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

Most choreography starts on count 1. But in order to prepare everyone to dance together, set the tempo correctly, and know when to start moving, the instructor or choreographer will give an intro count-in like 5-6-7-8 as a preparation.
This is especially helpful when you’re rehearsing steps without using the music so that the dancers know when to start moving together.

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