New Year’s Resolutions are a disposable holiday item. There... we said it.
That's not to say they aren't meaningful. You know, like a Christmas tree.
And yet that tree, as important as it was in December, is now dried up and being converted to mulch somewhere. Yes, resolutions are important, ornate, and sparkly reminders of our best intentions… until the season is over.
So how do we keep your Bronze Program, and all of it's many benefits and dance goals, from turning to mulch?
The following is a list of dance resolutions you can use based on the level of Bronze you are working on. This will be your Arthur Murray dance resolution ladder into the Silver level.
Pick a few, stick to them, and while other dance resolutions are mulching in February, you’ll be another step up the staircase.
Leaders: I will navigate the compass clearer. (North, South, East, & West)
Followers: I will focus on my posture and balance before I focus on my partner.
All: The only person I will compare myself to, is the person I used to be before I started dancing.
One of the biggest destabilizers to your Bronze 1 is making an unfair comparison to another dancer or outcome. Remember, the first level of Bronze is all about building the foundation that ever level afterwards is built on.
Leaders: I will talk and dance (simultaneously) as much as possible
Followers: I will emphasize my legs and feet before I wiggle my hips and rear
All: I will follow my teacher’s recipe for all things technical in my dance program.
It's natural to look for shortcuts, particularly when you're working on developing style and technique. The unfortunate truth is that, often times, the search for shortcuts can yield slower progress. Instead, focus on building skills through supervised instruction instead of unsupervised practice.
Leaders: I will never attempt a passing twinkle with a newer student.
Followers: I will keep my head in closed position “until I feel” the promenade, not “when I feel like” a promenade.
All: I will stay tuned in to the skill level of my partner when social dancing.
At this stage, you've reached the Full Bronze. This means you're looked up to by anyone in Bronze 1 or 2. So it's important that you don't expect, or force, Full Bronze criteria on an Associate Bronze dancer. Instead, focus on your execution of the basics, clear signals, sensitive responses to movement, and steady encouragement for the future Full bronze dancer you're paired up with.
Leaders: I will commit myself to using consistent cuban motion, clear arm styling, or maybe both at the same time.
Followers: No lead, no follow. Pure and simple.
All: I will perform an honor dance at the Medal Ball that pays tribute to how far I’ve come since I started.
The Medal Ball is a great reminder of your progress. An Honor Dance is a special performance for those graduates of an entire standard (Bronze 1-4, for example). For as many things as you may be focusing on to improve in your dance hobby, the graduation process gives you a chance to take in strategy, feedback, and praise for what you've accomplished.
Final Thought
Dance resolutions, or any resolutions, can be the most disposable holiday item of January. If you choose carefully, and make them specific, you may keep every one that you’ve picked. In fact, you’ve kept some great dance resolutions before.
Like learning to dance.
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