David Phillips, Teaches Argentine tango at Tango Tribe in Austin, Texas Answered just now
Ah, yes, “simple”.
There is a simple (in concept) technique, but it’s not easy nor quick. The professional dancers that people admire combine a strong work ethic with good sources of feedback.
We don’t have to pursue our dance passion like a job, with regular long hours. We do have to pursue it regularly and with specific intentions to improve, not merely to have fun. (I hope our dance practice, even when working hard, can also be fun.)
Regular, for us, means at least several times a week. Intentional means having a plan.
- Review our notes, maybe even some specific video points from the last practice. What did we want to remember? What did we want to work on next? Have we had any new thoughts or awareness in the meantime?
- Warmup in ways that best support our particular dance, seeking not only to lubricate the joints, wake up the muscles, and groove the movement paths but also to wake up our mind to what and how we are doing it.
- Start the video recording. If we don’t have video recording we lose one of the best sources of feedback — seeing for ourselves how we look.
- Note problems or looks that we don’t like. Investigate or experiment to see if we can make it look more like what we want. If that doesn’t work out, seek feedback and suggestions from a professional or talented amateur who knows how to explain what they do and what they see in us.
- Loop for as long as we have time for or need to: Video, Perform, Review and feedback for ourselves (both what we like and don’t like), then repeat.
- Finish with cooldown if needed. Then make notes on what we learned and what we want to work on next time.
- Periodically seek outside feedback.
- Periodically review older videos to appreciate how we’ve progressed.
That’s the simple advice that can apply to any dance style for any level of dancer.
Have fun with your dance!