How To Choreograph a Dance Solo

Choreographing a dance routine for several dancers can be hard. But when the dancers have perfected the routine, the unity in the dance steps can be beautiful. The smooth flow, the interchanges and individual performance all contribute to the dance. The moves can be repetitive but with several members doing different moves at different times, you do not need to think of several steps. Small mistakes can be covered.

This is not so when you have to choreograph a dance solo. All focus will be on the dancer, and how she interprets the music. The movements have to be grand and precise and there is not much room for mistakes. Here are some tips that may help you to formulate your dance moves and finalize a solo dance choreography.

1. Find inspiration. Choose a music that you are familiar with and know that you can dance to. It is easier to think of your dance steps when you know the music. Listen to it several times. If this is a modern dance and you a dancing to popular music, it will help if you know the lyrics of the song. Break the music into sets. Depending on the song tempo, you can either break in into 4 lines or 8 lines. Make up moves for each set of lyrics. You can also find inspiration on the costume that you are going to wear.
2. Mix up your dance steps. When you have given each set a specific dance move, think about the transitions. For a smooth flow, you should end a set with a move that can be taken up by the next set. For refrains and chorus, assign more complicated steps to highlight that part of the music. Do not repeat your dance steps several times because the routine can be boring. Since this is a solo dance, a variety of moves are better to watch than seeing something that is repeated over and over. Think of a combination of dance steps to end your solo on a high note. It has to be something that will really wow your audience. Make use of your hands, your feet, your shoulders, head and even your costume to highlight some of your dance moves and transitions.
3. Dance as you go along. It will help you to choreograph faster if you dance it as you go on to complete the whole routine. Once complete, practice, practice, practice. Practice until you can memorize the whole routine. Change some of the steps if you need to and introduce other steps that will make the routine more fun and exciting. Have a dress rehearsal two days before your performance so can get comfortable with your costume, your hairstyle and accessories, including your shoes.
4. A day before your performance, do not think about your solo dance. Take this time to relax and think beautiful thoughts. Practice yoga if you know how. This will lessen and calm your jittery nerves and keep you composed on the day itself.

When you choreograph, make sure that the steps you choose are those that you are familiar with. You may add some variations to the steps but it practical to stick to what you know. Move with the beat and know when to make small and big moves for emphasis. Do not focus too much on the steps. Let the music guide you. And most of all have fun.