Becoming a Burlesque Performer, Part IV
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
"How to become a performer in burlesque" is one of the most popular questions I receive. I currently have an on-going series on the VK website answering this question in more detail.
If you're new to the series, begin here:
Part I, Understanding Burlesque
Part II, Creating Your Character
Part III, Music Selection and Preparation for Composition
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Part IV
Composition:
Choreographing and Staging your First Number
Learning to choreograph is a process, and individuals will find what method works best for them. Below are guidelines on learning your own process.
1. Begin choreographing. You can start with a beginning position and build from there. You can also play the music and freestyle (ad-lib, improvisation, and vamping are also terms to refer to freestyle). At this point you will begin to find what works for you to choreograph.
2. Be sure to write down your choreography! If you're new to dance and/or choreographing, I suggest writing down the exact placement of everything. By practicing this you will begin to teach your mind to examine and remember these details subconsciously.
3. Choreograph to counts. Sometimes you'll want something on a particular word or sound in the music, and previously if you've counted out the music, it should be easy to place the movement onto the count. If movements aren't placed directly on a count and well rehearsed, the choreography can come across as "milky" and undefined, and the movements sloppy. Don't let your choreography be a distraction from your performance.
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Tips of the trade:
~Remember, choreographing is an art within itself, and it can be a lengthy endeavor. It's not uncommon for a song that lasts 3-4 minutes to take 8 - 10 hours to choreograph. Be patient with yourself. You'll also eventually formulate a method that works for you.
~Don't be afraid to start over. Go with your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, then go back. You may find you'll have to re-do an entire 8-count or more, but in the end it's worth the work.
~Don't over-choreograph. Allow yourself time to fully to execute your movements. When working with props or costuming, be sure to choreograph with these as it can change the amount of time you will actually need to complete the visual movement you desire.
~Play with oppositions. After a few counts of fast movement, switch to something slower or even pose and hold a count or two before moving again.
~Choreograph with a mirror. The newer you are to dance and choreography, the more important it is to see what visuals you are actually creating.
~Video your routine, and watch it objectively. Is it the visual pictures you wanted to display? Allow yourself time to alter any choreography that isn't accurate of the image and feeling you wanted to create for your audience.
~Keep in mind that with every venue, there's a new stage. Try to choreograph with the idea that sometimes you'll have a large stage and others much smaller than what you expected. It's best to choreograph a number that can encompass a large stage, and conform to the limitations of space on a smaller stage.
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If you have a particular question regarding becoming a performer, or any questions for the Velvet Kittens, please contact us !