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

Question

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

P.S. I’m a ballerina

In: 468

Answer 1

It’s been said a bit but it’s kinda interesting summation to consider we can imagine drummers saying “1,2,3,4” to count the actual time of the music- while also getting everyone in sync to begin the song.

Dancers are (often) beginning at the same time that the “song” does. So the count (often) begins in the music at around “5,6,7,8”.

At least that’s how l understand it (trained dancer from years ago, also former soundcloud rapper)

cool question