This one was posted October
2001
Choreography. Read what Lynne
thinks about it below, and then tell us all what YOU think.
CHOREOGRAPHY
Anyone can choreograph.
All one has to do is
step R right, step L left, jump on the spot with both feet, step L left, step R
right, jump on the spot with both feet again and we have a little dance.
Somehow I don't think the above
demonstrates a good dance. So what does define a
well-choreographed dance?
Flow of steps should be well constructed and comfortable; the counts should fit
with the music precisely and most of all it should capture the character of the
music. Very few can do that well which
brings me to the point - why do so many people feel the need to choreograph?
Is it a creative urge
that has to be satisfied or is it just ego?
Which brings me on to the next point -
does it matter if only you are dancing your dance in your living room? Does it
matter if only your local class are dancing your dance? If
the whole line dancing community are dancing your dance, does that make you feel
you are a "star" and need to get another one out there
quickly? Is this the way to be recognised in the tiny line dance world?
My answer is this - if you really do feel the need to
choreograph, do it; if anyone other than you dances the dance then
that should be a bonus; if you are content to just choreograph for yourself in
the knowledge that your dance might not be danced elsewhere, and this doesn't
deter you from choreographing, then you are doing it for the right reasons - it
should come
from within.
Lynne
(27th November)
Yes Lynne, a well-choreographed dance is
exactly as you describe and surely anyone writing a dance has to truly feel the
music and then succumb to their creative instincts. My concern in this though is
that often the dance is then put to numerous different tracks that can totally
alter the feel of a dance. Does this not make a mockery of the original
inspiration and creativeness?
Helen du Preez
Boca Raton - Florida
No Helen, I don't
think by altering the music it makes a mockery of the original inspiration and
creativeness. I think the original music usually does capture the feel of what
the choreographer wants to create best, but sometimes a different track can make
the dance interesting, and can often keep the dance 'alive', e.g. Black Coffee.
Having said that, there are many dances I would never change the music too - it
would be inconceivable, e.g. A Single Moment.
Thanks,
Lynne
(7th November)
IMO the same old choreographers get all the
airplay. The well-known ones who tour the country pushing their dances are the
ones who make it and the rest of us might as well give up trying. It seems to me
that the benchmark of all that is considered good is getting your dance
published in Linedancer. Surely, this is the choice of a handful of people -
they must get bombarded with dances every day so how on earth can they choose?
Unfortunately it has a huge influence, as much as people hate to admit it. If
you are one of the few who want to get recognised then unless you get printed in
Linedancer then personally I think you can forget it.
Carolyn
address witheld
Hi Carolyn,
The choreographers who tour the country 'pushing' their dances will
automatically get a better chance of having them danced because of the `live
exposure' so to speak. As far as getting printed in Linedancer, - it is the
people at Linedancer who have the prerogative of printing a dance or not and
yes, that kind of exposure can help influence the teaching of that dance.
But these days, I think chat about certain dances on the Internet has the most
influence. But, there are so many choreographers out there who deserve the
exposure and recognition but just don't get the opportunity, which is sad, but I
guess that is the way of the world these days. Talent does not equal recognition
- that applies in all fields.
Thanks for writing in.
Lynne
(1st October)
Hello,
Regarding Chrissy's letter from Cardiff - what exactly are the 'right reasons'
for choreographing? Are you suggesting you actually have to have a reason and if
so, then it has to fit the criteria of good reasons for doing so? Also, what is
a 'true choreographer'?
Don't mean to be rude but I like a good debate and am interested in your views.
Jay Farmiloe
Surrey
Hi Jay,
I also like a good debate and am flattered that you are interested in my views.
I don't seem to have made myself clear in my reply to Chrissy as I feel I have
been misunderstood. Taking it in the context of the original message, no one
needs any reason to choreograph. Quite frankly I couldn't care who does
choreograph, how many dances they choreograph or why. What I am questioning is
why there is this constant urge by so many to do so and why so many are
desperate to get their dances out there.
Following on from that, to me a 'true choreographer' is one who wants to put
steps together, who feels the need to put steps together in the same way many
feel the need to sing or write, etc. Only a lucky few will get a recording or
publishing deal but generally, they will still feel the need to sing or play
their chosen instrument, even if they haven't got that lucrative deal. It
doesn't have to last forever, but the true choreographer will have this enormous
need or creative urge to 'just do it'!
Not sure if I am waffling here or not but that is my explanation.
Lynne
(24 Sept)
Hi Lynne
I should really say Hi Chrissy as I've got to say your letter epitomises all
that is wrong with choreography in line dancing. You say " if you are not
hoping that everyone is going to try your dance then why bother?" What you
are really saying then is that ego and desire for recognition is the force
behind some choreography. What Lynne is saying is that well-choreographed dances
capture the true feel of the music and that the steps are well constructed i.e.
that the MUSIC should be the driving force.
I feel your letter contradicts itself in saying there is nothing wrong with
anyone giving in to their urges (!) and then saying, " Why bother" if
no one else is going to dance them.
Gail Martin
Devon
Hi Gail,
Thank you for pointing out the contradiction. Of course, none of this should be
taken too seriously, as all it is is an interesting topic for discussion. Very
observant of you though. Thanks for letting me know.
Best wishes,
Lynne
(17 Sept)
I admire anyone for having a crack at it. There are some terrific dances around
now and tons to choose from and to suit every taste. I love dancing and would
love to choreograph but haven't a clue how to start. When I look at some of the
intricate dances people have put together, especially phrased ones, I just think
Wow and I admire the person who thought it up in the first place. Keep 'em
coming, I say - after all, variety is the spice of life, isn't it?
Regards,
Robbie Franks
Solihull
Hi Robbie,
I can't see any reason why anyone shouldn't have a crack at it and yes, there
are some good dances around. Having said that an intricate dance doesn't equal a
good dance. There are some choreographers who try to be 'over-clever' and fall
flat sometimes and there are some choreographers who write simple dances that
are so cleverly written and capture the music so perfectly that they stand the
test of time and feel wonderful to dance.
Thanks,
Lynne
(17 Sept)
I believe only a small minority have true creative urges when it comes to
choreography. Perhaps a certain track inspires you first time round but if your
dance achieves any kind of success or recognition, I think many then just rush
to flood the already saturated market with dances just to keep their name in the
frame. This leads to less well-choreographed dances or more gimmicky ones
because of the change of emphasis in the inspiration from music to ego.
Cheers,
Lee Pasley
Surrey
Lee, you have
echoed my thoughts perfectly. Can't add anything to that. Thank you for taking
the time to contact me.
Lynne
(17 Sept)
I have been dancing for several years now and do not give a monkeys as to why
anyone should want to write a dance. I don't think I even know who writes 99% of
the dances I do. I either like a dance or don't and don't even think who has
written it. So, if someone hopes to become famous writing dances for the line
dance world I think they are fighting a losing battle.
Jim Fraggis
Manchester
Hi Jim,
The majority of dancers like you really couldn't care who writes the dance - I
agree with you. I think it is just a small minority, mainly the people in the
business and a few 'hard-core' dancers who I say care, but really, the numbers
are so few that in the bigger frame it is almost irrelevant and I can safely say
that in the big world, there is not a single line dance choreographer who has
become 'famous'. Having said that, choreographers DO play an important part and
'fame' IMO is immaterial.
Thanks for making such a valid point.
Lynne
(17 Sept)
Hello Lynne,
People choreograph because they love dancing and basically just get the urge. I
agree that many (not all) are not good at it but I don't believe that should
stop someone giving it a go. I don't agree that it is just ego either, in fact I
am not sure why it would be? I don't mean to be rude Lynne but you appear a
little cynical and scathing in your viewpoint. I imagine that if everyone is
dancing your dance then it is a huge encouragement and must give the
choreographer a great feeling. After all, if you are not hoping that everyone is
going to try your dance then why bother? Also where would we all be without
them?! Without choreographers there would be no line dancing!!
Chrissy Williams
Cardiff
Hi Chrissy,
I don't mean to be rude but I think you should read the viewpoint again. Nowhere
have I said that dancers shouldn't choreograph. I think everyone who wants to
should have a go, - but for the right reasons. Of course, the ultimate goal of
choreographers is to have as many people dancing their dance as possible, but if
this doesn't happen, and you are a 'true' choreographer, it shouldn't deter you
from choreographing. As for your line 'where would we all be without them?' -you
did make me laugh as there is no chance of that happening!!
Best wishes,
Lynne
(11 Sept)
Hi Lynne.
The basic element of a good dance is one that reflects what a particular song is
communicating. Although at first glance, most of the dances look deceptively
simple, it is the whole construction, like with the songs they are danced to,
which gives the moves their form and addictive quality. A dance should neither
be too simple to be unchallenging to the dancer, nor should it be too complex to
be overwhelming. As it stands, there are many examples of basic/intermediate
level dances that have provided much pleasure and on occasion, there are those
more advanced dances that can be rewarding as well, but the feeling of dancing
should not be lost in the creativity of it.
Thanks again
John Higgins xx
London
Hi John,
I totally agree.
It is the feeling of the dance which makes us feel that 'high' and of course
this is linked to the music firstly, and then the way the steps are constructed.
Having said that, what one person might think is a good dance might not be
another's idea of a good dance.
But you have explained it beautifully. Thanks John for being such a great guy
and an absolute pleasure to have attend my sessions.
Lynne xx
