21 Dances

That sums up the number of pieces I choreograph each year at my dance studio. As the owner, choreographer, social media manager, clean up crew, teacher, and plant lover. I need to be organized.

AMB Dance Theatre has 4 different levels, starting from ages 3 to 17. Each level I create choreography for an incredible show in June. Right now June is 2 months away... In dance math.

How do I keep all of these dances in my head and into a formation of a wonderful dancers?

I pray... A lot.

But most importantly I stay organized with video, written choreography, and corrective technique classes for my students.

This has happend a few too many times. I'm slowly getting better. As I choreograph the dances, I record at the end of each class, as a reminder for the following week. Sometimes, my dancers would mention the video throughout class. It's our way of knowing "hey we got in on camera"... or did we?

Recording also helps me look back at my dancers for corrections. When you're one instructor amongst 13 students, your eyes, all though they try, to look everywhere. It's simply not possible. It's a close call, in my opinion.

For the following class I am able to give my feedback and corrections, when it's time to "Clean the Choreography" it'll be much easier.

I feel like a football coach when I draw my transitions for the dancers. They become X's and O's or the first initial of their name. I always walk the pattern out first before going full force. Giving a special que in the music is one way I give them time to prepare for a transition. I've noticed it helps from previous recitals. I make sure to use the theatre terminology. Upstage... Stage right... So that on recital day, my dancers are clear on direction and focused.

As I go through teaching the choreography, I include different exercises that assist with my dancers' balance, jumps, and core strength. The exercises are tough, I get a little winded every once in a while ... but I don't let it show..

I encourage my dancers to practice at home. Dance doesn't stop in the studio. It's a great family at AMB Dance Theatre.