Choreography for People who Can't Dance

How do community groups make those musical theatre song and dance production numbers look so amazing? Is it really possible that regular amateur actors can dance and sing? What if none of the performers has any rhythm? Why doesn’t the musical score include choreography suggestions?

Ok…wait a minute! These are some of the questions many panic-stricken, first time choreographers face when undertaking the daunting challenge of adding movement to musical numbers. Considering that an amateur cast is comprised of members of the community whose musical abilities range from those with little or no experience to those who have actively studied or performed before, choosing choreography for this diverse a group is far more difficult than putting the professionals through their paces.

There is only one steadfast rule:

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

This must run through your mind like a broken record. Your choreography won’t receive any accolades for its brilliance if, in execution, it looks like the first day of dance class for people with two left feet and no rhythm.

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Did you know: Some of Broadway’s best shows contain song and dance numbers with very few steps and very simple choreography? The simplicity allows the cast to execute the steps in such utter precision while singing that produces that polished look. (That’s not to say that Broadway musicals don’t also have incredibly choreographed routines with difficult, innovative and highly entertaining material, however, many great numbers aren’t necessarily the most difficult ones!)

Now, one is assuming that you have been asked to choreograph the show because of some past exposure to dance, however, the simple steps and ideas you’ll find listed below will work equally well even if you haven’t taken any dance classes.

The key to any kind of dancing is RHYTHM. Your performers must be able to keep time to the music. As obviously simple as this sounds, it is not easy for everyone and utilizing simple movements will help you determine any weakness in your cast before you choreograph.

Pick an up-tempo piece from your chosen musical and have performers do the following in time to the beat. Note: You may need to clap the rhythm for those who have difficulty feeling the pulse of the beat.

• Standing in a comfortable position, bend knees(slightly) in time to the music

• March on the spot

• March by moving in lines or circles

• walk to the beat (include walking forward/backward/side to side)

• clap to the music

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