The key to mastering any dance is repetition. The more you do, the more it sticks in your memory and becomes second nature. Practice and patience are also essential. Don’t expect to be a dance star in your first beginner class- it takes time to become comfortable with new steps and patterns, especially if you have never danced before.
Watch other dancers in class and at concerts for inspiration and ideas for new moves to try. Watching other dancers helps you understand the dynamics of different styles, and can give you ideas for how to work in new elements like arm movements or turns. When watching, focus on what other dancers are doing rather than comparing yourself to them. It is important to be self-directed when dancing; having a sense of purpose and confidence helps your audience believe that you are creating each movement on the fly.
Pay attention to the rhythm and tempo of the music when you’re watching a dance, as it will often dictate when certain movements will occur. This will help you anticipate when the dancers will build up to a big moment, or when they’ll take a breather. It’s also important to watch for visual cues that dancers may give before they do a certain move, which can help you be ready with your camera when the right moment comes.
