Audition Prep: How to Choreograph a Dance Routine
Dancing is your passion and that’s exactly why you’re auditioning for an NFL or NBA pro cheerleading team. Each team has their own set of audition requirements, and when it comes to the dance part, some teams require candidates to choreograph a dance routine for the preliminary rounds.
This can be intimidating and stressful for some. The good news is that choreographing is a skill that you can learn with practice and a list of tips (which we’ll help you with). Here’s how to get started.
Find inspiration online!
Yes, you can definitely watch videos online to help you generate ideas. Try typing “hip hop dance choreography” and “contemporary jazz dance choreography” on YouTube. Another great tip would be to check out some of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ videos on their channel.
Incorporate unique movements.
While nailing basic movements — for example, the running man hip-hop move — take it to the next level by incorporating a new move. That will make your dance performance stand out and memorable.
Check out this awesome choreography featuring “River” by Bishop Briggs:
Break it into sections.
Instead of trying to master an entire dance choreography at once, chunk it into smaller sections. By doing this, you’ll be able to memorize and master it, plus it’ll save you from unnecessary pressure. Practice a section as often as possible. It will even help to record yourself, so you can review your performance.
Don’t hesitate to make edits along the way.
As you progress with your dance practice, you might realize that certain moves need to be improved. In that case, don’t be afraid to make changes if you think it’ll make your choreography more exciting and creative.
Read more: 9 Tips for Safe Dance Practices
Tell a story.
Think about what your dance character will be, then consider your movements and tie those movements to specific emotions. When you’re performing on stage, your audience can easily recognize emotion based on your moves. Use this to connect with them.
Consider your dance attire.
Before planning your choreography, make sure to check your dream team’s requirements on what to wear during the auditions. You’ll want your dance to complement your outfit. As an additional tip, avoid wearing any jewelry that could get caught in your hair or clothing, and make it difficult for you to execute your moves properly.
Work through mental blocks.
A lot of aspiring dancers and pro cheerleaders operate with perfectionism, which can become a barrier to creativity. When you start feeling anxious, remind yourself why you love dancing. Looking at the positive side of this whole experience can get you excited. More importantly, learn to take breaks instead of forcing yourself to master something. You’ll come back refreshed.
Read more: How to Combat Low Energy and Fatigue in Dancing
Final Thoughts
Use these tips as starting points for putting together your dance routine. As a final piece of advice, learn from the actual experiences of previous auditionees. Some teams publish audition dance video clips (on their official website) which can give you more insight. Create something that will make you proud!
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