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Dance Music

Dance Music – How to Make the Right Choice for Your Routine

by Melanie Rembrandt on October 3, 2010

As you plan your routines for upcoming dance classes, performances and competitions, the music you choose will have a huge impact on the success of your routine.

With this in mind, here are:

4 Key Questions For Choosing The Best Dance Music for Your Choreography

1. Who is dancing?The first thing you need to think about when choosing dance music is the age of your dancers. If it’s just you, you have a little bit more freedom as to the kind of songs you pick for your choreography.

But if you are choosing the dance music for others, it’s essential to focus on the age of your dancers and pick something appropriate for that age range.

Obviously, you don’t want to choose a song with sexy lyrics or bad language. While a song may have a good beat, remember to listen to the words carefully.

After all, you don’t want to be disqualified from a competition due to racy song lyrics. And do you really want to deal with stage parents complaining about your choice?

Plus, who really wants to see little children dance to music that is too old for them?

Instead, why not take advantage of the fact that they are only this age once? It won’t be too long before they can no longer dance to “cute” songs, and they can spend the rest of their lives being adults.

Be responsible and choose the right dance music for the age of the dancers.

2. Who is the audience?

Next, think about your audience. Who will be watching this dance and why?

If you are performing for senior citizens, maybe you want to use music from “the good old days”?
If you are entertaining members of the military, maybe they’d like to hear motivational, American classics?
If you are competing, what will the judges find unique and interesting?

Remember, this is not about you. It’s about offering a performance your specific audience will find entertaining.

And wouldn’t it be nice to see big smiles out in the audience or even bring home a trophy?

3. How much time do you have?

When planning your dance music, think about how much time you or your dance class has to perform or compete.

If you only have a few minutes, focus on short selections or songs you can cut without having the music sound funny.

You want there to be a smooth transition from beginning to end. And if you need help, hire a professional editor or DJ. After all, you don’t want your audience distracted by music that has strange changes or cuts off abruptly.

For short dances, forget about mashing songs together and keep it simple. Then, you and your audience members can focus on the performance instead of the music.

4. Are there any legal issues?

This is a big point many dance teachers and choreographers forget.

Check copyright laws prior to using a song in a big, performance piece.

If people videotape or record the performance (including the music), and you sell that recording, or it is broadcast on a large level, you may face a copyright violation and end up having to pay huge fees!

While using most music in a small setting is o.k., you may want to check with your attorney first.

There is also some great information at PD Info, http://www.pdinfo.com/copyrt.php, and the U.S. Copyright Office, http://www.copyright.gov/.

Choose Your Dance Music Carefully.

While it can be very exciting to hear a song and start choreographing, it’s important to avoid being selfish.

If you are creating a performance piece for other dancers, it’s essential to think about their ages, the audience, timing, and the legalities of using the song.

For help choosing dance music, check out these sites:

Find original artists and tunes at:

http://www.madeloud.com/