What it takes to make a great dance.

Have you ever gone to a dance recital/performance and seen a dance number that blew you away? Have you ever seen a dance number that just seemed to fall flat? So what was the difference? What made one dance brilliant and the other something you never ever want to see again?

It's not always about the quality of dancers. As a dance teacher and choreographer, my job is take a group of students, what ever level they are, and make them look good on stage. This is not easy with beginners, but it still can be achieved. Here is a general list of elements that need to be considered to create a dance.

1. Choreography: Choices of what dance steps to use
2. Theme of dance
3. Music and how it relates to the theme
4. Use of stage and props
5. Student attendance and knowledge of routine

The number one thing to remember is to give them choreography that will make them look like they know what they are doing. If they can not pirouette, DON'T CHOREOGRAPH PIROUETTES! Do not choreograph a routine that is too difficult or too fast for the student's age and level. They will look horrible, and worse, they will feel unsuccessful. The challenge is to find the few things that they can do well, and use them in a variety of ways. Never show favoritism by consistently putting the best dancer in front to lead. Every dancer needs an opportunity to get to be in the front at some point in a dance routine. Give them something to do that they can handle.

Next, choose a creative and age appropriate theme. In Jazz, Tap, or Lyrical routines, choreographers often match the theme with the music, which in my opinion, is not a sin (if you're are dealing with children). Just remember that children should dance like children and not like burlesque dancers. When choreographing for a ballet or modern class, you might find yourself needing to be more creative in coming up with a theme, because most likely you are choreographing to a piece of music with no lyrics. Again, I repeat, be age appropriate and always remember to be entertaining.

Number 3: Music. I like to choose music that I know my audience can relate to. I also like to choose music that the dancers will enjoy and relate to. They are the ones who are going to perform so they are the ones that need to be happy about what they are performing. I also consider the fact that most kids don't necessarily have musical training and therefore can't necessarily count music. I'm not saying that I don't try to teach the kids to count, but sometimes you're in a time crunch and it's just not going to happen soon enough. Because of this, I often choose very dynamic music with lots of strong beats or obvious instrumental changes. That way if the kids can't count, at least you can get them to all arabesque when they hear the trumpet.

When it comes to the use of stage and props, this is where I often times see a dance that starts out great, but then quickly becomes boring. Never leave your dancers in the same formation for the entire dance. Please, I beg of you, move them around! Audiences most likely don't know that much about dance technique and which step are more or less difficult. They just want to be entertained by a dance that moves. So when choreographing, consider using many formations through out the dance piece, and try to use the whole stage. Also, if you have props in the dance make sure that the dancers use them frequently and in a number of different ways. Don't use a prop in the beginning and then forget about it the rest of the dance.

Finally, this is a dance deal breaker. Do the dancers know what they are doing? Did they show up to class enough times and get enough chances to rehears? Are they able to go on stage and smile or do they all look like deer in the headlights? Although attendance is the one thing that is out of the choreographers control, it doesn't have to ruin your efforts. In his famous ballet piece, "Serenade", the amazing Mr Balanchine choreographed entrances and exits for his students at the School of American Ballet. Those of his students who came regularly to rehearsal were choreographed in more sections of the dance. Those that missed rehearsals, were choreographed out of other sections. This kind of policy encourages good attendance. However, make sure that your parents understand why their child was not in a certain part of the routine so that they don't jump to a conclusion that you just don't like their kid.

In the business of choreography, I am always learning something knew. I still make plenty of mistakes and by all means, don't claim to be great, but I always try to use the steps above to keep my dances entertaining. And I'm not afraid to change choreography if something in the dance just ain't working.

Now offering Piano & Voice

Miss Hannah is a professional musician with two degrees in piano performance, from Scripps College in Claremont and from California State University, Northridge. She began teaching piano in 2005 as a part of her graduate course work, corresponding to three semesters of studying piano pedagogy, and has continued to stay current in the teaching world through personal study and through her membership in the Music Teacher's National Association. Some of Miss Hannah's favorite musical experiences have been studying music in Paris, Hawai'i, and Bali & more! To view the schedule click on, http://www.newportclassicaldance.com/piano.shtml. To schedule piano lessons call 949-752-9400. We are 5 Min from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Corona Del Mar. We are Very central!

Stretching 101

Ever wonder why your flexibility doesn't seem to get any better even though you are stretching on a regular basis? Perhaps you are not stretching correctly.

Muscles are like rubble bands. They can be stretched, but they always snap back. This is called a "stretch reflex," and is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact the stretch reflex is a protective mechanism that helps prevent over movement of our joints. For instance, it helps to keep our shoulders or hips from popping out of the socket. On the other hand, the stretch reflex also makes it difficult for a dancer to gain flexibility.

So, how can one over come this problem? An increase of flexibility can only be achieved by holding a long sustained stretch. This means that you are holding the stretch for at least one solid minute or more. This type of stretching also needs to be practiced on an almost daily basis. Don't ever think that you can take one day class a week and completely change your muscles.

Here's how it works. Let's say that you have tight hamstrings, which prevent you from being able to do a full split, leg extensions, or even just touch you toes. There are a myriad of ways to stretch the hamstrings, but the two easiest ways are either to stand, hang over and try to touch you toes, or sit and lean forward with straight legs. I'm going to use the seated stretch as our example. Start by only stretching forward enough so that you can barely feel a stretch. Also, try to lean forward with a straight back, so the the stretch truly comes from the legs and not the back muscles. Then, stay there holding the position for at least 60 seconds. Then take a deep breath and as you exhale try to stretch further. Then hold again for another 60 seconds. Then, again take a deep breath, and on the exhale stretch a little further. Repeat this pattern 9 or 10 times for dramatic results, and try to do it daily.

If you're at home I suggest stretching while watching your favorite TV show or movie. That will help distract your mind a little from the torture that is stretching.

Painting Party!

Today, Sunday room A we are having a painting party at 12noon..... For anyone who wants to come we will have pizza and drinks. Hope to see you, OH and a thought to leave you with....



"Dance for yourself, if someone understands good. If not then no matter, go right on doing what you love." ~Lois Hurst

Fall Schedule 2010

The Fall Schedule is now up! Sign up before Sept 1st to receive 10% on the admission fee. Come in for the form or look on line.

Fall Schedual

Fall Schedule will be out this week!

Bring a Friend Day!

 Share the Magic Of Dance

During the Week of

August 8^th - 14^th

You may bring a friend to your regular class.

When your friend signs up you get 10$ off your next months tuition, and your Friend gets $10 off their registration fee!