How important is practice?

[pygmalion]

HotHouseSalsero got me thinking about this. How important is practice to you? In development of new skills, retention of old skills, or other. Also, does the amount of practice needed vary depending on whether you are new to dance or more experienced? Does it vary depending on what kind of dance you do? Social? Competitive? Nightclub? Structured? Thoughts, anyone?

[DancePoet]

I agree with the saying, "if you don't use it, you loose it."

Practice can be on your own, with a partner, or even attending a social dance.

It's very important!

[ShyDancer]

Practice is just about as important as learning the steps I think.

It isnt any good knowing the steps if you can execute them with rhythm and style, and the only way to learn rhythm and style is practice practice practice!

I practice anywhere and everywhere, you can easily sneak in a few lock steps, and walks in behind a shopping cart! Sure I get a few odd looks every now and then but you can never tell when that pesky move/step you cant seem to grasp will suddenly fall into place for you. I recently learnt the natural top turn in Rumba and I couldnt for the life of me get the proper rotation out of it, while doing it in my mothers kitchen (how great a chair can be for a practice partner when no one else is available!) it suddenly worked for me.

So after all that dribble....practice to me is very important.

[Sagitta]

In a week or couple weeks I hope to remember this and come back with an answer. My practicing and dancing has dropped off this past month to almost nil so in April I will how really important it is, how much I've retained and how fast I can regain what if any I've lost.

[delamusica]

Could practicing BE any more important?! If a dancer ever wants to get to a point of really being able to play around on the floor with rythm, style, expression, etc., they have to commit the steps and technique to muscle memory - it should ideally be as natural as walking. :) If a person's always thinking about bending this knee, stepping on x part of the foot, moving in whatever direction . . . well - the less technical stuff you worry about, the more fun you can have with the rest of your dancing. And the only way to be that comfortable is to develop muscle memory through repitition. When we type to each other, we're not thinking about the movements of our fingers, we're thinking about what we want to say - dancing should be the same. :)

All IMHO, of course . . .

[Seini]

Practice is very important. I did not start enjoying dance until I started practicing. I developed the individual confidence to know what I was doing so I could concentrate on being a dance partner.

One thing I remember:

“Practice does NOT make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Some football coach said that back in the 60’s, but it is very true.

Practice correctly. Ask your instructor what drills you can practice to develop muscle memory that will enhance your dancing.

[delamusica]

And one more thing to add to your list of rememberings:

"The average practice until they can do it right. The great practice until they can't do it wrong."

[Seini]

:) I like it. Thanks :lol:

[ShyDancer]

"The average practice until they can do it right. The great practice until they can't do it wrong."


Aw that is Awesome! I really like that!

[dancin_feet]

To me, practice is critical and necessary to get my dancing fix every day!

[ShyDancer]

I just came across another quote ..

Practice does NOT make perfect...Practice Practice Practice makes perfect!

I like it!