Back to School
A Beginners’ Guide to starting contemporary dance as an adult.
It’s September, and no matter how long ago we left education, that will always mean Back To School. As we collectively come back to reality after the freedom of the Summer months, now is the perfect time to contemplate your schedule, your routines, and how you spend your time.
For many of us, our lives are so full of work, family, and home commitments that any spare time is rare and precious. Choosing how to spend it, we may be forced to prioritise: something that keeps you fit, something that fuels your creativity, something that allows you to socialise, something that brings you joy… What if I told you that you don’t have to choose between those things?
Contemporary Dance may just be the surprising hobby you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Dancing is something that comes naturally to us all as humans; we hear music and our bodies are hardwired to want to move. Dancing can improve our cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, muscle strength, as well as releasing endorphins that make us feel great. It’s no wonder that many adults choose to spend their precious free time attending dance classes, but if you’ve been thinking of starting it might be a daunting prospect.
I’ve come up with a handy Beginner’s Guide, to give you the confidence you might need to walk into a class for the first time.
10 Top Tips for Doing Contemporary Dance
1. Dance is for everyone
First and foremost, let’s make this clear: Everyone can dance. It doesn’t matter what preconceptions you may have, what your body looks like, how much rhythm you have (or don’t have); everyone can move, and therefore everyone can dance. The beauty of contemporary dance in particular is that there is less emphasis on what shapes you’re making, as there would be in an aesthetic dance form like ballet. There is a sense of openness and individual expression which can make it a more inclusive and accessible dance style to start with.
2. Never say “I can’t dance”
Your worst dance move is actually your best dance move! Some positive self-talk can go a long way, so going in with a bit of optimism is important. So many people’s first instinct is to say “I can’t dance!”, but this simply isn’t true. We all dance every day, even if it’s as simple as nodding our head along to music in the car. Start telling yourself you CAN dance, and see what happens.
3. Dress for comfort, but also for confidence
One thing to consider is that at most dance studios, the walls are lined with mirrors, so you will find yourself staring at your own reflection during the class. Whilst this can be a very useful thing, for checking your technique and for following along with the routine, it isn’t always useful for losing yourself in the movement. Wear something you feel good in, that is stretchy and moveable, but that isn’t going to make you feel distracted thinking about how you look.
4. Find a class that matches your vibe
Not only are there many different dance styles, there is also variation within each style. Some contemporary classes will focus on technique and learning routines, others will be more creative and encourage you to improvise or create your own movements. Different teachers can also have very different approaches, depending on their background and values. Have a think about what you’d prefer, and look for a class that aligns with your preferences; websites and testimonials can be a good place to start.
5. Say Hi to your teacher
I’m a firm believer that you haven’t really entered a room until you’ve spoken. It can be tempting, if you’re feeling shy or nervous, to sneak in quietly and find a place at the back. But like saying “I can’t dance”, this isn’t really setting you up psychologically for a good time. When you start a new class, try to say hello to the teacher, and let them know you’re new. As a teacher myself, I find this immediately breaks down any awkwardness, and it also gives you both a chance to ask any questions, find out about any access needs you may have, and just start the class in a better mood.
6. Open your mind and expect the unexpected
You probably don’t know what’s about to happen, and that’s okay. Some teachers will give a quick introduction or rundown of the class, others will dive straight in; it’s helpful to let go of any need to be in control and just go with the flow. The whole point of trying something new is to do just that: have a new experience, hopefully to challenge yourself and grow. So be open, and enjoy the not knowing.
7. Allow yourself to play
Just like dancing, there is something else that comes naturally to all children but that as adults we often have to re-learn. The ability to play can be a fantastic skill, encouraging creativity, imagination and of course, fun. Dance, especially improvisation, opens the door for a childlike playfulness, so lean into that and allow yourself to be a bit silly - it usually leads to something magical.
8. Do a thorough cool down
As much as I encourage childlike playfulness, I unfortunately have to remind you that we are not children anymore, and mature bodies require a little bit more looking after. Even if you’re very fit and healthy, doing a new type of exercise and moving your body in a different way will work muscles you didn’t know you had - so make sure to stretch or you’ll feel it the next day! Most classes will include a short cool down, but this can often end up being rushed or missed out completely, so take your own time to cool down either before heading home or when you get in, to make sure your fantastic dance experience isn’t tarnished by a bad back the next day.
9. Don’t settle; explore your options
With such a broad offering of classes, there are bound to be some you prefer over others, and all teachers are different. Don’t be afraid to shop around. Many classes offer discounted trials or flexible bookings, so try out a couple before deciding which one to commit to. And if you don’t love your first experience, don’t be put off, there might be another class that’s more up your alley.
10. If in doubt, take a friend
Everything is more fun with a friend, and going as a pair or a group can help to avoid any shyness and give yourself someone to lean on (maybe literally). There’s also an accountability aspect, and it can be much easier to form new habits if other people are counting on you to be there. That being said, dance classes are a great way to make new friends, so even if you start going alone, you’re bound to reap the social benefits too.
“For anyone wanting to start "dance" as a hobby, I would say it is one of the best things they could do. It has the potential of bringing many rewards. One could just dip a toe in the water, or explore the different depths of what it has to offer.”
Dave Sockett has attended Pelican Theatre’s ‘Creative Movement’ and ‘Blue Mind Meditative Movement’ sessions since April this year. “They provide a gentle physical workout, a social and group experience. They are stimulating and stretch you just enough, so you feel you are challenging yourself in a safe way. They help you to be expressive and create a flow of movement through your body and mind which is quite therapeutic. I like to write a little imaginative poetry and I find that these classes help stimulate that output.
I encourage anybody who wants to engage in these sorts of activities and have these sorts of experiences to sign up with Pelican Theatre and come along to the workshops.”
Photo of Dave, at Pelican Theatre’s Creative Movement class, by Megan Brown.
Feel convinced? There are some fantastic companies offering classes and workshops across the region:
Pelican Theatre - Creative Movement open to adults of all ages and abilities, Blue Mind Movement Meditation workshops, and Live Well and Dance with Parkinson’s working towards performance opportunities:
https://www.pelicantheatre.co.uk/community
Meta4 Dance - Fortnightly movement classes at Acklington Village Hall, recommencing October 2024:
https://meta4dance.com/community-classes
NEDP - Amateur dance company exploring a variety of dance styles including contemporary dance, working towards performance opportunities:
https://www.north-east-dance-project.com/
Company of Others - Over 60s ensemble and fortnightly ‘Moving Together’ sessions for women who are either Refugee and Asylum experienced, or women of the Global Majority in the North East:
https://www.companyofothers.org.uk/moving-together/
Beth Veitch Dance - Offering open classes at Humshaugh Village Hall and 55+ dance in partnership with Dance City/Queen’s Hall Hexham:
https://www.bethveitchdance.com/educationandengagement/currentprojects