One of the most important things to remember when receiving feedback from a teacher or choreographer is that they are sharing helpful information with you NOT commenting on your worth as a person or your value as a dancer. Constructive criticism, or feedback, is essential for dancers to develop their technique and artistry. Applying corrections from a teacher during class or from a choreographer in rehearsal can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming in the moment.  Adding to that, a teacher/choreographer often gives multiple corrections at one time.  That’s a lot to process effectively. 

Below are a few tips to help you navigate through constructive criticism or feedback:

Listen to keywords. An essential trait to learn as a dancer is listening for keywords or phrases when given constructive criticism. Sometimes we get too caught up in the teacher/choreographer’s lengthy explanation that we walk away not knowing what to do next. Terms such as initiation comes from… or action words associated with the correction such as feel, rotate, extend can be essential in successfully applying the corrections.  

For example:

Apply the correction to the body right away. Attempt the correction immediately so the instructor/choreographer can observe whether your application is correct.  It also implies that you are invested in your training and are willing to put forth the effort to learn.

Write the corrections in a notebook. Keep a notebook in your dance bag and write down the corrections. Feedback can be overwhelming when you first hear it, so writing it down at the end of class or rehearsal will help you remember the small details that might get lost in the future.

Take time after class or rehearsal to revisit the corrections in a space with no distractions. After noting the feedback or corrections in your notebook, try applying the correction a few times at a slower pace. Visualization is another excellent form of applying corrections. These exercises activate your muscle memory and allow you to recall the correction more quickly the next time you are in class.

Before the next class/rehearsal, refresh your memory about corrections that still need work. In your notebook, cross out the corrections you have achieved success with and remind yourself of the ones you are still working on. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of revisiting your notes and reviewing past corrections before each class/rehearsal. Bringing this habit to your daily practice can speed up your progress and training.  And don’t forget… corrections are meant to help you grow in your training and artistry!

Eisenhower Dance Detroit Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo performed as a founding member of the company, and, at various points of her career, served as Resident Choreographer, Associate Artistic Director and Co-Artistic Director. She assisted in leading the company for the past 28 years and,now at the artistic helm, Pizzo’s mission involves collaborating with the highest quality national and international artists and focusing on creating strong ties within the Detroit Metro community through the art of dance. Ms. Pizzo works to use the art of contemporary dance both as a means to present beautiful, athletic, and engaging repertory and as a vehicle to reflect on and explore issues of social justice. She has set her own choreography at Illinois State University, Texas A & M University and Wesleyan University, and staged numerous works by Laurie Eisenhower on companies and universities throughout the United States. Her work has been presented in Tel Aviv, Israel as part of Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s production of The Light Show, at many international dance festivals in Poland and most recently on the Inside/Out Stage at Jacob’s Pillow. A native of Clinton Township, Michigan, Ms. Pizzo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Oakland University. In 2009, she received a Distinguished Alumni or “MaTilDa” award from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. Currently, she is a special lecturer in dance at Oakland University.