Evaluation of the dance technique assessment

My name is Natasha De-Graft Quansah, and I am a very dedicated dancer who is committed to coming to my dance lessons on time. I always attend my dance lesson, dressed in the full correct dance kit of all black dance clothing and I take a full part in the dance warm up. I always apply the corrections that the teacher has set me during the dance class and through the dance rehearsals. One of the things that I had to make sure of during the assessment is that I applied all the feedback and corrections from the class rehearsals into the dance assessment.

What went well?

Being consistent with my movements throughout the dance. One way of showing this is through the use of flexibility, stamina, strength and by having good accuracy throughout the dance. Another way is showing energy in the dance exercises, remembering the dance exercises- movement memory, and showing commitment throughout the dance. An example, of me showing movement memory in the dance is that I performed every exercise of the dance assessment accurately and I was focused on myself and not looking at any one around me. This is applying self-discipline by focusing on what I am doing rather than being distracted by other dancers around me who were distracted and not focused themselves.

Another strength that I have is flexibility which helps with leg extensions. For example, in the recovery travelling exercise I showed that I could extend my legs and arms to a greater extent. Flexibility is a key aspect of the dance exercises throughout the assessment and the fact that I am flexible helped significantly For example, I have been doing a lot of stretching and yoga exercises that have helped me with my leg extensions during the rehearsals and the performance.

In addition, my main strengths include stamina and strength. I was able to dance for more than half an hour with energy, drive and passion. My strength was demonstrated through my stability in the warm up exercises for example in my roll downs and planks.   

What went less well?

Firstly, making the actions stronger-showing strong dynamics. For example, in the travelling exercise I need to suspend more in the tilts and lunges. Also, it would help if I executed a deeper plie going lower as I was not showing enough plie within the dance exercises.

Linked to the first weakness another could be using my torso and inner core more for example, going into a wide second position or first wide parallel position. By using more of my torso it will help me to go to a lower position and it will help me demonstrate more fluency in my movements.

In some of the exercises I need to show even more flexibility for example, during the floor lifting exercises by making sure that my legs lift higher and that my feet are pointed properly to the full extent.

Also, making sure that I spot in the dance exercises and that I am going in the right direction confidently. This is shown in the release travelling exercise, where I had to spot where I am turning to. Additionally, I could have improved my swing and suspension using my torso is in the first exercise which, affected my posture.  Moreover, I could improve my posture even more is by doing a set of core exercises which could help me with my stomach muscles.

Overall I need more confidence in the dance, knowing and believing that I can perform the movements that I do at all times.

What I could have done differently?

I could have not worried so much about the exercises before my dance assessment - have more confidence in myself- believing that I know what I am doing at all times.

 Also, trying to book the dance studio or a room to do some more practice- so, that I have more of a confidence that I know all of the dance exercises well.

What I could have also done differently is doing the dance exercises which would help me perform the dance exercises better with more focus on my posture, flexibility and jumps in preparation for the future dance performances.     

An example of this, is by using more elevation while doing the travelling jump exercise, on the jumps. What could helped in my elevation of the jumps is by having alignment. Especially, in the travelling jump exercise doing vertical jumping such as leaps like grand jete which help to improve several different body parts which include (the head, the torso, the pelvis, the knees, and the feet). Which will help create more height in the jump. Also, doing more plies would help with the quality of the jumps. One thing that I need to make sure is that the ankles do not roll in or knock together while I am doing the jump. For that, I need to make sure that to strengthen the muscles of the feet (by articulating each action of the foot). 

Targets

One of my target is to show more confidence in when I perform. Apart of showing more confidence in my dance is having self believe and staying relaxed while performing the dance exercises and allowing my facial expressions to come out (allowing myself to shine). By allowing myself to stay relaxed I should practice more yoga and soothing exercises. I also, have a target of improving dynamics is through self-control of my movements during the dance exercises.

Another of my targets that I have is to show more facial expressions through my dance. One way of how to show more facial expressions is by practicing some yoga and meditation which helps me to relax and stay in control. Another way of how I can improve my facial expressions is by looking at the mirror every day and practicing smiling.

My last target is to practice my demi plies in the plie exercise, which will help me improve my dance technique. One way of how I am going to improve my dance technique is by learning different styles. For example, I go to ballet class to help me with my plies.