PRACTICE
.Practice Routine.
This is the routine that I usually do when I'm practicing at home. Keep in mind that although this works well for me, it might not work for you, since everyone learns in different ways. These are general guidlines that might help you figure out where to start, or help you add variety to a routine you've already established. The workout lasts about an hour and a half. But enough about that. . . .here goes!
|
ACTIVITY | EST. TIME |
| Stretch | 15 minutes |
| Sit ups | 3 minutes |
| Toe Raises and Jumps | 10 minutes |
| Glides and Kicks | 5 minutes |
| Water break | 2 minutes |
| Reel | 7 minutes |
| Slip Jig | 7 minutes |
| Shoe Change | 5 minutes |
| Treble Jig | 7 minutes |
| Hornpipe | 7 minutes |
| Hardshoe drills (trebles, clicks, etc.) | 5 minutes |
| Stretch | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 88 minutes |
.Practice Tips.
sent in by Hillary
A good way to get alot out of practicing is to go through all your steps one by one. For example, If the first part of a step starts with a turn then make that turn perfect. Make sure your up on your toes and you keep your knees locked and legs together. Do this for every piece of the step untill the entire step is perfect. Then do the same for all your other steps. It really works!
sent in by Regina
If you have a sibling that dances, have them watch you dance, and have them point out the things they think you are doing wrong. While you're stretching and warming up, if you can, try to kepp long pants on to keep you muscles warm, so it's not as easy to pull a muscle or something.
sent in by Kimmy
Here are some tips to improve turnout:
1) cross your legs-- it aids the idea turnout from the hips. caution: do NOT do this directly after you dance or on a break because that restricts the needed blood from flowing to your legs after exercise.
2) take 5 minutes out of your day and stand in 5th position, once a day, every other day.. whatever it takes for you.
One tip for soreness: about an hour after you dance, lay on a couch or on your bed upside-down and put your legs at a 90 degree angle with your body, lay there for about 10-15 minutes and you won't be sore the next morning!
sent in by Maggie
What I do is practice infront of the stove (it's a small
thing, but you can see your reflection. Plus Grandma took
her body mirror back.) As for the arms down, loose fist
thing, use a ruler. But get one that's confortable and
fits. I don't reccomend the wooden rulers because 1),
they tend to bend after a while, 2) they break (ok, all
rulers do that) 3), they splint and 4), they hurt when
someone (maybe your brother) slaps you with it (that's
VERY painful... especially on the legs). If you have a
mirror, use it. If you don't, go buy one, or borrow one. If
you can get into a dance room, like the one at your
school, or at a local gym, whatever, go! It's nice when
you bring you're dancer friends with you. If you
don't have that type of access, and you live in a
complex of some sort that has a raquet ball court, use it!
My manager lets me use the one we have here. Plus, it's
indoor! Perfect for bad weather. If you have the
luxurious item of music, use it. It helps you keep your
beat, and you'll know what dance you're doing in class
if you forget which dance your teacher says you're
doing. Also, try to get the same music your teacher has.
Along with that, you can get the music YOU like (in my
class, we have this music that is accompanied my a
piano, and it sounds horrible! I don't even know why my
teacher uses it... she hates it too!). Same o, Same o...
STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH!!! It's a charmer. If you live
upstairs, it's a good idea to dance on the kitchen tiles,
cos it won't annoy your neighbors (as much). But for
hardshoe... dance wherever! just not on concrete. If
you're like me and will dance wherever you can... go to the
supermarket! I do it al the time, and the linolium floors
are great! And stay hydrated! Lay off the soda and juice!
Drink water... it's better.
sent in by Hillary
A good way to get alot out of practicing is to go through all your steps one by one. For example, If the first part of a step starts with a turn then make that turn perfect. Make sure your up on your toes and you keep your knees locked and legs together. Do this for every piece of the step untill the entire step is perfect. Then do the same for all your other steps. It really works!
sent in by Amanda
Don't forget too turn your feet out!! That always gets me!
Send in your tips!
|
.:
News Updates :.
|
| .:
12.19.2004 :. Finally Done! |
| Links are on the right - I'm still in the process of adding some new content, but it should all be up by Jan. 1. |
|
sent in by 
