[dwarves r very upsetting]

I have a question for some of the more trained dancers. I am not a dancer. I regret the fact that I have never taken dance classes. For those of you that haven't read some of my other posts. I am a mother of 2, I'm just getting back into community theater because I love it. I want to gain some dance experience, in order to be better prepared in the future. I was looking into classes but they are expensive, most classes in my area for beginner adults take place in the evening. I'm getting ready for an audition in 2 weeks and once I am hopefully in the show . My evening will be limited. Is there any other way to learn some basics. I looked on amazon and there are millions of exercise dance videos and even some beginner ballet and tap dvds. Has anyone ever used, purchased, rented one? Are they any good? Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks.

[music is my life!!!]

you could have a part time job and do something during the day when your kids are at school. your partner might be willing to look after the kids on one night per week to give you time to do classes. i used to do dance lessons on saturday mornings and i loved it!

[dwarves r very upsetting]

Unfortunately my kids or 1 and 2, so they aren't in school yet. My husband has daddy time with them on Saturday when I go to voice lessons. Which is a wonderful break for me. I wish I could afford both voice and dance lessons. Ah, if only money grew on trees.

[music is my life!!!]

is there someone near you who teaches singing and dancing? it would improve your dancing and it would be cheaper than seperate lessons

[Brigantine]

I bought the DVD "I hate to exercise, I love to Tap" taught by Bonnie Franklin. It is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't praise it enough. It got high reviews on amazon, so I took and chance and I'm so glad I bought it. She teaches tap from the complete beginning, as in this is called a shuffle, this is a ball change. she goes through stretching, warm up, basics, and then has three routines that she does very slowly, step by step. Very easy to follow. I don't pick up dance very fast (so I always to poorly at dance auditions!) but this is VERY easy to follow. And she's so kind and encouraging on her video as well. this was taped in the 80's, I believe, but is still good quality and of course, now on DVD, much easier to go back and review stuff. Once you get into the routines, there is also music, which helps get a feel for how your movements fit together with music. Once you know the basics, you can just focus on one routine at a time, until you get it down, and the first routine maybe takes 15-20 minutes to learn (kids' naptime?

definitely buy it!!!

[music is my life!!!]

oh yes! i forgot about dance vids! i've got WOW let's dance versions 9 and 10. some of the ideas are sorta basic but the songs are all popular (but not from shows). they're a great way to get you on your feet!

[dwarves r very upsetting]

Groovey, Thanks!

[MaryMag]

[Cake_in_Song]

I have exactly 16 1/2 hours to become amazing at dance and convince Capilano College to accept me for a Musical Theatre diploma. I have no training. I'm thinking I might wear my h-core yoga outfit to try to fool them into thinking I'm pro at dancing. They'll be so pleased by my clothing choice, they won't notice me blowing every move. It's brilliant.

[disneybeauty]

I have the Paula Bdul fitness video, and it is fun. If you need to gain some dance skills pronto, it might be worth the investment. It's been my experience that as long as you move well and learn quickly, the choreographer is more than happy to use you. What show are you auditioning for, and maybe I can be more specific as to the style you should be concentrating on.

[LHSTrombone]

Yeah, I can't begin to say how important it is to get dance experience, not only so you can prance about in chorus line and cats, but because you have a better awareness of exactly where your body is when acting. I know far too many people who want to be actors in musical theater who think they can get by without taking dance classes.

[dwarves r very upsetting]

Thanks for all of the advice. I'm auditioning for a community production of Into The Woods which I know doesn't have much dance. I am trying to improve my general skills for future auditions. I know that I won't have time this summer to attend a class. Videos are a great idea because I can start to learn and practice during nap time.

[jazzygirlsings]

^That's a great attitude!

It's never too late to pick up dance. My friend, Wendy is an AMAZING dancer! I asked her when she took her first dance class and she said "at 23"...I just about DIED! The woman is now in her late 30's and has great lines and moves with such grace! She takes a pointe class very regularly and teaches tap classes...

My long-winded point is that it's never too late to become a good dancer...

[dwarves r very upsetting]

[Brigantine]

great!!!
I love Bonnie Franklin. Even thought I know it was taped ages ago, I sometimes feel like she can really see me and is sincerely giving me a pat on the back! she's so encouraging throughout the whole thing.
Keep at it! You can do it!

[Glissando]

I have that "Tap With Ginger: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced" DVD also, and I would get it...if you have an amazing patience level.
She explains the easy steps very well, except for the fact that she puts in an extra step druing the Broadway Time Step review. By the time she gets to the advanced steps, I think she sounds rather bored doing one-legged wings over and over.
This summer, when I had to learn to tap for a show in a week and a half, I was literally screaming, crying, throwing the remote at the TV, and nearly cursing (I don't curse, by the way.) But my nerves were raw at that point (long story) and I hate getting frustrated. And I have a BAAD temper when it comes to stuff like that.

In conclusion, I would get this if you don't get frustrated easily and have lots of patience (unlike me).

[MaryMag]