Choreography is almost finished! At least, version 1 is--it will change A LOT before it's finally done! But I thought I'd share a few of the lifts and drops I'm thinking of doing. Nothing is ever set in stone--so if you see something you just love--don't get too attached! It may change--especially once we actually TRY it. Every couple needs to be able to do it for us to include it in the routine.
This video shows some clips I've found online with some lifts and drops we can try. I've even set the music to most of them where I think it will go in the routine. If you get a chance, feel free to try learning them with each other over the summer. It will only make it that much easier when we start choreography if some of you have figured out how to do it. I certainly won't be do any of these myself--so it's up to YOU to figure them out!
The routine itself is always a work in progress and I've made changes. I cut out the Waltz entirely that was to "When You're Alone" from Hook--it just seemed redundant and the routine was too long. I recut the music a lot as I choreograph, so right NOW the routine is timed at 4:55, but that can always change. The most recent recut was today, so I update it a lot.
Partnerships
The partnerships are, however, set in stone. It's very difficult getting them exactly how I want them for the needs of the routine. I've changed them several times as I choreograph, and perhaps I will have to change them again, but for now they are set. I am NOT going to tell them to you until August 18th, though. Rest assured--each of you will learn TWO DIFFERENT SPOTS and will dance with TWO DIFFERENT PARTNERS and will be in 2 of the 3 shows we do.
Back flips!
Heads up though--there are three boys that will need to learn to do a backflip. Yup, a backflip. Like the kind where you step on the the knees of two other guys and they flip you. Those boys are: Seth, Jack R., and Ammon. So you three might want to start figuring THAT out, too! You three will also get a sweet little solo spot in the Jive--it's short but it's ALL YOU. It will be awesome.
Jive vs. Swing
Oh--here's another one. The song "Happy" is really fast. I can't slow it down, because half-way through we switch to Quickstep and it's a little slow for a Quickstep. Bottom line is--you need to practice your swing so you can do the basic REALLY fast. And when Swing gets fast, it becomes a Jive. So go through some of the swing steps you know but do them at a faster speed. Try the basic, change of places, the windmills (if you know them) and you should be ok.
Suggestions for Lifts and Drops
There are a couple of sections in the routine where you have to do several quick hits in succession. I have not choreographed them because each couple will do them different. So if you're bored (I'm talking to YOU Amanda, because you are always complaining on Groupme that you are bored) go to Youtube and start watching some routines and get some ideas. Your suggestions might be used for other another couple, but the more suggestions, the better. They have to be very quick--not some 8-count lift, just a quick hit, hit, hit. So...think about that. I love taking suggestions from you guys and working together on this!
Costumes I gave a hint about costumes--I'm still working on it but if my idea works out it will be EPIC. If we do my idea, we will have to pay someone to make them. I haven't priced that out yet, but to save costs we COULD see if Elk Ridge will buy them, and the ladies just split the cost of the seamstress. This means that it will be much cheaper, but we will only make 8 skirts and ERMS will keep them. We'll talk about this more later, but think about it. It may be we can stay in budget making 12 and using the $50 fee, but I don't know yet. I found a seamstress! She charges $20 per skirt, so we'll have to figure that out. We need to have a girls meeting about this when we get back! For the guys--I'd like to get some dance pants for you, and the cheapest I can find are these. They are $36 including shipping, and they ship from China--which is always a risk. But I think they look awesome! This takes a big chunk out of the costume fee, so you may have to get your own shirts. I don't know--still looking for that. I found this shirt, but it's cost combined with the pants is $70, so I don't think that will work...we'll see what we can find! |
I am considering doing an informal rehearsal the second week of August with anyone who can be there. Just a time to work out some of the steps and lifts and stuff in advance. Just kind of a "play" session. I'd like to do it Tuesday, August 11th around 10:00 a.m. My only issue is that I'm not sure we can get the school because Welby Elementary is using it for the summer. We may have to get a church. Anyway, if you are available and would like to come during that time, or if you think you could get us access to a church, comment below. If there is enough interest, I will organize it.
That's all for now! Hope you enjoyed the update!