Improving Improvisation
Stuck when improvising? Try these top tips.
Listen carefully
- Figure out the type of music – classical, baladi, shaabi, saiidi etc
- Note the sections of the music – verse chorus verse, theme and variations, several different sections in different syles? Do the sections repeat? If yes, does it repeat exactly or with slight variations?
- Where are the hits and pauses, if any?
- Note if there are any changes in speed – slow vs fast – or volume – quiet vs loud.
Go deeper
- Identify the different sounds (instruments)
- Identify the mood and emotions – do these change?
- If there are words, can you get a translation?
- Pay attention to the rhythms and riffs – are there sections when these come to the fore?
Plan in advance
- Pick a fall back move – one you really like and can play around with – for when you run out of inspiration.
- Pick a couple of moves you want to practice too
Now dance!
- Pick movements appropriate for the style of music
- If the sections repeat, you could repeat or slightly vary moves or combinations that you used before
- Match your movements to the volume and emotional intensity of the music – if it is loud and happy then go for big, relaxed movements not small, restrained ones!
- Think about dynamics – fast vs slow, big vs small, on the spot vs travelling…
- Think about level changes and surprises – turn away from the audience, move up and down, spin, link unexpected moves, change direction…
- Using the above, play with just one or two moves and see how far you can go with it.
- Add personality! Let your own personality shine through or create a persona. Use moves and gestures you feel comfortable with. How can you show your enjoyment of the music?
Cheat!!!
- Create combinations of movements you enjoy or take them from previous choreographies and try them to other songs.
- Watch other dancers and make mental notes for things you like and want to try yourself (not whole choreographies, that’s plagiarism! But ideas, structures, movements etc). Try them next time you improvise but add your own personal touches to make them your own.