1010193_10152982130419186_5434648246160632396_nAll dancers know the benefit and importance of corrections from their instructors. Corrections are the dance teachers’ way of saying “I like how you are trying, I care about your dancing and I want you to improve.” But as a dance student, sometimes it is difficult, even down right frustrating, to understand and apply the critique given to you.

Here are 3 steps to help you “take” corrections and improve your dancing.

Step 1) Make sure you understand your correction. If you are unclear about what your teacher meant, approach them after class for clarification and a more thorough explanation. Once you understand what your teacher wants you to do, you can begin applying the correction.

Step 2) Apply the correction to your body. If you can physically do what your teacher is asking, that is fabulous. You can now skip to Step 3. But if your body is unable to do your correction, it is time to talk to your teacher again. Approach him or her at the end of class and ask if there are any strengthening or stretching exercises you can do at home to achieve your correction. The more you practice, in the studio and at home, the faster you will improve.

Step 3) Make your correction consistent. I personally think this last step is the hardest. The only way to reach consistency is practice, practice, and more practice. Some dancers keep journals of their corrections to review and remember them before class or rehearsal. Other dancers focus on one correction at a time, while some them all at once. Every individual has his or her own way of learning and remembering. It is important to find your style and then use it on your dance corrections.

Some critiques can be fixed immediately, but most take time, concentration, and hard work. But ultimately, by mastering corrections your dancing will improve. As dancers, we get one step closer to our goal of achieving dance perfection when we improve an aspect of our dancing.