It’s your birthday!

Aside from teaching dance classes, I also choreograph sweet 16 and quince dances. I started from a referral, believe it or not. A DJ asked if I could choreograph sweet 16’s. I was young and thought I knew how to do everything so I said yes of course! Not realizing that sweet 16 and quinces can have cultural dances, involve multiple dancers, and one song can last 10 minutes.

I was truly in over my head in my early 20s. However, you learn and you grow, which I did very much. Now I am comfortable with choreographing huge dance groups for sweet 16’s and quince’s.

This blog post is for all of the future young ladies who are looking into working with a choreographer (hopefully me) and what to expect. Keep in mind we are all different! Not all choreography is the same. But one thing all choreographers do have in common is making YOU look and feel amazing on your special day.

Rule number one. Commitment!

Finding a group of people that are willing to take time out of their schedule to dance for you for about two hours every weekend is hard. Family is usually the way to go, however, when you have friends that you want to be a part of your celebration. They have to stay committed to the rehearsal schedule. During my consultations this is one thing I put the most emphasis on. Life happens! We can’t control everything. However having a strong group that will make your party spectacular is important.

Rule number two. Give me time… like a lot.

Research and find the type of choreographer you are looking for. We are out there, and so is google. Depending on the size of your court, will determine how much time your choreographer will need to create the choreography, teach the choreography, and perfect the choreography. At least four to three months before your party is a great time frame for choreographers to not stress out.

Rule number three. Be ready to answer questions.

So you found your choreographer and you’re ready to book them. You’re ready to start rehearsals… but wait there’s more! We have questions! Are you ok being lifted in the air? Can you dance or are you more of a two stepper? Is your court prepared and ready? How many dancers are in your court? What songs are you using? What will your hair look like? Will you be wearing a crown? Are you changing clothes for any dances? What is the location of the venue? See what I mean? In order for us to make you look good we need all the tea. If after reading this, and you cannot answer all of these questions you are not ready to book your choreographer. Oh, trust me there are more questions.

Rule number four. Communication is key!

Just as the saying goes… location location location…. I prefer communication communication communication! Telling your choreographer all of the details is better than thinking “they don’t need to know” we need to know everything! The dances are the entertainment aspect of your party. Yes people are coming to celebrate your birthday, however the dances give it that extra party time feel. For example, you tell your choreographer that you are only wearing one dress, and then at your party end up having three different changes… and the choreographer is supposed to adapt to the quick change and modify the choreography. That can be really stressful, and completely not the choreographers fault. Tell us what we need to know.

Rule number five. The most important. You must practice in your sweet 16 or quince dress!! Yes I said it!

Contrary to what you may believe. It is very important that you, the birthday girl, practice in your party dress. Why you ask? I’ll gladly tell you. Dancing with the dress feels very different than dancing with the underskirt. The dress is bigger, usually has a train, and will make your smile turn into a frown if ANYTHING GOES WRONG. You must, absolutely must practice in your dress, so you partner can get a feel for it. And won’t step on your dress. So that you can get a feel for it and be comfortable at your party, and if you are being lifted, it’s always great to know how it feels with the dress. Saving your dress for your party is a huge no no.

I hope this blog post was extremely helpful to my future ladies turning 15 or 16. Take as many notes and comment any questions you may have. I hope to choreograph your special day for you soon! You can check my packages by clicking this link and visit my Youtube channel! https://www.ambdancetheatre.com/quinceanera-sweet16