Whether you are taking a class, attending a rehearsal, or preparing for an audition, picking up choreography quickly is a critical skill for a dancer. The faster you learn the “steps,” the more time you have to master the style, work on musicality, and practice your performance. While some people have a more natural ability to absorb choreo, others have to hone this necessary talent. Let’s break down our top 10 tips.
Prepare your mind and body
Before you start dancing, make sure to warm up your body with cardio and dynamic stretching. A prepared body is more responsive to new movements. Also, do your best to be present and to clear your mind of distractions, which includes the other dancers in the room. This is easier said than done, but learning to tune out the delay in your morning commute, the studio gossip, or what you are having for dinner will help you focus on the task at hand.
Learn to visualize
Don’t just leap in and attempt it yourself. First, give the instructor your full attention as they demonstrate the routine. (We repeat: Do not dance when the instructor is demo-ing.) Then visualize yourself carrying out the motions, paying particular attention to key transitions and tricky weight changes. Even Olympic gymnasts and divers practice visualizing themselves performing their routine perfectly. This kind of visualization is especially helpful in situations where you are not allowed to dance or “mark” choreography on the sidelines (such as at an audition or professional dance class) or when you’re on your own without an instructor.
Practice “chunking”
Separate the choreography into different sections and master each one before you move on to the next. It can even be helpful to name the chunks so they are more memorable. Once you have the different sections memorized, add in the in-between transitions for smooth sequencing.
Pay attention to key details
Focus on the timing, dynamics, and important shapes throughout the routine. This will help you embody the style of the movement while getting a hold of the steps themselves. Also, cue into the music, lyrics, and counts to help remember what comes next. Especially in a rehearsal or audition setting, little details matter. Pay attention to everything from head to toe.
How to Become a Better Dancer Improve retention
Say the moves or counts in your head as you practice to reinforce memory. If allowed, quietly mark the choreography (that is, practice a smaller, more simplified version) to cement it in your brain and body.
Develop muscle memory
Repetition is key. The more you drill a combination, the more your body will retain it. Practice outside of class or rehearsal if possible, even if it’s just reviewing in your head.
Many teachers repeat combinations in class, and often, auditions will use the same piece over and over again (think the opening number of “A Chorus Line” or the original choreography of “All That Jazz” in “Chicago”). Each time you approach the same choreography, you will be better able to grasp the style, details, and dynamics.
Train your overall dance skills
Work on general coordination, rhythm, and flexibility. The stronger your foundation, the easier it is to pick up choreography. Take different styles of dance classes to expose yourself to various movement vocabulary and patterns. Learning from different instructors will challenge you, as well—whether it’s the new way they teach a familiar style or the pace of their lessons. Plus, some choreographers like to use counts while others use lyrics or even dynamic sounds. The more open and adaptable you are, the better you will fare in whatever scenario you find yourself in.
Ask thoughtful questions
If you are still confused about any specifics after the instructor or choreographer has demonstrated the steps, it is OK to ask for clarification. Make sure to also pay attention to questions other dancers ask, as you might learn something from them. Apply any notes the instructor gives to another dancer. And, of course, be careful not to ask the same question twice!
Record and review
If allowed, record the choreography (with permission from the choreographer, as well). Watching the video can help you remember and refine the routine from an outside perspective. Plus, you will get to see how much you have grown over time.
Stay positive and patient
Learning choreography quickly is a skill that develops throughout a dancer’s career. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small improvements. Some days will be harder than others because your body is sore, your mind is distracted, or you are trying to pick up a less familiar style. If you mess up, just move on. Whatever you do, don’t give up! The more you work at it, the better you will become.
