From student to performer: Video Tape your dance practice

http://www.gypsyrumor.com/blog

I decided to video tape this video from one of my most favourite places in the world -- Spanish Banks in Vancouver BC. Seems appropriate considering what we will discuss in this video -- flamenco dancing.
Like many dancers I practice in front of a mirror to help me check my body position and correct different errors in my dancing. Although practicing in front of a mirror is useful I realized, after many years, that in fact I am unable to be completely objective while looking at myself in a mirror. There some things I am able to catch and many more things that I miss.
I remember the first time I saw a video recording of myself performing. I was shocked with how many little mistakes I was making yet not being aware of. It felt like a kick to the stomach. I couldn't believe what I was seeing with my own eyes. That is when I realized that relying solely on the mirror was a mistake. For whatever reason when watching a video I was able to look at myself from a more detached view and see more of my mistakes.
Over time, I developed the habit of videotaping a part of my dance practice. Later I would sit down and watch the video, taking note of all areas that require attention. The footwork that was imprecise, the hand movements that were sloppy, the body movement that seemed awkward ...etc. Then I would develop a set of exercises that zeroed in on those particular areas of weakness. I usually video tape myself every two weeks and track my own progress. It is very fulfilling to see the improvements from one recording session to the next.
Initially, I didn't have fancy video equipment and so I used the webcam on my laptop. I would set a stool on top of a chair, then place a stack of heavy books on top and place my laptop on top of that. That would place the webcam at just the right position so that I could video tape myself dancing in my own basement. My advice to you is: Don't run out and buy expensive video gear, use whatever you have. Perhaps you have a cell phone, laptop, webcam or a camera with video capabilities. The quality of the video does not matter as long as you can see yourself dancing. Video tape yourself once every two weeks, you will be surprised with what you find out.
These video are private and you don't need to show of them to anybody. However if you feel confident, I have a special offer for you today. If you feel confident about sharing one of your videos, then I am willing to provide you with a mini dance critique. upload one of your videos dancing a flamenco routine on youTube and make it a response to this video, or leave a comment at the bottom of this video with a link to your video. Find a way to let me find about your video. I will look at your video and provide you with constructive feedback on your dancing and even suggest a set of exercises that you can do on your own to focus on your area of weakness. This offer is absolutely free, but only available till end of year 2011. I hope that at least some of you will choose to take advantage of it.

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[ryanman51]

hey Elen, I would like to post a video of my dancing soon, but im a beginner when it comes to flamenco dancing. im more focused on flamenco guitar than dance