too tense while dancing

[reelcutie]

i'm having trouble with my legs looking too tense while dancing. i also tend to sink down on my knees when i get tired. my teacher tells me i need to streatch, but what kinds can i do? and how do i look loose but still sharp?
thanks!!

[FeisQueen]

i would say start by working on your facial expression. you want to look pleasant, but not like you are straining to get the dance done. imagine being a lead dancer in lord of the dance or something. relax the muscles in your upper body, but keep them vertical- in other words, don't tense up your top half. make sure your hands aren't clenched like a clamshell. and as for your knees, try keeping them almost locked back.

[reelcutie]

Originally Posted by FeisQueen

i would say start by working on your facial expression. you want to look pleasant, but not like you are straining to get the dance done. imagine being a lead dancer in lord of the dance or something. relax the muscles in your upper body, but keep them vertical- in other words, don't tense up your top half. make sure your hands aren't clenched like a clamshell. and as for your knees, try keeping them almost locked back.

thanks, but its mostly my legs and ankles that are too tight...but ill try those tips also!

[irishdancer4life320]

Well first of all let LOOSE.
Of course you have to stand up straight and look like you are not "Dead" but not so straight you are tense.
Just stand there and Dance there with your Head & Chin up and remind yourself when you are dancing when you get to that "I am DONE" point tell yourself I am going to get through it.
That is going to be a habit soon and habits take awhile to get rid of.
I hope I helped.

[sashtrebles]

Hmm, well I guess stretching well before class is going to stop you from locking your muscles so much to dance which will stop your legs from looking tense, but I reckon the best way to not look "tense" is to try and give your movements more flow. Make sure your next movement looks like part of the first so that it looks lighter and more effortless. A difficult concept to put into practice, I know, but if you have a full length mirror at home, or some suitably reflective conservatory windows or if even more helpfully your dance school is in a studio with mirrored walls watch yourself constantly so that you can see what it would look like from the stage.

Hope this helps. xxx