Step It Up: How To Pick Up Choreography Quickly

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music. If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall.

To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

How To Pick A Vocal Coach

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to become a better singer then you may be considering taking voice lessons this year. Training is a very important part of seriously pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, so when you’re searching for a teacher or coach, you want to make sure that you are working with a top notch professional that will really help you take your talent to the next level.

Finding a teacher or a coach is no different than purchasing a car, or making a huge financial decision. You want to be sure that you do your homework, as well as ask lots of questions to be sure you’ll be happy with your choice.

If you’re looking for a vocal coach or singing teacher, here are a few questions you may want to ask:

• What formal education and/or training do you have?
• How long have you been singing? How long have you been teaching?
• What’s your vocal range?
• What styles are you most familiar with? (Ex. musical theater, jazz, pop, opera…)
• Have you received any awards or commendations?
• What’s the age range of your students?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing or the Voice and Speech Trainers Association?
• What are your primary areas of instruction? (Ex. singing technique, performance coaching…)
• Where are your lessons held? (Ex. in a studio, in the home…)
• What’s the cost of each session?
• Do you have a list of references?

You should also meet with the prospective teacher to be sure that you would be comfortable with him or her. Additionally, you should ask them to sing for you, which will also aid you in your decision.

Another great way to find a teacher is by asking friends and trusted sources for references. Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and check out some of the vocal coaches we have listed on our site. You can also post a request for references in our community forum. Happy hunting!

How To Pick A Dance Studio Pt 2

Yesterday we began discussing some of the key questions you should ask when you’re selecting a dance school. Once you’ve decided that you want to be a professional dancer, it’s very important (whether you’re new to dance, or you’ve already been dancing for awhile) that you pick a school that will help you prepare for your career and reach your personal goals.

Here are a few more questions you should be prepared to ask before deciding on a dance school:

What types of classes are offered, and how frequently?

You’ll want to be sure that your school offers more than one type of class, if that’s where your interest lies, and that the school offers enough classes in timeslots that will coincide with your schedule.

Does the studio have a suspended or floating floor?

In order to prevent injury, it’s important that the school has invested in a state-of-the-art, suspending or floating floor that will absorb much of the shock that comes along with jumping and other high-energy movement. A floor that does not absorb the shock may contribute to back and knee injuries. Under no circumstance should there be concrete floors in the dance studios, even if covered by wood or vinyl.

Can you sit in on a class?

It’s important that you get a feeling for the type of environment that the staff creates at the studio, how they interact with students, and what their style of teaching is. Often, you can only gather this information by viewing a class. If they are willing to let you participate, that’s even better!

Is this an environment that you can thrive in?

Are the studios spacious? Is there adequate lighting? Do the mirrors and the rest of the studios appear to be kept clean? You want to attend a dance school with an environment conducive to learning and that helps you feel motivated, and inspired to dance your heart out.

If you enroll in a school and it’s not living up to your expectations, don’t be afraid to keep looking for a studio that’s more in line with your goals and your personal needs. In the meantime, are you up for gauging just how great of a dancer you already are? Be sure to check the casting notices at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and submit yourself for some of the dance auditions we have posted on the website. Good luck!

How To Pick A Dance Studio Pt 1

Once you’ve decided you want to pursue a career as a professional dancer, one of the most important things you can invest in is your training. Whether it’s your dream to join a prominent dance company, or choreograph for feature films, it’s important that you make sure that your technique and skills are top-notch and that you’ve mastered a number of different styles.

Deciding which dance studio would best suit your needs and personal goals can be a challenge. There are a lot of criteria to consider. I’ve put together a two-part blog to help you come up with a comprehensive list of factors to weigh when you’re ready to pick the dance school that’s perfect for you.

When selecting a dance studio, it’s important that you ask:

What is the mission of the dance studio?

If your studio was created to provide community classes and teach dance in a fun environment for students of all ages, this may not be the school for you. If you want to become a professional dancer, you should find a school designed to produce professional dancers and where the students and the teachers are committed to excellence in professional dance.

How experienced are the instructors?

It’s important that you review the credentials of the instructors that you will be learning from. If you want to be the best dancer you can be, it’s important that you learn from the best. It’s also ideal if your teacher still currently dances, or also takes classes so that they remain in top form, and are aware of new dance styles and teaching techniques.

How large are the classes?

You want to make sure that you are able to fully take advantage of class time and the knowledge and talent of your instructor. In smaller classes, you will have an opportunity to ask questions, and your teacher will have ample time to review your form and technique to ensure that you’re progressing.

Be sure to check in tomorrow when we will review some other important questions that you should ask before selecting a dance studio. In the meantime, check out some of the great dance auditions we have posted at www.StarSearchCasting.com.