Whether your child is a new dancer of preschool age or an advanced dancer of high school age, they can learn how to incorporate props into their dance routines. There are many items dancers use for props, from hats and umbrellas to ribbons and chairs. If your young dancer is preparing to incorporate props into their dance routine, here are some tips from our dance studio in Toronto to help them use their props the right way.
Consider Safety
Before choosing dance props, you should consider how safe they are to dance with. Your dancer should be able to move freely without having their vision blocked, struggling to lift the prop, or tripping over it. The prop should be proportionate to the dancer.
Get Creative
Scarves, hats, and canes are some common and easy-to-find props for dancers, but if you use your imagination, you can create your own props or choose other unique items to include in the dance. These items may include masks, beanie animals, bandanas, fake flowers, baskets, toy instruments, sporting equipment, and more.
Practice
The best way to perform with dance props is to practice using them for hours. Encourage your dancer to pay special attention to the moves or tricks that are the most difficult, until they seamlessly flow with the rest of the routine.
Drive the Lesson Home
When dance teachers bring props into the classroom, they don’t simply provide them for the sake of it. Props can be used to help dancers learn important lessons such as how to have the right posture or how to move sharply. Teachers will make sure the lesson is clear, so the props are used to their full potential.
Don’t Let Your Prop Out-Dance You
Props are designed to enhance the dance performance, not be the centre of it. If the prop takes away from the dancer’s performance and draws the audience’s attention away, it may not be right for the routine. If the dance routine would lose audience interest without the prop, it might be wise to make some adjustments.
Clothes Are Props Too!
Another prop idea that can enhance your dancer’s routine is their costume. A cape can be attached to a shirt to be used as a prop, or costumed shoes can be use for tap dancing. Even the dancer’s hair can be choreographed into the dance routine. Think outside the box and you’ll be surprised at what items can be used to enhance the routine.
How Performing Dance Arts Can Help You
Performing Dance Arts is a dance studio in Etobicoke that inspires creativity. Our trained instructors have years of industry experience and skill and care greatly about the progress and happiness of our students. We will motivate your child to dance with passion, creativity, and excitement—with or without props!
Our dance classes in Toronto/Etobicoke cater to children of all ages and skill levels, so contact us today to enroll your child or learn more. If you want a firsthand idea of what our dance studios are like, simply pay us a visit at either out Toronto or Vaughan location!
