Our lives were altered significantly throughout the times of the pandemic and adjusting to the new world of restrictions has been extremely challenging for all of us. Our favourite activities in many respects were put to a complete stop and the new reality has affected negatively peoples’ emotional and physiological balance. The dance community more than any other was and still is the most vulnerable from the lack of social dance gatherings and events. Many dance lovers felt discouraged, keeping up dancing and gave up their favourite activity during those painful times.
And yet the new reality of pandemic opened up a different opportunity and shaped up an even stronger desire to continue or even start doing, something you always dreamed of and loved to do: Dancing!
Competitive ballroom and Latin dancers may find this long break from events very helpful for improving technical skill levels and building more layers of quality to their dancing. No matter if they practice as a couple or are restricted to work in solo training, the new way of training can still elevate their dance abilities by adding depth and character to their existing choreography.
If you are not a dancer, but always wanted to be able to dance, now is the time to try and make it happen.
If you are a social dancer, who loves to dance different styles and enjoys dance events, now is a great opportunity to add more technique to your previous knowledge of steps.
If you have no dance partner, don’t let this stop you from starting to dance, now is your opportunity to learn patterns of steps and be aware of the footwork as a leader or a follower.
Latin Dance styles are most suitable for learning virtually in a limited space and without a partner by solo training courses. It may sound unappealing and unusual at first, but in the new era of technology and communication, learning remotely has proven to be possible and quite effective.
Many may say if you dance as a pair, why need to do solo training?
Solo training is the only way to learn, improve or elevate your existing skills to a new dance level by adding the most valuable abilities, needed for dancing. Here are four of them:
1. Improve your balance control
Improve your balance control and posture by using different drills and moves that may help you achieve your body weight awareness and stability. Every partner requires a good balance to make the duo move smoothly on the dance floor. Solo training exercises can help you really stand on your feet and look confident.
2. Clean up your footwork.
No matter if you wish to learn the emotional Rumba, the dramatic Paso Doble or the cheerfully Cha cha, knowing the popular patterns is very much required to be able to enjoy dancing, without thinking about your steps. Solo training can give you the opportunity to master those steps as a good base for your future dance experience.
3. Elevate your technique.
All successful dancers and well-known champions use basic steps and patterns in their competitive choreography, but the quality of their movements is so remarkable and outstanding to watch, that only perfect technique makes them look so amazing on the dance floor. Working on your body action, muscle control and training your flexibility is the key to a better dancing quality. Solo training is a very unique process and can target different elements of your weaknesses. Training without a partner is irreplaceable if you want to be a better dancer.
4. Master Arms coordination and transition of shaping along with your dancing patterns.
It is surprising to many beginner dancers how important the arms can be in someone’s dancing experience. Incorporating arms movements in your individual training may allow you to create style and personality. Solo training of your arms expression is the only path to confidence and sophistication.
There are varieties of options for enrolling in different Latin dance classes with step by step explanation of all the above components, needed for quality dancing. You may join in-person classes and follow the instruction from a safe distance if the restrictions allow it. You may join virtual classes that will suit your level of dancing and develop or enhance your knowledge and skills during the pandemic period.
It is very important to keep consistency and practice correctly all the movements during your solo training. With proper guidance throughout your dance lessons and personal dedication, your body will develop dance reflexes and will turn you into a quality dancer. Good dancers always have more choices in selecting a stronger dance partner. Two good dancers make a flawless dance couple to be admired on the dance floor in the future events to come, no matter social or competitive goals are in mind.