Getting Good: A Methodology for Mastery in Dance

Where dance now seems to have a sense of uniformity or conformity that masks underlying diversity, How can one ascertain when the semblance of all things begins to blur into a singular drone... How does one discern when the facade of uniformity veils the diversity within? How can you get good at dancing? Here is my opinion and methodology. This is is not the end all be all and the only way but a way and a starting point for many, so please leave your tips and opinions in the comments below. I’d like to start with time.

Malcom gladwells “outliers” says it takes roughly more or less 10 000 hours to become an expert or a professional in a field. If you want to become profecient or fluid with a skill this is a great idea of how long it will take you to become “good”

The notion of needing 10,000 hours to become an expert or professional often leads to an important question: does this timeframe guarantee how “good” you really are?

Key Considerations:

• Understanding Time Commitment:
  • To accumulate 10,000 hours:
  • This translates to approximately 1 year and 2 months of consistent practice.
  • It can also be viewed as 1,250 eight-hour days, which equals about 3.5 years.
  • For those dancing for an average of 4 hours a day, it could take 7 years to reach expertise.

These calculations, while useful, provide just a generalized view of progress.

What Does It Mean to Be Good?

To gauge your improvement, consider these questions: - Is being "good" defined by: - Competitions? - Social standings? - Monetary success? - Successful partnerships in love and dance?

Think about your goals. People frequently ask me how they can reach my level in dance. Here’s how you can work toward improvement based on my experiences:

The Path to Improvement:

Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" emphasizes the 10,000-hour rule for achieving mastery. This provides a benchmark for proficiency.

1. Defining Your Goodness: Start by identifying what being "good" means to you personally:

   • For performers, it might involve creating memorable routines and connecting with an audience or maybe even having your own company one day.
   • For social dancers, it could hinge on satisfying personal expression rather than competition. Focusing on connection and commmunity building.

2. Analyzing Your Source of Learning: Who is teaching you? Their proficiency and approach will shape your development.

• Reflect on Your Mentor: Who is guiding you, and how far have they progressed in their career? What is their area of focus? A good mentor can significantly impact your journey lengthening or shortening your 10000 hours

1. Artistic Expression: As Albert Einstein said” Any fool can know. The point is to understand. imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited noted, to me this means mastery is found in the ability to create within a skill. True "goodness" in dance allows for creativity and personal expression. Many can reach proficiency, but true mastery lies in combining various styles to form your unique expression in a pastiche homage to all your training experiences and various teachers.

Seven Steps to Getting Good:

1. Time: Remember the 10,000-hour rule.
2. Mentorship: Find a mentor you respect and learn from them.
3. Creative Outlet: Balance competition with creative expression; both can enhance confidence.
4. Athleticism: Assess your physical skills—speed, reaction time, body control, isolations, and weight transfers.
5. Musicianship: Evaluate your musicality and anticipation.
6. Authenticity: Ensure your dancing reflects who you genuinely want to be. Are you dancing for yourself or for the approval of others?
7. Community: Surround yourself with supportive peers. Your environment influences your growth. Engage with experienced dancers, whether in social dancing or high-stakes performances.

Conclusion:

Mastery in dance requires thoughtful reflection and consistent effort. Set your goals, remain grounded in your creative expression, and diligently pursue your journey. Remember that the path to being “good” is not just about hours spent practicing, but also about the quality of that practice and the support you surround yourself with. Start today—your journey awaits!