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Teachers’
Support Corner
Lyn Richardson continues her column of advice for teachers
with some indispensable information on how to choreograph
dances
Here
are just a few things to bear in mind when arranging
dances:
• choose appropriate music for the age group and
try to source music that isn't over-used (e.g. ‘Singing
in the Rain’, ‘I've got no Strings’
etc.) simply because it's easier;
• aim to arrange the dance musically, thereby
making full use of the musical highlights and the lyrics;
• consider the dancer artistically. Putting in
movements that one sees in limbering exercises isn't
really 'dance';
• avoid using combinations already seen in the
syllabus;
• try not to include movements beyond the dancer's
physical capabilities – it just reveals any weakness
and may be a safety issue;
• if there are certain movements that do not particularly
suit one dancer, then feel confident to change to something
that does;
• if using 'props', try not to overload the dancers
with too many. One is enough! Ensure that this is part
of the dance throughout and not just a surface idea;
• dances for examinations don't all have to be
the same for each candidate;
• ensure that the dance finishes at the end of
a musical phrase and that the recording is clearly at
the end by a stop or fade out;
• remember the old adages of ‘less is more’
and ‘quality over quantity’!
Hopefully,
these tips will help the dancer to give an accomplished,
confident and convincing performance.
Split Runs
Split runs must be one of the hardest steps for little
legs to cope with. In order for children to achieve
the best they can, aim to keep the legs low (45 degrees
for a split run, 90 for a leap). The hips should remain
'square' (think of two headlights on the hipbones lighting
up the road) and avoid unfolding the leg through. Aim
to stretch the legs and feet mid-air and remember the
same for the back leg upon landing. Good luck!
Bow
Music
On the exam day, it would be very helpful to have the
bow music recorded onto a separate CD. This will save
time and make life easier for the CD operator after
the candidates have finished performing their dances. |
