Some Tips on Dance

Dance Tips

How to Teach Praise Dance Choreography

• frequently used during praise and worship ceremonies or other church events as a way to convey emotion, spirituality and a Biblical message. One of the primary challenges facing praise dance choreographers is creating a dance that not only is fun and challenging for the dancers, but demonstrates a feeling of respect and spirituality. There are several ways you can teach  praise dance choreography to your dancers that will liven up any church experience by offering the audience the chance to experience worship through dance.

Instructions

1. • 1 Select a song for the dance and a corresponding Biblical lesson. Discuss with your dancers what message you want to convey to the audience. If your chosen scripture discusses truth, for example, your dancers will display a different attitude than if your scripture discusses sin. If this is your first performance, your dancers may prefer to have the message simply be that it is possible to worship God through dance.
   • 2 Pray with your dancers before each rehearsal and remind them that the intent behind praise dance is to lead the audience into a time of worship. Instead of offering simply a wonderful show, your dancers also must encourage the audience toward a prayerful attitude through their movements on stage.
   • 3 Demonstrate each dance movement to your dancers slowly. Watch each dancer perform the movement to ensure she understands the move. Assist any struggling dancers; perform the movement together as a group.
   • 4 Rehearse the dance without music. It is important for dancers to learn  the steps without music and how many beats each movement should last. Audio difficulties may occur during the performance during which a dancer may not be able to clearly hear the music or, if a dancer loses her place and becomes nervous, she will need to know the beat count of the dance to catch up and find her spot again. A measure of music consists of four beats, which is a good place to begin counting. Some choreographers prefer to present movements in eight counts. Talk with your dancers to find out what style of counting works for your group.
   • 5 Practice the dance with the music. Continue to count out loud during the song to make sure your dancers stay on target. After several practices, stop counting and let your members of your group dance to the song. Make any needed timing adjustments before your performance. For example, if a certain movement feels awkward or forced when performed with the song, modify it prior to the performance.
   • 6 Create new dance moves and encourage your dancers to create new moves that display the message of your song. Select dance moves that are fun but respectful. Since the performance is a religious event, avoid sensual or erotic dance moves that may deter from the message at hand. To get ideas for new dance moves, watch music videos or Christian praise dance videos to spark your creativity.

RESEARCH INFO:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7871816_teach-praise-dance-choreography.html