Expanding Energy / Davis Freeman - Random Scream / Sommerszene 2011
Sometimes people argue about stupid shit. A prime example for this is the discussion of freestyle vs choreography in hip hop dance. What this discussion misses is that freestyle and choreography are the same things but under different conditions. Both are about creating our dance; one is spontaneous, and the other is a slow and very reflective process.
Before we jump into the topic itself, for the sake of this article, I refer to freestyle as “improvisation within the boundaries of a dance style” and not “do whatever you want”.
Here are my two cents on why this discussion does not go anywhere and why you should be able to freestyle and create choreography. To clarify my point, I will use my favourite metaphor to compare dance to a language.
Our moves in any given style are comparable to words in a language and, therefore form our vocabulary. Our grammar is the flow of the style and how we connect our moves to form our dance being the text that has a meaning that is created by the combination of words. And finally in hip hop and it’s related styles, music is the topic we talk about.
The difference between dancing freestyle or a set choreography is like the difference of talking free versus reciting a poem. Both are fine at the correct time. You can make a serious impact by having the right poem at hand for the right occasion, but bringing a poem about the beauty of x-mas in a discussion about the ecologic crisis is just stupid.
At the same time, you miss out on a big part of the beauty of choreography if you don’t understand how the moves connect. This is the same as learning a poem in a foreign language when you can tell it to people but don’t know what it means.
And you can’t say you are a master of a language/dance if you can’t create a speech/choreography to a given topic.
This means there is no “which is better/superior/whatever”. You need to understand both to master your craft. There is nothing wrong in specialising in one or the other if you want. But if you do so, don’t divide what’s one in an artificial discussion and openly admit that you don’t care enough to work to learn both.
Learning hip hop dance is a rewarding endeavour. Photo by cottonbro studio
Join me on a rhythmic journey through the vibrant world of hip hop dance. This article is tailored to serve as your compass in navigating hip-hop’s pulsating beats and intricate moves, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in its dynamic essence. I will also give practical advice on how to learn, practice, and master it. Gear up to uncover the secrets of developing your unique style and expressing your individuality through dance. But first, let’s check out…
What is hip hop dance?
Hip-hop dance is a vibrant form of expression and kinetic poetry born from hip-hop culture’s energetic and resilient spirit. This culture, originating from the 1970s South Bronx, is a rich tapestry woven with various elements, each contributing to its diverse and dynamic identity. While breaking was the original dance form of hip hop culture, hip-hop dance came in later and can be considered the younger sibling of breaking. These dance forms are one of the four foundational elements of hip-hop culture, intertwined with rap music, graffiti art, and DJing. Working in harmony, these elements created a revolutionary artistic movement, echoing the voices, stories, and experiences of marginalized communities, thus providing a platform for self-expression, communication, and identity.
At its core, hip-hop dance is a physical articulation of hip-hop music’s rhythmic and lyrical components. Its improvisational nature, unique movements, and powerful expressions of individuality and freedom characterise it. In its pure form, it is a freestyle dance. The original moves of hip hop are based on social and party dances that people did together on jams, in clubs or simply in the streets. Often these moves were inspired by cartoons (e.g. the Bart Simpson, Roger Rabbit), fashion (e.g. the Gucci, Reebok or Fila) or movie stars (e.g. the Steve Martin).
Hip-hop dance is not just about the moves; it’s about the attitude, the swag, and often about the story it tells. It’s an eclectic blend of various dance forms and cultures, allowing for various movements and expressions. With its global reach and universal appeal, it has transcended boundaries, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and communicate through the universal language of dance. It has transformed streets into stages, providing a canvas for dancers to paint their stories, struggles, and triumphs, fostering unity and mutual respect among different communities.
How to learn hip-hop dance?
Learning hip-hop dance offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing enthusiasts to adapt and tailor their learning experiences to suit their preferences, lifestyles, and learning paces. Whether you prefer the structured environment of a dance studio or the comfort and convenience of your living room, the journey of mastering hip-hop dance is accessible to all. With many resources available online and offline, anyone can immerse themselves in the rhythmic symphony of hip-hop.
Find yourself a teacher or mentor
The best way to learn hip hop dance is with capable teachers. No matter if that is in a studio or within a crew. Getting input from a trusted source and feedback on your progress also guarantees fast progress. Certainly, having a knowledgeable mentor provides a structured learning environment and fosters a space for constructive critique, honing your skills more effectively. Furthermore, a teacher’s experience and insights can help navigate the intricacies of hip-hop dance, ensuring a deeper, more nuanced understanding of each movement and its cultural context and enriching your overall dance experience.
Learning to dance hip hop online
Learning hip-hop dance at home, leveraging the vast resources available on the internet, is a viable option for those who don’t have good teachers at hand. The online world is brimming with tutorials, workshops, and lessons that can guide you step by step on your journey through hip-hop dance. This method not only allows for flexible scheduling, catering to your pace and routine but also offers many styles and techniques to choose from, diversifying your learning experience. However, it demands discipline, self-motivation, and a discerning eye to select quality content, ensuring that the essence and authenticity of the dance form are preserved and respected.
There are full-fledged online courses out there, or you can pick and match tutorials from various online sources – mostly YouTube.
Take workshops
Opting to travel to various workshops led by esteemed teachers offers a balanced approach to learning the dance, allowing you to curate a personalized curriculum that reflects your interests and needs. This method combines structured, quality learning from reputable sources with the flexibility to choose specific styles, techniques, and teachers, enriching your repertoire with diverse insights and experiences. This tailored approach enables a deeper exploration of the dance form, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of its elements. It also allows connecting with like-minded individuals and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared passion within the dance community.
These workshops can always be an addition, even if you choose to learn in a studio or from online sources. Most big dance events offer workshops with their headline guests, so be sure to have your eyes open on those.
What to focus on when learning?
In my personal opinion, there are three parts you should focus on while learning hip hop dance. I will compare dance with language to make my point.
Moves and Steps are your Vocabulary
Consider each move and step as the vocabulary, the building blocks of your dance language. These elements are the expressions and words that you can use. Just as an extensive vocabulary can make conversations rich and expressive, learning a diverse range of moves and steps allows you to articulate your dance more vividly and precisely.
Grooves and Concepts are your Grammer
Next in line are grooves and concepts, the grammar of your dance language. They are the rules and structures that organize your vocabulary into coherent, meaningful “sentences”. Mastering the grammar of hip hop – understanding the foundational grooves and internalizing various dance concepts – enables you to create fluid, logical, and impactful dance sequences, that look like hip hop and something else. Just as grammar gives language its rhythm and flow, grooves and concepts lend your movements a natural, rhythmic coherence, allowing your dance to speak eloquently and fluidly.
Music is your topic
Lastly, the music is the topic of your conversation, the theme around which your dance language revolves. The context gives meaning to your vocabulary and grammar, shaping the mood, tone, and content of your dance narrative. An intimate understanding of the music allows your dance expressions to be in harmony with the song’s rhythm, melody, and emotion, making your dance conversation engaging, emotive, and in sync with the musical discourse.
So by understanding these three components (moves, grooves/concepts and the music) you will soon be able to speak freely in the language of hip hop.
What is the hip hop dance experience?
You wanna know what to expect – about the hip hop dance experience? Let me give you my two cents. You can anticipate a vibrant and welcoming experience, full of energy, passion, and creativity. On the other hand, this culture has its black sheep like every other scene. Meet the right people and everything is “Peace, Love, Unity and Having Fun” – the credo of hip hop culture. Meet the wrong ones and you will meet narrow-mindedness and bigotry. The hip hop scene is a smaller mirror of our complex society, you will find everything in there, that you encounter somewhere else. We just have better music and the better moves. 🥳
Joining the hip-hop community opens up a world of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, passionate about dance, music, and art. This community is a tapestry of people from different backgrounds, united by a common love for hip-hop, offering a supportive environment to grow, learn, and create. The camaraderie within this community is palpable, with experienced dancers and newcomers alike sharing knowledge, encouraging each other, and pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop dance can be. It’s a space where creativity flourishes, friendships are forged, and where each dancer contributes to the ever-evolving tapestry of hip-hop dance.
Learning the dance itself is not just about acquiring new moves; it’s about immersing yourself into the possibilities of expression within your physical and mental capabilities. It’s challenging and rewarding at the same time. It teaches you a lot about yourself if you let it and are open to reflect and think about what it does to you. Learning hip-hop provides an avenue to explore and understand the multifaceted world of hip-hop, music and yourself. It’s a trip you should at least take once.
In case you are looking for reasons to get into Breakdance aka Breaking, you might want to check out a story I wrote for Red Bull: 10 Reasons why you should start to break.
Online Resources to help you learn
The following links are online classes and resources that I can recommend wholeheartedly. I either know the classes from first-hand experience or personally know the people who offer them.
Hip Hop Moves List: this is a collection of steps I know. It’s free and will be free forever. When I have time, or somebody sponsors a coffee for an extra night shift, I try to add more to the list or find tutorials to add.
Beyond The Moves: The BTM platform has a lot of of different training programmes for all levels.
Steezy: Steezy.co is a mainstream-focused platform for dance classes. If you want to dig hardcore in your own style, go with BTM, but if you like choreography Steezy might be the place for you.
Books that can help you learn
Dance Smart: I wrote this book to guide people on their journey with dance concepts, which can be used to create your freestyle dances or choreography. It might be too heavy for total beginners, but when you have a few moves down already, this will help you find your own way of creating dance.
Performance Skills: Another one of my own, for those who are afraid of dancing in front of people or those who want to improve their stage presence.
Oxford Handbook of Hip Hop Dance Studies: This one is a compendium of research around all topics hip hop dance. If you like to explore stuff from a scientific perspective, this books is for you.
The book links above are affiliate links and will take you to Amazon.
Freestyle dance is an art in itself. When we watch someone dance, more often than not, it’s the raw, unscripted moments that leave us awestruck. That’s the beauty of freestyle dance – it’s an unfiltered expression, a dance of the soul, unique to the dancer. It’s like a painter’s brushstroke, distinct and telling a story only they know. While choreographed sequences have their place and charm, freestyle is where the spirit runs wild, unrestrained by sequences or patterns. How does one channel this freedom without getting lost in it? Over the years, amidst my various dance endeavours, I’ve found that while freestyling can be spontaneous, it often thrives on a subtle structure. I’ve played with countless methods, but three have consistently resonated with me and enhanced my dance: Rhythm, Concept, and Storytelling. And to answer the question “How to freestyle in dance?”, from my perspective – we will journey through each of them.
1. Rhythm – Carving Your Own Dance Path Through Music
Music and dance share a symbiotic relationship. However, while many listen to music, few truly hear it. When freestyling, dissecting the track, understanding its highs and lows, and allowing it to guide your movement is essential, if you want to move away from generic repetitions of the same moves, you always do. True mastery lies not in merely following the rhythm but in showcasing your unique interpretation of it. It’s about how you ride the wave, emphasize certain beats, and sometimes choose to defy them. Your dance becomes a visual representation of the song, punctuated with your individual flair.
To do this, you need to practise active listening. Listen to the music carefully, trying to hear the different instruments separately. Most music we dance to has many layers, and it is impossible to dance to all instruments simultaneously. So the art of this freestyle approach is to find your own way through all the instruments. When you decide to switch from one instrument to the next or how you show multiple layers at the same time becomes your signature and it will be different from everybody else.
This way of freestyling benefits a lot from having a good understanding of isolations and polyrhythms so you can add layers of details to the basic moves you use. An amazing example of how far this journey of showing multiple layers can go is the dancer Brian “Footwork” Green. Check out the clip below and pay attention how he showcases different parts of the music.
2. Concept – The Guiding Star of Your Freestyle
Dance can be abstract; sometimes, having a guiding concept can shape your freestyle into a coherent masterpiece. This is akin to giving yourself a delightful challenge or a puzzle to solve. Whether it’s a task like ‘add a pop on every snare drum’ or an abstract idea like ‘water flowing through obstacles’, a concept provides a thematic consistency. It keeps you grounded, gives direction to your movements, and offers endless possibilities to explore within its framework.
If that sounds too abstract to understand, have a look at Paradox exploring a concept called “Tracing,” where you either trace the shape of your body or your movement with your hands or other body parts.
Concepts can be as easy as “movements alternate between left and right” or as complex as “separate your body in three areas and change the instruments you dance to every 3 bars.” The creativity dancers display while coming up with their own concepts is crazy. I wrote a few articles about dance concepts here on the blog and published the book Dance Smart, which introduces 36 basic concepts.
3. Storytelling – Narrating Tales Through Movement
Every dance tells a story. Sometimes it’s vivid, with clear characters and narratives, other times, it’s abstract, leaving much to the imagination. When you approach freestyle with the intent to tell a story, your dance becomes a dynamic play. It could be a story of triumph, a portrayal of a day in your life, or even the narrative of the song you’re dancing to. Each move becomes purposeful, each transition is a plot twist, and your entire dance becomes a journey that the audience embarks upon with you.
With storytelling, there are two different paths you can follow. The easier one is, “How would you portray the story with dance.” Your steps, gestures and facial expressions are a danced version of the things happening in your story. Kinda like impro dance theatre. The second approach would be “how would the dance of a person experiencing the story look like.” Here you would immerse yourself in the emotional world of the story, but don’t mimic the story with your moves. Instead, you would interpret the dance moves with the emotional load from the story. Mostly people travel the spectrum between those two during their storytelling freestyle.
You can watch some great examples in the clip from Freestyle Roulette presented by Galen Hooks below.
Freestyle dance might seem like a world of chaos from afar, but once you’re in it, with the right tools and mindset, it becomes a universe waiting to be explored, one move at a time.
Dive into the vibrant tapestry of my life. From the logical corridors of software engineering to the rhythmic pulse of dance floors, from martial arts mats to meditative stillness, this journey unravels the multifaceted existence of an individual ever on the quest for self-discovery and purpose. Welcome to a narrative that blurs the lines between discipline, art, and personal evolution.
1. From Code to Choreography
It’s probably an unexpected start, but my first professional steps echoed with the clicks of keyboards rather than dance shoes. Taking after my father, I ventured into the engineering world and proudly wore the title of software engineer. Even as I transitioned away from this high-paying field to chase a deeper sense of fulfilment, the logical lens I developed during my programming days remains deeply ingrained. Now, I perceive the world through a unique fusion of artistry and structured logic, seeing patterns, algorithms, and sequences not just in code but in the ebb and flow of life itself.
Photo by Linus Strandholm on Scopio
For those who are interested, here is the nitty-gritty of my engineering career: I learned programming and logic at HTBLA Salzburg and worked in this field for four and a half years. My primary programming languages were C++, Java and a little bit of C#. I wrote applications for logistics and time management at a company called MECS. I am also decent with PHP, Javascript, HTML and CSS.But, I won’t go back into software development.
2. Martial Arts – FraGue’s Dojo of Discipline and Determination
My introduction to discipline began on the mats of Judo, in my teen years. What started as a youthful hobby evolved into a competitive pursuit, with a few national-level youth accolades to my name. But as the competitive heat rose, the essence of the art started waning. Yet, the discipline and physicality rooted themselves deep within. Later, decades on, I felt the familiar pull of martial arts and stepped back into the realm with a fresh perspective. I first came across Kickboxing and later Tai Chi Chuan, Wing Tsun and Eskrima, but sadly time constraints shorted those journeys. Immersing myself in ancient Kung Fu traditions, I now learn at the International Lau Family Hung Kuen Kung Fu Academy in Salzburg.
3. Beat by Beat: FraGue’s Dance Evolution
The rhythm first found me in 1999 at Tanzschule Seifert in Salzburg. Ballroom dancing was my first love, and I even tried my hand at some competitions. But the real transformation came when I chanced upon a breaking class. The allure of acrobatic moves and street style was irresistible. Before I knew it, the ballroom took a backseat. An injury once paused my dance journey, pushing me towards hip-hop, house, and krumping. This diversified my dance palette, later leading me to theatre productions with dance troupes like Nobulus and Hungry Sharks. Alongside, my wife and I spun stories of motion with our own company, Artfeeders.
Pied Piper Reloaded is the first of our dance shorts. Check out the trailer above.
4. From Passion to Profession: The Rookies at Work Story
2014 was a hallmark year. Alongside Mike Tike and Cosmic, I breathed life into Rookies at Work GmbH, a venture born from our shared passion for breaking. Our flagship event, Circle Industry, soon became a hallmark for international breaking battles in Salzburg. Being the agency doing the Red Bull BC One Cyphers in Austria and later Red Bull Dance Your Style Austria added more feathers to our cap. With time, our repertoire expanded to encompass social media and advertising. But there came a time when I had to step back, prioritize my art, and recalibrate. Today, I’ve rejoined the ranks, albeit in a different capacity – speaking as a regular employee instead of a shareholder, ensuring I’m grounded at home for my young daughter and wife. More about this part of the journey will follow later.
5. An Affair with Fantasy – RPGs and LARPs
Way before beats took over, role-playing games (RPGs) dominated my leisure hours. DSA, Shadowrun, and Vampire: The Masquerade were my gateways to otherworldly realms. LARPs, akin to improv theatre without an audience, followed suit. Organizing a few LARPs, I unearthed a penchant for orchestrating narratives, a passion that probably sowed the seeds for my theatre and film projects later.
FraGue as an undead archer at Conquest of Mythodea
6. Twirling Torches: Merging Martial Arts with Mesmerizing Moves
Swirling weapons have a meditative charm, blending the finesse of dance with martial prowess. This synergy of my twin passions – dance and martial arts – feels like home. And what’s more exhilarating than setting the props aflame? My go-tos for a fiery spectacle are the Nunchucks and the staff, but when not burning, I sometimes indulge in fluid routines with short sticks and knives. Some day I will also learn the rope dart or meteor hammer.
7. Artfeeders – The Quest for Artistic Sustainability
Alongside my better half, I embarked on a mission: founding an association dedicated to the cause of freelance artists. We’re committed to uncovering and imparting methods that enable artists to sustainably monetize their talents without succumbing to burnout.
The association carries on the name Artfeeders, which was originally the project name of our productions. Given that the name perfectly suits the association’s topic, we decided to stick with it.
8. Life’s Most Rewarding Challenge
Two roles define me profoundly – being a husband and a father. Navigating these roles, ensuring I’m present, supportive, and nurturing, all while staying true to my essence, is both the most challenging and rewarding endeavor of my life.
Part of this challenge is also staying on top of potentially harmful developments in our society and ensuring I am ready to deal with them if the need to protect the family arises.
9. From Footwork to Footnotes: FraGue’s shift into writing
While dance always involved the rhythmic movement of my body, I discovered another rhythm that beckoned me: the rhythm of words. When the beats of fatherhood started playing, the need to be around my daughter took center stage. The tours, the travel, the on-the-road lifestyle weren’t conducive to the nurturing environment I wanted to provide. And thus, pivoting from the stage’s spotlight to the soft glow of my laptop, I began to craft sentences and paragraphs instead of steps and choreographies.
I published Dance Smart and, together with Da Bürgermasta, Performance Skills. These are not only manuals or guides but a glimpse into my view of the art that defined me. Already stepping into this field, the opportunity to join the editorial team of one of the biggest brands in dance came up, and I took the leap of faith into yet uncharted territory. Somehow it worked.
I realized that stories, like dance routines, can inspire, educate, and evoke emotions. While the pivot was initially due to the circumstances, it made me appreciate the beauty of expressing through words. My daughter’s giggles while hearing some of my hilarious rhymes or her joyous dances that never follow the guidance I offer reassured me – sometimes, life’s unforeseen pivots lead to the most harmonious tunes.
Speaking about tunes, there’s another one incoming.
10. Sonic Sketches: Drawing Tunes from a Dancer’s Heart
Let’s set the record straight – I’m no Mozart. But the allure of music is too potent to resist. The Cajon resonates with my rhythms, and my attempts with the guitar and Ableton Live bring joy. Under the moniker Moskin Tribe, I’ve embarked on a musical voyage. While I did not release much, there are some pieces you can listen to below.
And sometimes, I play the supporting act, mixing and mastering the superior musical compositions of my wife.
11. Raw Realities: FraGue is chasing the Unadulterated Truth
Remember ‘The Matrix’? I’ve always been a Red Pill kind of person. There’s an insatiable hunger in me to discern the truth, to confront unsettling realities over comforting delusions. This journey of discovery means I’ve often revisited and reshaped my beliefs. When I stand by an opinion, know that it’s been meticulously thought out. Rich, informed conversations invigorate me, while superficial chatter drains.
12. Inner Echelons: Navigating Meditation and the Mysteries of Qi Gong
The frenetic pace of parenthood made me cherish the serenity of meditation, taming my restless mind – a prerequisite to functioning and staying on top of my responsibilities. My spiritual quest and search for more ways to stay in shape recently introduced me to Qi Gong. As I look forward to completing my teacher’s training in 2024, I’m eager to delve deeper into this enriching practice.
This is it. A snapshot of the mosaic that is my life. From code to choreography, from Judo mats to theatre stages, my journey has been eclectic, rewarding, and is perpetually evolving. If you know me, thanks for being part of it. If we don’t know each other, thanks for reading that far.
Hey there, fellow groove enthusiasts. Diving into the world of dance choreography? It’s a wild ride. Imagine painting, but instead of a canvas, you’ve got beats; instead of brushes, you’ve got limbs flying around. Choreography is that fascinating bridge between the heart’s emotion and the body’s motion. It’s where our stories, feelings, and sometimes our quirks get to dance in the spotlight. Just like a captivating story needs a solid plot, a dance piece needs thoughtful choreography to resonate. So, whether you’re trying to express the euphoria of love or the chaos of the Monday blues, let’s embark on this journey of turning beats into steps and melodies into movements. Ready to jump in?
The Art and Science Behind Choreography
Ever wonder what makes certain dance sequences stick in your mind, while others fade away like last summer’s tracks? It ain’t just about cool moves or wicked beats. It’s a delicate dance – pun intended – between art and science. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Artistry in Motion: At its core, dance is a form of expression, a canvas where emotions play out in physical form. Choreography is where we paint our stories, drawing from personal experiences, inspirations, or even dreams we had last night. It’s subjective, fluid, and deeply personal. The artistry is the ability to convey a message, evoke a feeling, or simply create something visually delightful. It’s the nuances, the pauses, the intentional imperfections. Like how a single tear can sometimes say more than a monologue, it could be that lingering hand or the way a head turns in dance.
Science of Structured Movement: Now, here’s the clincher. You can’t just throw a bunch of moves together and call it a day. There’s a method to this melodic madness. Choreography leans on understanding body mechanics, spatial awareness, and musicality. How do you transition seamlessly from a leap to a roll? How do you ensure that dancers aren’t colliding or throwing off the visual symmetry in a group performance? That’s where the science bit kicks in. Structuring a sequence requires a deep understanding of counts, rhythms, and formations. It’s also about ensuring that the movements align with the dancer’s capabilities and the chosen music’s tempo and tone.
Melding these two – the raw emotion of the art and the precise calculation of the science – is where the magic happens. It’s like composing music, but you’ve got moves instead of notes. Or like crafting a delicious recipe, where each step, each ingredient, matters. Next time you watch a dance and feel something, know there’s both heart and a whole lot of thought that went into that. Let’s give a little nod to the choreographers, the unsung heroes who blend passion with precision, making our souls groove and our hearts move.
Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.
Martha Graham
Understanding the Purpose: Choreograph the Dance to be more Than Just Movement
Ever caught yourself swaying to a melancholic tune or pumping your fist to a rebellious rock song? Music, at its core, evokes emotion, and dance? Well, dance amplifies it. But before one jumps into crafting a sequence of steps, it’s paramount to dig deeper and understand the ‘why’ behind the dance. The goal you are trying to reach dictates how you approach the creation process.
Message Over Movement: While an array of complicated moves and flips might garner applause in battles and dance competitions, the message behind the dance truly resonates with an audience in theatres. Is it a story of love lost, a call to societal change, or perhaps a celebration of joy? Maybe it’s a narrative about battling inner demons or an ode to nature. Before delving into steps and sequences, a choreographer needs to be crystal clear about the message they want to convey. Think of it as the plot to your dance novel.
Adapting to the Platform: The intent behind a choreographed piece can also be dictated by where it’s performed. A competitive stage might demand technical prowess, while a community outreach program might emphasize connection and relatability. A theatrical production might require intricate storytelling, whereas a flash mob in a public space might aim for shock and awe. Knowing your platform helps in tailoring your dance to its audience.
Dancing for the Dancer: Lastly, understanding purpose also pertains to who is dancing. A solo piece can dive deep into personal emotions, while a group choreography might be about collective experiences or contrasting viewpoints. Moreover, choreographing for a novice demands different considerations than for a seasoned dancer. The purpose should align with the dancer’s capabilities, experiences, and, importantly, their own expressive desires.
In essence, choreography isn’t just about crafting a dance; it’s about crafting an experience, a story. And every great story starts with a purpose. So, as you embark on your choreographic journey, take a pause and ask – what story do I want to tell?
Choosing Your Music for the Choreography: The Heartbeat of Dance
Imagine setting a fierce battle scene to a lullaby, or perhaps a romantic pas de deux to aggressive metal – seems off, right? That’s because music is the backbone, the pulse, the heartbeat of a choreographed piece. Selecting the right track can make or break your dance. So, how do we go about it?
Resonate with the Rhythm: Before anything else, the music must resonate with you as a choreographer. Can you visualize movements, transitions, and emotions while listening? If a track doesn’t stir something within you, chances are, it won’t stir your audience either. Trust your instincts and choose a song that speaks to your soul.
Understand the Dynamics: Music isn’t a monolithic entity; it has highs, lows, crescendos, and pauses. Mapping these dynamics aids in understanding where the dance can have explosive movements, gentle flows, dramatic pauses, or intricate footwork. The dynamics of a song guide the dynamics of the dance.
Lyrics Matter (Sometimes): If you’re choreographing to a song with words, pay heed to the lyrics. If they are not easy to understand when listening, grab them from the internet. They can provide an additional layer of narrative to your dance. You can either follow the rhythm of the lyric, the story they are telling or only emphasize some single words. A turn on the word “spin”, a jump on “fly”, or a collapse on “fall” – these are simple examples, but the lyrics can provide a roadmap for your movements, enhancing the connection between the dance and the music.
Don’t Shy from Experimentation: Traditional ballet pieces don’t always need classical tunes. Hip-Hop can be danced to violin strings. The world of dance is ripe with examples where choreographers went against the grain, merging unexpected dance styles with contrasting music, leading to some of the most memorable performances.
Choosing music isn’t just about finding a catchy tune; it’s about finding the right partner for your dance story. When both dance and music are in harmony, they create an unspoken language that has the power to captivate, communicate, and connect.
Three Approaches to Crafting Your Dance Choreography
In the realm of dance, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe to choreographing a piece. Just as artists use different brush strokes, choreographers have varied methods to carve their vision. Here are the ones I used.
1. Story First: Narrating with Movement
Dive into the world of your music and weave a tale. Before a single step is mapped, the narrative unfolds in the choreographer’s mind. The music becomes the backdrop, setting the scene. As the tale progresses, sections of the song become chapters of the story, and dance steps breathe life into the characters and their journey. This immersive method pulls the audience deep into the narrative, making them live every twist and turn as the music feels like the perfect soundtrack.
To pull this off, you listen to the music and decide on which part of the song, which part of the story unfolds. So you already know what happens when on the track. After that, it is a matter of finding the right steps to fill the void. Knowing the music and the story, that is rarely a problem.
Check out an example in the clip below.
2. Concept First: Abstract Artistry in Choreography
Dance doesn’t always have to tell a straightforward tale. Sometimes it’s an idea, an emotion, or a theme that dictates the movement. With a concept-first approach, the essence of the dance is abstract. Choreographers might start with a vague notion or a feeling they wish to convey. From there, they mold and shape their movements, creating a piece that evokes emotion without a linear storyline. Once the core concept is established, narrative elements might be sprinkled in, adding layers of depth to the abstract masterpiece.
Check out an example of a concept piece that only works with hand shapes below.
I already wrote a lot about concepts in dance. If you are unfamiliar with that term, check out dance concepts here on my blog. If you really dig that stuff, you can grab a copy of my book Dance Smart, which is dedicated to dance concepts.
3. Music First: Moving to the Melody
For some, it’s all about the beats, rhythms, and harmonies. With the music-first method, choreographers become devout followers of the song’s intricacies. Every beat dictates a step, every pause an emotion, and every crescendo a climax. It’s a visceral approach where the music and the movement become one. Rather than imposing a preconceived story or concept, the choreographer allows the music to guide the journey, creating an organic flow that’s harmonious and intuitive.
Check out the clip below to how that could look like. In this clip the dancers work really nice with the lyrics of the song.
This often comes in the form of repeating freestyles to the same track over and over, finding movement that you like and keeping that part, then moving from there. You repeat this process until you are done. Stepping away for a while might be necessary if you hit a block.
Each approach has its charm and challenges. The key is to find what resonates with you as a choreographer. For me, it’s a blend of all three; with an emphasis on story. It’s about capturing the essence of what you wish to convey and translating it into a dance that leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
Staying Inspired and Navigating Creative Blockades while Choreographing a Dance
Much like any other art form, dance has peaks and troughs. There are moments when inspiration flows like a river and others when the well seems to run dry. No matter how seasoned, every choreographer has faced the daunting wall of a creative blockade. Here’s the secret – it’s not about avoiding these blocks but learning to dance around them.
Stay Curious: Just as a dancer always learns, a choreographer should be forever curious. Explore other art forms, from painting to poetry, and find connections back to dance. A scene from a movie, a verse from a song, or even the rhythm of raindrops can spark an idea.
Break the Routine: Change your environment if you’re always choreographing in the same studio or space. Sometimes, a new setting can offer a fresh perspective. Let different surroundings influence your movements, whether it’s a park, a beach, or even your living room.
Collaborate: Dance is a communal art form. Engage with other dancers, choreographers, or artists from different disciplines. A fresh pair of eyes or a new perspective can break down walls you didn’t even know existed.
Embrace the Block: It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way out is through. Instead of fighting the blockade, use it. Make a piece about feeling stuck, trapped, or restrained. You’d be surprised how therapeutic and liberating this can be.
Remember, every artist has their moments of doubt and dry spells. The passion, persistence, and the will to push through separate the good from the great. Embrace the journey, with its highs and lows, and let it fuel your dance narrative.
Selling and distributing art has always been a pain in the ass, but blockchain offers a potential solution with NFTs – which stands for Non-Fungible Tokens. Imagine being able to sell your piece of work, which can be everything that you can bring into the digital space, immediately and worldwide with 100% proof of who created it, who bought and therefore owns it, and built-in mechanics to collect royalties if it is resold. That is the concept behind NFTs.
Navigating the Old School Art Scene
Let’s be real. Selling and getting your art out there in the traditional art world is like navigating a maze blindfolded. Galleries and auction houses act like they own the joint, picking and choosing whose art gets to see the light of day. This means a whole bunch of seriously talented artists get left in the dust, struggling to get their work in front of the people who might actually want to buy it.
And don’t get me started on pricing. It’s about as clear as mud. The price tag on a piece of art has more to do with who you know, what some critic said on a Tuesday, or which way the wind is blowing, rather than the actual quality of the work. Plus, when your art does sell, you’re lucky if you see half the dough. The rest of it goes to the middlemen, and if your work gets resold for a higher price later, do you see any of that sweet profit? Nope, nada.
Now, let’s not forget about the headache that is managing physical art. You’ve got to sort out storage, deal with the nightmare of transporting it without damaging it, and fork out for insurance just in case. And the kicker? Your work can only be seen by people who stroll into the gallery or exhibition it’s in. But here’s the thing. We’re living in the digital age, folks. Shouldn’t there be a better way to sell and share our art? That’s where NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, come in. They might just be the game-changer in the art world we’ve all been waiting for.
The New Kid on the Block(chain)
Imagine this: You take your art, whatever that might be – a painting, a doodle, a digital masterpiece – and you create a digital token for it. This token, my friends, is an NFT, a Non-Fungible Token. It’s unique, it’s special, it’s like a digital certificate of authenticity that says, “Hey, this piece of art? It’s one-of-a-kind, and it’s all yours.”
So, you’ve got your NFT art, and here’s where the blockchain comes in. The blockchain is like a secure digital ledger, keeping track of all the ins and outs of your NFT art. It’s permanent, it’s transparent, and it’s tamper-proof. That means when you sell your NFT art, there’s a permanent record of that sale – who sold it, who bought it, and for how much. It’s like a digital paper trail that can’t be fudged.
With NFT art, you’re not just selling your work to the highest bidder. You’re also setting up a way to keep earning every time your art changes hands. Remember when I said you don’t see a dime when your art gets resold in the traditional art world? Well, with NFT art, you can set it up to get a cut every time your art gets resold. Talk about a revolution! NFTs and blockchain are not just changing the game; they might be able to flip the whole darn art table.
Getting Your Feet Wet in the NFT Art Pond
Diving into the NFT art space isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. At least, not yet. It’s a bit like learning to swim in the deep end. There are a few things you need to watch out for.
First up, the tech stuff. If you’re not a bit of a tech whizz, the whole process of creating NFT art can be a bit daunting. You’ve got to get your head around things like crypto-wallets, gas fees, and minting tokens. And if those words sound like a foreign language, you’re not alone. But don’t fret. With a bit of patience, a healthy dose of curiosity, and maybe a YouTube tutorial or two, you can get the hang of it.
Then there’s the rollercoaster ride that is the world of cryptocurrency. One minute you’re on top of the world; the next you’re in the pits. That’s because the value of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Cardano can shoot up and down faster than a yo-yo. So, if you’re not up for a bit of a thrill ride, this might not be the space for you.
Stepping into the world of NFT art is a bit like embarking on a wild adventure. There might be a few bumps in the road, but it can be exciting.
I suggest you get on-board immediately, but I understand if you want to watch the space first. Just don’t sleep on it and miss a potential opportunity that could unleash your work. Early adopters are always the ones who profit most when “their” tech goes mainstream.
If you want to read up on how to turn you art into an nft, check out the projects below.
NMKR.io is a platform that allows you to mint and sell NFTs on the Cardano Blockchain.
Opensea is one of the biggest marketplaces on Ethereum
I tried it and created my own NFT. As I can’t record a more significant dance piece right now, I went with a comic that speaks to the crypto-community. I am not a painter myself, so I commissioned the piece. Setting up the contract was a matter of 3 minutes, but I already had a crypto-wallet ready for use and understand how code and computers work.
It cost me around 0,17 ETH (which is EUR 230 at the moment of this writing), including the artwork itself and the fees to set up the smart contract.
As my intent is not selling but getting my head around how it works, I priced the token relatively high for what it offers. If someone buys – nice, if not – I have a token that predicts the future of cryptocurrency, created in 2021 – before the whole world started talking about NFTs.
Beeple has become a significant figurehead in the NFT world, having sold his digital art piece “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” at Christie’s auction house for a staggering $69 million in March 2021. This sale not only propelled Beeple into the spotlight but also accentuated the potential of NFTs as a revolutionary tool for artists. With blockchain’s authentication and royalty mechanism, artists could now reap the benefits of their work’s resale, disrupting traditional art market dynamics.
Beeple’s monumental success has also highlighted the democratizing aspect of NFTs in the art world. Unlike the usual high-end art auctions catering primarily to the upper echelons, the NFT market invites participation from anyone with an internet connection and some cryptocurrency. This innovative approach offers a new platform for artists and collectors alike, expanding the boundaries of the art market.
The Future of NFT Art
As we continue to witness the digital revolution unfold, one of the most intriguing developments in the art world is the rise of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These digital assets are transforming the way art is created, distributed, and traded, harnessing the power of blockchain technology to bring about a new era of art appreciation and ownership. NFTs provide a digital certificate of ownership that can be bought and sold, with the blockchain forever showing the original creator. This is a significant evolution from traditional art markets and one that could potentially revolutionize the industry.
Currently, NFTs are slowly drifting into the mainstream, and everyone who gets on board now can be considered an early adopter. At the moment, NFTs are priced and bought in cryptocurrency, which is likely to remain the status quo for a while. However, with the rising popularity of NFTs, there will likely be more apps and service providers that will make it easier for everyone to enter the NFT space.
Moreover, a plethora of NFT creator software has emerged, catering to different needs and skill levels. For instance, GoArt enables the conversion of images into realistic artistic works and efficiently mints NFTs. PixelChain is an NFT creator software that stores information and metadata efficiently in the chain, ensuring that the data is always accessible. Nifty Ink is a platform that allows artists to create, sell, and earn tokens without learning blockchain techniques. Other notable software includes Fotor, NightCafe, VoxEdit, and Hotpot.ai, each offering unique features to aid artists in their NFT creation journey2.
NFT Trends and Implications for Artists
As for the future trends in the NFT art space, it’s important to note that the landscape is rapidly evolving and can be influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, market demand, and legal regulations. While I was unable to find specific future trends due to time constraints, I can infer a few potential trends based on the current state of the NFT art market.
Increased accessibility and ease of use: As the technology matures, the process of creating and trading NFTs is likely to become more user-friendly, attracting more artists and collectors to the space.
More diversified use of NFTs: While NFTs are currently popular in the art world, they could be used for a wide range of digital assets, including music, virtual real estate, and digital collectibles.
Integration with other technologies: We might see more integration of NFTs with other emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, which could create new ways for artists to showcase their work and for audiences to experience it.
More regulatory clarity: As the NFT market grows, it’s likely that more regulations will be put in place to address issues such as copyright infringement and fraud, which could impact how artists create and sell NFT art.
While NFTs provide exciting opportunities for artists, they also come with potential risks and challenges. These include price volatility, security concerns and the environmental impact of blockchain technology. Therefore, artists should carefully consider these factors before diving into the NFT art world.
Will you be brave and early as one of the early adopters, or do you prefer to watch and see how it goes before you jump on the train?
The links are leading you to my very small Youtube channel @theFraGue. There you can find some additional basic moves from hip hop and breaking, the series Dance Espresso and stuff about me exploring other art forms, like the Fire Nunchuks. If you dig my work, consider hitting subscribe. Every support is much appreciated. 🙏
Take your time to learn the basics
When you learn to dance hip hop, it’s like building a big tower with. The tower will fall over if you don’t start with a strong foundation. That’s why it’s important to learn the basics of hip hop dancing first.
Just like when you’re building a tower, if you don’t have the right building blocks, you can’t make it tall and strong. That’s what the basics are like in hip hop dance. They’re the building blocks that help you do all the cool moves and dance with style.
And just like when you’re playing with other kids and building towers together, if you all use the same blocks, you can build a cool tower together! In hip hop dancing, if you know the basics, you can dance with other people and understand what they’re doing, which makes it more fun for everyone.
So, if you want to be a great hip hop dancer, make sure to practice and master the basics first!
The past few years have only shown us that dance remains a crucial form of cultural expression that transcends history and space. National Geographic’s look at virtual dance parties shows how, when many of us were stuck socially distancing in 2020, dance allowed us to express ourselves, our joys, and our love and sadness. The flood of dance trends and TikToks has only cemented that.
As interest around dance continues to grow, there is no better time than today to cater to the growing demand for dance and contribute to the development of the dance industry. However, there are a lot of things to consider before getting started with your own dance business. Here are four things to look at to ensure smooth operations for your dance business.
Prioritise self-awareness
Oftentimes, entrepreneurs are so engrossed in sorting out the logistics of running a business that they forget to reflect on their own capacities as business leaders. If you find yourself doing the same, this needs to be remedied. Assessment and self-improvement expert Dr. Travis Bradberry finds self-awareness in business is key to success: by being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can more efficiently manage your emotions and solve problems that come your way.
See how Paul Henderson, owner of 7 Tiffany’s Dance Academy locations in California, USA, quickly cited the rising tariffs in 2019 as a serious threat to their customers. Instead of succumbing to panic, Henderson immediately noted his capacity to devise solutions such as instituting a modest 5% price increase on dancewear, “hiding” this additional tax in the tuition, and more. This helped him cater to customers without risking significant losses for his business.
Jotform CEO Aytekin Tank suggests setting up multiple feedback channels to raise self-awareness. This can come in the form of a routine online survey, or even a synchronous teambuilding event. Otherwise, keeping a journal and asking “what” instead of “why” — such as, “What is lacking in our marketing strategies and what can be improved?” instead of ,”Why do we lack customers?” — will allow you to take more actionable steps on what needs to be fixed.
Expand your platforms
Thanks to innovations within the digital age, people are no longer limited to brick-and-mortar studios to practise their craft. A recent research report from MarketWatch explains that online dance training is projected to become a multimillion-dollar market globally by 2029, exemplifying an increasing demand for online dance training services worldwide.
You can take advantage of this trend by creating online dance courses and accepting customers who can follow each class through a virtual streaming device. Doing so can help you expand your market beyond the growing Austrian dance industry.
Specialise in a dance technique
Though many successful dance businesses offer an array of dance techniques, specialising in one allows you to build a credible reputation in the industry while narrowing down your market so you can craft more effective marketing strategies. Specialising in hip-hop, for example, may allow you to use bolder and brighter colours in your publicity materials.
You can also note how established dance businesses offer specialised dance education. Take the Vienna State Ballet, which zeroes in on Viennese ballet. Its dance routine ‘When Ballet goes Wrong’ was sensationalised worldwide. In the process, it was able to show a global audience its dedication – and that of its dancers – to the craft of ballet. This helped build its reputation as one of the world’s top ballet companies.
Consult your team on the specialisation of the dance instructors, while taking other potential competitors into consideration. For example, if your dance expertise will be ballroom but there’s another nearby dance business that specialises in the same technique, your team will have to figure out how to stand out as unique from the other.
Maximise your skill set
Finally, while it is crucial to have a specialisation, it’s important that you’re not afraid to scale up either. As we’ve previously listed in Dance Business Possibilities, your skill set can range anywhere from making choreographies to dance photography. Maximise these accordingly by embellishing your website with personalised choreography videos, engaging blog posts, or captivating photographs from performances that your clients have participated in. These unique features help you stand out from your competition and draw potential trainees to your business.
Running a dance business takes passion and preparation – and while every business has ups and downs to contend with, it’s even more important to enjoy the journey. With these tips, you can share the craft we love among equally-passionate dance students.
Clear communication is one of the essential pillars of running your business. It optimises workflows and saves you and your customers a lot of headaches. If neglected, it is a guaranteed set up for misunderstandings, that can damage your relationship with the customer or partner (fellow performers, booking agencies, etc).
The goal of clear communication
We aim to answer all necessary questions and make requirements as well as the outcome clear for everyone. One issue that arises regularly is that details remain unclear because one side thinks they are apparent while the other side is unaware of the point at all.
Let’s take a show booking as an example: the following points require clarification:
Location
Date
Time of the show
The arrival time of the dancers
Is there a soundcheck/tech rehearsal? If yes, when?
How do you deliver the music?
Space requirements/availability for the show
Which floor is in the venue? It there the need to bring PVC or something else?
How many dancers are part of the show (is not needed in every case, especial when the group is big)
Do you need additional rehearsal-time on the stage due to insufficient space?
Is there a dressing room for the dancers? Do you share it with another group? Can you lock it?
Who is the contact person for the dancers on-site? How can we reach them?
Who is the main contact person on your team for the customer? Make sure they have the phone number.
How much does the show cost? Include travel expenses or at least negotiate that they are covered.
Invoice Adress
Is catering provided for the team (not necessary in every case but you should clarify it)
If the show is late or the travel is long: who takes care of accommodation?
Depending on the type of shows you do, there might be more or less points to discuss, but it is more than the regular customer thinks about when he is not used to booking a show.
The principle is the same for every business communication.
The rules of clear communication
Don’t assume. If something is unclear, ask.
Try to speak/write in a language that avoids technical terms or explain them. Your counterpart might not know those.
Have it in written form so that everybody can revisit it, in case of uncertainty.
Don’t be afraid of being the one who points out that some parts are still unclear or missing. While some people might perceive it as counterproductive or even rude in the beginning, everyone will thank you in the long run.
Make it a habit to make things clear
Making things 100% clear for everyone gives you and everyone involved the security of knowing what’s up. There are neither loose ends nor room for interpretation.
That is precisely what we want in our business. Applying clear communication standards to all of our business talks/mails lets you work and sleep better.
I already wrote about the topic “how to get more dance jobs.” I got some feedback on this article, especially that the stuff in there does not work, and some new requests about how to do it in Austria.
What is different in Austria?
That is the question we have to answer before diving into the specifics. All the points from the general article I already wrote apply to the fullest, but it can feel like you don’t get any results by applying them. The main reason is that the business side of the scene and the Austrian dance industry are still in their build-up. What I mean by that is that there are people producing shows, there are agencies taking care of bookings for urban artists, and there are dance studios in most major cities, but there are not plenty of them.
In countries with a developed dance industry, you have the possibility to audition for jobs that you want to be part of every other week. You have multiple standing companies with a regular cast and stand-ins for most positions. You have multiple people that take care of the production side of things. And you have many agencies with a widespread network that generates opportunities to show your art.
In Austria and many other countries with a dance scene that is on the rise, we have some of these but don’t have an abundance. So you maybe have four to ten auditions per year for pieces you want to do. There are 2 or 3 agencies that seriously care and know about the capabilities and needs of hip-hop dance. And there might be five promoters who manage to do recurring events with international relevance.
Austria has a dance scene and dance industry on the rise. We need to build the infrastructure first to create the jobs we want to do. Nobody will give them to us. Who should?
That sounds like a bad thing in the first place, but it really isn’t. Because what it does, is leave a lot of space for everyone who cares and wants to make it with dance and dance-related work.
How to do it?
First, this is not science. Second, I am writing from my own experience of doing business with dance and dance-related topics since 2007. Third, I believe this is the best way forward for the Austrian scene as a whole. Some individual people might be better off alone, but looking at the bigger picture from a holistic point of view, these are my recommendations.
As mentioned above, our scene and industry are not yet fully established, we are building it right now. This means that there is a lot of space to be filled.
What we should do, is create the infrastructure that we lack. This also ensures that the infrastructure and businesses hold up the values that we want to represent. That is extra important as the possibility of breaking (that’s the thing you should not call breakdance) becoming Olympic will attract people from outside (sports, finance, and advertisers of all kinds) who have the business part down towards our scene and their values will not necessarily align with ours.
What can a single person do?
Everything. That is the point. Through the scarcity in the scene, you can contribute very quickly.
You can organize classes yourself. Everything you need it to find is a room and a mobile sound system. I know people who teach twenty classes a week and are set. All self-sustained.
You can organize events. It’s not impossible to do jams and competitions on a low budget. In fact, we need those to have the inhibition threshold low for the new blood.
You can reach out to potential customers proactively and sell your shows. By doing this you fill the role of an artist agency and might become one if you want to.
You can audition for all pieces around and try to land that spot or you can start your own production. This feels overwhelming in the beginning but if you want to create, you should.
How is this getting more jobs?
The part above isn’t, but it is a prerequisite for our scene to grow and move forward into something that can provide a sustainable life for everyone who wants it. From there we need to start connecting and work together (I already wrote about that too).
By creating multiple working platforms (this can be crews, dance companies, production companies, agencies, artist collectives, solo freelancers and more) and connecting them, we can provide more work. If I sell shows, you produce pieces, and a third guy organizes workshops, we can hustle on our own or connect, and everyone has three jobs instead of one.
Of course, that is simplified as nobody can work with everyone, and some people are more suited for this job and not the other. But take into consideration how far our scene came in the last ten years. Think about how many talented people are out there hustling. We just need to connect and build together. In a country with a small scene, there is no competition as the market is not nearly saturated. There are only missed opportunities.
Don’t stop there
When we established a network that provides enough opportunities for everyone who wants to dance, the inclusion does not stop. Think about all the street fashion designers, dance content creators, music producers, MCs , DJs and so on. These are valuable for us, too, as we are to them. Spotting these opportunities and taking them is what we should cultivate.
It has been done before in Austria. On a smaller scale. And these islands still exist. Where people work together, but most of the time, they only extend to crew and friends. Which is fine, but we all could do better.
As this scene and industry are built now, it is we who should build it and make the rules. Or we can let others build it and play by their rules. Easy decision for me. It always has been.
