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Dancer Milestones Every Dancer Should Hit

05/16/2018
dancer milestones

No matter what style of dance you do, there are some skills you must master. From learning how to keep time to the music or how to do the perfect straddle split, here are some dancer milestones every dancer hits in their career.

#1 Choosing a dance style

First and foremost, dancers must choose a style for them. There are many different styles of dance, and it really comes down to preference.

So if you aren't currently taking lessons, simply ask yourself: What style of dance interests me the most? What could I see myself doing on stage?

Having something in mind that you'd like to explore is the best place to start.

If you have physical limitations, you may want to look further into each style and see what you're physically capable of handling. Some styles require more explosive moves, where other styles are more flowing and easier on your body.

Consider styles like ballet, kick, jazz, tap, hip hop or lyrical.

#2 Finding a dance school

dancer milestones

Finding a good dance school is often like finding a good pair of shoes. Any school can teach you to dance, but you want to find one that is the right fit for you -- one you are comfortable with.

Look for schools in your local area and see if you can sit in on a class, or even try it for free. Just For Kix does offer dance classes, and may have some in your local area. Go here to see what's available: dance classes. Our classes are for everyone! The are designed to focus on proven technique and teamwork, yet still be affordable.

#3 Keeping the beat

The skill of understanding and keeping to the beat of the music is one that all dancers must master. No matter the dance style, being able to keep time with the music makes dancing solo, with a partner or with a group go flawlessly.

The beat is the time to a piece of music. The sequence of beats is what makes up the rhythm of the song. Beats are usually counted from 1-8, with each beat ranging from softer or louder for emphasis. The best way to understand the beat of music is to just listen to a lot of different kind of music and to just practice your dancing.

#4 Learning timing

Timing is an important part of every style of dance. It will allow you get into the feeling and movement of the dance, without focusing on the beat of the music. This is a skill that takes time to master; and requires you understand the beat of the music and your style of dance a bit more.

#5 Doing the splits

dancer milestones

The split is a move that is the epitome of flexibility and can enhance any style of dance. Whether you want to master a front split or a straddle split, it's going to take time and practice.

The best way to work up to a full split is by stretching. Here are some stretches that can help increase your flexibility and get you to a full split:

  • V-stretch or straddle stretch
  • Touching your toes from a seated position
  • Butterfly stretch
  • Lunge stretch

You can also use these videos to help you:

Even if you're not doing a dance style that often requires a full split, being flexible enough to accomplish one can help you with other dance moves likes an open second leap and a calypso leap.

These dancer milestones are things every dancer must hit. But it doesn't have to take a long time to get there. Once you've picked your style of dance and found a school, here are some tips to help you understand the beat, master your timing and perfect your split.

  • Practice. Like with anything else, practice makes perfect. When you repeatedly do something, your mind and your body will remember them, making it easier and easier for you.
  • Stretch. Stretching will help you get to a full split, but it will also help you with your dancing in general.     
  • Watch dance videos. Watch videos of dance steps and choreographed routines to help you understand the moves and the timing. Check out our YouTube channel for videos of both.
  • Take care of yourself. Sleeping and eating right will help fuel your body to work at optimum performance. Eat clean foods and drink plenty of water to get the best nutrition and energy. Get enough sleep each night so you can rest and repair your body for your next practice.

In every dancer's journey, there are some dancer milestones she will hit. And it starts from the very beginning, by picking the style of dance she most wants to master. From there, understand how to keep to the beat of the music, mastering her dance timing and practicing flexibility to do a full split are key skills that every dancer needs to master.