Choreo Block: What It Is and How to Get Over It
As mentioned many times before, dancing is an athletic art. And like any form of art, the artist behind the craft can sometimes experience a creativity halt. You may not have noticed this. But as a dancer and member of the pro cheer community, you too have experienced a choreo block in your journey.
The good thing is, like writer’s block, you can also get over a choreo block. Read on to understand more about what a choreo block is and how to effectively get over it for the best possible performance.
What is a Choreo Block?
A choreographer’s block is a condition where a dancer or dance instructor is unable to think of new dance moves and routines to perform. In the pro cheer community, this phenomenon is often experienced by upcoming auditionees who are instructed to showcase their own choreography during preliminary audition rounds.
Not only that, but current pro cheerleaders, especially squad captains assigned the task to teach a new routine to their co-dancers also experience this dreadful state.
8 Ways to Get Over Choreo Block
1. Change the music
Maybe the track you or the squad chose has been overused to the point it’s hard to get fresh ideas out of it. If this is the case, ditch it and choose something else. Try to pick songs from playlists that are trending or hot on the billboard charts.
2. Get in the mindset
Ask other auditionees or your co-dancers which moves they’re into. They can provide you with ideas to get your imagination going.
3. Take a break
Not in the right state to create new choreography? Don’t push yourself. Do other tasks that will help you de-stress such as reading a book, having coffee, or a dinner with your partner. Clear and calm your mind so that creativity can come in.
4. Seek inspiration
Got nobody close to who can give you ideas on creating your audition choreography? Look for resources online. Watch videos of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders audition rounds. Identify which moves score better to judges. For current pro cheerleaders, watch the performances of other squads for inspiration.
5. Deal with preoccupations
You may have a choreo block due to unresolved stuff from your main job or at home. It’s best to deal with them before creating a new routine.
6. Delegate
Don’t be afraid to seek help from your squadmates. There are times when you just can’t do it all. Assign one or two of your co-dancers to be your assistant choreographer(s). Two heads are better than one as they say. By working as a team, your squad might create a new choreography that would drive the crowd wild during game day.
7. Work during your peak hours
Identify which time of the day you’re highly energetic and creative. Use that period to create unique dance routines to perform at the auditions or arena.
8. Stick to your style
Another cause of a choreo block is when you try to create a routine based on what the judges would want or the dance format of other pro cheer squads. If this is the case, design a routine that reflects your personal taste. Don’t try to be perfect. Instead, trust your abilities, ideas, instinct, and most importantly, yourself.
Don’t allow yourself to get into a choreographer’s block. Always surround yourself with sources to fuel your creativity for dancing. Be in the company of other performers, watch dance videos regularly, and listen to a wide variety of music.
Read more PRO CHEER LIFE blog posts here!
- Pro Cheer Positivity: How to Express Gratitude Every Day
- How to Improve Your Core Strength for Dancing
- What I Wish I Knew Before: 7 Audition Mistakes to Avoid
- Remove Negative Energy With These 10 Inspiring Quotes
- A Dancer's Top Secrets To Learning and Mastering Choreography Quickly
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