Top 8 Dance Tips to Achieve Your Goals

Master these tips and you'll be a star

Focused female ballet dancers practicing in a studio

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Who doesn't want to wow the crowd when she steps out onto the dance floor? Or maybe you just want a firm level of confidence that you're not going to embarrass yourself out there. Maybe you strive to become a professional. If you want to improve your dance moves, here are eight tips to get you there. They can help you bring any style of dancing up a notch. No matter what your level of experience, these tips will help you shine. 

01
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Find a Great Instructor

Experienced dancers know the importance of having a good dance instructor. A dance teacher can not only show you new steps and techniques, but he will also correct any mistakes that you're making. 

Choose your instructor carefully, particularly if you're new to dance. Ask for referrals if you know anyone who takes lessons, or if you know anyone who knows someone else who takes lessons. Check with local troupes for recommendations. If you've been taking lessons for a while and don't seem to be improving, consider looking around for a different teacher.

The more you dance, the more you'll realize what qualities you prefer in a dance instructor. This can often matter as much as the teacher's expertise. 

02
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Watch Other Dancers

Rent a few dance movies or instructional DVDs. Watch the dancers closely, noting things such as body alignment, posture, and technique. Try to find ways to incorporate styles you like into your own dancing.

03
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Perfect Your Posture

Stand up straight, push your shoulders down and back, and hold your head up. It's truly amazing what good posture does for a dancer. You'll want to look your best on the dance floor. 

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Stretch Every Day

Daily stretching will make your body much more flexible. A big goal in dancing is to make each move look effortless. The more limber your legs are, the easier it will be to move them. Make it a habit to stretch every day.

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Improve Your Technique

Professional dancers spend their entire careers perfecting their technique. Good technique is what separates the good dancers from the best dancers. Learn new moves, but strive to perfect the skills of each step.

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Wear Proper Shoes

Each dance style requires a specific type of shoe. Dance shoes are carefully structured to protect the legs and feet and to benefit the dancer. Make certain that you're dancing in the correct type of shoe and that the shoes are the right size.

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Relax

Your body will dance its best in a relaxed state. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind. Teach yourself to unwind to the music. Consider learning meditation and using that before you begin to move. 

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Smile

A smile is an expression of pleasure, happiness, or amusement. If you smile when you're dancing, people will get the feeling that you love what you're doing. Even if you're dancing alone, smile to yourself. You love to dance, so let it show!

The Finished Product

You don't have to tackle all these tips at once. Consider working on one for a week or two, then when you have that down, move to the next—but keep incorporating the ones you've mastered. Don't let them fall by the wayside. When you put it all together, you'll be a star.