Choreographed by Alexis Rowland (Gilbert)
Are you ready to take your dance skills to the next level - actually 100 levels up?! In this amazing Dance Technique Collection, Expert Dance Instructor Alexis Rowland teaches you the top dance skills and how to master them. This Dance Technique Collection includes 9 of the most popular dance skills and a complete warm up!
Technique Complete Series Run Time Approximately 57 minutes.
Video 1- Core & Stability Warm Up
In this video, Alexis takes you through exercises that will really set you up for technical elements. You will focus on strengthening your abs, strengthening your legs, proper alignment, and balance… all things you need for turns, leg holds, jumps, etc.! If it burns, GREAT, it means you are pushing yourself and getting stronger! Enjoy! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 2 - Leg Holds
Everyone loves a good leg hold. So, Alexis is here to make sure you are doing it technically correct so that you can really show off that flexibility. She will break down two different ways to do a side leg hold so that you can decide what works best for you and/or your team. Remember, it’s not always about how high the leg can go, but the alignment and technique behind it. (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 3 - Pirouettes
Pirouettes are so important in the dance world. But, no worries, Alexis breaks it down so that you can practice correctly and improve your turns. She focuses on a jazz prep into a jazz pirouette and gets very detailed on how to execute it correctly. In the video, her assistants demonstrate multiple pirouettes, please do not let that discourage you. I am a huge believer in focusing on the quality of the turn instead of the quantity. Focus on the alignment and technique before how many turns you can do. Slow and steady wins the race!! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 4 - A Back Attitude Turn
Back attitude turns are a gorgeous movement and look great on everyone when it’s done correctly. Alexis talks about the placement of a back attitude and how to prep into the turn. For the arms, she has her assistants to a high “V” jazz line, but feel free to switch the arms up and get creative! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 5 - Second Turns (A La Seconde Turns)
In ballet, these turns are called “a la seconde” turns, which means “spin with leg to the side.” In jazz class, you’ll hear them being called “second turns” and are very popular in the dance team and competition world. Alexis gives you all her tips and advice on how to execute this with proper technique. Take your time with this element, just like the pirouettes, slow and steady wins the race here, as well! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 6 - Split Leaps
Do you or your students struggle with hitting their split during a leap? Alexis shares her favorite tips in this video while breaking down right-leg leaps. (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 7 - Back Arabesque “L” Leg Hold
Another element that is very popular in the dance world, is a back arabesque leg hold. Alexis calls it an “L” because in the position, your body is the shape of an “L.” This move can be difficult to balance, but, this video breaks down how to find the stability so that you can really show it off. (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 8 - Second Leaps
We’ve already worked on right/left leg split leaps, now it’s time to touch on second leaps! In this jump, your body is facing the front with your legs and arms in second position. Focus on the prep and the landing of the jump, they are just as, if not more, important then the actual jump. Have fun and pointe those toes! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 9 - Fan Kicks
In this video, Alexis focuses on fan kicks with the bottom leg in plié. The reason why she chose to work on this specific fan kick is because it is great for group dances. Everyone’s flexibility is different, so with the bottom leg in plie, it helps get the leg higher for everyone. Alexis will show you three different arm variations, just make sure to keep that chest lifted and shoulders down! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
Video 10 - Calypsos (Back Attitude Turning Leaps)
We are finishing off our technique series with Alexis’ favorite jump, the calypso! (Also referred to as back attitude turning jumps.) She breaks down the correct position of the jump and how to still get height from a chanaé turn. We hope you’ve enjoyed this technique series! Keep up the hard work and remember to always focus on proper technique. Happy Dancing!! (This video is mirrored for your convenience.)
