of tearing yourself apart thinking you aren't what they are," Diaz says.

Find a New Spot in the Room

"I used to be obsessive about my spot at the ballet barre, and I kind of found that I was reliving the same ballet class over and over again when I stood there," Diaz says. "Find a new spot in the room! It might bring a new energy to your dancing."

Research Dance

Instead of spending hours watching your favorite contemporary dancers on Instagram, research styles that are new to you. "I can have a love-hate relationship with the internet, but it's definitely a great tool to be able to explore a lot of different types of dance," Diaz says.

Find Multiple Role Models

It's important not only to have a versatile role model like Diaz, but also to find role models in each style of dance. "I like to play the 'Who Was Their Teacher?' game," Diaz says. "If I meet a dancer I really love, I ask who their teacher was, and then I research their teacher, and follow the chain."

Give Every Class Your All

Don't ever give less than 100 percent—especially in classes that aren't your strong suit. "It's one thing to physically show up to class, but throw yourself into it just as you would with a style you know and are comfortable with," Diaz says.

Don't Get Frustrated

"You don't have to have everything perfect in your first class," Diaz says. "The point of class is to be able to learn over a period of time. Be OK with feeling uncomfortable, because that's how you grow."

Just Have Fun

No matter how challenging learning multiple styles can be, remember to have a good time. "Always do it for the love of it," Diaz says. "Just have fun!"

Click below to read the complete article:

http://www.dancespirit.com/gaby-diaz-dance-versatility-2524281040.html