Your ability to learn a routine quickly can greatly affect your overall dance ability. If you are slow to learn dance routines, this can interfere with your ability to concentrate on finer points such as technique and expression. This problem can filter down, affecting how far you are able to advance in your classes and how effective you are in dance auditions.
Dance Routine Memorization Tip #1: Practice
Just like any other skill, you must exercise your memorizing muscle if you expect to improve. Some dance classes work on new routines all the time, but many classes work only on long-term routines, such as recital pieces. Since these pieces are worked on in the long term, you may not be called upon to learn things quickly in your class. If this is the case, you need to look outside your regular class for opportunities to learn new routines. You can do this by taking drop-in classes (which by their very nature include stand-alone routines) or by using dance instruction videos. Drop-in classes and videos are also excellent resources for those of us who aren't currently enrolled in a scheduled class.
Dance Routine Memorization Tip #2: Sequence
Often it is the way we are thinking when we are learning the routine that is keeping us from picking up the sequence. Remember that good choreography is more than just a list of moves. Each movement should flow naturally from the one that came before and lead to the one that comes after. If you can remember to see each movement as a part of a whole rather than an item on the list, you may find it easier. You might even consider studying various memorization techniques to see if you can find a trick that will work for you.
Dance Routine Memorization Tip #3: Mental List
Creating a dialogue or mantra that you can say to yourself in your head can also be helpful. For each movement you are shown in a sequence, think of one word that will remind you of it. Then repeat the list of movements in your head during breaks and while executing the movements themselves. Rely on your own brain to remind you of the movements rather than watching the choreographer or dance captain.
Dance Routine Memorization Tip #4: Individual Steps
Don't forget to improve your core skills in jazz and ballet. Learning a routine is one thing, but the difficulty is compounded when you are also trying to learn the steps themselves. Obviously it will be easier for you to remember a routine if you are already familiar with the individual steps used.
Dance Routine Memorization Tip #5: Music
If the music you are dancing to is already familiar, it will make things a lot easier. You will know the overall style and feel of the song, and may even be able to anticipate the choreography to a certain extent. As soon as you hear of an audition, start listening to the cast recording, with an emphasis on known dance pieces, so the songs will be familiar to you when you arrive at the audition. Use cues in the music (such as tempo, dynamics, instruments, and lyrics) to remind you of the steps in the dance sequence.
What is your method for remembering routines? Tell us about it!
Links to More Tips for Learning Dance Routines
Dance, mathematics, and rote memorization.(Editorial) : An article from: JOPERD
Learning and Remembering Strategies of Novice and Advanced Jazz Dancers for Skill Level Appropriate Dance Routines
