Record on the Record

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

-George Eliot

Video recording is a great way to strengthen your dancing. It points flaws in positioning and movement that can be further improved on, giving the dancer a better representation on how they are seen dancing among others. It’s also very beneficial, because you can go back at a later time to see your critiques, and videotaping on a phone also gives you the opportunity to record in slow motion, and go back and watch in breakdown sequences, taking screenshot of specific moments that need work or are already mastered.

If a dancer is doing a quick across the floor sequence it would be highly valuable for them to record themselves in slow motion, so they can see their exact form of preparation when they transfer that combination to a piece of choreography. Again, this would help because it can point out both the strengths and weaknesses of the dancer’s skill.

Videotaping should also always be used in short term choreography rehearsals such as a solo, duet or trio. This is extremely helpful when attempting to remember specific timing details, or notes that the choreographer wants you to keep in mind when performing the piece. It’s important when rehearsing to be positive that you are doing it correct, because usually non group numbers will be taught in a hurry, with minimal time, because it’s expected the dancer will just go back to recount on what the choreographer wants. You can also go back at a later time if the choreography has been away from you for a while since the last rehearsal.

Recording is a very useful tool for dancers and should be used more often than it is, it is beneficial for hearing critiques the instructor is yelling out, to see form of motion during skills, remembering choreography and understanding the strengths and weaknesses you hold as a dancer. From the recordings you can work for improvement, learn new things about your movement and hear the corrections you may have lost from the day it was recorded. Keep your recordings on record to keep strengthening your dancing.

~Julia Brewer