How to get the most out of your group classes

The one of the biggest struggles we hear from dancers is “how to I remember my patterns?” While there are some basic tips that work in general, this post is specifically going to cover getting the most out of your west coast swing group classes!

How to get the Most out of Your Group Classes

1. Listen for technique tips:

Throughout group classes, instructors make asides about little technique bits that make the move work. Listen for these. Ask yourself why they are important on this move, and what other moves can benefit from those tips.

2. Watch the instructors:

There is almost always something to admire about the way a pro dances. Find something that you like about your workshop instructors, and watch closely while they demo their patterns. For instance, if you like their anchor, pay close attention to where their feet are, where their weight is, where in the body they settle their weight, etc. You can learn a ton from close observation.

3. Learn the opposite role:

This can involve the whole range of options from actually taking the workshop in the opposite role to paying close attention to what your partner is doing during the pattern. In true lead-follow dancing, the leader is more concerned with what he asks the follower to do than what he is doing per se.

Likewise, the follower doesn’t know the pattern and so can’t be focused on what she ought to do; she needs to be focused on what the leader is asking from her. Group classes are a great way to develop this skill because you can concentrate on how the leader’s movement is creating a lead for the follower, and what the follower needs to do in order to feel that lead and respond appropriately. 

4. Notice what makes each dancer differently:

Because you rotate through partners in a group class, you can become aware of how your partner’s dance style affects the movement.

Leaders, pay attention to the ways in which the follower may not be prepared for the upcoming lead, and either find a way to make the lead work or to mentally scratch off that lead in that situation.

Followers, notice the variety of ways your leader can communicate a lead, and focus on making your movements in a way that allows you to respond to any of those versions.

5. Practice your technique in complicated moves:

Most workshop patterns are at least moderately complicated moves. Whatever material you’ve been working on in private lessons—from anchoring to stretching to rolling through the feet—should be able to be applied in this move.

A group class provides a great opportunity to practice your technique while performing more complicated patterns.

Don’t stop taking group classes!

As I write this in early 2017, a friend of mine recently ranted online about people thinking they were too good for group classes. He said something that resonated with me. He said,

“if you can’t get something out of a group class you’re not trying hard enough”

I think this is completely true. Even today I’m always search of better ways to understand concepts and as a pro, especially better ways to teach them!

What about private lessons or workshops?

Each type of lesson has specific things you can do to retain what you’ve learned. Here are a couple of helpful tips to remember the material you’ve learned.

 

Improve your spins with this drill!

Enter your email - watch the video now!
WATCH NOW
close-link

The #1 Key toMusicality in West Coast Swing
WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

Improve your turns
for 2-Step
with this FREE video!

WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

3 keys to styling
with any dance partner!
WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

5 different ways to
Style Your Anchor Step
WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

SHOW ME THE SONGS 
close-link

Learn the basics
of West Coast Swing
in this FREE video!

GET THE VIDEO
close-link

 Get our FREE
Move of the Week Videos

GET YOUR FIRST VIDEO
close-link

WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

Learn the most important
Footwork Drill
for west coast swing

WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

3 Keys to better
Social Dancing

WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link

Learn to Stay on Time
with these 4 tips

WATCH THE VIDEO 
close-link


 
Watch your video
close-link


 
Watch the video
close-link
  Special Offer  

Get Your
14 Day Free Trial

Click the button & I'll Explain Personally
LEARN MORE >
With ❤️ Brian & Megan
close-link