Dance Performance Perfection

Preparing a class performance is a process that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. It goes beyond merely teaching a routine; it involves numerous components that give way to a captivating and polished end result. As instructors, we follow a structured format in our studio to guide our students through this journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to shine on stage.

1. Select a Theme: The first step is to decide on a theme for the performance. Whether it's funny, dramatic, fictional, or educational, the theme sets the tone and engages the students from the outset. Involving them in the planning process fosters a sense of accountability and enthusiasm for the project, making each practice exciting and intentional.

2. Progressive Choreography: We break down the choreography into manageable segments spread over several weeks. This approach prevents overwhelm and allows students to master each element thoroughly. Quality over quantity is emphasized, ensuring a clean and polished routine that resonates with the audience and is more exciting than nerve wrecking for the student.

3. Formations: Crafting formations is a challenging yet crucial aspect of performance creation. We consider factors such as each dancer's strengths, visual aesthetics, and stage logistics to create formations that enhance the overall impact of the routine while remaining practical for the performers as they move around stage.

4. Incorporating Props: Props are integrated into the routine early on to familiarize students with dancing alongside them. We calculate placement, duration of use, and choreographic adjustments to seamlessly incorporate props into the performance, adding more of a visual, tangible component to the routine.

5. Music Mix: Finalizing the music mix early in the process allows students to internalize the rhythm and flow of the routine. Consistency in the music enables students to practice effectively both in and out of class, visualizing the routine even during off-hours and enhancing their in studio sessions. 

6. Wow Factor: We always try to incorporate elements of surprise, such as stunts, gimmicks, or dialogue, to infuse the routine with a "wow" factor. These unexpected moments captivate the audience's attention and improve the overall entertainment value of the performance.

7. Clean-Up and Review: This is where we refine a routine (and the dancers skill) and is of utmost important to achieving a flawless performance. Through meticulous clean-up sessions, we focus on fine-tuning every detail, from hand and foot placement to facial expressions and timing. Attention to these intricacies elevates the routine from good to great, ensuring a memorable performance experience for both dancers and audience.

In summary, while the process of preparing a class performance may seem intimidating, it is a rewarding journey that culminates in a captivating showcase of talent and creativity. For us as instructors, it's about bringing a vision to life through our students and guiding them towards excellence on stage.