Dancing advice from all types of dancers?

Question

i just turned 14, and ever since i was like 7 i wanted to try dance, but i never asked to join. i found a few studios, so i have a few questions.

1. what is the best style in your opinion? i have always been interested in contemporary and ballet mostly, but every style catches my attention. please also include how flexible you have to be, because i have been working on that.

2. what are some beginning moves of that style? just so i can see what i am going to learn and be prepared.

3. does age really matter? should i have tried to start younger?

4. what sort of clothing should i buy for my class?

thank you so much. i have wanted to dance my whole life.(=

Answer 1

I have been dancing since I was three years old, and I love it! I did ballet till I was 14. When I was 13 I convinced one of my girlfriends to try it, and my other girlfriend started jazz when she was 16. It's never to late. Find a studio and take a beginning class.

I think you should definitely take some ballet. Ballet gives you great technique. The positions in ballet are very exact, so you learn how to think about every part of your body at once.

Jazz is really fun. It's like ballet but less rigid & less strict.

You should definitely take some ethnic dance classes - belly dancing, african dance, anything you can find. A lot of these classes have a lot more hip movement, and is really fun.

Where some tight clothes that let you breathe. You want to be able to see how your body looks so you know if you are making the position right. Stay away from all cotton because that can make you sweat more.

Stand near the front, near the teacher. That way no one is blocking your  view. You also get to see yourself in the mirror better, so you know if you are doing everything correct. I used to be to shy to stand in the front, so I would always stand in the back. When I started to stand in front, I started getting better a lot faster because I could correct myself in the mirror.

The great thing about dance is that everyone is focused on themselves, they're making sure they're  doing the positions correctly. This means no one is watching you, judging you, or caring how you look. You can really let go. In a dance class you can forget about all your other problems, because you're so focused on what you're doing, you don't have time to think about other things. Plus it releases endorphins, which make you happy.

Don't wait any longer! Go to studios and try all different dance classes. A lot of studios have specials when you first sign up. Try to get a week of unlimited classes and try as many classes as possible! This way you can find what classes you really like.

Dance is also an excellent way to work. All dancers I know have great bodies!

If money is ever an issue, I know girls who would help out around the studio by cleaning or what not in exchange for free classes.

Dancing also really builds your confidence a lot.

I'm so excited for you! Have fun. . . : )

Answer 2

I've been doing ballet and jazz since i was 3 and when i was 9 i started modern and hip-hop along with ballroom and character. I would recommend that you try an easy class of ballet and if it's easy and your technique is good, ask if you can try another level. If you're not interested in ballet or modern though, try jazz, it's very, VERY fun. You're clothing should probably be a black(? idk thats my uniform) leotard with pink tights and biker shorts,  along with some bobby pins and clips for your hair because it can get very annoying. I don't think that age matters,  as long as you're willing to work for it. Personally While i'me standing i can pull my leg up and touch my nose to my knee, but i'm just wierdly flexible =D. Personally for me it's a tie between modern and jazz in my opinoin, grahm technique for modern is fun. Back to the flexabilty i can also do the splits on both sides. A few begging moves for every style is the plie, it's just bending your knees out in each position. Another is the tendue drawing your leg out in front back or side while pointing and then drawing it back into position. Have a good time if you do start class, have fun too =))).

Answer 3

1. I beleive ballet is the heart of dancing- almost all of the big hollywood- hiphop dancers took ballet at somepoint in their life!!  Flexibilityt is important-- very important for sure- stretching every day will really make a difference!

2. I would recomend taking a beginner class to learn- because i can't exactly EXPLAIN them to you :)

3. It would have been smart to start younger- but if you work hard itCAN happen

4.Leotards Tights and Ballet shoes- this is a site for them: www.discountdance.com i beilive- if that doesn't work then change the DANCE to DANCEWEAR

I hope i helped!! [=

Answer 4

good for you!

dance is awesome!

any girl (or guy) should LOVE it!

1. ballet is my favorite. but if you're looking for something more upbeat and exciting try jazz, tap, or hip hop.

2. go to a local studio and ask if you can take beginner classes for 1 year &/or private lessons.

when i was about 6 i went into my sister's class (she was 3)

i watched the teacher and stood at the front and did the steps with her. it helped by technique tremendously! but some studios dont like that.

if you dont do anything else you might wanna take multiple classes a week.

3. yeah. you should have. but there are many success stories of people starting in their teens. if you want it, you can get it.

4. leotard (some studios require a certain kind or color), pink tights (dont get some rediculously bright shade though!), and pink canvas, split-sole ballet shoes with the strings double-knotted and cut. hair in a bun. LOTS of hairspray and bobby pins.

Answer 5

1. modern. you know like the "reformed ballet" modern. and you don't have to be that flexible, but the more you do it you become more flexible.

2. spins, leaps, etc.

3. nope, i know a girl who started earlier and she is good but i am almost as good as her and i've only been doing it for almost 2 years.

4. something comfy. probably gauchos and a tee-shirt.

Answer 6

i never really wanted to dance but in my senior year of high school i needed more extra caric. activities so i tried out the the steppers (its like stomp the yard..dont know if you ever saw it but its really neat...) ne ways i made it and it was a blast and not too difficult...it was a mix of syncronized stomping and sharp moves and hip hop dance....you can watch all kinds of cool videos on youtube by searching "steppers"...some easy moves are the "heal toe" and the "spongebob" you can look those up too and learn how to do them....age doesn't matter...ive seen kids who are 7 years old do it and if seen adults up to 25 do it...fun stuff i think you should check it even if you're not interested it can add a lot of originality and "uniqueness" to any routine....last, my teams uniforms consisted of black boots like sketchers or something that made a good sound when stomped, loose blue jeans, and a solid black t-shirt...good luck with w/e you do!!!

Answer 7

1. what is the best style in your opinion?

i'm 17 now and i looovee ballroom dancing. mostly because a lot of my other friends know it. and it's cool when you and your friends go to a party and everyone knows how to ballroom. you only have to be flexible if you want to do hard stunts like a split during a dip. i also love ballet, but i feel like i should've started when i was like 3 because i started at 10 and never quite caught up with the 7 year olds around me.

2. what are some beginning moves of that style?

hmm ballroom, depending what kind such as salsa, samba, hustle. the beginning moves are different for each one but are similar, it's just stepping certain ways to the count. and then they'll throw in a spin or two. it's all about learning to dance with another person.

3. does age really matter? should i have tried to start younger? i think ballroom you can start at any time and still be really good at it. for other things like traditional ballet, it takes years and years of practice to do certain moves. :/

4. what sort of clothing should i buy for my class? stretchy dancing leggings are always good for any type of dance you do. for ballroom, it wouldbe easier on you if you bought your own pair of ballroom dancing shoes. :]

Answer 8

Ballet, it gives you all the basics for any other type of dance

1st of all stretch your splits evry day, try to get your abs to be stronger. Some basic moves are- plie, tendu, ron de jamb, pirouette, theres a lot more!!

No, but you might be stuck with younger people

Leotard, pink tights, pink ballet flats

Answer 9

Dancing is one of the most amazing art forms and sports you can get involved in.

1. I'm a ballet dancer and that is all I have ever known so in my opinion ballet is the best style....but I do know there are many other styles that I enjoy watching such as contemporary and lyrical jazz. You don't have to be super flexible to do ballet, although it does help. But most studios have classes for beginning teens and adults and they help you develop flexibility.

2. There are so many different moves: plies, tendus, shases, arebesques, etc.

3. Age never matters if you really want to do something and are willing to work hard for it.

4. If you choose to do ballet, you will need a black leotard, pink tights, and ballet slippers. (I recommend leather instead of canvas because they last longer.) You also need to put your hair up in a bun. And some classes allow cover shorts or chifon skirts.

Answer 10

1) It's good that you want to start with ballet. You should start with that anyway because it's the basic form of dance where the rest come from. It also helps you be more gracefull in the other ones. The other basics are tap and jazz.

2)

Ballet: Plea, demi plea, grand plea, shawsa`, and all 10 positions although it's not really a move.

Tap:Shuffle, flap, brush.

Jazz: Ball change, box step, hitchikoo.

3) No, not really. It mostly just matters  if you want it as a futer career. In that case, you pretty much got 2 opptions. Only teach the levels you learned, or go to Preforming Art School. I didn't start until I was 13 and I want dance  as a futer career, so i'm going to Preforming Art School soon.

4) That's usally up to the studio so ask them.

Answer 11

I think that having basic ballet lessons are a good foundation and introduction to all dance. Especially if you plan on going into contemporary, lyrical, or modern dance, which is what my passion is.

For that form of dance, you need good flexibility and endurance, and you have to be aware of every movement of your body.

Most dance classes of this sort require simple black leotards, white or nude tights, and as a starter you will need either nude or pink ballet shoes.

For the record, I did not start dancing until I was your age, and not that is what I am studying at my university and not once have I ever regretted it.

I wish the best of luck to you and your dancing career!

Answer 12

1. Well, I personally do ballroom. I have done many different styles: ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, cheer, etc.  However, ballroom has to be the best one in my opinion. You don't have to be flexible, and its a good work out as well as the amount of grace and poise you get.

2. Well, each dance has its own moves. This is a GREAT website to just check out the moves. There are videos for each individual dance.

http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Dances/

However, a really easy one is the beginning steps to the Merengue:

For Leads (Men): March in place, starting on your left foot. So marching: Left, Right, Left, Right.

For Follows (Women): Natural opposite of what the lead is dong. March in place starting on your right foot. So marching: Right, Left, Right, Left.

3.With Ballroom, age does NOT matter whatsoever. I have seen people aged five dancing ballroom better than half the adults. On the other end of the spectrum, I have seen ninety year olds cha-cha-ing like there's no tomorrow. I personally am around your age, and I started perhaps a year and a half ago. Thirteen-Fourteen is actually the PERFECT age to start dance- since you are able to remember more than adults.

4. The best thing about ballroom- you can wear practically whatever works best! Recommended however, are pants that fit well so you can move around a bit, or a medium-length skirt for women. Shirts don't matter much, as long as it isn't restraining or uncomfortable. The only thing you really have to buy are suede shoes, or ballroom shoes to help you dance on the floor. There's plenty a store that carry Ballroom Shoes.

Personal Message: I think it is wonderful that you want to dance. Its a good skill and believe it or not- will help you in life.

Answer 13

Do i get graded on this???

Alright i'll try anyway...

1. hhhmmmm. My favorite styles are Lyrical and HipHop. Lyrical because when you dance, you dance to the lyrics (and thats how it got its name) i can really pour my heart and soul into songs that relate to whats going on in my life and right now is a kinda depressing and stressful time for me so im glad i can take it all out while making myself a beautiful piece of art :) and HipHop because it's so different! HipHop is a mixture of all dance styles tap, jazz, even ballet believe it or not. and there is absolutly no tecnique to it! you move how you want how you feel!

You are going to want to become as flexible as possible so my advise is sit in each split (left, right, and middle) for a minute each before you go to bed :) longer if want :)

2. There's no way to tell, it mostly depends on the teacher. so be prepaired for the unexpected!

3. NO, age does not matter especially for people like you who have a desire to dance. A lot of people start in college around 18 or 20 and some even became pro. should you have started younger? well it doesn't matter now, now does it? Just start as soon as possible :)

4. COMFY CLOTHES!!! well i guess it depends on what style or class you take but, ya, you want to be comfortable when you dance. try to get clothes that show your body line, like skin tight clothes. (unless it's hiphiop, then you would want to where baggy clothes)

Oh! and im telling you this because nobody told me when i started, but you may encounter movements that may seem awkward at first but try your hardest and eventually they won't be awkward anymore.

And ask question! teachers want you to ask question. Trust me, they don't get mad.

If a teacher yells at you because your doing it wrong don't cut to conclusions and think that they just hate you they just want to make you the best you can be.

If you're stuck with the little kids (been there done that) don't feel embaressed okay? Don't let humiliation get in your way of something you want...

Well i wish you the best and remember this is all my opinion. i'm not telling you to do these things, im suggesting them. Good Luck :):):)