Choreography - Complexity versus Intensity
By 
Lee Hansen

We've probably all had the scenario in our classes - the aerobic animals in one corner, the "keep it low" people in the other, the class stars at the front, and the uncoordinated who head for the back. For must of us, the classes we teach are a pretty mixed bag. With most presenters and conventions teaching us complex (but none the less inspirational and uplifting) choreography - how do we know what to take back to our classes and throw at them, and is it really worth sacrificing intensity for the sake of complex combinations?

The main problem with taking choreography back is that it just isn't your own! You may not know it, but your choreography probably has a pretty unique stamp on it, whether your style is dancey or athletic. In this article, I'd like to take a look at how to take complex choreography and implement it in your classes for maximum success.

Complex choreography can be extremely uplifting when the class follows, but on the other hand can lead to de-motivation when they are unable to follow fancy footwork. Don't ask too much of your class at once, remember, you know this combination by heart - for them, it probably equates with being hit by a ton of bricks! Choose your breakdown methods carefully, and try to use techniques, which you know will lead you as smoothly as possible to the end product. Reverse pyramids and holding pattern removal techniques tend to work extremely well when dealing with complex blocks. Layering changes over a base combination tend to rely on the class being sharp eyed and familiar with the moves being layered, and so sometimes is not as successful as you would like - even though it is the easiest teaching method for the instructor!  

Athletic choreography tends to be more intense, which is why it is worth putting chunks in-between your complex combinations. Mostly, it moves more quickly than complex choreography as the breakdown or learning curve is much shorter. It also gives the class a chance to rest mentally and come back to familiar territory. 

If you have a complex piece of choreography planned, ask yourself if it's too much to throw at the class all in one go. You could introduce the trickier individual moves to the class over a period of time, whether it be days or weeks, and eventually these moves will become as familiar as a grapevine or box step. Remember, repetition! The more you and the class practice, the greater your chance of success!

You could consider using a complex first 16 counts of choreography and then making the second 16 something easier and familiar to the class. Making sure that you cue the easier options as well as the advanced for the first 16 counts, there is something in there for everybody! 

As we said earlier, taking choreography back from workshops or conventions can sometimes be a problem when it just isn't your own. This is another reason why introducing this choreography mixed in with your own can be useful. Remember that workshops and conventions are an excellent tool for lighting your own creative spark - don't be scared of changing moves or combinations to suit your own individual styles. 

Remember to introduce complex choreography slowly, and be patient with your class. Ask them to be persistent, and have lots of familiar material in your class until you are sure they can cope. 

Stay safe and have fun!

Lee

Lee Hansen currently resides in the UK. Lee is an RSA/NVQ qualified instructor, and teaches a variety of classes including high low, step and body conditioning in several health facilities in the UK. Feel free to email Lee Hansen:  absolute-fitness@ntlworld.com.