Q&A for How to Become a Contemporary Dancer Without Lessons

Of course! Contemporary dance encourages athleticism and flexibility, which are also very important for runners.

Start by stretching at least 30 minutes every day and increase the time as you grow more flexible. Try to work stretching into normal parts of your day, like stretching when you're watching your favorite TV show. 10 years old is a great age to start dancing! It's definitely not too late.

You could dance outside if you have a flat yard with space to move around. If that's not an option, check out dance or theater clubs at your school. Clubs might give you access to the gymnasium and/or school stage to practice.

Work on your flexibility by stretching at least 30 minutes every day. Be sure to warm up your muscles with 5-10 minutes of jogging in place or jumping jacks before you start stretching. Always stretch before and after your training sessions!

Yes! You can start dancing at any age. If you want to be a professional dancer, starting as early as possible is recommended. 15 isn't too late!

Check out free video tutorials online! You can learn stretches and dance moves that way. You can also see if your school has a dance or theater club that will give you access to the gym and/or stage to practice.

If you love them both and your schedule permits it, do both! If you want to be a professional dancer or soccer player, you may need to eventually focus on one or the other, though.

Stretch every single day when you have the chance. A good way to get more flexible is doing yoga. If you have a Wii, use a Wii Fit, or Wii Fit Plus. The more you stretch, the more flexible you will become. If you are serious about being an elite dancer, consider gymnastics.

No, you do not have to do the splits, it is just something that looks graceful on stage and helps with flexibility. If you're having problems with doing the splits, check out How to Do a Split .

Often yes, as practice makes perfect. More than technique, it's about passion and love for the dance.

Going en pointe, as ballerinas do, requires years of ballet training, but it's never too late if you start now.

It probably will, because it doesn't matter on the dance style, but more on how you practice. It doesn't matter, what style of dance, just make sure you practice regularly!

Handstands and splits aren't necessary to be a dancer, but they would make a routine more interesting. If you can't do one yet, don't worry. With enough time and practice, you will learn how to do those.

Give yourself some kind of treat every time you think you have done something well.

Point your toes. When you go back, make sure you don't thud on the ground; try to land gracefully and softly.

Kick up your good leg until you're in a split handstand, then land with your good leg first in a lunge.

Lie on your back and position your hands flat on the floor beside your ears. Make sure you have strong arm and leg muscles. Slowly push yourself off the ground.

If you want to be a professional dancer then going to a dance college or school will ensure you have good technique and prepare you for your career. However, if you just want to dance for fun then there is no need to go to a college.

Learn some moves, then put them together into one dance (with music). It's harder than it sounds and looks, but I'm sure you will get the hang of it!

Start by putting you hands on the floor and bending over! Then kick your legs off the floor and land on your feet again (try and keep your legs straight). Try to get higher every day and soon you should get it. You could have someone hold or guide your legs up, or even just stand next to you so you feel more safe as you're practicing it.

As long as you practice everyday, you will get better. I recommend stretching a lot to improve your flexibility. It will be better if you find a friend that is also interested in dance so you can both learn and stretch together.

It would be pretty helpful, but it depends on your talent. Keep in mind that lessons on your own or from the internet aren't the best because you don't have a teacher to teach you and correct you so that means you may make many mistakes.

No, you do not need to include tricks or gymnastics in a contemporary dance routine.

Try practicing in front of a mirror and correct your mistakes, if not, you can ask somebody to film your dance and see what you need to improve.

You can increase your flexibility with time by doing some simple stretches. You will become more flexible with practice.

Practice performing in front of friends and small groups first to get some experience. Also, make sure you know all the choreography really well so that you are not worried that you'll forget any of it.

Make sure you have strong arms. Practice against a wall first and look up how to do a handstand.

Yes, men can be fantastic dancers depending on whether or not they practice.

You will need to stretch a lot, and practice your splits safely as much as you possibly can.

If you're still a minor or you just turned 18 and are eligible for these competitions, your best bet would be to go to some dance conventions and get yourself discovered there. Participate in dance competitions, such as Hollywood Vibe, Jump, and Celebrity if they are local. They also may hold conventions, you can go to both at once. If you are confident and really good at your technique, the judges/teachers may notice you and call you out. If they are really interested in you and they like your personality, they might ask your parents about jobs.