How We Spend Class Time: Choreography or Improvisation?

Over the course of the past 20 years, I've taken local belly dancing classes from about 7 different teachers, plus seminars from many additional instructors. This exposure to a wide variety of teaching styles gave me an interesting perspective to draw from when I started teaching my own classes.

Of all the teachers I've taken weekly classes from, two have emphasized choreography, one has specifically used various exercises to teach improvisation, and the rest all taught assorted step combinations for us students to incorporate into our own dance style. I've enjoyed all of these teachers, and I've found something of value in each of their approaches.

Opinion Poll

As I talked to other students over the years, it was interesting to see that different people preferred different approaches. Which do you like best?

In your belly dancing classes, do you prefer to spend more time learning and rehearsing choreography, or more time learning and practicing improvisation skills?
Learning and rehearsing choreography
Improvisation skills
About half and half
None of the above

See results of this poll

Now that you've answered the poll, here's an interesting question for you to consider: why did you vote the way you did? Is it because you think you "can't" learn choreography, or you "can't" improvise? If so, maybe you just haven't found an instructor yet who can teach you how to do it!

Both memorizing choreography and improvisation are skills that can be learned. You may find that one or the other comes easily to you, while you struggle with the other. Don't worry, you're normal! Sometimes, all it takes is forcing yourself to practice either memorization or improvisation, and you'll figure out for yourself how to do it. Other times, you may need to ask your teacher or classmates to suggest techniques, or try a different teacher.

The Good Things About Choreography

I've noticed that when beginners and intermediates are learning new combinations, they often like to learn a choreography that uses them. It's helpful for several reasons. Learning choreography can help you:

• Remember the combinations that were taught in class
• Show you how to put different moves together to make a complete dance
• Provide a structure for practicing the combinations taught in class
• Learn something you can perform for your friends and family without the terror of wondering what to do next
  The copyright of the article How We Spend Class Time: Choreography or Improvisation? in Middle Eastern Dance is owned by Shira. Permission to republish How We Spend Class Time: Choreography or Improvisation? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

  Go To Page: 1 2 3

  Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic