slow at picking up routines!

[KimmyZ]

Hi, I do ballet - and I'm alright at picking up steps...and rembering them for a dance sequence.
I occasionally take hip hop workshops...I love them, I can do all the steps but I just cannot remember them! how can I learn a routine..and REMEMBER THEM!?!? please help!

ciao

Kim xxx

[pygmalion]

Hi KimmyZ. Welcome. :D

Hmm... this question is ringing a bell. I think there might be another thread with a similar question and some answers. I'll see if I can remember the thread title and post it here. I hope I can find it. :?

[dancersdreamland]

Welcome to the Forums, KimmyZ!

I find the easiest way to remember a routine or steps is to write them down right after I learn it. I include as much detail as possible to help me remember what the step looked and felt like.

Then, I use my written notes to physically go over the steps in between classes and practices. I also mentally run through the choreography which seems to help as well.

Hope this helps...

Be sure to also check out this site's sister forum which is dedicated to all non-partner style dancing. There are entire boards dedicated each to ballet and hip hop. There's a quick link in my signature line below.

Looking forward to seeing you here and hopefully on the non-partner site!

[Medira]

Just to add a bit to DDL's advice, if you have the song that you were dancing to, burn it on a CD so that you have it with you. That way, you can think out and picture in your mind the steps that you learned in the choreography. It will also make you more comfortable with the song.

Also, break the combination down step by step as soon as you can after class. Do the first two steps, one after the other until it feels natural. From there add another step or two. Keep repeating it until you don't even have to think about it any more, then add the next few steps. Keep at it until it feels natural. Repetition is one of the best ways to commit something to muscle memory. :)

Best of luck!

[dancersdreamland]

Just to add a bit to DDL's advice, if you have the song that you were dancing to, burn it on a CD so that you have it with you. That way, you can think out and picture in your mind the steps that you learned in the choreography. It will also make you more comfortable with the song.

Also, break the combination down step by step as soon as you can after class. Do the first two steps, one after the other until it feels natural. From there add another step or two. Keep repeating it until you don't even have to think about it any more, then add the next few steps. Keep at it until it feels natural. Repetition is one of the best ways to commit something to muscle memory. :)

Best of luck!

AWESOME advice! I completely agree...especially with having the music always quick at hand. I frequently run through routines mentally while I'm driving my car. :D

[Porfirio Landeros]

One thing I will do is remember the "hits" and the ends of 4's or 8's, and fill in the gaps as I review. That way, I can at least make it through the whole routine and sharpen it up as I go later.

[KimmyZ]

Hey!
Thanks heaps for the help! It's exciting to know people actually read my post!:)

I'll try all your advice, it's good!

Another question:) ...
What if your doing a workshop or something - with just one class. and you learn a 2 minute routine in about 1 1/2 hours or something? So if you don't have the chance to practice afterwards??


Thanks so much!
(I feel heaps welcome already!)

KimmyZ
Ciao xxx

[bjp22tango]

Another question:) ...
What if your doing a workshop or something - with just one class. and you learn a 2 minute routine in about 1 1/2 hours or something? So if you don't have the chance to practice afterwards??

Hi KimmyZ:

The suggestions given already would work for this too. Write down as much as possible about it so you remember it.

If you are allowed to at your workshops, take a videorecorder and tape the instructor going through the combo so you will have a record of it.

Most of the ballroom world workshops will allow students to video the last 5 minutes of a workshop where the teachers run through what they have taught if the student paid for a video pass, or if it is otherwise allowed

[dancersdreamland]

You can also try quickly getting together with a few other participants right after the workshop (before going home or at hte very end of each day...) and write down as much as each of you can remember. Chances are someone else will remember the things the others may have forgotten.