CREATING AN IMPACTFUL ROUTINE (PART 3)

A Dose Of Danspiration- “Creating An Impactful Routine (Part 3).” Originally posted August 30, 2023

Welcome Back!

Throughout the month of September, we have discussed different ways of creating more impact in your dance routines.

In Part I, we discussed:

·         #1 Using All 4 Quadrants of the Floor

·         #2 viewing the routine from the judges’/audience’s vantagepoint

·         #3 use of coordinated visual interest.

In Part II, we covered:

·         #4: Clear Theme/Concept

·         #5: Dare to be Different

·         #6: Highlighting the Strengths of the Dancers

In part III, we will touch on 3 more ways to leave the crowd and judges wanting more!

Let’s go!

#7: MUSICALITY

This is HUGE! Musicality is the essence of the routine. This is how the piece brings the music to life for the viewer. This is where the magic begins!

So often choreographers rely on the driving down beat. The beat we tap our foot along to.

You know, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

Utilizing this beat is great when the performers are just learning how to count music and follow a beat. Once the performers have mastered this skill, go beyond that standard beat, and listen for the MORE!

When a routine is created on the down beat only, the routine feels like it is on “the surface” and could more easily be transferred to ANY song utilizing that same downbeat. To go beyond and make the routine feel connected to a specific piece of music, listen to all the different layers. Think of the music as an orchestra with different instruments being brought together to create the full experience.

Begin by deconstructing the song.

 Listen for the driving downbeat. Now remove that. What do you hear?

Do you hear the lyrics? Now remove that layer.

Next, do you hear a piano or a violin? A synthesized tick?

Continue this process until you feel you have listened to EVERY layer.

 Now create.

Additionally, not every dancer needs to be utilizing the same part of the melody. One group could be the down beat, another could be bringing the lyrics to life, and a third could be the violins. When this is staged well (See #3 in Part I), this can be a visual masterpiece!

When judging, I ask the question, “If the music cut out, could I still see the music come to life with the movement?”

 #8: SHAPES BEYOND LINES and SPACES

Work in a few unexpected shapes that use the floor differently, but still bring the visuals to life.

Don’t get confined by the square/rectangular shape of the floor.

Look at circles, half circles, spirals, there are so many shapes that exist! Be creative! Get out pennies, a paper and pencil, whatever you use to represent the dancers in the shape and let your imagination sore!

I still remember judging a routine that set a dual spiral and rippled from either end and it completed in the center of the two spirals. The pattern created was beautiful and unexpected.

Judge Tip: The use of shapes outside of linear patterns is more difficult, so if the formation hits, it can bump up that difficulty score!

#9: TRANSITIONS: BEYOND WALKING TOGETHER

When transitioning, not every dancer has to move at the exact same time nor does everyone need to transition the exact same way. As a matter of fact, try to ONLY transition together once or twice a routine UNLESS you are creating a visual.

Utilize your layers and groupings to move smaller groups. Have individuals seat roll, while others 3 step turn or jete or walk.

If you do decide to walk everyone together, try to make a visual, like a kaleidoscope verses random directions, unless you are going for a feeling of chaos.

Hopefully over the last three posts, you have been able to take away a few points to help you create the greatest impact on the dance floor. After all, the ROUTINE(S) is what the season revolves around.

Continue to watch for additional routine creation tips on the ADOD Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest accounts!

If you would like to stay connected to all ADOD quotes, tips, and blog posts, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest (@adoseofdanspiration5678).

For virtual or in-person assessments through the eyes of a judge combined with education through the heart of a coach, check out Impact Dance Consulting (@ImpactDanceConsulting5678 & ImpactDanceConsulting.com).