Dance Colleges & Careers

Summary

Brittany discusses the emerging trend of private dance mentorships, particularly since 2020. She explores the benefits of having a dance mentor, the importance of finding the right fit, and how to navigate relationships with dance studios while pursuing additional training. Brittany emphasizes the value of personalized guidance in a competitive dance environment and offers insights on how to seek out reputable mentors.

Takeaways

• Dance mentorships are becoming more common post-COVID.
• Having a dance mentor can provide personalized guidance.
• It's important to find a mentor who aligns with your goals.
• Navigating relationships with dance studios is crucial.
• Investing in mentorship can accelerate a dancer's growth.
• Dance mentors can help expand a dancer's community.
• Not all mentorship programs are created equal.
• Communication with your home studio is key.
• Seek mentors who have a professional background.
• Dance mentorship can alleviate stress for parents.

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Summary: In this episode, Brittany discusses the complexities and challenges of dancing in heels. Drawing from her extensive experience as a judge and dancer, she emphasizes the importance of technique and strength over the pressure to perform in heels for competitions. Brittany provides insights into the judging process, debunks myths about scoring higher with heels, and offers practical tips for dancers looking to improve their performance in heels. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out with questions.

Takeaways

• Dancing in heels requires more strength and technique.
• It's a misconception that wearing heels guarantees better scores.
• Foundation in dance is crucial before transitioning to heels.
• Judges appreciate versatility, not just the use of heels.
• Core strength is essential for dancing in heels.
• Weight should be shifted to the balls of the feet when dancing in heels.
• Practice and repetition are key to building muscle for heel dancing.
• Dancing in heels can be fun but should not be a pressure point.
• Technique should always be prioritized over style choices.
• Engagement with the audience is important for scoring. 

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Join us as we discuss the importance of trusting your decision when choosing a dance studio for your child. In this episode, we’ll talk about committing fully to your studio, knowing that you’ve made the right choice, and not worrying about whether the grass is greener elsewhere. We’ll also discuss how no studio is perfect and why it’s okay if there’s something missing — it’s all part of the process. Learn how to evaluate what your child truly needs to grow and thrive in their dance education.

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In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, we delve into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked parts of every dancer’s routine: the pre-class warm-up. It’s not just about showing up on time; it’s about preparing your body before you even step into the studio. We’ll break down the essentials every dancer should follow to ensure they’re fully ready for class—starting with getting your heart rate up, incorporating effective stretches, and warming up the muscles for strength and control. Tune in to learn why the real preparation begins before the music starts, and how these simple habits can transform your performance in class and on stage.

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In this episode of "Dance Colleges and Careers", we tackle a crucial topic for every dancer: maintaining focus by blocking out distractions. Join us as we explore why smartwatches and media have no place in the dance studio. 

We'll discuss:

• The Importance of Leaving Distractions at the Door: Learn why it's vital to set aside life’s stresses, such as schoolwork and personal issues, before stepping into the studio.
• Creating a Focused Environment: Discover how the dance studio should be a sanctuary solely for your craft, free from digital distractions and media.
• Impact of Smart Watches and Media: Understand how these devices can disrupt your own focus and the flow of the entire class.
• Respecting the Studio Space: Find out why respecting the studio environment is crucial for both personal growth and group dynamics, and how distractions can be perceived by teachers.

Tune in to learn how to foster a space where every moment is dedicated to improving your dance skills and respecting your peers. Let’s set aside the “crap” of daily life and ensure that when we’re in the studio, our focus is solely on the art of dance and our own personal growth.

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In this episode, we explore key strategies to help you stay focused and engaged at the ballet barre. You'll learn how to enhance your mental clarity and improve your ability to pick up combinations with ease.

1. Discover how to assess your current level of mental engagement during class.
2. Explore different styles of focusing and find out which works best for you.
3. Learn practical tips to sharpen your focus and stay engaged during combinations.
4. Identify habits that may be hindering your progress and find out how to shift them for better results.

Perfect for dancers looking to improve their focus and efficiency, both at the barre and beyond!

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Dance Workshop Success Secrets

Have you ever wondered how that person got the special spot in the front? Or what you can possibly do to get to that level? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we provide actionable advice to elevate your workshop experience.

In this episode, we talk about some quick etiquette tips to get ahead in a workshop setting: 

1. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn why asking the right questions matters and how to avoid being known for asking "stupid" questions.
2. Body Language Matters: Discover how correcting your body language can significantly impact how you're perceived by instructors and peers.
3. Dress to Impress: Understand why ditching sloppy sweatshirts for more polished attire can give you a competitive edge.

Tune in" for practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you shine in every dance workshop you attend!

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Unlock the secrets to mastering improv in dance with our latest episode! Discover how to shine with:

1. Personality: Learn how to let your unique character and energy take center stage.
2. Individual Style: Find out how to infuse your personal flair into every move.
3. Musicality: Enhance your ability to connect with the music and make every performance memorable.

We'll share tips and techniques to help you stand out in any dance improv situation. Hear from experienced dancers who have mastered the art of improv and are ready to share their insights. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this episode will provide valuable guidance to elevate your improv skills. Join us as we explore these essential elements and help you elevate your improv game to the next level!

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We delve into the intricate process of creating compelling application videos for college dance programs. Here's what you can expect:

1. Introduction to College Dance Application Videos:
   • Understand the complexity and importance of crafting application videos.
   • Learn the significance of versatility, quality, and succinctness within a limited time frame.
2. Understanding Various Requirements:
   • Explore the diverse video guidelines of different colleges and dance programs.
   • Discover common elements such as solos, improvisation, and technique demonstrations.
   • Navigate copyright issues by selecting appropriate music and obtaining necessary permissions.
3. Tips for Filming and Editing:
   • Ensure good lighting and sound quality for optimal video production.
   • Position yourself as the focal point of the video to showcase versatility and skill.
   • Edit videos for impact with concise yet engaging editing techniques.
4. Creating Showcase Videos:
   • Demonstrate versatility with a variety of dance styles, techniques, and expressions.
   • Keep videos succinct within specified time limits while highlighting key skills and artistry.

Join us as we guide you through the process of crafting standout application videos that showcase your talent and passion for dance, setting you on the path to success in your college applications.

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Join us in this episode as we explore the art of dance photography and headshot selection, crucial elements in building a captivating dance portfolio. From understanding the significance of a compelling headshot to mastering the composition of body shots and dance poses, we provide expert guidance on capturing the essence of your talent through imagery. Learn the importance of showcasing various aspects of your dance repertoire, from elegant tendus à la seconde to graceful first arabesques in ballet attire. Discover insider tips on achieving optimal photo quality, whether through professional photography or utilizing the settings on your smartphone. Tune in to ensure your dance portfolio shines with stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression on college admissions committees.

You'll need...

1. A professional headshot 
2. Body shot and/or dance shot
3. Tendu à la seconde in ballet clothes
4. First arabesque in ballet clothes

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!