Last week’s post on the benefits of practicing by yourself generated some good questions about just how an aspiring dancer can practice effectively, alone and without a teacher looking on. So here goes Solo Practice, Take Two!
Partnership and partnering skills are among the the most important components of Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country dancing. But it takes solo practice to develop those skills. Partnering alone does not a dancer make.
Practicing the body mechanics and skills you learn in your lessons are of equal importance if you want to be a comfortable and successful dancer on either the social or competitive floor. Though it might be handy to practice with a partner on the lead and follow relationship, that can even be a hindrance when it comes to developing your other dance skills.
When practicing alone, you can work on such elements as posture, or energizing and activating your core. You can also do this as you drive to work, take a walk down the street, or while doing other everyday activities, although you might get a few strange looks if you try to practice some of these skills at work.
When you begin your solo practice at home or at the studio, remember to start from the bottom up. If you are not sure what to work on, think of this sequence: “Base, Body, Head.”
“Base” means starting with your feet. Remember, your feet need training, too. Every dance requires certain strengths, flexibilities and isolations of the feet and ankles. When you practice, be aware of how your weight is distributed over your feet. Can you flex and extend your ankles when necessary? So much of your balance and control is founded in your feet.
Let’s move up to your legs. Practice generating leg actions, be they the alternating actions of your Latin dances, or the compression of your Ballroom dances. Are your knee and hip joints relaxed, available and ready for action? And how about the relationship of one leg to the other?
As we continue up the body, we can work on such elements as developing activity through our backs and arms, our dance frame, upper body actions and rib cage isolations. Of course, we must remember to do all of these with a lifted body and an extended spine.
You get the idea behind “Base, Body, Head.” If you practice the individual actions you must develop in your dancing, those skills will be there for you when you take a partner in your arms. But if you don’t invest in solo practice, you might waste valuable time when you work with your partner.
There’s a lot to learn about becoming a great dancer. Each body skill deserves attention on ts own. The good news is that learning is a fun and an exciting journey that will carry you through years of pleasure. If you need a little encouragement to help you enjoy solo practice, try playing favorite music, or working side-by-side with a friend and partner. Your practice time will fly by, and you will be that much closer towards achieving your dancing goals. 
Lawrence is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Lawrence or any of our instructors call 505-989-9788 to schedule.
