Ins and Outs of Routine Choreography
by Pam Headridge

“Choreography - the art of composing and planning and arranging the movements, steps and patterns of dancers”.

To choreograph a routine, you need to make it “pleasing to the eye”. Visual is your primary focus when choreographing! Think of your routine as one unit, not individual cheerleaders or dancers. Whether you are creating a routine for a half-time performance or an upcoming competition, you should consider many dos and don’ts.

DOs
levels
patterns
directions
ripples
jumps
kicks
turns
transitions
formations
tumbling
stunts


DON’Ts
Stay in the same place throughout the entire routine
Add elements that your team has not perfected
Walk from one formation to another (especially in a “dance only” routine)
Use moves that are too suggestive
Repeat dance sections more than twice

Choreographing For a Halftime or Assembly Performance
Use themes; they are both entertaining and easy to work with. Below are some suggestions.

Splish Splash: Costume - towels on head and bath robes, (have cheer uniforms underneath). Dance up to the part “How did I know there was a party going on?” Splice a recording of a pop song after this line, take robes off and finish off with a funkier dance.
Car Wash: Costume - mechanic’s overalls
Mission Impossible: Costume - trench coat, hat & dark glasses
It’s Raining Men: Cheerleaders with umbrellas dance then guys join in and stunt
Kung Foo Fighting: Costume - Karate uniforms and use kick boxing moves
In the Navy: Costume - Sailor hats