Practice Information
Practice...Practice...Practice...
Practice Videos: I have uploaded a few video's from Youtube. You should not need a youtube account to view these video's.
Dance Movements- written
Positions of the feet- written
16 pas des basques - youtube video
Pas des Basques and hi cuts - youtube video
hop scotch polka - you tube video
Fling Steps -written
Fling Dance - Video
Sword dance - youtube video
Lilt steps - Video
The Flora MacDonald “Flora” - Video
Practice Sheets (click on the year of your dancer and these will pop up) - Primary , 2nd Year, 3rd Year, and 4th Year and More
It is very important to practice Highland Dancing at least a few times a week. I like to use the age rule: If you child is 4 years old, they should practice for 4 minutes.
There are many benefits to regularly practicing your dancing. Here are three good & basic reasons:
1. Confidence
Dancers that practice on a regular basis (outside of class time) gain the confidence in their abilities to achieve great things. Practice leads to confidence in the steps and the dances initially and then leads to confidence in the quality of the steps and the dances. When a dancer is confident in their performances, you will see that confidence spill over into other areas of dancers life such as schoolwork and other sports.
2. Endurance
Dancers that practice on a regular basis have the endurance to do dance after dance after dance, in class! When a dancer has endurance to do dance after dance they are gaining the “repetition of movement” required to become the best they can be. Endurance and repetition is key to achieving a high standard in anything.
3. Quality
Dancers that practice on a regular basis consistently produce quality dancing. These dancers will do well on Dance Exams with minimal extra work and will achieve top marks. These dancers will be able to transition from one competitive category to another with ease. These dancers will be able to learn new dances and choreographies quickly and accurately.
For Parents:
Supporting your dancer
Some children have a natural drive to practice their dancing on their own and strive to be better dancers. These dancers need only support and encouragement to continue with their good practice habits.
Some dancers want to be competitive and to improve their dancing but have trouble understanding how to fit practice time into their day. These children often need help from their parents to set out a weekly practice plan and stick to it. Quite often, after a month or two of help and support, these children can learn to practice diligently on their own to achieve their goals.
It is important to discover what your child’s practice style is and compare that with what their goals are for their dancing. Overall, as a parent, your most important role is to accept the character type of your child and do your best to be supportive of them and the decisions they make regarding competition.
How to make a Practice Skirt for National Dances