Practicing dance has started to both look different and feel different. That is, the way I am approaching dance practice changed (I think it will continue to change change and evolve) based on both recent conversations with Kev (aka DJ Renegade) as well training directly (both group and individual) with him.
I’m inching close to 3 years into my dance journey and I’m starting to feel another leap in my dance. It’s on the cusp. I can feel it. More specifically, only now am I really able to tell when I am “on beat” and certain movements that I’ve struggled with, movements I’ve actively avoided, are finally clicking in to place. Most notably, the farmer.
What’s changed recently?
On less thinking, more doing
I’m thinking less. Perhaps, I’m no longer overthinking (or if I am overthinking, I am doing it less, so net win overall). In the past, I would during my individual practice, I would often stop myself multiple times throughout a session, analyze the video, make micro adjustments. While this analytical approach can be useful, I also think this interrupt filled approach has one major drawback: reducing the volume of work, reducing the number of repetitions.
On qualifying the statement of “shortcuts”
“There are shortcuts”. And then he’ll qualify his statement. “There are no shortcuts, for the first couple years. Just grind.” While I do value his expertise, and while I still will follow his guidance, I do think that beyond drilling, there’s other elements of dance — my dance — that I don’t want to neglect; in fact, I want to nurture them, specifically the creative aspect.
Practice Log Notes
How did I train yesterday?
- Booked a studio (new studio: studio 7) at Unit3 – 1.5 hours for 13.50 GBP
What did I train yesterday?
- Transition from half-time two step to on time
- Farmer variation – farmer, farmer, step, step, farmer
- Farmer variation – applying the rhythm of the “1 and 2” (e.g. pas de bourree)
- Farmer variation – half time farmer while using the arms and making the movement “sharp” to emphasize texture of music
What realizations did I have yesterday?
- That while doing the farmer, I can twist my hips that changes the entire groove, the look and feel
- While performing two step, starting on the “and” of “1” makes phrasing changes make more sense – now switching after 8 counts makes more sense
Areas to work on next time?
- Half-time two step transition to on-time two step – a little sticky here
- Walid’s farmer variation of combining the shuffle and dodge with the farmer
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