For beginner dancers, learning new choreography, whether in class or rehearsals, can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that learning choreography is a skill, and even professional dancers face challenges when picking up new material. With that in mind, focusing on their current abilities and helping them work efficiently is key. Below are some strategies that have proven helpful for my dancers in both class and rehearsal settings, and they’ve also boosted retention as they progress throughout the year. Good luck!
See you in the studio,
Jess
Break It Down: Young dancers’ brains are still developing, and their capacity to absorb information varies. To boost retention, try to avoid overwhelming them with too much material at once. Instead of giving them long stretches of choreography, break it into smaller, manageable segments. For example, instead of teaching them 8 counts of 8, start with 3 or 4 counts, allow them to fully master that before moving on, then add another 3 or 4 counts. Once each section is learned, link them together, and watch as they start to pick up the material faster and remember it more easily.
The Power of Repetition: Repetition is essential for mastery. While "drilling" choreography should always be paired with explanation and breakdown, repeating a phrase several times helps dancers build muscle memory and reinforces the movements in their minds. This repetition leads to better retention in the long run.
Engage All Senses: Different dancers absorb information in different ways. Some learn best by watching, some by listening, and most by physically doing the movements. Why not offer them all three? Let them see the choreography, whether through your demonstration or by splitting the class into groups to observe and perform. Let them hear the counts or verbal cues, and most importantly, let them feel the movements themselves. This approach provides multiple ways for them to connect with the material, making it easier to learn and retain.
Encourage Independent Practice: After learning the material, allow dancers a few minutes to independently walk through the choreography. This self-assessment helps them identify any areas where they might be blanking or forgetting parts of the movement. It also fosters accountability, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and reinforcing their knowledge of the choreography.
Challenge the Mirror: While the mirror is a great tool for learning choreography, dancers can become too reliant on it, hindering their full understanding of the movements. Once they have a good grasp of the material, encourage them to step away from the mirror. For added challenge, have them perform the choreography facing different directions, ensuring they are confident in the movements from every angle.
Good luck!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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