We all know the feeling: You put in the hours practicing, but progress feels slow, and frustration starts creeping in. The truth is, every dancer—yes, even the pros—falls into certain habits that hold them back.
As a dancer of 23 years and an instructor for 14 years, I’ve experienced them all!
In today’s dance diary, I’ll share the top 5 common mistakes I’ve made (and seen in my students) that could be holding you back, too—and how to overcome them.
Mistake #1: Poor Posture
The Problem:
Poor posture not only makes movements look sloppy but throws off your balance and invites injury. For years, I didn’t realize I was over-arching my lower back until I experienced back injuries—mainly because I wasn’t engaging my core properly.
My weight was also off-balance. I carried most of it on my heels instead of on the balls of my feet, affecting my ability to shift weight efficiently.
Another common posture issue: dancers forget to engage their frame, causing the shoulders to creep up. This is crucial for lead-and-follow technique, isolations, and smooth arm styling.
Solution:
• Frame: Lift your arms up to (isolate the engagement), and pull your shoulder blades down.
• Core: Engage your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine and elongating your back.
Practice maintaining this alignment every time you dance—your future self will thank you!
Mistake #2: Not Setting Intentions for Dance Practices
The Problem:
Ever leave practice feeling like you didn’t accomplish anything? I’ve been there. When you practice without clear focus, it can lead to burnout and stagnation, making it feel more like a chore than a passion.
Solution:
• Set Micro Goals: Focus on one thing per session—whether it’s footwork, weight shifts, or arm styling.
• Create Practice Themes: Mondays for styling, Wednesdays for body movement, Saturdays for basics. This keeps things fun and fresh!
• Write It Down: Use a dance journal to track wins and areas for improvement. Seeing progress, even small steps, keeps you motivated.
• Bonus: Check out technique drills on @brendaliewonline!
Mistake #3: Prioritizing New Moves Over Fundamentals
The Problem:
It’s so tempting to chase the latest trends, isn’t it? I remember being obsessed with flashy footwork and styling, only to realize later that something felt off.
It wasn’t until I became an instructor that I truly understood—without solid fundamentals, even the coolest moves won’t look or feel right.
Solution:
• Back to Basics: Dedicate time each week to polishing fundamental techniques—like posture, balance, and core steps. These are the building blocks of everything advanced.
• Private Lessons: Take a private class with your instructor to refine your basics. Personal feedback makes a world of difference!
Mistake #4: Relying Too Much on Muscle Memory and Neglecting Knowledge
The Problem:
I used to think that if my body could perform the moves on autopilot, I was set. But when I started teaching, I realized two things:
- I couldn’t always explain what I was doing.
- My technique wasn’t as refined as I thought—it was all muscle memory, and I lacked deeper understanding.
This made it harder for me to grow because I wasn’t consciously aware of why things worked.
Solution:
• Engage Your Brain: After each class, mentally review what you learned. Try explaining it to someone—if you can teach it, you truly understand it.
• Question Techniques: Ask yourself the “whys” and “hows” behind every move. Understanding body mechanics and musicality will elevate your dancing.
Dancers who don’t actively engage with the knowledge behind movements struggle to apply them in different contexts, which limits their improvement.
Mistake #5: Comparing Yourself to Others
The Problem:
Comparison is the thief of joy. I used to scroll through social media, feeling like everyone was miles ahead—and it drained my motivation.
Solution:
• Focus on You: Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Maybe today your spins were sharper, or your body movement was cleaner. That’s progress!
• Social Media Detox: Use social media for inspiration, but don’t let it become a yardstick for your success.
• Practice Gratitude: Never forget why you started dancing—it brings us joy! Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
I hope this post gave you some insights and helpful tips!
Remember, growth in dance isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, consistency, and joy.
Love,
B
Brenda Liew 