Photo of Kassidy by Taylor Nyman.
As a sophomore dance minor here at WSU, I’ve learned a lot from my involvement in productions and classes. Last year, I was a dancer in Dancescape 2016 and choreographer for the Senior Dance Show. This year, I was a choreographer for Dancescape 2017 and was the head of publicity.
If you’re interested in studying dance in college, here are a few tips to help you along on your artistic journey:
1. Let go of the feeling you need to do tricks
Many people feel you must do turns, leaps and kicks in a dance to stand out, but that’s far from the truth. It’s less about how flexible you are and how many turns you can do, and more about how you do the movement.
It’s about how you perform with strength and emotion that matters.
2. Don’t judge harshly when you’re not used to something
Whether it’s a warm up, choreography, or a dance you’re watching – expect to see new things and try new things you’re not used to.
Keep an open mind through it all. Not everyone creates the same or has the same movement preference. Look at it as an opportunity to learn more about dance from the new things you experience.
3. Get out of your comfort zone
Branch out. Get creative. If you’re studying dance, you want to explore how you can create movement in different ways and be innovative. This will help you grow as a choreographer and dancer.
4. Stay Positive
You might not get the choreography right away or even understand a term at first, but it’s apart of the process. Keep practicing and asking questions. Your professors and peers want you to succeed; don’t forget that.
Stay positive! If you’re struggling with something in class, you’ll get it in time.
5. If you have a passion for dance, then dance!
If dance has been part of your life for a long time and you want to continue it in college, then give it a shot! It’s better to say you tried it than regretting not trying it at all. WSU offers many opportunities to dance. If you don’t want to stop dancing when you begin college, you don’t have to.
I hope this insight from a dance minor gives you a better perspective on what it’s like to study dance and what to keep in mind in the studio. Consider taking on the exciting and interesting 26 credit dance minor at WSU.
Who knows… it could be one of your best decisions in college and will make your passion for the art grow!
