Camps and Intensives -- Worth the Effort?

[pygmalion]

We've talked before about which dance camps are out there. Now I'm curious. Is the dance camp/dance weekend/intensive experience all it's cracked up to be?

I've read the promotional testimonials -- "it's like taking a whole year's worth of lessons in a week," and the like. Do you think this is really true? How much can you really learn in a week or two?

[jon]

I've read the promotional testimonials -- "it's like taking a whole year's worth of lessons in a week," and the like. Do you think this is really true? How much can you really learn in a week or two?

Well, if you go to the BYU dance camp, with up to 6 hours of classes/day for 5 days, you can learn about 30 hours of group classes worth. However, most people probably don't retain most of that instruction for very long.

[pygmalion]

Yeah, jon, that's what I was thinking. On the other hand, some of these camps and classes are taught by top US dancers and coaches. That must be worth something, right? I'm guessing ... :? *shrug*

[jon]

Yeah, jon, that's what I was thinking. On the other hand, some of these camps and classes are taught by top US dancers and coaches. That must be worth something, right? I'm guessing ... :? *shrug*

I went to BYU 8 times total between 1989 and 1995. Overall the instruction was pretty good, but not spectacular. I don't think having a champion instructor in a group class really makes all that much difference over a competent local instructor, though, since there's so little personalized guidance.

Having the student TAs in the classes was nice, though, since they actually danced with people in the rotation sometimes and could provide good feedback.

[pygmalion]

How about coming up with the extra cash and buying a private lesson as an option?

[KevinL]

I've heard people say that dance camps/weekends are where all their platuea breakthroughs happen. The total immersion could lead to your making connections that you hadn't made before, so I think it's reasonable.

I've only been to one dance camp, the Oakland Swing Dance Festival in 2001(?). It was incredible. Just being in the same room with some of those great dancers was inspiring, and the classes and full-time dancing really helped me to improve. How much of what I learned do I still remember? Patterns, probably not very much; real dance skills I don't know, but probably a fair amount.

Kevin

[pygmalion]

I was also thinking there's probably a lot of value in taking notes, and buying the instruction video, if there is one. It might also be nice to take a buddy or dance partner with you, to help reinforce stuff when you get home

And the biggie, for me, would be networking. Especially for people who are into competitive dance, I think it would be a great chance to meet some people you may be competing against, or people who may judge you at future comps. Just a thought.

[dragon3085]

The salsa camp I went to was worth every penny. I also feel the video is a must, there is just to much visual learning going for writing stuff to really be that helpful.

[cl5814]

So, while the topic is on dance camps, anyone planning to attend Dancevision's camp in Vegas in June ?

PS. I am looking for a female to share a room with, if anyone is interested. :?:

[pygmalion]

I seem to remember one other person mentioning attendance. will search, and PM you the name.