beating your personal brick wall
Break it or climb it. But please don't get stuck IN it.
We’ve all been there…
In the honeymoon stage of learning dance, everything seems so sweet. We are high-flying beginners, eating, drinking and sleeping dance while making little gains pretty much whenever we come to class.
But somewhere along the lines, usually around the intermediate level, we manage to hit….the brick wall.
The body can and will become resistant to growth. The higher you go, the more work you have to put in, and the less you will get back in return.
Sorry guys, but if you are an intermediate dancer putting in the same amount of hours you did as a beginner, your body has built up a tolerance and will give you back pennies on the dollar, quite literally.
Yesterday’s intensity level won’t help you improve much today. It’s just barely enough to keep you afloat.
Growth Stimulating Ideas
1. Put in more time. A no brainer, but not all of us can do this.
2. Train in another style of dance or even aerobics. Preferably, one that will really challenge you.
3. Reverse roles. If you follow, learn to lead and vice-versa. Not optional at Paso.
4. Do what you do, but find more difficult ways to do it in. Dance with two songs playing at equal volume and switch off between the two. Play Clave to one song while dancing to the other.
5. Take a look at YouTube and watch dancers of other styles. This can be a horizon opener while giving you inspiration and ideas for movement. Try Flamenco, or even a Waltz! Get out of the box.
Understand that the farther you go, the slower you’ll grow. It’s a dancer’s dilemma. Be prepared to change your habits and kick into overdrive so that the law of diminishing returns doesn’t eat away at your hard earned profits.
Related posts:
- when to dance solo
- Paso Leads From the Front
- don’t remember so many turns that you forget how to dance
- salsa. the good ‘ol american way.
