Why You Need to Cross-Train
When someone asks you what kind of dance you do, how do you describe yourself? Do you say you’re a Salsa dancer? A Hip-Hop dancer? Or maybe even a “I’ll bust a move at weddings, but only when everyone’s already had a few” kind of dancer? Although we each have dances we love, why put yourself in a box? Why not embrace your identity as a dancer full stop and explore everything this art form has to offer?
Here at Fit and Dance Dimensions, we believe that engaging in multiple dance styles not only makes you a more versatile and skilled dancer, but also enriches your understanding of the cultural and historical dimensions of dance, making your dance journey more profound and fulfilling. Here are just some of the many benefits you can gain from cross-training:
Universal Elements: Despite the diversity of dance styles, many share common elements such as basic steps, movements, and themes. Recognizing these common threads enhances your overall movement vocabulary and fluidity.
Innovative Choreography: Exposure to multiple styles fosters creativity, allowing you to blend techniques and create innovative choreography that draws from a rich tapestry of influences.
Enhanced Precision: Each dance style emphasizes different technical aspects, such as control in Hip-Hop, rhythm in Latin and African dance, or fluidity in contemporary/modern dance. Learning multiple styles hones these various skills, leading to overall improved precision and control.
Strength and Flexibility: Different dance forms engage different muscle groups and movement patterns, promoting balanced muscle development, greater flexibility, and overall physical strength.
Adaptability: Mastery of diverse techniques makes you more adaptable to new choreography and performance demands.
Rhythmic Understanding: Each dance style is often paired with its unique music style, which enhances your ability to interpret and express various musical rhythms and tempos.
Expression and Timing: Exposure to different musical genres improves your ability to match movement with music, enhancing your timing, dynamics, and expressive qualities in performance.
Cultural Awareness: Learning various dance styles involves understanding their cultural and historical contexts, promoting a deeper appreciation for diverse traditions and artistic expressions.
Storytelling and Expression: Many dance forms have roots in storytelling, reflecting cultural narratives and historical events. Understanding these connections enriches your ability to convey stories and emotions through dance.
Engaging in multiple dance styles not only makes you a more versatile and skilled dancer, but also enriches your understanding of the cultural and historical dimensions of dance, making your dance journey more profound and fulfilling. Keep dancing and exploring!