1. Dress Comfortably and Appropriately
   • One of the most crucial aspects of your first dance class is wearing the right attire. Choose clothing that allows for ease of movement, such as leggings or dance shorts paired with a comfortable top. If you’re unsure about the dress code, check with the dance studio in advance. Additionally, invest in a pair of proper dance shoes that are suitable for the style you’re learning.
2. Arrive Early to Warm Up
   • Arriving a little early provides the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the dance studio, meet your instructor, and start warming up. Warm-up exercises are essential to prevent injuries and ensure your body is ready for the physical demands of dance. Stretch gently to increase flexibility and get your muscles ready for the movements you’ll be practicing.
3. Embrace the Learning Process
   • As a beginner, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Dance is an art form that requires time and patience to master. Be open to the learning process and understand that improvement comes with practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself—celebrate small victories and view each class as an opportunity to grow and refine your skills.
4. Listen and Observe
   • Pay close attention to your instructor’s guidance. Listen to verbal instructions, watch demonstrations carefully, and observe the more experienced dancers in the class. Absorb the details of the movements, posture, and expressions. Learning from others can provide valuable insights and help you grasp the nuances of the dance style you’re exploring.
5. Ask Questions and Seek Feedback
   • Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re uncertain about a particular step or movement. Instructors are there to help you, and seeking clarification shows your commitment to learning. Additionally, be open to receiving feedback. Constructive criticism is an integral part of improvement, and your instructor’s insights can guide you on refining your technique.
6. Stay Hydrated and Energized
   • Dancing can be physically demanding, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated and energized. Bring a water bottle to class and take short breaks when needed. Consider having a light snack before class to ensure you have enough energy to sustain you throughout the session.
7. Be Respectful and Supportive
   • Respect your fellow dancers and the instructor. Create a positive and supportive atmosphere by encouraging your classmates. Remember that everyone is at a different stage in their dance journey, and fostering a sense of community enhances the overall experience for everyone.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Your first day of dance class is an exciting step toward discovering the joy of movement and expression. By following these tips, you’ll not only make the most of your initial experience but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling and enjoyable dance journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, have fun on the dance floor!

Reach Your Goals With Nan’s Dance!

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Dance advice: Why am I cramping?
• The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet in Dance

A dance style thought to have originated in the Bronx during the late 1960s — Hip Hop has a relatively short dance history when compared to other types. While the movements and roots date back further, this natural dance style started in the streets as a marriage of movement and music. With a blend of modern, tap, swing and African dancing, Hip Hop is a class of its own when it comes to embracing improvisation and culture.

What is Hip Hop?

Hip Hop is a style of street dance that evolved from Hip Hop culture and music. While Hip Hop was started as a freestyle dance to be performed in the streets, clubs, and underground venues of New York, it has evolved into a more choreographed dance style. Focusing on high energy and complex footwork, Hip Hop embraces versatility and attitude at its very core.

Hip Hop didn’t develop only on the East Coast, but New York City artists invented a musical style conducive to the dance form. In South Bronx, Kool Herc was the first DJ to make unique rhythms by playing two record machines with the same record on both. Those beats laid the foundation for Hip Hop dance culture and allowed young African American and Latino youth a way to express themselves through dance.

Evolution of Hip Hop

In the 1980s and 90s, Hip Hop grew in popularity. The idea of a social Hip Hop dance party started to emerge with both informal and formal competitions. People began to share this type of dance to create a sense of unity and use their culture to create art. With the help of television and shows like Soul Train, Hip Hop was presented to the masses showcasing the earliest dance crews.

Fast forward to the present, and you have East Coast Hip Hop, West Coast Hip Hop and a blend of both with American Hip Hop. Still commercially popular, Hip Hop dances often make their way to social media — The Dougie, The Wobble, The Monestary, Stanky Leg, and Walk It Out. At Nan’s Dance Studio in Raleigh, we offer classes to children of all ages who want to study these styles of Hip Hop. Focusing on the bounces and rocks of old-school dance moves, our instructors and their movements are grounded in the foundational grooves of the culture.

Interested in Learning How to Dance Hip Hop?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to Hip Hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

At Nan’s School of Dance, we believe that stretching is an essential part of dance. Stretching keeps the dancer’s muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. We need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion for our joints. Without it, the muscles will become tight, and that’s when injuries can occur. We have put together a list of the five best stretches for dancers and a step by step guide on how to do each stretch. So whether you are warming up or cooling down, these stretches will be every dancers’ best friend.

Hamstring Stretch

The hamstrings are muscles which extend the hip and flex the knee. Dancers need exceptionally flexible hamstrings, as this muscle is used in almost every movement. To do this stretch:

• Step 1: Sit down on the ground and extend your legs in front of you. Your toes should be either pointed or flexed.
• Step 2: Place your arms in 1st or 5th position and slowly extend them over your legs.
• Step 3: Let your torso follow your extension and relax your body into the stretch.
• Step 4: Hold, release-then repeat with your feet in the other position.

Split Stretch

To do this stretch:

• Step 1: Sit on the floor with your back straight and centered. Extend your legs outward as wide as you can.
• Step 2: Carefully rotate your torso towards the right, then move your torso over your right leg. Remember to breathe and go slow.
• Step 3: Keep extending till you feel your body “stretch.” Hold this pose until your muscles relax.
• Step 4: Slowly come back up and repeat with your left leg.

Quadriceps Stretch

Quadriceps are a group of four muscles that cover the front and sides of your thighs. The quads are some of the largest and most powerful muscles in your body. To do this stretch:

• Step 1: Stand up straight and while being careful that your back doesn’t arch or curve and grab your ankle.
• Step 2: Hold this position for a short time; make sure your back doesn’t arch.
• Step 3: Repeat with the other ankle.

Kneeling Quad Stretch

To do this stretch:

• Step 1: Kneel on the ground and slowly extend your left foot in front of you; make sure your foot is placed flat on the floor. Your leg should be bent at a 90-degree angle at the knee.
• Step 2: Slowly and gently push your hips towards your left leg.
• Step 3: Hold this pose for 10-15 seconds, then release.
• Step 4: Bring your left leg back down and repeat the stretch with your right leg.

Shoulder and Arm Stretch

Dancers use their arms and shoulders in every possible style of dance. A dancer must have strong and limber shoulders in order to support their frame. To do this stretch:

• Step 1: Stand up straight and extend your arms in front of your body.
• Step 2: Interlock your fingers and slowly rotate your wrists so the flat of your palm is facing away from you.
• Step 3: Lift your arms over your head and hold this pose for 10 to 15 seconds. Before moving your arms back down, place your left hand behind your head.
• Step 4: Take your right hand and gently grasp your left elbow. Proceed to press it down as much as you can. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and then repeat with your right hand behind your head and your left hand holding your right elbow.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• The Importance of Warming Up and Cooling Down
• Why Is Core Strength Important for Dancers

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on https://www.facebook.com/NansSchoolOfDanceRaleigh| Twitter | Instagram

Has this ever happened to you? You get all the movements right in class and can remember each one flawlessly, but when you get home, everything becomes a jumbled mess. How could it be so clear in class and then completely evaporate from your mind at home? While this is common in the dance community, our instructors at Nan’s School of Dance have found the key to improving dance memory.

It all boils down to one central idea—  if you want to remember and use what you have learned from your dance class at home, you need to build your retention and aid recall. To break this down into manageable steps, we put together a list of 5 ways to improve your dance memory!

Make a Connection

For something to “stick” in your mind, you must have a connection to it. So our first tip is to give your moves a specific name or connect them with a visual image. These can be common, everyday names or even something silly. If they make you laugh, you’re more likely to remember them! For example, a move that requires you to bring both arms behind your back could be called, “tying an apron” or “the reach back crackerjack.” Both are great names, but you will probably never forget the reach-back crackerjack ever again!

Use Count and Rhythm

Counting can always help. As you do a move, say the move’s count out loud or in your head. You can also intentionally accent counts when something important happens, such as raising the arm, switching hands or changing direction. If counting isn’t your thing, create a rhythm or melody to “sing” to yourself.

Mark the Movement

“Marking” is when you simulate movements with partial gestures. It’s a quick, easy way to mentally review, allowing you to get in some practice and repetition without having to do movements full out. In fact, you can do this while sitting or lying by just making little movements with your hands or feet, filling in the rest with your imagination.

Look for Patterns

Dances often have segments that appear in many moves or have patterns that repeat. Once you recognize these patterns, you can use them as helpful shortcuts and memory aids. Seeing these patterns also means if something doesn’t fit the usual template, it will stand out, thus making it easier to remember.

Get a New Perspective

We are all creatures of habit. It is common for us to enter a class and always go to the same spot in the room. So why not mix it up a bit? Our last tip is to change things up by going to a different part of the room each class. This gives you extra visual and sensory cues for remembering what you’ve learned. This will also help you to distinguish one move or lesson from another.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Get The Most Out of Your Dance Lessons
• The Importance of Nutrition in Dance

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, we aim to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Did you know that approximately 40 % of children have poor posture? This could be because of carrying heavy backpacks or spending too much time hunched over looking at a phone or tablet. Whatever the reason, children’s posture is suffering and for children that dance, this could be problematic. At Nan’s School of Dance, we work with our students on maintaining good posture because we know nothing ruins a ballerina’s beautiful lines like slouched shoulders.

Use a Visual

Most dancers are visual learners. Dancers can mimic a move or certain body position best when they have a visual to copy. So when it comes to teaching posture, it is important to look at examples of both good and poor posture in dancers. A good way to do this would be to look at recordings of dancers performing, pausing to look for examples of good posture and also examples of what to avoid.

Try Stretching

A great way to safely realign trouble areas is by stretching. The internet is a great place to find examples of stretches that will help with realigning your posture. Here are two examples of stretches you can try.

• Chest and Shoulder Stretch: This is a great stretch for dancers that have a problem with slumping forward. To do this stretch, lie on your back with your arms stretched outward and elbows bent into a bench-press position. Squeeze your shoulder blades together without arching your back. Hold the position for 10 seconds, and repeat four times.
• Butt Bridge: This is a good stretch for realigning the hips. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Squeeze your butt and push your hips toward the ceiling. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and repeat four times.

Exercise Your Core

A strong core can help with posture. So if you want to improve your posture, exercising your core is a great way to help. You may want to watch a pilates video online; there are a lot of great core exercises that you can try. Even just starting with some simple crunches could help.

Use a Prop

Some dancers find using a prop, like a bean bag or small ball, can help practice correct posture. Props work well because they are a physical reminder to keep your arms straight or shoulders back.

Practice in Everyday Life

Do not make the mistake of only trying to correct your posture during dancing. If you make a conscious effort to maintain good posture throughout your regular day-to-day life-this could lead to improving your posture while you dance. Try to practice good posture when sitting in class or in front of the TV. Try checking in with yourself and readjusting yourself if you find that you’re slouching or hunching over. The more you become aware of your posture, the easier it will be to correct and maintain good posture.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Why Is Core Strength Important For Dancers?
• How To Strength Train Your Legs For Dance

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Dancing is an intense physical activity that involves the use of the entire body – arms, legs, feet, shoulders, hips. A dancer is using all of these parts of the body to execute various movements going from one to the next. At the center of all these movements is the dancer’s core! A strong core is important in not only being able to smoothly move through a routine, it’s also vital in preventing injury and the subsequent aches and pains. Our staff at Nan’s School of Dance understand how important core strength is to our dancers and have put together a list of exercises that will help strengthen your core!

Why Is Core Strength Important?

A dancer’s core is their body’s entire support system. The core

• surrounds and supports the spine and pelvis
• connects the upper body with the lower

The core involves

• the deepest layer of ab muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis
• the oblique muscles, which facilitate side-to-side movement as well as body rotation
• the top ab muscles, that help the body bend forward and backward
• the pelvic floor muscles, which stabilize the spine and diaphragm

Together, this system controls all the movements of the body, including the torso as well as the arms and legs. Dancers use their core to help control the body’s movements and maintain a stable center of gravity when moving through different positions. If a dancer’s core is weak, it creates a potential for shoulder, hip, knee, and lower back injury.

Exercises to Strengthen Your Core

Improving your core strength greatly benefits your ability to learn and perform dance steps and moves. That’s why exercising to improve your core strength is so valuable! As you begin, try to repeat each of these exercises about 5 times. As your core strengthens, you can build up the repetitions to 10-15. Remember to listen to your body and do not push yourself.

Here are some easy exercises you can perform in order to improve your core strength:

1. Planks:
   • Assume a pushup position. Bend your elbows, place your forearms flat on the floor and point your toes toward the ground.
   • Tighten your abs and keep your back straight as you hold this position for as long as possible.
2. Reverse Crunch:
   • Lie on your back with your legs fully extended, arms at your sides, and palms on the floor.
   • Move your legs so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor.
   • Keep your feet together and breathe in as you pull your knees toward your chest.
   • Roll your pelvis backward and raise your hips and upper back off the floor.
   • Hold this position for 1 to 2 seconds. Exhale as you release your body to the beginning position.
3. Butterfly Sit-up:
   • Lie on your back with the soles of your feet together. Bend your knees out to the side and reach your arms above your head.
   • Tighten your abs and roll your body up to a sitting position. Reach forward and touch your toes.
   • Slowly lower back to the starting position and repeat right away.
4. Superman:
   • Lie on your stomach and extend your arms and legs. Raise your head, your right arm, and your left leg about 10-15 cm off the floor.
   • Hold this position for a count of three. Lower your arm and leg back to the start position. Repeat with the left arm and right leg.
5. Bridge:
   • Lie on your back and bend your legs at a 90-degree angle. Rest your feet flat on the floor.
   • Lift your hips and back from the floor until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
   • Hold this position for 5-10 seconds.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Strength Train Your Legs For Dance
• The Importance of Nutrition in Dance

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Dancers are very physical and it’s crucial that they have the proper nutrition to perform at their best. When thinking about food, try thinking of it as fuel for the body. What can you put in your body that is going to optimize your performance? What kind of fuel does a dancer’s body need?

At Nan’s School of Dance of Raleigh, we understand the importance of nutrition, so we put together a guide to help our dancers understand the proper fuel that their dancing body needs!

Calories

Dancers need calories! As we have already mentioned, dancing is a very physical activity. Dancers exert a lot of energy during their practices, rehearsals, and performances. A common mistake that dancers can make is not ingesting enough food to meet their energy demands. Dancers need the right amount of calories to refuel and recharge. An easy way to estimate how many calories a professional dancer requires during heavy training:

• Females: 45–50 calories per kilogram of body weight
• Males: 50–55 calories per kilogram of body weight.

Carbohydrates

Dancers need carbohydrates. In fact, they should be a dancer’s best friend! Carbohydrates are important because they break down into glucose which quickly fuels muscles. Of all food energy sources, carbohydrates are the fastest deliverer of energy.

Approximately 55% to 60% of a dancer’s diet should be carbs. Additionally, it should be rich in whole grains and complex carbohydrates. On top of meals, a dancer should also ingest moderate amounts of carbs before, during, and after class or performances to maintain good energy levels.

Fats

Fats are also important for dancers. Muscles and adipose (fat) tissue store fats called triglycerides. During exercise, triglycerides are broken down into fatty acids and produce energy for muscles to contract. It is estimated that people need 1.2 grams of fat per kilogram of body weight each day. Examples of healthy fats to include are nuts, nut butters, canola oil, olive oil, and avocado.

Fats help:

• Provide structure for cell membranes
• Form an insulating layer around nerves
• Provide the base for many hormones
• Facilitate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Fuel muscles

Protein

Protein is extremely important for young dancers! With constant use of muscles during competition and practices, protein is needed for building and repairing muscle tissue. The estimated need for protein is 1.4 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight each day. Healthy sources of protein include animal meats like chicken, fish, turkey, lean pork, or beef. Vegetarian sources of protein include beans, quinoa, rice, and tofu.

Micronutrients

Dancers frequently forget about obtaining key micronutrients, otherwise known as vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins:

• B Vitamins: are a part of energy production. They are used in the body to make energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also helpful for making red blood cells.
• Vitamins A, C, and E: play a role in cleaning up damaged muscles that are overstressed and overused.
• Vitamins D and K: play a role in healthy bone metabolism.

Minerals:

• Calcium: is a mineral used for bone growth. Did you know the most important years of bone development are the first 30 years of life? This also happens to be the prime years for dancing. Low bone density can result in an increased chance of bone stress fractures.
• Iron: is also a highly important mineral for dancers, since iron is what our bodies use to carry oxygen in our blood via red blood cells. Of course, oxygen is what we use to help our bodies produce energy.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• How To Take Care of Your Body While Dancing
• The Importance of Warming Up and Cooling Down

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

So you want to be a dancer? You’ve signed up for classes and that’s a great start. But how can you get the most out of your dance classes and excel along your dancing journey? At Nan’s School of Dance, we have witnessed our dancers have great success when it comes to dance. But their success doesn’t just happen over night. Here are some excellent tips on how to get the most out of your dance lessons.

Be Early

This may seem silly, but arriving to dance lessons early can really help. Being early, gives you time to put away your things, say hello to friends, and warm up. By the time dance class actually starts you will be ready to go and prepared to fully absorb the teacher’s demonstrations and instructions.

Plan Ahead

You may see this and think, “What do I possibly need to plan ahead for? I know when dance class is and how to get there.” Well, schedules can be hectic! Balancing school, dance, and family obligations can be challenging. It can be helpful to have a planner to better schedule your time around dance lessons. You can also plan to bring a snack to have before and after class. If you have a big test that week, make plans to study each night so you won’t be stressed. Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your dance lessons with a clear head will help you learn!

Find a Buddy

Dance class is a perfect place to make friends. Find a buddy in class that you can talk to. If you want to work on a routine or a step, it might be fun to reach out to them outside of class and practice together. That extra practice could really pay off! In addition, having a buddy is great because you can motivate each other if you are having difficulties.

Communicate With Your Instructor

Your teacher is always here to help. Our instructors are always willing to help and answer any questions you may have. Never hesitate to speak up and ask if you need help or clarification on a step, that is exactly what we are here for!

Self-Assess

Don’t just look to your instructor for critique or praise. Do not underestimate your “eye.”

• Use the mirror to watch yourself
• Practice at home and record the routine
• Get feedback from your friends or family.

Don’t be scared to pat yourself on the back when you catch yourself doing an awesome job!

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Good Dance Etiquette
• How To Become a Better Dancer

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Have you ever been to a dance class and heard the instructor say, “it’s a ball change,” or “we are going to mark it,” or “now we are going full out?” Did you stand there like a deer in headlights or did you quickly look around the room to see if any one else understood these crazy terms the instructor was throwing at you? It can make you feel like the instructors are speaking another language, and truthfully they kind of are. So if you want to be able to speak “dance” then there are some basic terms that you should learn. Here is a list of common terms that will help you become fluent in dance!

8 count

This is how we break down and count music. Most dances are choreographed to 8 counts at a time, or two 4-count measures back to back.

Ball Change

A 2-step move where you transfer the weight of one foot behind or by the other foot. You’re basically just stepping twice.

Isolations

When you isolate one part of your body without moving any other parts.

Holds

When you hold a move/pose and continue to not move during a count.

Marking

Marking allows you to go over the movement or choreography without having to go full out/ perform it to the best of your ability. It’s a way of allowing yourself to get familiar and remember all the choreography needed to complete the dance performance.

Full Out

Full Out is the opposite of Marking. Full out means you are giving it your all, you are fully performing the piece of choreography you have been taught, and using 100% of your energy.

Transitions

Transitions, as the name suggests, you are transitioning from one section to another. This is usually done in longer pieces of choreography where you move from one side of the “stage” or studio to the other.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning is another way of making sure you are doing each movement accordingly and accurately. When your dance teacher says “we need to clean up that section,” what they mean is that section is looking a little rough. The instructor will usually ask that you go over that section of the routine again to make sure it looks clean and everyone has it down.

Tempo

The speed of the music. As you’re learning a piece, the choreographer will teach in slow tempo, then speed it up to medium, and finally “tempo” – AKA the real-time speed of the song.

Working Leg/ Supporting Leg

Your working leg can refer to the leg that is going to be lifted/ moving around, while your supporting leg is the one that is firm on the ground and not moving therefore supporting all of your weight.

Plié

Meaning the bending of the knees. A plié consists of a movement in which the dancer bends their knees and straightens them again.

Freestyle

Freestyle is another way of saying improvise! Freestyling allows the dancer to do anything they want to.

Switching Lines

When a class rotates from the front to back and vice versa to give everyone a chance to be in the front.

Texture/ Flavor

Oftentimes when a teacher or choreographer is saying add texture or flavor, they are implying they want you to add your own individuality to the dance piece, or to add some pizzazz to the movement.

Groups

This is when the class is divided into smaller sections, and each group will take turns performing the piece as the other students watch.

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Good Dance Etiquette
• Five Ways Your Child Will Grow Through Dance

So why Nan’s school of dance?

We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. We love having new members in our dance classes. We will help get your child acclimated to our dance school and make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

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