A Dancer's Top Secrets To Learning and Mastering Choreography Quickly

Image source: Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Instagram

One of the major changes in NFL and NBA pro cheer team auditions since the pandemic is that the preliminary rounds are done virtually or through video submission. But prior to the preliminary rounds, most pro cheer teams give auditionees the materials before submitting the video.

Included in the materials is a choreography. Then, auditionees are instructed to learn and present the choreography in the submitted video. Judges will score the auditionees based on their mastery of the material. The problem is, some if not most pro cheer teams send the choreography material on such short notice.

That’s why you should use the tips below to learn and master the material given to you to increase your chances of making your dream pro cheer team.

1. Set a schedule for daily practice

You’ll need time for learning and mastering the audition material on such short notice. You must aim to practice every day. Set aside tasks that aren’t necessary for the meantime. Pick which time of the day you’ll rehearse and stick to it.

2. Wear the audition attire

Image Source: Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders Instagram

Follow the instructions by buying the “what to wear” for your video submission as mentioned in your dream squad’s audition details. Wear the attire as you practice. It’s a good strategy to make your body accustomed to the movements of the audition material given.

3. Turn on your focus mode

Eliminate all distractions. Turn off your devices and stop doing anything else. Pick a place where you can practice undisturbed. Warm-up. Get into your mental state for dancing, learning, and mastering.

4. Break the choreography into sections

Watching the entire audition dance material would make you think it’s too much to learn. But if you think of it as individual routines just chunked together, your learning mindset improves. Start learning the choreography through steps instead of one go.

Cut the video into sections. Learn the first routine by playing each section repeatedly. Apply what you’ve learned. Master it. Move on to the next. Master again. Sequence what you’ve learned. Repeat the process until you master the entire choreography.

5. Set mental cues using music

The audition material usually comes with music chosen by the judges or the pro cheer team staff of your dream squad. It’s important that you listen to it well so you can set cues that won’t require you to do counting to keep up with the tempo when performing the choreography.

The same process applies to the music of your choice in case there is no track required by the audition material. As a tip, use the beats, ad lib, and progression of the tracks as your markers for transitioning from one routine to the next.

6. Master the overall dance

When you’re done learning and practicing the individual routines, perform all of them in one go. Keep practicing until you feel you’ve mastered the entire choreography.

7. Perspective testing

The best part about video submissions or virtual auditions is that you get to see the perspective of the judges first on your dancing so you can improve your performance. It’s highly recommended to record your progress once you’ve mastered the choreography.

Then watch your performance and compare it to the audition material you’ve received. If you perform just as well as the person in the audition material, then good for you. Keep on practicing until the dance feels natural to you.

8. Polish up

If you think you’re just close enough to the performance found in the audition material, you polish your dance a little more. One effective tip is to play the material in slow motion and picture yourself doing the same in slow motion.

This will help you capture all the details you need to improve until you reach perfection.

9. Get some rest

At the end of each practice, always take time to rest. Get proper sleep at night as well. Mind and muscle memory sets in better if you aren’t exhausted and stressed.

As mentioned, time is your greatest asset when it comes to learning and mastering choreography. The shorter time you have in between receiving the audition material to the video submission deadline, the more time you’ll need to practice.

So set aside most of your responsibilities for a while. It will all be worth it once you make it to the final rounds of the auditions. Please take note as well that dancing requires a lot of energy. Eat nutritious and high-energy meals before your dance practices.

Discover more audition preparation articles here!

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