Struggling with your Dance Choreography
“It’s tough to see that in the moment, but when you look back at what you’ve accomplished, you’ll see it’s a big deal.”
There are myriad reasons you might dislike one of your group dances for competition. Every dancer prefers a routine that makes her feel like a rock star. But even if you’re never going to be in love with that one dance, there are ways to make friends with it, or at least call a truce. Here are six of the most common scenarios—and advice on how to handle them like a pro.
Help! I hate the choreography!
In the professional world, dancers are frequently asked to perform things they don’t necessarily love. You won’t always agree with your teacher’s taste, but try to see that as an opportunity to become more versatile.
Often, when dancers dislike choreography, it’s because they don’t feel they look good doing it. Rather than letting the dance crush your spirit, acknowledge the obstacle and form a plan of action. Donnajean Kline, owner and artistic director of The Dance Academy in Holland, PA, recommends finding a buddy to practice with, videotaping and watching a rehearsal, or taking extra classes in the style. Your teacher or an assistant may even have time to give you private lessons. “It’s exciting to be uncomfortable,” says Tawney Giles, who teaches at The Southern Strutt in Irmo, SC. “It’s tough to see that in the moment, but when you look back at what you’ve accomplished, you’ll see it’s a big deal.”
Help! My costume is getting in the way of my dancing!
A troublesome costume can throw off an entire dance. It’s important to sort this out as early as possible: At your fitting, make sure you have a full range of motion, and don’t be afraid to be vocal (in a polite way) if the bodice is so tight you can’t breathe, or if you’re afraid of “popping out.” Test tricks and lifts in costume a few times before dress rehearsal and tell your teacher about any problems. In the end, the sequins might still be scratchy, but the costume shouldn’t interfere with your dancing.
If you’re worried the costume is unflattering or doesn’t fit the dance, that’s a decision to leave to your teacher. If you’re truly uncomfortable performing in the costume, though, mention it to her one-on-one and see what she advises. And if you’re embarrassed by a silly costume like a pony or duck suit, Dana Adames, owner and director of the Talent Factory Performing Arts Centre in North Kingstown, RI, recommends embracing the ridiculousness as a rite of passage. Even your Broadway heroes have been there.
Article by DanceSpirit (Ashley Rivers)
“It’s tough to see that in the moment, but when you look back at what you’ve accomplished, you’ll see it’s a big deal.”
There are myriad reasons you might dislike one of your group dances for competition. Every dancer prefers a routine that makes her feel like a rock star. But even if you’re never going to be in love with that one dance, there are ways to make friends with it, or at least call a truce. Here are six of the most common scenarios—and advice on how to handle them like a pro.
Help! I hate the choreography!
In the professional world, dancers are frequently asked to perform things they don’t necessarily love. You won’t always agree with your teacher’s taste, but try to see that as an opportunity to become more versatile.
Often, when dancers dislike choreography, it’s because they don’t feel they look good doing it. Rather than letting the dance crush your spirit, acknowledge the obstacle and form a plan of action. Donnajean Kline, owner and artistic director of The Dance Academy in Holland, PA, recommends finding a buddy to practice with, videotaping and watching a rehearsal, or taking extra classes in the style. Your teacher or an assistant may even have time to give you private lessons. “It’s exciting to be uncomfortable,” says Tawney Giles, who teaches at The Southern Strutt in Irmo, SC. “It’s tough to see that in the moment, but when you look back at what you’ve accomplished, you’ll see it’s a big deal.”
Help! My costume is getting in the way of my dancing!
A troublesome costume can throw off an entire dance. It’s important to sort this out as early as possible: At your fitting, make sure you have a full range of motion, and don’t be afraid to be vocal (in a polite way) if the bodice is so tight you can’t breathe, or if you’re afraid of “popping out.” Test tricks and lifts in costume a few times before dress rehearsal and tell your teacher about any problems. In the end, the sequins might still be scratchy, but the costume shouldn’t interfere with your dancing.
If you’re worried the costume is unflattering or doesn’t fit the dance, that’s a decision to leave to your teacher. If you’re truly uncomfortable performing in the costume, though, mention it to her one-on-one and see what she advises. And if you’re embarrassed by a silly costume like a pony or duck suit, Dana Adames, owner and director of the Talent Factory Performing Arts Centre in North Kingstown, RI, recommends embracing the ridiculousness as a rite of passage. Even your Broadway heroes have been there.
Article by DanceSpirit (Ashley Rivers)