Tips to Picking up Choreography

 

 

In our Varsity classes we teach many skills that you need to practice to master. Learning to pick up choreography is no different. It is a skill that you have to work at to get better. There are some athletes that will have an easier time than others, but if you find yourself struggling at this ability, here are some helpful hints.

 

Number 1: Always do the movements full out!

When you dance/cheer to the best of your ability your body will begin to remember the steps on its own. This is called muscle memory. If you mark the movements, your body will remember that move in that position and when you go to perform it full out your brain will get confused and you might mess up.


Number 2: Break the step down.

If you are having trouble processing a move, start by just doing the feet. Then, just do the arms. Once you feel confident doing each of them separately, add them together. Finally, drill the step over and over again until you feel comfortable.

 

Number 3: Try not to look at your neighbor.

When you are committing choreography to memory you want to be able to rely on just yourself. If you look to another classmate you will not fully internalize the step and you will end up chasing after the choreography.

 

Number 4: Practice picking up routines often.

When learning a new skill the more you do it the easier it will become. Learning a routine is a craft of its own. You have to train your mind to pick up step sequences. You should practice this skill 3 to 4 times a week to really improve.  You can also record the choreography from your classes to practice at home with.


Number 5: If you mess up, keep going!

We all have atendency to freeze a little bit if we forget what comes next. The best way to learn is to pick back up as soon as possible. Never stop and give up because you forget a little piece of the material. We are all human and we are going to make mistakes. So don’t be so hard on yourself, take a deep breath, and continue to cheer and dance!

 

Using these 5 tips will help you improve your ability to learn a routine. Soon you will be able to pick up two-minute long routines in no time. Also, remember never be afraid to ask one of your coaches a question in class. They get just as excited as you do when you can perform the routine on your own and have accomplished a goal!

 

 

 

 

Author, Colleen Hoernig, Varsity dance instructor who has 9 years of advanced teaching, coaching and performance experience in cheerleading/dance- in the United States and around the world. Colleen graduated at Arizona State University withBachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She was the pom coach of Horizon High School pom team, a State Champions and Nationally Ranked Team. Colleen is really excited to be in China to share her dance knowledge and passion with the children in China!

 

 

 

Varsity Cheerleading Academy

 

华思提运动中心

 

 

 

Address: Zhuguang Newtown International Center Block A, 4th Floor

Tianhe District Guangzhou City.

(Metro Line 5 Tancun Station, Exit D, next to Zhujiang Park)

Tel: 020-37031336

Website: www.varsity.com.cn

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