Typically you have the option to do a dance solo when you are attending an audition, performing at a loved one's wedding, during an exam or an essay organized by the dance school. The beauty of this performance lies in the opportunity to highlight one's strengths in the dance. Whether you are a qualified dancer or you simply enjoy entertaining others through dance, a solo will give you the chance to captivate the audience. Here are some strategies for preparing a choreography.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the goal of the solo
If you have to audition for a rather demanding dance company, the goal will be to present your technique and your advanced level. On the other hand, a solo for a general audience can have the simple purpose of entertaining.
Step 2. Choose the right music
When auditioning for a traditional ballet company, choose classical music or a piece that works well for a class. If you will be performing at a social event or similar, choose music that impresses the audience. Some types of contemporary dance are staged accompanied by acting. In the case of step dance, music could be created by clapping and stamping.
Step 3. Choose a dance theme
Not all performances need to have one. Some choreographies are intended to impress with energetic movements or move the audience with majestic grace. In any case, if you intend to tell a story through the steps or convey a concept, define it from the beginning.
Step 4. Establish your entry into the scene
The choice depends on the theme. In some cases it is more powerful to break into the scene once the lights have come on and the music has started. Alternatively, you could arrange yourself in the center of the stage to start dancing when the lights come on and the music starts.
Step 5. Choreograph the central part of the solo
- Tell a story through dance. Maybe you can tell that you have lost something, and when you found it you felt immense joy. Movements can mirror specific words in the text. You can use props for the story.
- Show off your technical skills. Each dancer has specific strengths. Some are flexible, some are extremely strong, some have all these qualities and so on. Take advantage of the central section of the solo to highlight your technical strengths, without straying from the main theme of the performance.
- Use space effectively. Perform the most impactful movements in the center of the stage, so they can be seen with ease. Avoid making movements that cannot be seen, such as lying down on a low stage. If you're performing on a large stage, make the most of the space.
- Consider the dynamics of the solo. Take advantage of the drastic changes affecting music. Incorporate movements that allow you to return to the center of the stage by jumping. To keep the audience's attention, avoid that the solo has too many elements of immobility and stasis, unless they are voluntarily inserted to convey a story or concept.
Step 6. Decide how to end the solo
You can close it with a dynamic position on the last measure. The music can end as your graceful movements stop. You might as well walk off stage as the song fades.
Step 7. Try the solo
If you forget a movement while dancing in a group, you can follow the others. During a solo you cannot afford this luxury. Trying and trying will help you memorize the steps, but also increase the fluidity and expressiveness of the movements.
Step 8. Get help from a friend or relative
If the solo isn't right for the occasion you intend to use it, you need to know. Make sure you preview it to at least two people so you don't get embarrassed.
Advice
- One very important thing to remember: never compare yourself to others, otherwise you will be discouraged. It is a mistake that many dancers are aware of, the problem is that they forget it.
- Emotions convey to the judges your desire and your need to dance, they reveal if you really like to dance or not. If you love dance, emotions will come naturally to you.
- In particular, if the judges say you convey few emotions, prove them wrong. Also, find out about the school director. If he likes contemporary dance, don't do a ballet choreography.
- What really matters is the performance. It has to be a mix of technique, timing, presentation (clothing), music selection and, most of all, emotions.
- Auditions can help you figure out if you're cut out for show business or professional dance. If you do several and forget the steps due to stress, prom may not be for you, but don't worry - there's always time to improve.
