Step. Step. Step. Back Corte. Step….

Do you keep forgetting the next move on your choreography during dance classes? Are you getting increasingly frustrated with it, to the point that you’re starting to lose the fun as well? Understandably, remembering if you’re supposed to pivot or promenade at the next beat is harder for some people. There is nothing wrong with this, you just need to take a little more time before you master the steps. Then again, what if you can speed up the learning? What if you can commit to memory the steps quicker? Take a look at these simple tips, and see if they can help you nail down that choreography faster:

• Learn By Chunk – The mistake that some people make is that they try to break down the steps too much. What happens is that they have these individual pictures of the steps in their head, but can’t connect it quickly enough. Try to learn the steps by phrasing (5 steps, in one phrase). The effect of this is that you see a moving image in your head, instead of scattered individual shots. This makes it easier for you to follow the steps in less time.
• Personal Cues – Taking cues from external factors, like the choreographer or the music, can prove to be counterproductive. Once the choreographer or the music is removed, so will the cues be effectively removed as well. Instead, you must develop a habit of taking personal cues in order to memorize your routines without depending on the externals. For example, remember to turn after placing your weight on your right foot, or stepping right when your right arm raises as well. This will ensure that you still remember the choreography even without the music or the choreographer.
• Observe Closely – Sometimes the choreographer’s words are not enough to describe the entire move, so observe closely instead. Start by learning the general movement and direction, then move on to the specifics like how the foot is placed, and at which angle the body turns. Once you’ve committed it to memory, you’ll have an easier time executing it.
• PRACTICE – Simple but highly effective.

Even when memorizing gets a bit difficult, don’t give up. Practice is all it takes until you get it locked down. Your ballroom dance lessons must be fun for you, or you will lose meaning and passion. Also don’t be afraid to ask; instructors from professional dance studios like Superior Ballroom Dance Studio LLC in Duluth, MN are highly experienced and may have more tips available for you.

Sources
7 Tips For Learning Choreography More Quickly, dancecompreview
5 Dance Tips For Picking Up Choreography Faster, thatsteezy.com