We dancers often take many classes, but how can we make sure that what we’ve learned sticks with us and translates into consistent improvement?
That’s where active recalling comes in, and it has been a game-changer my dance journey!
“Active recalling is a method of actively engaging your memory to retrieve information.“
By practicing active recalling- you challenge your brain to bring that knowledge to the surface to ensure that each class leaves a lasting impact for continuous growth.
Here’s how I practice it:
- Review and Recap after each class: take a few minutes to mentally review what you learned. Ask yourself questions like:
“What have I just learned? What did the class teach me? Did I learn something today that can alter my dance journey for the better? ” 🧠 - Write It Down: Keep a dance journal where you jot down key techniques you’ve learned from each class. Now set them as goals! 💪
- Practice with Intention: Set aside time to specifically practice what you’ve learned, but do it with a focus on recalling the techniques/steps rather than just repeating them. If you can’t remember them, refer to your notes again in point #2. 😉
- Teach Someone Else: Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else is a powerful way to reinforce your understanding. Find a dance buddy and teach them the particular technique. This forces you to recall the details and deepen your understanding. 😃 Remember this – Mastering dance isn’t just about showing up to classes —it’s about truly absorbing and retaining what we learn.
Remember this – Mastering dance isn’t just about showing up to classes —it’s about truly absorbing and retaining what we learn.
With Love, B
Brenda Liew 