(by Choreographer Lindsey Lamb)
My process for choreography can vary from show to show, but I always start with the first step. That is to meet with the director and musical director of the show and discuss what we are all wanting as a team for the dances and movement. After this initial meeting I start listening to the music we are using. The more I can familiarize myself with the tunes the better. I also do some research on the period and specific dance styles that were popular. Once this is done I start working on specific musical numbers for the show. I try to plot out as much as I can in advance so the choreography rehearsals can go as smoothly as possible. Sometimes I get to a certain place in the dance when creating and I have to see it on its feet to really get a better idea of how to move forward to the next step. Another challenge when teaching some period dances is that a lot of our younger performers have never done some of them. It’s always interesting to see them look so overwhelmed in the beginning and then grow with confidence as our rehearsals progress. Hopefully they are as excited to learn something new as I am to teach them and see them improve!
