We are frequently asked what video tapes we would recommend to a student to help them learn to dance. The answer is an unqualified "NONE!"
Spokane Dance Company does not buy video tapes and just re-sell the material second hand. It has been our experience that most (if not ALL) video tapes have glaring technical problems and incorrect steps in the material presented. The practice of this material leads to extreme confusion or poor dancing on the part of the purchaser.
Some of the highest quality dance videos available have come from Dance Vision. However, even in their highly promoted syllabus videos, mistakes are rampant. As an example of this we would refer to our discovery of serious problems through out the American Rhythm Tapes. We found so many glaring errors in the material that we contacted Wayne Eng at Dance Vision. Wayne stated to us that
"...the tapes are meant only as an example. After we make the tapes we have a dance board
go thru them and decide the correct way to execute the steps. You should never rely on
the videos for the correct method. That is why we sell a dance manual to teachers.
The manuals are closer to the correct way to do the step."
This is an admission by one of the top purveyors of video tapes, that the material presented is "incorrect." Unfortunately, unknowing students buy the tapes and think that the tapes are the last word in dance. The student then learns the incorrect material. IF the student ever finds out that the tapes were wrong, the student must 'unlearn" the bad habits and "relearn" the correct way to do the step. This results in a tremendous amount of frustration and wasted money.
To make matters worse, beginning level teachers buy the tapes and pass the material on to their students, without ever considering what is being taught and if it makes any sense. The teacher and student believe that the material is GOSPEL. The student pays for incorrect material from someone that the student believes is an "authority" on dance. Because of this, the student will argue with a qualified dancer that they are correct "because my teacher said so".
The simple answer to all of this is to find a teacher to learn from. Check the teacher's credentials. Always ask the question "WHY is it done that way?" If the teacher's answer, doesn't make sense to you, find another teacher. Always remember that video tapes have big mistakes in techniques and steps and most are out of date by the time they make it to the street.
People buy tapes to save money. The truth is, video tapes are the cheapest way to becoming a really poor dancer. A qualified instructor can save you a fortune in dance training by giving it to you correctly the first time.
Copyright (c) 2003-2006 Spokane Dance Company. All rights reserved.
PO Box 5036 Spokane, WA 99205
509-328-4717