Eli5: Why do dancers start with a “5, 6, 7, 8” count?

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Why is this and what’s the point? Why not just start at 1, 2, 3, 4?

P.S. I’m a ballerina

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21 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Dancers start with “5, 6, 7, 8” for a variety of reasons, both practical and artistic.

On a practical level, starting a dance count with “5, 6, 7, 8” allows the dancer to get into position and prepare for the dance before the music actually starts. This is especially important in group dances, where all the dancers need to be in sync with one another. By starting the count with “5, 6, 7, 8,” the dancers can make any necessary adjustments before the music begins and ensure that they are all starting at the same time.

On an artistic level, starting a dance count with “5, 6, 7, 8” can also help to set the tone and energy of the dance. For example, a fast-paced dance with a lot of footwork might start with a strong and energetic “5, 6, 7, 8” to get the dancers pumped up and ready to go. On the other hand, a slower, more introspective dance might start with a softer and more controlled “5, 6, 7, 8” to create a sense of calm and focus.

But ultimately, the reason that dancers start with “5, 6, 7, 8” is because it just feels right. Dance is a highly intuitive and expressive art form, and starting with “5, 6, 7, 8” is simply a convention that has been passed down through the generations and has become ingrained in the collective consciousness of dancers everywhere.

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