How to memorize dance steps

by Lillian
(USA)

I've always had memory problems. Its due to a very traumatic childhood. I'm now 28 and have noticed my lack of memory even more so and it frustrates me.

I'm an advanced beginner tap dancer and never danced before now. I have a terrible time remembering the routines while others in my class always wait for me to catch up; just like grade school.

I guess my question is: how can your tips in The Best Memory Trick help me remember my dance moves? especially when there are only so many dance steps in tap but are combined in a thousand different ways.

Lillian

Doug's Reply: Memorizing dance steps seems a lot like memorizing the plays in a sport. For example, basketball players need to remember the plays their coaches call during the game. Each player must remember which direction they are supposed to run, who they are supposed to block, when to shoot the ball, for each play.

Just as dance has only a few steps but thousands of combinations, basketball plays have only a few players but thousands of combinations of movements, positions, and so on.

Chapter 18 of "The Memory Book" by Harry Lorayne explains how to use memory techniques to remember sports plays.

http://www.amazon.com/Memory-Book-Classic-Improving-School/dp/0345410025

Even if you could just borrow it from the library and read that chapter, it might help you. In fact, the rest of the book would help you in other areas of your life where you want to remember things as well.

If you have any more questions, just let me know.

Best regards,
Douglas
Memory-Improvement-Tips.com