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Workshops. Picking out the Good Stuff
For folkloristas, learning new material from a Guest teacher or workshop
instructor is a vital way to gain styling information, expand your
repertoire, and catch a new teaching methodology. These intensive learning
sessions can be stressful however, as the pressed for time instructor,
often has to rush through pasos in order to get through the material that
he/she has planned (and coincidently is getting paid for). It takes a
special learning system to synthesize as much information from the Maestro
as possible in this short time period. Below are tips to help you get the
most of the talleres coming up in your future.
1) Estilo counts. Focus on the Maestros styling first and than
worry about the mechanics of the pasos. Most experienced dancers can learn
a series of steps from a video or their notes, styling, however, can only
be achieved properly through direct study. Also, in folklorico, most
observers will see the steps as a blur, your body positioning and styling
is what leaves the lasting impression on audiences.
2) Take notes. This is an obvious tip which very few dancers
observe. Depending on the structure of the lesson use breaks and after the
movement session to record what you just learned by memory. This is will
help you retain more of the lesson. Develop your own short hand writing
for recording combinations quickly with the counts as you know them.
3) Know your Learning Method. Whether you are a visual learner,
need to hear the beats or you have to count the steps, you should tailor
your focus during a workshop to the way you learn best. If you need to see
to learn, make sure to get a good spot in the room. For people who like to
hear the zapateado, consider recording the Maestro’s steps (with their
permission 1st of course) and listen to it later when you review the
material.
4) Bring a friend. If you are attending the workshop with another
person, divide up the pasos/ dances/ work between the two of you. Not only
does this relieve the stress of absorbing all of the material but it is
also fun. Both of you can get together and compare notes later and fill
the gaps in your information. This is a great way to ensure that you learn
and retain the dances.
5) Listen to the Music. The golden rule of learning dance material.
The better you know the rhythms, changes, and beats, the easier it is to
transpose your pasos over that music. Listen to the music before and after
the session ends.
Good dancers use every method available to retain new dances and styles at
workshops. Using the tips above will guarantee you take the most home from
your short time with a Guest Instructor
- Director
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