Should I do Improv or Choreography?

Rai · 06-05-2008, 11:58 PM

The first time I performed was in a festival and I tried to choreograph the whole performance but I ended up doing mostly improv. I found it tough to choreograph and stick to the same movements and stick to the same pattern. I've only been bdancing for 2 years.

The same thing is happening again this year. I'll be performing next month and I've picked a song. I can definitely improvise to it with no problem but I prefer to stick to a good choreography this time! I find it very hard to dance the same way everytime. The song is "On the road to alexandria". It's an easy eaasy song to dance to. But what is my problem?

I enjoy improv sooo much. everytime I get up to dance, it's improv. I want to change this. Does anyone experience this too?

I tried to visualize in my head the movements when listening to the music. Still though, I think I find it boring to choreograph. I know I'm just inexperienced but to me, bellydancing is the most fun when it's improvised because then I can dance however I am feeling at the time--with choreography, I can't do that.

And my problem now is that I can't choreography properly even though I want to. Any advice?

I think I was doing Improv-o-graphy or something.

Farasha Hanem · 06-06-2008, 12:43 AM

I'm still very much a newbie student, but I'll put in my two cents' worth, anyway, if that's all right.

Choreography probably does have its' proper use, but from what my bellydance teacher tells us (and I think it might be a strong concensus here on this forum) is that bellydance is supposed to be spontaneous, not relying on choreography. If you enjoy improv, then don't give it up.

teela · 06-06-2008, 04:27 AM

I vote for the choreographed framework. I sit down and listen to the music so I know where all the A, B, C, etc parts are and what repeats and how long each one is and what moves would fit where and then go for it at the performance. When i'm practicing, i try the various movements so i feel comfortable with them and the music.
Good luck

Moon · 06-14-2008, 06:31 PM

Rai, if you are so good at improvising at such an early stage already and you enjoy it so much, why change it????
A lot of students wish they had your problem, believe me

janaki · 06-15-2008, 02:52 PM

Wow!!! many dancers have trouble with improve. It is great that you can improv. My advise to you is to learn more about music, styles, rhythms and culture behind it. This will help you to interpret the musiv better and dance better. With out proper knowledge, umderstanding and good technique you will dance to all songs the same way. A strucutred choreogrphy from a good instructor has all these elements thrown into it. I learn choreos for disiplain and I use that knowlege base to improve.

06-05-2008, 11:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rai Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6	Should I do Improv or Choreography? The first time I performed was in a festival and I tried to choreograph the whole performance but I ended up doing mostly improv. I found it tough to choreograph and stick to the same movements and stick to the same pattern. I've only been bdancing for 2 years. The same thing is happening again this year. I'll be performing next month and I've picked a song. I can definitely improvise to it with no problem but I prefer to stick to a good choreography this time! I find it very hard to dance the same way everytime. The song is "On the road to alexandria". It's an easy eaasy song to dance to. But what is my problem? I enjoy improv sooo much. everytime I get up to dance, it's improv. I want to change this. Does anyone experience this too? I tried to visualize in my head the movements when listening to the music. Still though, I think I find it boring to choreograph. I know I'm just inexperienced but to me, bellydancing is the most fun when it's improvised because then I can dance however I am feeling at the time--with choreography, I can't do that. And my problem now is that I can't choreography properly even though I want to. Any advice? I think I was doing Improv-o-graphy or something.

06-06-2008, 12:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Farasha Hanem Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: In the heartland of the USA Posts: 615	I'm still very much a newbie student, but I'll put in my two cents' worth, anyway, if that's all right. Choreography probably does have its' proper use, but from what my bellydance teacher tells us (and I think it might be a strong concensus here on this forum) is that bellydance is supposed to be spontaneous, not relying on choreography. If you enjoy improv, then don't give it up.

06-06-2008, 04:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
teela Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alaska Posts: 297	I vote for the choreographed framework. I sit down and listen to the music so I know where all the A, B, C, etc parts are and what repeats and how long each one is and what moves would fit where and then go for it at the performance. When i'm practicing, i try the various movements so i feel comfortable with them and the music. Good luck

06-14-2008, 06:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
Moon V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 3,631	Rai, if you are so good at improvising at such an early stage already and you enjoy it so much, why change it???? A lot of students wish they had your problem, believe me

06-15-2008, 02:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
janaki V.I.P. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: hong kong Posts: 1,211	Wow!!! many dancers have trouble with improve. It is great that you can improv. My advise to you is to learn more about music, styles, rhythms and culture behind it. This will help you to interpret the musiv better and dance better. With out proper knowledge, umderstanding and good technique you will dance to all songs the same way. A strucutred choreogrphy from a good instructor has all these elements thrown into it. I learn choreos for disiplain and I use that knowlege base to improve.