CREATING AN IMPACTFUL ROUTINE (PART 2)
A Dose Of Danspiration- “Creating An Impactful Routine (Part 2).” Originally posted July 26, 2023
Welcome to Part II of Creating Impactful Routines. Last post we discussed using all 4 quadrants on the floor, viewing the routine from the judges’/audience’s viewpoint, and the use of coordinated visual interest. If you want to revisit these topics check out Part I (September 15, 2025).
On that note, let’s dive right into the next three qualities to focus on:
#4: Clear Theme/Concept:
Not every routine needs a theme or concept. It is ABSOLUTLEY acceptable to have a routine where the performers are out there to have fun, showcase a specific style, or demonstrate developing skill.
HOWEVER, if a routine IS created with a theme/concept as part of the performance experience, make sure it is clear & obvious from the first beat of music to the very last.
If it needs to be explained through words, the audience & judges will be left with a sense of confusion. If the viewer is too busy trying to figure out WHAT they are watching, they will not be able move into HOW they are affected emotionally.
WHAT I see + HOW I feel= A Complete Viewing Experience
To bring the theme/concept to life utilize costuming, music selection, specific movement, and staging. Not just one of these components, ALL OF THEM!
After all, EVERY MOMENT and EVERY ELEMENT is vital to bringing the dance to life. THIS is how a dance taps into a memory, into the soul, and THAT is where the greatest impact is achieved.
#5: Dare To Be Different:
A common practice I have witnessed throughout the years is trying to emulate what “wins.”
The issue is a copy is never as good as the original.
THAT routine that everyone remembers and talks about is because it was created, performed, and/or costumed like no one else in that moment. It felt innovative and “refreshing.”
If everyone is doing contemporary in the jazz division, be the team that does traditional/musical theater jazz or sassy/upbeat jazz.
In pom, everyone wears skirts, wear a unitard or pants. Everyone is using one colored poms, use two and really commit to the visuals that two different colored poms can bring to the floor.
Try creating memorable moments with movement throughout the piece.
For example, years later, I can still recall when a college team slowed down, then speed up a ripple and the first time I watched different formations thread through each other and across the floor in new visual patterns.
Don’t try to be like anyone else. Dare to be different!
Judges can view hundreds of routines in a day. What can you do to stand out? How do you want to be REMEMBERED?
#6: Highlight Dancers’ Strengths
We’ve all been there. EVERYONE is doing _______, so we NEED to do ________.
Unless your competition circuit requires certain elements to hit certain point levels (more compulsory like gymnastics), I am here to tell you NO! NO YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO IT!
When highlighting individuals, small groups, or the team, focus on what they do CONSISTENTLY well. Just because it appears as if EVERYONE is doing _______, doesn’t mean you need to do _____.
A well-executed double WILL score better than a poorly executed triple. A front walkover will score better than a front ariel with hands on the ground or a seat plant on the landing.
A highlight when done consistently, can add to the visual impact and difficulty. BUT when done poorly, it effects, uniformity, execution, difficulty, choreography, overall impression, etc. That’s A LOT of areas on the scoresheet that can be affected!
My favorite moment as a judge is to get lost in a routine to the point that I’m not sure if a skill was even performed, nor do I feel it is necessary for the piece.
I absolutely encourage working on new and excited skills and tricks at practice, but just remember, when it come to the competition floor, it’s not about what others are doing, it’s about what your program does CONSISTENTLY!
Keep an eye out for part 3 coming next month!
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