As dancers, you know what it’s like to spend all your free time in the studio, working on improving your dance skills so you and your partner can perform better. While it’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspect of dance, keep in mind there are many other aspects that are crucial to being a good dance partner. A dance partnership is a relationship. You are required to build and portray a connection, while assisting and compensating for each other when necessary. Read on for three tips to keep in mind to help you become a better dance partner!

1. Keep It Constructive

Keep any criticism or corrections about the step itself, not about your partner. Personally attacking your partner is a fast track to dancing solo. This isn’t to say that disagreements won’t occur; in fact, sometimes it’s good to disagree! Arguments are really only harmful when they stop being about differing opinions, and start being about trying to change your partner. By keeping feedback constructive and focused on the moves versus the dancer, you will be able to get your point across without causing unnecessary fights.

2. Know Both Parts

Whether you are the leader or follower, it’s important that both partners are at least somewhat familiar with the other’s steps. This helps with response time and will allow for both dancers to prepare for the next move. If you have a good idea of where your partner should be at all times throughout your performance, and he or see isn’t there, you’ll know where you need to improve!

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Different kinds of practice will bring about faster development. It’s important to practice together, as well as alone. Solo practice is the time to focus on areas that are most challenging for you personally. It also acts as a way to make sure you don’t end up relying on your partner to remind you of moves. Practicing together allows you to get a feel for your partner, and connect to the floor. For both partner and solo practice, there are two types:
Structured practice – this is focused on the specific timing, choreography, and technique of your routine.
Creative practice – this type of practice allows you to explore. Taking part in creative practice will keep your dancing from looking boring and mechanical.

The Most Important Tip

Don’t forget – dancing is supposed to be fun! The best dancers are ones that look as if they are enjoying themselves. Keep this in mind and you’ll be a great dance partner both professionally or socially.

Elite Dance Studio offers dance classes in a variety of genres for both adults and kids in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. If you have any questions, or are interested in registering for a class, don’t hesitate to get in touch!