Dance Colleges & Careers with Brittany Noltimier

In this episode of "Dance Colleges and Careers", we tackle a crucial topic for every dancer: maintaining focus by blocking out distractions. Join us as we explore why smartwatches and media have no place in the dance studio.
We'll discuss:

• The Importance of Leaving Distractions at the Door: Learn why it's vital to set aside life’s stresses, such as schoolwork and personal issues, before stepping into the studio.
• Creating a Focused Environment: Discover how the dance studio should be a sanctuary solely for your craft, free from digital distractions and media.
• Impact of Smart Watches and Media: Understand how these devices can disrupt your own focus and the flow of the entire class.
• Respecting the Studio Space: Find out why respecting the studio environment is crucial for both personal growth and group dynamics, and how distractions can be perceived by teachers.

Tune in to learn how to foster a space where every moment is dedicated to improving your dance skills and respecting your peers. Let’s set aside the “crap” of daily life and ensure that when we’re in the studio, our focus is solely on the art of dance and our own personal growth.

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Summary: In this episode, Brittany discusses the complexities and challenges of dancing in heels. Drawing from her extensive experience as a judge and dancer, she emphasizes the importance of technique and strength over the pressure to perform in heels for competitions. Brittany provides insights into the judging process, debunks myths about scoring higher with heels, and offers practical tips for dancers looking to improve their performance in heels. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out with questions.

Takeaways

• Dancing in heels requires more strength and technique.
• It's a misconception that wearing heels guarantees better scores.
• Foundation in dance is crucial before transitioning to heels.
• Judges appreciate versatility, not just the use of heels.
• Core strength is essential for dancing in heels.
• Weight should be shifted to the balls of the feet when dancing in heels.
• Practice and repetition are key to building muscle for heel dancing.
• Dancing in heels can be fun but should not be a pressure point.
• Technique should always be prioritized over style choices.
• Engagement with the audience is important for scoring.

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Summary
In this episode, Brittany discusses the challenges dancers face with slippery floors during performances. She shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to manage slippery surfaces, emphasizing the importance of grounding techniques, appropriate shoe selection, and adaptability in various performance environments. Brittany encourages dancers to take responsibility for their performance and offers guidance for parents on how to support their children through these challenges.
Takeaways

• Dancers often panic on slippery floors, affecting performance.
• Grounding techniques are essential for stability on slippery surfaces.
• Bringing multiple pairs of shoes can help adapt to different floors.
• It's important to maintain a positive attitude and take responsibility for mistakes.
• Dancers should not blame the floor for their mistakes.
• Parents can help their children navigate performance challenges.

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Choosing the Right Prop: Select props that complement the dance style and enhance the storytelling. Ensure the prop is manageable and safe to use during the performance.

Incorporating Props Seamlessly: Practice with the prop extensively to ensure it becomes a natural extension of your movements. Avoid making the prop the focal point unless it’s crucial to the performance.

Safety and Maintenance: Regularly check the prop for any damage or wear and tear. Ensure it is securely fastened or held to avoid accidents during the performance.
Summary
In this conversation, Brittany Noltimier discusses the importance of props in dance performances, particularly in competitions. She shares insights on how props can enhance storytelling, the judges' perspectives on their use, and practical considerations for dancers and parents when incorporating props into routines. Brittany emphasizes the need for safety, responsibility, and the aesthetic appeal of props, while also providing anecdotes and lessons learned from her experiences in the dance world.

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Summary
In this conversation, Brittany discusses the importance of selecting the right material for performances, particularly in dance and competitions. She emphasizes the need to consider the audience's perspective and emotional response when choosing music and choreography. Drawing from her experience at the Miss America pageant, Brittany highlights how performances should inspire and connect with the audience rather than simply showcase the performer's preferences. She also addresses the issue of appropriateness in performance choices, especially for younger audiences, advocating for tasteful presentations that resonate with viewers.

Takeaways

• Choosing material for your audience is crucial.
• It's important to think about your audience.
• You get bonus points for being likable.
• It's about giving the audience a story.
• The audience is looking to be inspired.
• We need to keep things tasteful for our audience.
• Don't just think about you when creating pieces.
• Make a bigger impact by considering your audience.
• It's about genuine real feeling in performance.
• Inspiration is key to a successful performance.

Support the show

Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!