How To Choreograph A Dance Routine
Dec 05, 2023
People always ask "How do you come up with choreo?". Every dance teacher has their own method and style. After listening to the song countless of times in the car or while I'm doing chores, I'm someone who needs to write down my steps. It helps me remember and also visually see it play out in my head. As I hear the music, I start seeing steps form in my mind according to the beat. This gets easier over time and the more exposure you have to various dance styles. If you're having trouble with choreographing, here are a few steps to help you get started.
- Select a Song: Choose a song that you really enjoy listening to. Maybe you're someone who likes faster, upbeat songs. Or you're someone who enjoys the romantic, more slowed down version. If you genuinely love the song, it will be much easier for you to add choreography to it.
- Understand the Song: Familiarize yourself with the lyrics, mood, and overall feel of the song. Pay attention to any specific cultural or thematic elements that can inspire your choreography. Bollywood songs often have distinct sections (verse, chorus, bridge), so plan how you want to structure your routine accordingly.
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Incorporate emotions: Bollywood dance is known for its expressive facial movements. Encourage dancers to convey emotions and tell a story through their expressions. If you're someone who has a hard time thinking of steps, try to tell a story instead. Focus on the meaning of the song and convey the message through steps instead of throwing random steps together.
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Trial and Error. Every step you add in, try it out from the top.Slowly add in steps and see if your body naturally moves to each step. Have each step build off the last one so the routine is smooth and easy to execute. There is a lot of trial and error involved in choreographing and throwing spaghetti on the wall. Sometimes what we see in our heads is not as seamless in real life. Try everything out and adjust as you go on.
Remember, the key to a successful Bollywood dance routine is to infuse it with energy, enthusiasm and expressive movements. Don't be afraid to add your unique flair and creativity to make the routine memorable and fun for both dancers to execute and the audience to watch.
