The 1-2-3s of Choreography
By Teresa Robbins, N2Arts Correspondent
The basics of choreography
 

ave you ever watched a music video with “tight” choreography and wanted to pull something together like it? It’s really not that hard to create something artistic. There are many different forms of art and with art there can be no right or wrong. Art is basically the artist’s interpretation of something found in everyday life. 

So, in a nutshell, choreography should be a choreographer’s interpretation of a song. The choreographer cannot be afraid of expressing their vision through movement. A good choreographer is bold and not limited by someone else’s opinion. The bigger the better. 

I have always used a three-step method to fool-proof choreography. Because of my “no fear” approach to choreography, my creations have been copied and used for years. There are three steps I follow to putting together a dynamic piece: music selection, constructing the idea, and infusing the cast with the overall message you want to relate to your audience.

The first step of selecting music sounds like a no brainer but it is actually the most important of the three steps. Music can make or break a vision. I always pick the song first. Then, I build on the inspiration I get from the music whether it’s from the lyrics or the music itself. I follow the same personal rule for every song I choose: the song must move me first. If a song touches me, changes me, or fuels me with a message, I get to work on making movements. If the song has reached you in some way then you know it will reach others as well. The song should provoke you to create a masterpiece because you feel it can make a difference. After you get the song make copies of the original to pass on to your cast member or members. Save your original for performances. 

Now comes the fun part. Find a place where you can be alone, turn the music up, and let yourself go. I like to listen to a song several times and I try to listen for something different each time. I use the first listen to construct the overall message. Once I know my mission then I try to find creative ways to approach my message. It’s best to use any special areas of training you have gained over time. I like to use gymnastics, dance, and mime. Remember mime doesn’t mean you have to wear mime make-up. 

Next, I listen to the music for any distinguishing moments in the song. If there is an incredible crescendo in the song then I plan to use a big move at that point such as a leap, a tumble, or a lift (if you have more than one dancer). Defining moments in the song should have defining movements to match. Let your imagination go wild. 

I like to fill in all the empty spaces with smooth transitions. Never leave dead space unless it’s relevant to the story. One thing to keep in mind as you put your masterpiece together is to never let the song control the choreography. Don’t rely on the song to deliver your message. If people just want to hear a good song they’ll go buy the CD or go to a concert. Your responsibility as a choreographer is to bring the song to life, put it in 3-D through movement. 

The last step is the easiest of the three. Have a casting call to audition your dancers. While auditioning, look for dancers who express their emotions well or even have acting experience.  Watch for dancers who pull you in through their stage presence and the ones who make you feel what they are doing. If they can move you then they can move your audience. 

Again, choose wisely because an unemotional performer trying to deliver a moving piece will destroy your message. Likewise, an overly emotional performer in an unfeeling role can crush your message. Once you’ve picked the cast, arm them with your vision. Thoroughly explain what you want them to relate to your audience. Send them home with lyrics and copies of the song that you made earlier. Encourage them to study and know the piece fully so when they come to rehearsals they will be ready to deliver your message.

Following these three steps can help you to develop brilliant pieces. Then, as your work gets noticed you can become a successful and sought after choreographer. There are many different areas where choreography can be used, such as community theatre, commercials, music videos, and film, just to mention a few. So, get your music, go wild with movements, and find the dancers who can pull it altogether on the stage. There’s no limit to where your new skills can take you.

Teresa has training in mime, dance, and theatre and has used her experience to teach others how to reach their highest potential in these areas as well.