The Art of Choreography

by
Julie Miller

Texas Clinic - February 4, 2006

The art of planning and arranging dance movements into a meaningful composition

1) Create a dance composition/routine with specific intent; a theme

Examples:

Dramatic (emotional, dark, deep, etc.)

This theme requires maturity in the athletes and is not appropriate for young children.

Fun (playful, enjoyable, amusing, etc.)

This theme, however, is good for all ages.

Cultural (Irish, Russian, Etc.)

Folk dancing characteristics should be played in character, which is a theme appropriate for the mature and partially mature.

Era (70's, 80's, etc.)

Another theme that can be used for all ages if handled correctly.

Story (dolls, warriors, etc.)

This theme covers the variety of stories that can be enacted.

Cirque (unusual, artistic, etc.)

In this theme Julie refers to abstract compositions similar to Cirque du Solei style shows.

Lyrical (ballet, deep personal emotion, etc.)

In this theme Julie referred to dance compositions in the performing arts sense.

2) Navigating, planning and arranging your routine

Examples:

Use the whole space provided.

Julie gave the example of marking the floor with chalk once to see if the routine actually covers the whole floor.

Spread out the skills and individuals.

Julie commented on the needless use of individual skills that were not done perfectly. Why take the unneeded deduction?

Avoid partner separation as much as possible.

Separating partners creates confusion in the audience and judges as to where one should look. It also creates a sense of disunity, as opposed to a team performance. If a story has that moment of disunity intended, then separation at that time makes sense. Also, for the need of tumbling, a group may separate, but on the who she feels that it works better to keep the group together.

Plan your space equally; not too heavy in any one area.
Navigate inward; avoid dancing / skills off the edge.

Skills and athletes performing off to the side lose the audience and judges when they are playing to no one.

Create different arrangements; ups, downs, ins & outs, forward, backward, etc.

3)Body, mind and movement

Body:

Look the part; facials, movement, attire, etc.

Perform the routine, not just do the routine. With a theme clearly understood, then facial expressions should fit that theme. Choreographic movement should fit the theme.. Competitive attire should complement the routine, especially for the 8's and up.

Feel the part; move freely to express yourself.
Step out of the box; change your thought process to enrich growth.

She means that the athletes must be performers for the audience and the judges, and not be embarrassed in performing.

Improve your health and the quality of your life through balanced eating.

Mind:

Allow yourself to dream big; to think big.

For both athletes and coaches, do not limit what you can achieve.

Nurture the process of thinking and speaking positive; a character builder.

For both athletes and coaches. Positive communication without humiliation, insults, or tyrannical behavior makes for successful training and competitions.

Keep focused; own your floor time and invite the viewers in.

Athletes should not be in a hurry to get off the floor, and that going on as well as coming off the floor is part of the performance as well as the judgment.

Acknowledge that all good things take time.

For both coaches and athletes, look ahead 5 years and be patient in the building process.

Be mature and professional at all times to avoid losing your audience.

No matter what mistakes are made in a routine, do not draw attention to it, and behave as though you are still giving the greatest routine to the audience and judges.

Movement:

A vital art form of expression; self-expression and critical thinking through movement.

Movements should be natural, expressing the personalities of the athletes.

Become a part of your performance and sell it to the audience; make it your own.
It's not just dance, it's drama, and other types of performance such as theatre.

In other words, get past the idea of a sport and competition. Acrobatic gymnastics is about acrobatic dancing, which is a performing art.

Dance by touch is emotionally connecting to both the athletes and the audience.

In other words, the choreography should have frequent contact of athletes to one another. It brings unity to the performers, it engages audience attention, and makes the flow from the dance to the stunts more natural.

Looking at some Pros and Cons in Choreography

PROS:

CHOREOGRAPHY that is well arranged will benefit your overall look. Not recommended that students choreograph their own routines as it will not be equal to an experienced choreographers composition.

ENCOURAGEMENT in the critique is of the utmost importance. Change is healthy and common.
FEEDBACK from a professional well versed with expertise in the field will help enhance your performance.
CONSISTENCY makes good sense. It is the cornerstone of a positive experience.
REPETITION is the key to mastering dance, and things get easier with every practice.
NURTURING the process of thinking professional and positive brings on confidence and a stronger performance.
EXPOSURE at local and International competitions allows you to see how you measure up and allows others to see you.
EXPERIENCE performing local events and competitions will help train you for the pressures of bigger competitions.
FANTASTIC choreography and skills keeps an audience smiling and entertained.
AWARDS/medals are a big part of any competition, however, an award will vanish in the night, but your dignity will last forever.

ACROBATIC gymnastics is highly competitive like any sport, so many hours of training is needed to perfect your skills and choreography in order to be the best that you can be.
BUILDING your audience brings good results. Take ownership of the time you have in front of them.
BOND and make new friends whenever you can. It's always nice to know that others arc going through the same fears, doubts, joys and rewards that you experience as you grow in this sport. Build good friendships and encourage one another. This award will last a lifetime.

CONS:

NERVES play different roles with each individual, but combating and overcoming nerves comes from performing experience, so lake every opportunity that comes along to perform.

CUT-THROAT COMPETITORS can make your experience a negative one if you let them. There are always some who will not conduct themselves in a good sportsman-type manner. Remember that you are competing, first and foremost, with yourself to be your best. Don't let the attitudes of others dictate your end result.

COST is always a factor when competing. Besides the costs of your regular lessons, you may also have to pay for choreography and any extra classes to prepare you better. Costumes are another cost that can escalate, but can behoove you if done right.
BORING performances or obnoxious music can make the audience and judges feel like the routine is dragging on painfully.
WEAKNESSES are to be avoided out on the floor. Don't show them even in a warm-up. You will be judged by many.
AVOID parent coaching. It makes for more challenges. Athletes must rely and depend on their coaches/choreographers.
LAZY athletes set themselves up for failure. You can't dream big and work little.