How to Maximize Your Training as a Gogo Dancer
If you're not training in these 4 areas are you really a gogo dancer? Guide on how to enhance your movement. Read to the end for this week's opportunities.
There is no single way to train as a gogo dancer, but every gogo dancer must train in these 4 categories to stay at the top of our game:
Strength
Flexibility
Endurance
Dance
Scroll to the bottom for a sample work out schedule.
Strength
“Wait, won’t I get bulky?!” NO! It takes a huge amount of effort through diet and training to achieve a “bulky” look and you won’t get there by accident.
Dancers need strength to support our movement. No one wants a floppy noodle flailing around on stage... Diversified movements including punchy fast rhythms and slow and sultry patterns are all powered through strength!
Some activities to build strength:
Weight Lifting (highly recommended)
The most effective way to gain muscle
Pilates/Barre
Yoga Sculpt Classes
Rock Climbing
Bodyweight Exercises (push ups, pull ups, sit ups, squats, etc.)
Flexibility
The best gogo dancers maintain flexibility. High kicks, splits, and back arches can wow crowds (and hiring managers) when sprinkled into your gogo moves.
Some activities to improve flexibility:
Yoga
Stretching
Pilates
Foam rolling/adequate recovery
Endurance
Endurance = Aerobic Exercise. You need excellent endurance to execute a 20-minute set without looking tired or gassed. The crowd doesn’t want to see you getting tired - they want to be inspired to dance from watching you!
Some activities to improve endurance:
Cycling
Swimming
Dancing
Running
Climbing stairs
Walking
Stair master
Dance
Last but not least: dance! The best gogo dancers care about technique and staying in touch with the professional dance community. The good news is that dance often covers endurance and flexibility too.
Freestyle practice
Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and dance
Take a break and repeat!
Dance classes
Hip hop classes: Improve grooves and musicality
Heels classes: Work on balance and moving effortlessly in heels.
Gogo dancers wear heels for almost EVERY gig
I’ve danced in stilettos, chunky boots, and six-inch platforms and you are expected to handle any pair flawlessly!
Jazz/ballet/modern technique classes: Foundational classes improve your strength, balance, lines, technique and body awareness.
Gigs
Every time on the job is an opportunity to improve. Always give your best at work and don't be afraid to try something new.
Performance Companies
Joining an adult dance company is a great way to train consistently and practice your performance skills.
In summary, here’s an EXAMPLE of how you could train effectively to be the best dancer you can be. Further, I recommend walking at least 30 minutes every day and stretching at the end of workouts. Don’t forget to recover to prevent injury.
Monday - Leg day + dance class/cardio
Tuesday - Pilates + freestyle practice
Wednesday - Upper body + dance class/cardio
Thursday - Leg day + cardio
Friday - Pilates + gogo (work)
Saturday - Gogo (work)
Sunday - Yoga + Recover
URGENT OPPORTUNITIES
GOGO AUDITIONS & CASTING CALLS
New York City, NY
Team Kitty Koalition auditions for holiday season
Rescheduled to 9/25
Additional information sent after registration
Send resume/cv, headshot + bodyshot, measurements, and small 1m performance video to kauditions@gmail.com
Los Angeles
Flaunt Entertainment Open Call Auditions
Tuesday 9/17 from 7:30 to 9:30pm
Searching for models and dancers
Register online
Austin, TX
FESTIVAL CASTING! Team EZ is casting character dancers for Freaky Deaky 2024
Email your resume with measurements, demo reel, headshot, and Instagram handle to casting@teamezent.com
Join this spooky festival on 10/26 and 10/27
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
San Diego
Wednesday 9/18 at 6:30pm at Play Studios
Wednesday 9/18 at 8:00pm at Play Studios
Drink and Dance: PJ party!
Bring your girls and get ready to get spicy. Enjoy wine and dancing with Malia Faith for ladies night at Madhouse <3 it’s gonna be a sultry one!!
Los Angeles
Kyle Hanagami Masterclass
Monday 9/16 at MDC from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Jeremy Green Masterclass
Wednesday 9/18 at MDC from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
Weather Festival Updates:
Nocturnal Wonderland - Canceled due to San Bernardino fires. EDC China - canceled due to typhoon. Lost Lands - TBD /pyro canceled due to high wind and weather concerns.
My heart goes out to the performers affected by the cancellations of Nocturnal Wonderland and EDC China, and all the locals who have been affected by these scary weather events.