     A Wonderful Gift |
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Then come the lights shining on you from above. You are a performer. You forget all you learned, the process of technique, the fear, the pain, you even forget who you are, you become one with the music, the lights, indeed one with the dance. --Shirley MacLaine |
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Choosing the Music Choosing the music is one of the most important decisions in creating a winning competition routine Here are some important tips:
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Consider the energy of the music.
Whether you are working
with popular, traditional, experimental, or classical music, the energy of
the music is still the primary consideration. A musical selection with
good percussion, a driving rhythm and a fast tempo is the easiest means to
create the energy and excitement for a winning performance. Variations
in dynamics, crescendos, and emotional lyrics will also add power to your
routine.
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| Study long introductions and weak endings.
First impressions
are formulated within seven seconds. A long introduction can
significantly lower your score. A strong ending can make a
difference. Make sure the ending of your routine supports your efforts
to get one more point from each judge.
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Be creative with false beginnings.
Judges tend to be
impatient with false beginnings, especially at large competitions. In
the jazz category, judges generally want to see jazz movements not classical
ballet. To remedy the situation, be inventive with lyrical movement.
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Celebrate the composer's music. It is bad enough that music
must be edited to meet the time constraints of competition. Avoid
adjusting the speed of the music. When necessary adjust speed only as
far as it is not perceptible.
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Edit the music as soon as possible and make the edits clean.
Do not attend a regional or national with poor quality tapes.
Professional help is available at many recording studios.
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Always carry a backup tape to the competition. I
have only needed backup tapes twice in thirteen years. Both times I was
glad I had made the effort.
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The hits off the top forty charts are great for student morale, but be
wary. The year "Smooth Criminal" was
a hit for example, thirty-two routines competed at Starlight National Finals.
With each repetition something was lost. Only one of the "Smooth
Criminal" entries placed in the top five awards. Be original. Don't
follow the crowd.
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| Match the music to the dancer. The best selection is one that suits the dancer's
age, ability, body type, and personality. Look for music that
accentuates the dancer's area of greatest ability such as dazzling turns,
soaring leaps, breathtaking balances, or lightning speed.
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For the best results, reach a consensus. For optimum results, the students and choreographer should all be eager to work on the project.
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