How to Get the Most Out of Your Dance Tutorials: 5 Common Mistakes

Mastering choreography virtually has its own learning curve. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning from in-person to online learning, here are five common missteps dancers make—and how to avoid them.

1. Overthinking Left vs. Right

The Mistake:

‍It’s easy to get stuck wondering, “Wait, do I use my right or theirs?” That split-second hesitation can throw off your timing and confidence—especially in fast-paced routines.

The Fix:

At BollyRhythm, all tutorials are mirrored, which means you can treat your screen like a reflection. When the instructor steps to their right on screen, you step to your left—just like looking in a mirror. No need to overanalyze or translate.

Pro Tip:

Think of yourself dancing with the instructor, not copying them from across the room. Let your body follow the shapes you see on screen—it becomes second nature faster than you think.

2. Only Watching, Not Doing

The Mistake:

You rewatch the move. Again. And again. But your body still doesn’t get it.

The Fix:

Passive watching is helpful, but nothing replaces repetition. Don’t wait until it “makes sense” before trying it—get up and do it alongside the video. Learning happens in motion, not just in your head.

Pro Tip: Use the pause and rewind features generously! Tutorials are made to be interactive.

3. Not Watching Yourself Back

The Mistake:

You're learning the steps correctly, but something still feels off. Maybe the moves look flat, your arms aren’t matching the vibe, or your angles just don’t land right.

The Fix:

Use a mirror or record yourself practicing. It’s the fastest way to see how your movement translates. What feels right might not look right—until you catch it from the outside. Watching yourself helps you fine-tune posture, angles, and energy.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the end to do this—film short clips throughout your learning process. The earlier you spot habits, the easier they are to adjust.

4. Not Using the Built-In Practice Sections

The Mistake:

You skip ahead, thinking “I’ve got this!”—only to realize the steps haven’t stuck.

The Fix:

Our tutorials include built-in practice breaks for a reason. They’re not just pauses—they’re reinforcement. Dance is muscle memory, and every repetition helps build your confidence. Use the practice sections fully, even if it feels slow at first.

5. Learning in a Tiny Box

The Mistake:

You rehearse in a tight corner and feel disoriented when it’s time to perform in a bigger space.

The Fix:

As soon as you know the moves, start practicing them in a space that lets you travel, expand, and really move. Even if you don’t have a big space—try shifting directions or practicing on different surfaces.

Remember: If you're performing later, your brain should be ready for all kinds of space scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Learning online takes patience, playfulness, and a little strategy. But with the right approach, it’s one of the most flexible and empowering ways to master choreography.

And remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Keep showing up, dancing through the stumbles, and enjoying the journey.

Want to try a tutorial?
Browse our library of mirrored, easy-to-follow tutorials at BollyRhythm.com—and bring your next performance to life.

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