Ask any dancer out there what makes them successful and they will tell you the old saying: practice, practice practice. Whether they’re a ballroom dancer, a ballerina or a breaking out hip-hop dance moves, they all know that what you do when you’re outside the studio is just as important as what you learn inside the studio.

Dance is an art form that has been around for centuries and is one of the most natural forms of expression. However, in order to move your body in a new and different way, you have to train your muscles. So, here are 3 things you can do like the pros to help you improve your dancing outside the studio:

Practice
We already said it, but it bears repeating. In order to dance well, you have to be able to mentally recall the movements, and not just in your mind. Practice helps you build muscle memory, so when you’re learning a new dance, try “marking” the movements. This means you you do the routine at full speed to the music, but with smaller, less energetic gestures. That way, you don’t get worn out as you rehearse the steps. You can also slow the movements down and repeat them until you’re able to grasp the combinations, and then put them to music.

Stretch
When you begin to learn something new, you start to use new muscles that you haven’t worked as much. Before and after you practice, take 5-10 minutes to stretch out your muscles. These stretches can be as simple as bending over to touch your toes and holding it for a few seconds. Here are a few stretches you can try.

Record Yourself
In the studio where you take lessons, there are likely mirrors lining the wall so you can see yourself. This isn’t usually the case at home when you’re practicing, though one of the best ways to improve your dancing is by watching yourself. When you’re practicing away from the studio, record yourself doing the steps and watch to see where and how you are making mistakes.

What tricks or habits have helped you learn to ballroom dance best?