Ok so the universe is finally pointing me in the right direction... It has been a major goal of mine to understand the elements of dance well enough to choreograph beautiful pieces. The "rules" are fairly universal, but there are a few tweaks for hoop/prop dance.
1) Week one-
a) Pick out a song.
i) I think the audience’s attention tends to wander after 3 minutes or so....
b) Write down any descriptive words that come to mind when listening to the song.
i) Mood, speed, story, feelings, etc.
2) Week two-
a) Listen to the song, then freestyle to it.
i) do this at least once a day
ii) Note anything that really "clicked"
3) Week three-
a) Write out the time signatures for the song.
i) Counts, beats, transitions, chorus, apex, etc.
b) Write what you want your dance to portray:
i) story- lesson- etc
ii) Other Primary Elements- prop use (led, fire, other toys.) overall speed and feel, how
much space to take up, will the dancer/s connect with the audience/ each other
What shapes do you want to create?
iii) Secondary Elements- Costume, Lighting, background, etc.
4) Week four-
a) Use the Transitions as opportunities to move around the stage, or stay still (in the case
of 2+ hoopers, this is the perfect time to make different formations, or break off into
duets, solos, group, etc.)
b) Capture the audience’s attention with something stellar within 20 seconds!!!! No
kidding, by then they have already formed an opinion about if they’re going to pay
attention or not!
c) Make sure you include movement that stays still, and some that moves, some that takes
up a little space, and some that takes up a lot of space, some up high, some down low.
(This can be applied to group formations too! <3)
d) Include different types of tricks and dance elements (isos, on body, tosses, etc. and for
dance: Jumps, turns, pleas, etc.)
e) Choreographing group hoop dances can become tricky as they can be distracting and
chaotic in the wrong way... so stay on beet, create shapes, take turns, and when you’re
doing different things at the same time, analyze them well to make sure they are
complementary!
f) Write down the choreography with the counts as you go.
I) Include facial expressions and energy (ex: excited and sharp) in the notes for the
section :)
ii) Nothing is final, you can always refine, so don’t be to analytical about your
choices.
g) NEVER underestimate the importance of arm, hand, feet, and head technique and that
whole group doing these the same.
5) Week Five-
a) Learn/ teach it
I) take it a section at a time. Practice every section like 5 times before moving on.
ii) Introduce the most difficult section first so that you can practice it longer.
b) I like to mark where people stand/ formations and practice that before adding
the dance/hoop elements.
6) Week Six-
a) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
b) Make any adjustments necessary
c) Recording and reviewing is never a bad idea :)
7) Week Seven-
a) A couple dress/ technical (lights, stage, etc.) rehearsals.
b) Give group itinerary, driving directions (if, for some reason they did not get it at
rehearsal) and Check list of items to bring
i) Don’t forget to include hoops, snacks, and backup music!
c) Voala! From seed to fruit your dance manifested.
I hope this helps! <3 Namaste"
This was the second blog post I took from Hoop City. :D
I had to let you know that last night when I couldn't sleep I thought up a wedding cake for you. (I'm such a dork) But it included Hula Hoops around every layer. I thought up that one and a Cafe Yumm bowl wedding cake, cuz I LOVE yumm bowls!
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