You only get one first month in L.A.
Most dancers arrive with a list of classes, choreographers, and goals. But L.A. rarely goes as planned. The dancers who grow the most stay open, try new things, and build relationships with the people around them.
Here are some of the most common mistakes dancers make in Los Angeles and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Fighting the Chaos
Don’t let the chaos stress you out.
We help you stay organized as much as possible, but L.A. dance is chaotic. Things change within minutes. Classes get canceled, choreographers get substituted, and pop-ups happen.
That’s normal. You must be flexible.
The dancers who get the most out of Los Angeles are the ones who adapt when things change. Don’t let a canceled class ruin your day. Sometimes the best class you take all month is the one you never planned on taking. When the plan changes, adapt and keep moving.
But don’t worry. Your dance captain will be dancing right by your side this week. They’ve been exactly where you are, and they know how to help you navigate the beautiful chaos. You have your dance sisters as well. The program was created with the idea that dancers help dancers. That you are experiencing dancing in Los Angeles for a month – TOGETHER.
Mistake #2: Being a Salad Dancer
One of the biggest mistakes dancers make is only taking the styles they already love and do well. You didn’t come all the way to Los Angeles to do more of what you’re already comfortable with.
Love heels? Great, take heels. But also take house, popping, waving, krump, freestyle, and classes you would never normally take at home.
Why? Because all of those styles will make you a stronger heels dancer. House improves your footwork, musicality, and stamina. Popping improves your control. Waving improves your flow and groove. Krump improves your performance quality, presence, and commitment. Freestyle improves your confidence and creativity. The skills transfer whether you realize it or not.
Working dancers aren’t hired because they’re amazing at one thing. They’re hired because they’re versatile.
Think of your training like nutrition. You wouldn’t eat only salad every day and expect to be healthy. Dance training works the same way. You need a full, balanced plate of training.
DON’T BE A SALAD DANCER.
Mistake #3: Being Afraid to Fail
You can suck at a style. You can walk into class and only pick up two eight-counts. You can feel completely lost. That’s fine.
What you can’t do is spend your month taking only beginner classes because you’re afraid of looking bad. Take the harder class. Take the class that intimidates you. Take the class where everyone seems better than you.
Why did you come to Los Angeles? If the answer is to grow as a dancer, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable sometimes.
TRY. FAIL. CRY. TRY AGAIN. (You’ll be just fine.)
We have a saying: Do it wrong, do it strong.
Mistake #4: Going It Alone
When else are you going to spend a month dancing, living, and exploring Los Angeles with four other dancers from around the world?
Take class together, explore the city together, ask questions, support each other, and make the most of the experience together.
Over the years, we’ve built a network of dancers from every corner of the world. Some dancers still keep in touch years later. We created our Dance in L.A. program so you could dance without the streses of doing it alone. Dance is better with friends!
How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes Dancers Make in Los Angeles:
- Take the class.
- Try the style.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Talk to people.
- Don’t be a salad dancer.
Ready to experience your own month dancing in Los Angeles? Learn more about our Dance in L.A. programs.
