How to Choreograph a Dance

Dancing and choreographing comes more naturally to some people than others. While technique is very important, time and patience are also required so don't get frustrated! If you want to choreograph as a career it is best to have a dancing background. This will enable you a better chance as you have experience. Remember you will also need to be a good performer, have a lot of self confidence and be open to meeting new people.You need to know what you are doing, otherwise you have no chance!

1. Select a style. There are hundreds of styles, from folk to flamenco to hip-hop, so choose one that suits the dancers. It could be a combination of a few or many, or you could choose to keep it simple.

2. Choose a song that complements your style. While slow songs work well for ballet, disco requires fast tunes. The song also needs to be easy to move to.

3. Before beginning to write the routine, compile a list of steps that would work for the chosen style and song. This approach might work for you.

4. Listen to the song carefully and identify sections. Give them names and see how they repeat. Identify moods that go with each of the sections.

5. Sometimes, it helps to draw the music - draw a squiggly line that identifies how to melody flows.

6. Just start dancing. If you find a step that you're happy with, write it down in detail so you can remember it. Record yourself making the movement.

7. Get the basic outline of the footwork down, and then add details such as arm movements.

8. PRACTICE!!! Practice makes better. Remember, practice your routine over and over and over and over, then make any last minute changes. Record yourself and see how it looks on screen. Maybe even get input from other people.

9. And be yourself while dancing.

Tips
- When practicing, be enthusiastic so when it comes to the real thing, it feels natural.

- Try doing counts of eight to remember the dance and to make it simpler.

- If you're not sure about a song, just do a little improvising. It will be clear soon if the song will work.

- For every progression you see - slowly or quickly - be grateful of what you have done. Don't doubt any dance movement and respect each dance style or the dance style you specialise on.
- If you are with a couple of people, who are also learning the routine, go through the dance slowly for a few times, and then eventually pick up the pace.
- Just dance the first time-just do your own thing and then you will have some moves to help you make up your dance.
- When you dance, feel the emotion of the song. Don't stand there looking boring, investigate with arm movements.
- Not all of your moves should be complicated. Add a few simple moves in between elaborate ones.
Dance to the rhythm to get your beat going
- If you fashion your own steps, be sure to give them names that won't make it hard for you to remember what they are.

Warnings
- Warm up before you choreograph your dance so you don't pull a muscle.
- Be respectful to all dancers involved in your choreography.

Things You'll Need
- A Big Space

- Dancers/Company if Necessary
- A Notebook To Jot Down The Moves
- Music
- Good Clothing
- Comfy shoes/optional

Article by wikiHow