College Discussion - View Single Post - Specific dance elements to master for MT?

CoachC · 01-25-2006, 12:08 AM

Hi all -

In response to the question about SPECIFIC dance elements, I think it's good to point out that mastering specific turns, across-the-floor "steps" (pas de bouree, for example), etc. won't mask a lack of general technique. No one here has implied that it WOULD do so, but I know when I was a young performer who did not have formal dance training (I was a singer-actress by training), I wanted to learn as many jumps, turns, etc. as I could, because I thought that would help me "fake" dance auditions. Especially in college auditions, the auditors are ASTUTELY looking for technique or potential to develop technique - so having a basic ballet class where you really focus on barre work and center barre is the MOST essential for novice dancers. I always chuckle when I hear (or read here) that the dance combination for a school was "easy." Nearly all ARE and it's VERY MUCH ON PURPOSE, because the instructors are looking for absolute cleanliness of line, extension, balance - the fundamentals that say "dancer with great training," "dancer with poor training," "mover with potential," etc. - and sometimes an explosive combination can mask weak technique. This is why some less-than-amazing dancers can get professional jobs in certain MT "dance" shows or in dancing ensembles - sometimes in the professional world, having the right style is more important than having amazing overall technique. But COLLEGES are looking for technique first, then potential and presence.

As for the "easy" college audition dance combos, think of it this way: as an experienced vocal coach, I can hear you sing and know literally within 2-4 measures what you've got "going on" vocally - that's why almost all professional MT singing auditions use 16-bar cuts, cause that's truly all the auditors need to hear! In the same way, experienced dance teachers can spot technique RIGHT away, and after that, they are looking for the other elements I mentioned above.

So do what our wise moms here say and take REAL ballet first, the kind that works you hard and forces you to dance cleanly and strongly. Add as many other dance classes as you can, but keep ballet your ABSOLUTE priority. Remember, ALL "beginning" dancers start with ballet in college MT programs - that tells you how important it is!!!

CoachC (NOT an experienced dance teacher, just experienced in the ways of college auditions

)

01-25-2006, 12:08 AM	#6
CoachC Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 563	"specific" dance elements Hi all - In response to the question about SPECIFIC dance elements, I think it's good to point out that mastering specific turns, across-the-floor "steps" (pas de bouree, for example), etc. won't mask a lack of general technique. No one here has implied that it WOULD do so, but I know when I was a young performer who did not have formal dance training (I was a singer-actress by training), I wanted to learn as many jumps, turns, etc. as I could, because I thought that would help me "fake" dance auditions. Especially in college auditions, the auditors are ASTUTELY looking for technique or potential to develop technique - so having a basic ballet class where you really focus on barre work and center barre is the MOST essential for novice dancers. I always chuckle when I hear (or read here) that the dance combination for a school was "easy." Nearly all ARE and it's VERY MUCH ON PURPOSE, because the instructors are looking for absolute cleanliness of line, extension, balance - the fundamentals that say "dancer with great training," "dancer with poor training," "mover with potential," etc. - and sometimes an explosive combination can mask weak technique. This is why some less-than-amazing dancers can get professional jobs in certain MT "dance" shows or in dancing ensembles - sometimes in the professional world, having the right style is more important than having amazing overall technique. But COLLEGES are looking for technique first, then potential and presence. As for the "easy" college audition dance combos, think of it this way: as an experienced vocal coach, I can hear you sing and know literally within 2-4 measures what you've got "going on" vocally - that's why almost all professional MT singing auditions use 16-bar cuts, cause that's truly all the auditors need to hear! In the same way, experienced dance teachers can spot technique RIGHT away, and after that, they are looking for the other elements I mentioned above. So do what our wise moms here say and take REAL ballet first, the kind that works you hard and forces you to dance cleanly and strongly. Add as many other dance classes as you can, but keep ballet your ABSOLUTE priority. Remember, ALL "beginning" dancers start with ballet in college MT programs - that tells you how important it is!!! CoachC (NOT an experienced dance teacher, just experienced in the ways of college auditions )