About Angela Expertise I am an assistant teacher at my studio for ballet, tap, and jazz (as well at a little gymnastics.) I can answere questions about technique, competions, class manners, how to adapt to new teachers, fitness, and will atempt any question asked.
Experience I have taken ballet, tap, and jass classes for 18 years, assisted/taught 5 years, competed with groups in competitions, taken groups to comptitions, participated in work shops, and have recently been tested and certified in ballet.
Awards and Honors SADM Superior SADM Excellent and am SADM certified.
Question I'm going to be a freshman nest yr. and I am tryin out for my school pom squad. DO you have tips on how to make my leaps better and can you explain how to do a center leap properly? Also any other tips will be greatly appreciated!!
Answer Hi Alicia,
Good luck on your tryouts. Some points and tips I have for turns, it to keep everything tight. Your arms should start in an L position (if right foot back for a right turn, your right arm should be in front) and remember the phrase "hit the wall, grab the ball." You should reach your arms from an L position to a straight line -|- and then "grab a ball" by making a circle with your arms. As you turn remember to "spot" by watching one specific eye level -spot- on the wall in front of you. You should snap your head around, like if you had a pony tail and needed to get it out of the way of your site. Hold your tummy muscles and squeeze your rear and arm muscles.
As for leaps, it takes realizing a concept many younger people don't want to for some reason. Leaps shouldn't travel. Pretend you have a HIGH fence, not a big ditch to get over. You should "pop" not glide. Practice what you want your leaps to look like sitting on the ground. Then practice for real in front of a huge mirror like at a dance studio.
For your tryouts, remember to smile big and do the steps big. Even if you forget a step pretend like you knew what you were doing. Confidence is one of the most important things they are looking for. Just don't come off as snoody, get along with your fellow try out girls. As many questions especially if you don't understand. You might also want to practice learning some quick routins people can teach you, perhaps a dance class, because you will probably be required to learn one and perform in a short amount of time.
Good luck, please write me again anytime and keep me posted on your tryouts.
~Angela
