Today’s guide simply tells us that “a good step team needs to be seen”. Now, you might be asking yourself, “What the hell does that mean?”

Well, in this context, the viewer of the team needs to be….the team. One of the defining characteristics of a good step team is that they not only practice hard, but they have seen themselves IN PRACTICE. A stepper needs to see that tricky formation they’re supposed to be making. A stepper needs to see exactly what you see when you tell them that their line is crooked, or that they have a tendency to look tired halfway through a step. In fact, seeing oneself in action is a tremendous confidence booster. Here are a couple suggestions on how your good team can be seen:

Step in a room where there are mirrors: You know, those dance rooms or weight rooms that are paneled with large mirrors wall to wall. Yea, there’s a reason why those mirrors are there – –To show the people in them what they look like when they are doing an activity. Want to take your team to the next level? Hold various practice sessions in one of these rooms. Challenge steppers to correct their mistakes instantly (since they can now SEE how on or off they truly are).

Film the Practice: Any professional athlete can attest to the benefits of watching game footage. Why not do the same for your squad? Film a few practices, but schedule them accordingly. Be sure to shoot full step routines, as well as entire show run thru’s. Then, AS A TEAM, analyze and critique yourselves, step by step. Highlight a few weak areas to focus on and work to improve those before the next scheduled filmed practice. Try to do this 3 – 5 times before a big show.

According to the guide, if you incorporate these tactics into your teaching regimen, your team will be sure to break the stage. Step well!