Over the last few years as a judge and a choreographer on the competition circuit, I have noticed a dramatic increase in performances using inappropriate content. Fellow judges, teachers and audience members have recently expressed discomfort during performances that contain obvious improper material as well. It seems that more and more choreographers and dance instructors are making questionable decisions regarding music, costuming and subject matter, in an effort to be different. Although I wholeheartedly support new ideas and encourage creativity, teachers should never forget who their audience is and who their dancers are in terms of age, maturity and development.
What is considered inappropriate is certainly a matter of opinion. What is offensive to some people may be completely neutral and inoffensive to others. However, at a dance competition, we are dealing with children, young adults and families, as an audience and on stage. Within this environment, I believe an age-appropriate performance is one that supports the theme of the piece and creates a positive experience for the dancer and their audience. When thinking about music, choreography, costuming and subject matter for a new piece, I try to showcase my students best qualities as a dancer. Using explicit lyrics, sparse costuming and suggestive movement rarely supports this objective and actually has the potential to distract from the dancer.
Here some elements to consider when setting competition pieces:
Music: It can be extremely difficult to find music these days, especially music with subject matter in which dancers can relate. A lot of todays new music is too mature for a junior and is overly youthful for a senior or simply irrelevant altogether. I feel it is important that we listen carefully to music before deciding to use it. People often listen to a song and are completely mesmerized by its beats and melodies, and are oblivious to the actual subject matter and lyrics. Make sure you understand the musics message and think about whether it is appropriate for your dancers! There are many music editing programs available online, even trials for free, that can easily create radio-edits smoothly omitting or over-dubbing explicit lyrics.
Costumes: Simply put, inappropriate costumes are those that do not fit the dancer or the piece. Allowing time for fittings and dress rehearsals for our routines will ensure that the costumes fit the dancers, suit their age, and are comfortable as they move. If things are falling apart the costume can jeopardize the security of the dancer and it will also distract from the piece. Once we are sure the costumes fit the dancers properly, a dress rehearsal will also reveal if the look of the costumes truly the fit the routine. The emotion of your piece should be supported by the costume designs.
Subject Matter: Choosing appropriate subject matter for a specific dancer can be a challenge for choreographers and teachers. It should not inhibit creativity, but encourage new ideas and increased imagination. The subject matter of a routine is the heart and soul of the piece. A dancer must portray the ideas and emotions through the choreography. If we want to teach our dancers the ability to narrate this story through movement, it is important that the age and level of personal experience of the performer is considered. For example, heavy songs about betrayal or love relationships may not suit a junior dancer because it is difficult for someone with little life experience to identify with these particular emotions. The result is then a dancer with no connection to the story, and an unsuccessful piece.
Before setting a routine, it is a good idea to identify your dancers maturity level first and foremost. Ask questions about what they love, what they dislikereally get to know them so that their subject matter fits and is age-appropriate. With this in mind, we can help prevent choreographing a piece for our children that we would choreograph for ourselves. Using this approach, it is possible to create a beautiful collaboration between dancer and choreographer.
It is important to remember that competitions are not just about competing. They truly are one of the only opportunities for dancers to perform; showcasing their beautiful talents and love for the art. Moving forward, it is the responsibility of teachers and choreographers to support their dancers though sensible choices of music, costume, choreography and subject matter. If we all do our part to keep the stage age-appropriate, we give our dancers and audience members some of the best times of their lives and memories to cherish forever.