How to Prepare for a Solo in a Dance Recital

You are all alone. The lights are focused on you. The audience is silent and anticipatory. It is up to you to bring them to their feet and extract from them the thunderous applause. There is no need to be afraid. You are ready to perform because you have used your time and energy to properly prepare your solo for the dance recital.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of dance you want to do and discuss it with your dance teacher. You may want to perform ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acrobatic, hip-hop or some other genre of dance. Have your dance teacher schedule your prospective dance into your studio's dance recital.

2. Pick your music. While you obviously want to choose a song that matches the genre of dance you've picked, you also want to pick a song your audience will respond positively to. Think about the type of audience you will have, particularly their age group, and go from there. If you are performing in front of baby boomers, for example, you'll want to select something from their era.

3. Choreograph your routine. Remember to spotlight your strengths when designing your dance, such as focusing on turns, acrobatics or leaps, depending on your skill level and particular abilities. Enlist the help of your dance teachers and fellow dancers. Make sure your choreography is in sync with your music.

4. Learn your routine by 8 counts. Focus on learning the basic choreography first before adding special touches and nuances. It is good to practice the routine until your body knows it without your mind having to be consulted.

5. Buy a costume that suits your routine and your song. Consult dance catalogs and specialty stores for wonderful outfits. Check eBay and other auction sites or consignment shops to find great deals on gently used articles. Remember you can also sell your costume once you have finished with it.

6. Practice your dance in front of a small audience of friends. Have them critique you honestly, and work on any trouble spots you have. Focus on the presentation, including facial expressions and extra gestures. Also practice your entrance, ending pose and exit, since these are all part of your dance and should be performed as such.

7. Rehearse in full dress on the stage in which you will perform in the recital (if possible). Get used to the flooring and amount of room you have to dance. Make any changes necessary to suit your atmosphere. Take the time to fix your hair the way you plan to wear it. Also, practice with any props you may be using in the dance like hats, stoles, chairs or stools.

8. Do your makeup and dress at least an hour before you are due on stage. You do not want to rush these important touches. Also, stretch and fully warm up backstage and run through your dance in your mind before you actually take the stage.

9. Perform your routine with confidence. Swallow your butterflies and go for your moves. Do not be conservative in your dancing if you want the best reception. Have fun and remember to smile.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure all small pieces before dancing, including hair clips and jewelry. You do not want anything flying off during your grand performance.