As a choreographer, I get stuck all the time on whether I’m working in the right direction. I am always thinking and questioning myself:

Have I done this too many times?

Am I keeping up with trends?

Am I keeping my students interested?

Have I got enough variety in my movements and patterning?

Let’s embark on a journey to supercharge our choreography. Crafting dance masterpieces is not just an art; it takes skill, research, and a lot of trial and error.

1. Embrace Your Unique Creativity

In the realm of calisthenics there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to choreography, because each of us is creative in our own right. Yes, we have crit sheets that guide our process, but there are so many ways to think outside the box and try something new.

Think about your favorite choreographers and coaches—they’ve got that special flair, right? It’s all about trusting your unique creativity. Don’t box yourself into expectations; instead, dance to the rhythm of your own beat. Be the choreographer who stands out, creating pieces that are uniquely YOU.

Don’t be afraid to try something. I’m a firm believer that you’ll never regret trying something; after all, that’s what lessons are for! Follow your instincts, let your creativity run wild, and watch the magic unfold!

2. Stay Up to Date with Dance Trends

Picture this: you, riding the crest of the latest dance trends, turning them into your own signature moves. We’re not just talking TikTok dances (although, why not?). The dance world is constantly evolving, and staying current keeps your choreography fresh and exciting.

So how do you do this? Your greatest asset is the internet. YouTube has thousands of videos from dance troupes across the world. For example, I was stuck at the end of my Revue, and everything I was doing felt repetitive and wasn’t suiting the piece of music I had chosen. I wanted to find some arm movements that I could add in to freshen up the choreography and create interest. So, I went on a YouTube deep dive, and ended up finding college dance audition routines that had been posted for potential students to learn. It was snappy, trendy, and utilised various arm positions I wouldn’t have thought about on my own. I took a few moves that I really liked and added them in a way that made sense to my style.

There’s also SO much around that you can find inspiration from. Look at how animals move and incorporate that into your choreography. Go to events such as dance and cheer competitions and concerts. Watch music videos that feature dancers to start learning a more commercial style.

Uncover the latest trends, tweak them, and make them your own.

3. Embrace the Timeless Classics

While we’re all about riding the wave of trends, let’s not forget the timeless classics that paved the way for choreographic greatness. Think about those legendary pieces that still leave us in awe decades later. Incorporating elements of classic training into your choreography adds that extra spark; that certain je ne sais quoi, if you will.

The easiest way to do this is to go back to your calisthenics skills syllabus. What tests and grades have your students completed by that age? What club swings, free exercises movements or march steps would they benefit from learning? Go back to the dance routines and think about why these steps are incorporated and what they are teaching your students.

On this note, look at classical music to inspire your choreography. There is so much out there in terms of depth and variety in music, that often we forget to look back and see what is still popular from hundreds of years ago. There’s a reason why they’re still being played today!

Trends may come and go, but the classics of dance? They’re eternal. So, as you think your next routine, let the golden days of dance inspire you!

4. Don’t Stop Enjoying What You Do!

Creating six items each year for each team can be exhausting, especially with competitions, concerts, and extra practices looming overhead. But amidst the hustle, never lose sight of why you fell in love with coaching and choreographing in the first place. While we are here to compete, we’re also here to create memorable performances, and that happens when passion meets enjoyment. The more fun you have, the more your choreography will shine. So, revel in the joy of calisthenics, let your passion light up the room, and watch the magic unfold on stage.