Whether you are training for a dance competition, want to learn how to salsa dance, or your wedding is just a few months away, you should practice dancing both with and without a partner for optimal results.
Join our talented dance instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham as they share 8 fun ways to practice dancing without a partner so you can dance anywhere, anytime.
8 Ways to Practice Dancing Without A Dance Partner
The following tips are useful for improving your dancing without a partner.
1. Use a Mirror
When you are dancing on your own, try practicing in front of a mirror. Look at the lines of your body while dancing. Does what you see make sense?
2. Record Yourself
Take your dance analysis skills to a different level and record yourself.
Whether it is football, basketball, or even gymnastics, many coaches use the power of video to analyze their team’s performance.
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- Watch the entire video from beginning to end.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself
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When you first start out your solo dances, it will be fun to watch and quite humorous.
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- You may need to watch your dance routine several times
- Identify the steps in the dance that don’t appear right.
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Maybe you went too fast, too slow, or zigged when you should have zagged.
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- Identify the areas that need improving and write it down.
- How long did your list of improvements get?
- What are your biggest weaknesses?
- Take one of those weaknesses and focus on that skill till you feel it is right
- Repeat filming and analyzing yourself
- With enough time and practice, your list of improvements will turn into a list of strengths
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3. Study The Music
Music brings out your true personality while dancing. The right music brings excitement, joy, and passion to dancing. Take the time to truly understand the song you are dancing to. Every song has elements that make it unique. By knowing more about the music and the song’s structure you’ll be able to which parts of the song should be danced in a specific way.
4. Watch Other People Dance
Watching other people dance is another great way to improve your dancing skills. When you are out for a night dancing, do you see anyone who seems to know what they are doing? Pay attention to their technical skills. Watch how they move their bodies, how they connect with their dance partner, and how their flow of steps moves to the music.
If you don’t feel comfortable stalking other dancers and taking notes on their dance moves, go online. There are many resources such as YouTube and blogs where you can watch videos of other people dancing.
5. Move Your Body
How you move your feet is important while dancing but did you know how you move your body is just as important? There are arm movements, hip shakes, head positioning, and much more. Over time, the body movements will appear more natural and less forced.
6. Get Stepping
Though considered to be one of the hardest parts of learning to dance. Footwork can be very fun. Start with baby steps. Move side to side, back, forward. Feel the music, Be the music.
7. Commit to Memory
This is very important if you are going to have an audience such as your wedding or DanceSport competition. Memorize your dance moves. Take each part of the dance step by step and turn by turn. If you forget a step, don’t worry, just take a breath and do it all over again. Keep practicing till you have your dance completely memorized.
8. Shadow Dance
Much like a boxer uses shadow boxing to help train for a fight, a dancer should shadow dance to train for dancing. It might feel silly at first but it is a great way to improve your technical dance skills. While you are shadow dancing, take notice of your footwork, lead or follow techniques, body movements, and even your posture. Visualize your dance partner with you, feel the music, and dance.
Do You Want To Know More Tips on How To Be a Better Dancer?
If you’re interested in improving your dance moves, our Durham dance studio is the perfect place to start. We foster a welcoming atmosphere with experienced instructors who can tailor your lessons to fit your skill level. Whether you’re interested in individual dance lessons or dance lessons with a partner, we can help! Plus, new students get their first 2 lessons for $60-80. There’s never been a better time to start dancing. To get started, call us at 919-489-4313 or fill out the form below.