Navigating the Dance World: Unveiling the Truth Behind 'Tricks' vs. 'Technique'

Dance, a mesmerizing art form that transcends cultures and languages, has captured the hearts of many across the world. In the age of social media and instant gratification, it's easy to get carried away by flashy tricks and viral TikTok dances. However, this blog post aims to delve into the critical distinction between 'tricks' and 'technique' in the dance world and emphasize the significance of proper training, fundamentals, and consistent practice for aspiring dancers.

Tricks vs. Technique: Understanding the Difference:

The distinction between 'tricks' and 'technique' in dance is crucial for comprehending the diverse facets of a dancer's abilities and the development of their artistry. 'Tricks' are captivating movements that frequently leverage momentum, flexibility, and the element of surprise to capture the audience's attention. These showy and often high-energy movements can include leaps, spins, acrobatics, and dramatic lifts. While tricks may dazzle and amaze, they are often reliant on the immediate impact they create and may not contribute significantly to a dancer's overall growth.

For example, a dancer executing an intricate and fast-paced series of pirouettes (spins) that culminate in a dramatic leap would be considered a trick. The rapid rotation and sudden elevation create a visually stunning moment that elicits excitement from the audience. However, without a strong foundation in technique, the dancer might struggle to maintain proper alignment and balance throughout the spins, potentially leading to inconsistencies in their performance.

In contrast, 'technique' embodies the fundamental principles of movement that underpin a dancer's skillset. This encompasses elements such as proper alignment, posture, balance, control, and coordination. Technique provides dancers with the tools to execute movements with precision, grace, and longevity, fostering their ability to perform consistently at a high level.

An illustrative example of technique is the humble ballet plié. A dancer trained in proper technique will demonstrate a plié with controlled descent, maintaining alignment of the hips, knees, and ankles while keeping the spine elongated. This foundational movement not only contributes to the aesthetic quality of the dance but also helps prevent injury and supports the execution of more complex choreography.

Striking the Balance:

It's tempting to be drawn to the allure of tricks, especially when they're showcased on social media platforms like TikTok. However, true growth as a dancer requires a balanced approach. Incorporating both tricks and technique allows for artistic expression while ensuring safe and sustainable progress. A solid foundation of technique lays the groundwork for mastering intricate tricks, making them appear effortless and awe-inspiring.

Debunking the Illusion of Instant Success:

Social media platforms can distort reality, presenting polished, 30-second dance routines that seem effortlessly perfect. What these fleeting videos don't reveal is the hours of relentless training, sweat, and dedication that go into achieving such proficiency. The journey from a novice to a skilled dancer involves countless hours of practice, repetitive drills, and guidance from experienced teachers.

The Role of Proper Training and Technique Classes:

Engaging in spontaneous dance sessions before your mirror within the comfort of your home undoubtedly holds a certain appeal, but the irreplaceable value of receiving guidance from an adept instructor within a dedicated dance studio cannot be overstated. Technique classes serve as a crucial conduit for honing one's dance abilities, offering a platform for receiving tailored feedback that addresses nuanced aspects such as posture, alignment, and overall form. This personalized input plays a pivotal role in not only enhancing the aesthetic quality of a dancer's performance but also safeguarding them against potential injuries that may arise due to incorrect execution. By adhering to a structured regimen of technique classes, dancers are empowered to methodically fine-tune their skills, allowing for a gradual and sustainable improvement trajectory. The seemingly repetitive nature of these foundational training sessions might be perceived as uneventful, yet it forms the bedrock upon which the edifice of dance excellence is constructed.

Examples of the Importance of Proper Training and Technique Classes:

1. **Posture and Alignment:** In a ballet technique class, an instructor may meticulously guide students through the proper alignment of the body, emphasizing how correct posture contributes to fluid movements and avoids strain. Without this guidance, dancers might inadvertently develop habits that hinder their progress and potentially lead to injuries.

2. **Injury Prevention:** A contemporary dance technique class might focus on injury prevention exercises, enlightening dancers about how targeted stretching routines and warm-up techniques mitigate the risk of strain or overuse injuries.

3. **Refinement of Movement:** Hip-hop dance classes may delve into intricate movements and isolations, teaching students how to manipulate individual body parts with precision. This level of detail might be challenging to grasp without expert guidance.

4. **Consistent Progression:** Tap dance technique classes emphasize rhythm and coordination, gradually building upon foundational steps to create more complex routines. A dancer who consistently attends such classes is likely to witness incremental growth in their skills over time.

5. **Historical Context:** Some dance forms, like ballroom or traditional folk dances, carry rich historical and cultural significance. Technique classes often incorporate contextual education, offering insights into the origins and evolution of the dance style.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the role of proper training and technique classes in dance, individuals can explore academic research papers on dance pedagogy, attend dance conventions or workshops led by seasoned instructors, and engage with dance organizations and communities both online and offline. You should actively seek dance teachers who do the same and understand the importance of coniunually learning.

Importance of Good Teachers and Consistent Training:

A skilled teacher is the compass that guides a dancer's journey. Their expertise, corrections, and insights are invaluable in shaping a dancer's growth. Consistency in attending classes and regular practice is key to honing technique, building muscle memory, and fostering artistic evolution.

Dance for All Ages: Embracing Technique:

The argument for dancers of any age to prioritize technique classes is compelling. Proper technique fosters a solid foundation that is crucial for growth and prevents injuries. Whether a beginner or a seasoned dancer, continuous technical training is the key to unlocking one's full potential.

In a dance world where social media platforms offer a curated glimpse into the art form, it's imperative to recognize the distinction between 'tricks' and 'technique.' The pursuit of true excellence in dance demands a harmonious balance between the two, grounded in proper training, fundamentals, and consistent practice. The 'magic' of dance emerges not from quick tricks but from the hours of dedicated, focused training that happens behind the scenes. Those 30 second social media posts are inspiring but, let us celebrate the mundane, embrace technique, and dance our way toward a fulfilling, injury-free, and artistically thriving journey.

As we explore this topic we will also look into the aspects of artistry within dance....keep an eye out for up coming blog posts!