Whether you love to dance or you are terrified of the idea that all eyes will be on you during your dance performance, the fact is that dancing before a large crowd such as that at a Quinceanera can make anyone a little jittery. You have enough to worry about as you plan for your Quince celebration, and the dance routine should be the fun and exciting part that you enjoy! Dance expert Ruben Espinoza, co-founder of Cyclo Dance Group in Los Angeles, CA, shares some expert tips with us about how to look like a real “dancing queen” on your special day, without having to stress out.

1. Practice makes Perfect: “I would suggest that anyone getting ready for her quince dance performance start practicing at least two months in advance, and to practice at least twice a week,” says Ruben. “This way, the quinceañera will have plenty of time to memorize all of her choreographies.”
2. Stick with a Pro: “The best way to guarantee that you have an exceptional dance routine at your Quince is to hire a professional choreographer, preferably someone who’s worked with Quinceañeras in the past,” recommends Ruben. “I highly suggest that you seek referrals. If you attended a Quinceañera and you were impressed by their routine, ask the family to refer you to their choreographer. That’s a great way to ensure that you are working with someone who is truly talented.”
3. Avoid looking awkward: “This is a common fear shared by people who don’t know how to dance, and who don’t feel too comfortable dancing in front of large crowds, and the best way to avoid any sort of slip-up is to memorize your steps, and focus on your projection,” says Ruben. “It’s also a good idea for you to practice in front of a mirror so as to concentrate on your projection. If you practice long and often enough, you should easily be able to have your steps memorized and feel comfortable enough with your projection that it’ll be nearly impossible to mess up and embarrass yourself during the actual performance.”





4. Using a mirror: “It’s a great idea to practice your routine in front of a mirror, as I mentioned above. However, you must also remember to start practicing without the mirror at least 2 weeks before your Quince,” explains Ruben. “This way you don’t become too dependent on it, and you are ready to dance without it at your Quince.”
5. Practice in front of an audience: Once you have your dance routine memorized, and you feel comfortable enough about your performance, it’s wise to invite a group of your friends and family for a sneak peek of your dance routine. “There is a big difference between dancing on your own and dancing in front of a crowd,” notes Ruben. “You want to be prepared for the big day, when all eyes will be on you, and a great way to prepare is to invite some of your closest pals and family to watch you so that you feel comfortable dancing in front of an audience, and you don’t get nervous at your Quinceañera.”
6. Have a dress rehearsal: “Just like there’s a big difference between dancing on your own and dancing in front of a crowd, there is an equally big difference between dancing in your gym shoes and dancing in heels,” explains Ruben. “Dancing in heels can actually be quite difficult, and cause some major embarrassments for you on the dance floor if you’re not used to wearing them. Therefore, it’s key to practice dancing in heels if you will be wearing them for your Quince. I would even suggest that you have a dress rehearsal at the actual venue, if you can, and also wear shoes and a dress similar to the one you will wear for your quince. This way you will know exactly what to expect and feel extra confident.”
7. Have fun! “No matter how complicated your routine or how nervous you feel, remember that the key to a truly exceptional dance performance is to enjoy it! Remember to choose a song that you love, practice, and enjoy yourself on your big day. After all, this is your one and only Quinceañera and the only way to truly be a “dancing queen” on your big day, is to have a blast on the dance floor… this will encourage your other guests to do the same, and will make for an unforgettable celebration.

For more info, visit http://www.myspace.com/cyclodancegroup

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