First off, you must PRACTICE. Practice is the key to your success! If you don't practice, then you probably won't get anywhere in your dancing. The hints to practicing are:



1. Practicing as soon as you get a new step in class- you'll be able to remember it easier than you would the week after in class!



2. Finding an appropriate place to practice- give yourself room to travel around! Pretend your space is your stage. You don't dance crammed between coffee tables, do you? lol



3. Doing a full warm up, stamina builder, and warm down- very important! You'll be stretched and safe from injury when you warm up; you'll gradually be able to dance longer and better when you stamina-build; and your muscles will be cooled down (which keeps injuries away) when you warm down.



4. Be consistent! Try to practice for 30 minutes every day, or at least every other day. Do all your steps, or take one dance, such as the reel, and break it down and make it perfect.



5. If you have a big mirror, pull it out and dance in front of it. It's important to have some way to watch yourself! Using a camcorder is a great way to give yourself feedback on your dancing. Ask yourself these questions: Are my feet turned out? Are my feet crossed? Do I have gaps between my knees? How's my posture? Arms straight? Is my chin up? Do I look confident? When I leap, do I maintain my posture? Most importantly, are you smiling? Remember, dancing is a hobby and a sport, so have fun with it!


IDEAS FOR A FUN PRACTICE SESSION
*Dance to something other than Irish music, but with a good beat- the Cotton Eyed Joe resembles a reel!
*Put on your costume and wig, and do a dress rehearsal!
*Dance in front of stuffed animals and dolls and pretend you're in Riverdance- only dancing your steps!
*Dance to a show soundtrack, like Riverdance or Lord of The Dance


TRAINING

Building up your stamina is really important. Not only does it make you a better dancer, it makes your heart and other muscles stronger. Try this stamina workout without stopping, and try to keep your feet crossed, pointed...you know the drill (no pun intended).

*Turn on a reel on your CD* Then *Stretch*
Now...
*Do 20 kick butt jumps (where you jump up and hit your heels to your butt)
*Do a set of 3 points, 5 times on your right foot, 5 on your left foot (just point your toe and hop)
*Do 10 kick butt jumps
*Do your reel steps

That is a hard workout to do! But if you do it every time you practice, then imagine how fit you will be!

STRETCHES

Stretching before you dance is VERY important! Do these stretches before you dance:
*Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you. Bend foward and grab your toes. Hold for 10 seconds, and repeat.
*Spread your legs in a V, and lunge to the right, and grab your right ankle. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat on your left, then swing over to the center, and lunge foward.
*Sit up straight, and cross your legs. Stretch up with your arms, then slowly lunge foward, your palms touching the floor. Hold for 10 seconds.
*Stand up, and lunge. Keeping your heel planted on the floor, hold for 10 seconds and then switch legs.
*Hold your ankle up from the floor, and circle it clockwise 10 times and then counter-clockwise for 10 times. Repeat on your other foot.
*Do 5 kick butt jumps.