Never Be Critical of your Performance... Be Critical of your Practice!

Video taping practices are an important tool for learning.  When one physically sees a flaw they are much more apt to comprehend and correct the problem over just hearing a verbal critique.  Practice videos should be the only time to be critical (in a productive way) about ourselves and make the proper adjustments.

Below is a critque check list that covers all the things you should be looking for in your practice video.

Critique Check List

1.Am I dancing to the music?_____________________ identify where in the song where you are off and practice that section of song.  If you have the moves memorized you can often forget to dance in the moment of the music. Some moves happen quickly some are drawn out and you need to take your time with them. Remember your moves are your interpretation of the music.

2.Are my feet directly beneath my hips when I am standing in a nuetral position?_____________ again identify where in the song they are not and practice.  Feet too far apart is bad form and looks sloppy, feet too close together may cause imbalance.

3.Are my arms positioned correctly?______________, identify where in the song you are not and practice posing in the mirror first then practice that section in the dance. Think of the energy going out your finger tips. Ask yourself,  is that energy just drooping down to the floor or is it being projected to the  audience?

4.Is my posture lifted with my shoulders rolled back?______________?

5.Am I smiling or making appropriate facial gesture?

6.Am I looking at my audience whenever I can?___________  Remember never watch your feet dancing... Where you look should be as purposeful as your move, (for instance, look at your hips if that is where you want your audience looking)

7.How are my transitions from one combination to the next?____________ Does it appear to be one continuous dance? Or is there hesitation or awkward foot work because of wrong sequences of moves or wrong weight distribution? Identify and practice, ask your instructor to review the transition if you are stumped.

8.Am I dancing as a troupe member?___________ Am I moving in unison with my fellow dancers?  When we change position or break  in or out of circle do I do I keep a uniform space between me and my fellow dancers?

9.If using a prop, is the prop being held properly and managed properly.

10.Did I take a bow?__________ Did I remain in that bow for an ample amount of time? (5secs or more, 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi...)  It seems like an eternity but if you cut it too short you may come across as being unappreciative about the audience's appreciation of you.

Remember, 

the day of the performance is when we should relax, give it your heart and soul and just have fun!  Whether we make a mistake large or small we should just embrace ourselves for all our efforts and forget any flaws.  I believe this is in keeping of what the spirit of dance was intended.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much and may your Dancing reflect it!