How to Create a Dance Routine
Dance routines are fun to watch, some are wild and exciting, others beautiful and controlled. They vary depending upon dance style, music and level of those dancing in it. As a choreographer your role is putting all the elements together, the steps, music and overall show. To put together a dance routine you have to have working knowledge of the dance style, creativity and a knowledge of the skills of those involved in the routine. Read on to learn how to create a dance routine.
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Instructions
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Select music. You want to pick something appropriate for the style you will be choreographing as well as the age group. Try to find music that has a lot of different levels and changes in it. This variety of levels creates drama and makes sure things don't become repetitive.
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Watch those who will be in your routine dance. Take note of their individual styles, strengths and weaknesses. Listen to your music several times. If it needs to be cut for time length restrictions or other reasons then do so now. Try to develop a story for the music, something that will play out and be expressed through the dance. Routines with stories are always far more interesting.
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Start the dance with a "big" opening. The dancers need to grab the audience's attention right away. This can be a jump, surprise, turns or a dramatic reveal. Don't give away your best tricks right off the bat though but make it something special.
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Create sequences and teach them to the dancers. Have them perform the sequences for you. If you're happy with it give the dancers their positions/formations and continue on to the next sequence. If you're not happy with it then make the necessary corrections. Continue to go back and watch the dancers perform the routine from the beginning to make sure the movements flow smoothly, everyone is together, they're all getting it and the visual impact is what you desire.
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Set up a "big" closing. Now is the time to show off your biggest and best tricks. If someone can't do something create separate groupings and give them different tricks and movements to perform so they'll still look good. The goal is to show off difficult moves but also make even the worst dancers look good. Have the students practice the routine over and over again over a period of time. Make sure everyone is synchronized when they're supposed to be and knows the counts. Make corrections as needed. Have fun and good luck.
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Tips & Warnings
Go to the theater, watch other dance routines, shows and so forth to come up with new ideas and find inspiration.
Don't put in movements, tricks or sequences which are too difficult for the dancers, they will just look bad due to poor execution.
