How to Do Lyrical Dance

Lyrical dancing is a very beautiful flowing style of dance that incorporates ballet, jazz and modern dancing. It is most commonly seen in large production numbers, like Cirque de Soleil and themed shows for singers like Celine Dion. Lyrical dance focuses on balance, flexibility and acting to all types of music from classical to pop.

Instructions

1. Increase your flexibility. Lyrical dancing requires the dancer to be just as, if not more flexible, than other forms of dance. During your warm up, use many different types of stretches for your arms, legs, torso, neck and feet. Push yourself a little further each time to deepen the stretch.

2. Focus more on your form than your physique. Lyrical dancers can be young or old and have all different body types. The precision comes from the flowing flexible moves more so than a tiny petite or lean body. Being expressive and pulling the audience into this modern form of dance is most important.

3. Let your emotions flow in your dancing. Lyrical dancing is used most often to convey a story, feeling or emotion. Use your entire body, including facial expressions, to help the audience connect with the story you are telling. You can also incorporate different props, such as ribbons, scarves or materials into this fluid style of dance.

4. Stray from conventional dance training, like ballet and jazz. Many of the arm movements in Lyrical dancing are reminiscent of African dance moves. Use your arms to help draw the audience into the story or emotion and don't be so concerned with perfect form as taught in formal ballet or jazz training.

5. Put your toes to the test. In Lyrical dance, you will do many moves with pointed and flexed toes. Dancing with your toes flexed requires you to be more flexible in your feet, legs and backs. You will need to practice flexing your toes, especially if you are performing lifts, as this is probably unnatural to any trained ballet or jazz dancer.