I know this sounds crazy but think about it: In 2020, everything was locked down. As a dancer, I was always focused on the next trick I could master, working hard in ballet class and putting hours into my technique. Then, the entire world shut down. I couldn’t take my ballet classes, and I didn’t have the studio space I once had to learn new tricks and master my technique. 

So I searched for a new dance outlet. That outlet became TikTok dances. I would spend time every day learning simple new short dances. Despite my high technical level, I had always struggled with movement quality. Rewatching the short dances I could see those struggles clearly. I would redo TikTok dances over and over until my dance style was something I liked. Without knowing I was working to improve my movement quality. 

TikTok provided the perfect outlet for improving my movement quality. The dances were short and simple, and I could easily rewatch each video on the platform. By the time I got back into the dance studio my teachers and peers commented on the visible improvement in movement quality. 

Dance is for everyone and training can come from many outlets. This is a PSA to all dancers that sometimes improvement can come from something simple! I don’t do many TikTok dances now but I’m so thankful I found that outlet during quarantine, I am a changed dancer because of it!

As always let me know how TikTok has influenced your dancing or other thoughts in the comments!