Self Choreographing a routine

One of my absolute favorite things to do in my free time is to choreograph dances. It can be hard to come up with a good routine. Remember that it may take a while for you to create the perfect piece. Here are some of my tips for creating a stunning piece.

What you need to do first is to create a playlist of songs that you like. That way you can have many choices of songs that you already know you like and don't have to go on a hunt for a song. You can create a playlist on YouTube, Spotify, or just your music app. This way you know the style of music you want to dance to(contemporary, jazz, hip hop, tap, etc.) I personally always choreograph contemporary dances just because that is the style that i am best at.

Next you want to start coming up with ideas for cool and creative moves you want to include in your routine. Take risks! The whole point of self choreography is to improve yourself and learn new things. Sometimes, it helps to get ideas from YouTube videos. Look up a dancer that you look up to. Even though you may not be able to do everything that they do, but it can help you to create modified movements that still look beautiful. Sometimes improving and recording yourself can help you create new movement.

Start choreographing

Provide variety in your movement. In your routine, you know yourself the best and you know what you can or can't do. You also know what looks good on your body. If you have legs, do legs, but add a variety of different legs. For example, do both your dominant and non dominate side legs. Flawed feet, pointed feet, barbie foot, arabesque, tilt, batterment. If you are a great turner or jumper, use your strengths to your advantage but don't do the same thing over and over.

What to do if you get stuck

If you come across a point where you have no idea what to do next, which you will, persevere and don't give up. Maybe take a walk or take a break for an hour or a day. Another way is to change your environment, etc. You can also ask a dance friend or teacher on their advice about what your next move should be. If you don't listen to the music and choreograph and then put it to the music later, it helps.

Others tips

-NEVER do the same move twice or anything like it. If you want to do something like a move you have already done, find a way to tweak it so its different enough not to feel repetitive.

- practice makes perfect

- it might take a while, so be patient

- try out weird moves because they may just end up being an odd beautiful

-watching videos doesn't mean that you should copy their moves, its just for inspiration.

-Listen to the music and figure out what accents you want to hit.

Choreographing routines can really help you succeed in life. The industry is very hard to get into for dancers and often times, unless you get an amazing role, you don't make much. Only a few dancers book the gig that they actually want and can make a living off of. Choreographers don't have AS hard of a job in terms of competition. Of course there are choreographers out there such as Travis Wall, Mandy Moore, and many others, but you can still make it your full time job. Lets say that you love to choreograph, once you finish high school or college, you can go back to the studio you danced at before and ask the director if you could choreograph a dance or two. Start small and soon you may be choreographing many dances for many studios. If your not out of college or high school yet, you can still prepare for later. Become an included member in the studio. Take lots of classes and do the competition team. This will help so the director knows you better and knows what you are capable of. Start small and work your way up. When you first start choreographing at that studio, maybe just do small routines such as solos, duos, trios, and small groups. Then you can work your way up to a line or extended line.