Sometimes the greatest progress comes from the basics

Thoughts on dance from Wonder Club ambassador and teacher Venla

If someone had told me a year ago that my biggest realization as a dancer this spring would come from a beginner’s class, I wouldn't have believed them. Yet, returning to the basics changed my dancing more this spring than any new choreography.

I’m Venla, a 26-year-old dancer from Tampere, and dance has been an important part of my life for over ten years. My strongest styles are hip hop, commercial, and K-pop, but in recent years I’ve also become enthusiastic about heels dance.

I used to think that development always meant new choreographies or increasingly challenging classes. This spring, however, I wanted to try something different. I decided to slow down for a moment and take time for technique, quality of movement, and basics – those things that easily get less attention when one just wants to learn the next choreography.

A versatile spring with various dance classes

During the spring, I participated in a wide variety of dance classes and workshops. These included Hot Heels, Commercial Heels, commercial, and hip hop classes.

Enni's partner commercial class particularly stood out for its relaxed and fun atmosphere. I went to the class with a friend, and I can't remember the last time I laughed so much in a dance class.

In Shan's commercial classes, I especially liked the communal atmosphere and the fact that the teacher gave a lot of personal feedback. That motivated me to challenge myself and develop my own expression.

The biggest insights came from the beginner's course

However, the most significant lessons of the spring came from Pirita's Hot Heels Basics course.

Although heels was already a familiar style to me, I wanted to go back to its fundamentals. The class focused on walking, weight transfers, balance, and leg strength. The calm progression allowed time to truly feel how the movement felt in the body.

I quickly noticed how even small technical changes had a big impact. Walking became more stable, weight transfers felt more natural, and overall movement became more confident.

It was surprising to realize how much one can still learn about things one has been doing for years.

My own practice took development to a new level

During the spring, I also booked more studio slots for my own practice than before. Morning slots quickly became my favorites.

It was wonderful to start the day with a calm workout in an almost empty studio. When I could practice without rushing, the things learned in classes truly sunk into my body, and my technique developed in a completely different way than with just weekly classes.

Teaching also taught me

Spring also brought a new role as a Wonder Club teacher.

Teaching has made me look at my own dancing from a whole new perspective. When explaining movements to others, one begins to understand even better what good technique is truly built upon.

It has taught me perhaps more than I expected.

The greatest progress is not always found in the most difficult class

After spring, one thought above all stuck in my mind: sometimes the greatest progress comes from daring to return to the basics.

Returning to the basics is not a step backward – often, it is precisely what takes you the furthest. Strong technique creates a foundation upon which everything else is built, whether the goal is more challenging choreographies, better body control, or more confident performance.

Boldly trying new things

Finally, I want to encourage everyone to boldly try new dance styles and develop their skills at their own pace. There's no need to rush in dance – everyone progresses on their own path.

Give yourself permission to learn, experiment, and enjoy the journey. 💗

– Venla