Lyrical Music For Young Dancers

Lyrical Music for Young Dancers: Finding the Perfect Soundtrack for Emotional Expression

Finding the right music is crucial for young dancers. It’s more than just a background track; it's the emotional heartbeat of their performance, dictating the mood, tempo, and overall narrative. For lyrical dance, specifically, music selection becomes even more critical, as this style relies heavily on conveying emotion and storytelling through movement. This article explores the nuances of selecting lyrical music for young dancers, offering guidance on genres, tempos, dynamics, and how to foster a deeper connection between music and movement. We'll delve into practical tips, explore common pitfalls, and provide examples to inspire your next choreography.

Understanding the Essence of Lyrical Dance

Lyrical dance is a beautiful and expressive genre that blends elements of ballet, modern, and jazz, emphasizing fluidity, grace, and emotional depth. Unlike more technically focused styles, lyrical dance prioritizes conveying a feeling or story. The dancer's movements become a visual interpretation of the music, translating its nuances into physical expression. This makes the choice of music paramount; it's not just accompaniment, it's the foundation upon which the entire performance is built.

Choosing the Right Lyrical Music for Young Dancers: Key Considerations

Selecting the perfect music for young dancers requires careful consideration of several factors:

1. Age Appropriateness and Emotional Maturity:

The music's lyrical content and emotional complexity should align with the dancers' age and emotional maturity. Younger dancers might respond better to music with simpler melodies and readily identifiable emotions, while older dancers can handle more complex arrangements and nuanced emotional landscapes. Avoid songs with potentially disturbing or inappropriate themes.

2. Tempo and Dynamics:

Lyrical dance often incorporates a range of tempos and dynamics, reflecting the ebb and flow of emotions. The music should offer a variety of speeds and intensities to accommodate variations in movement, from slow, deliberate phrases to powerful, explosive bursts of energy. Look for music with a good balance of quiet introspection and dynamic peaks.

3. Genre and Style:

While the term "lyrical" itself suggests a certain stylistic preference, the actual genre is quite flexible. Popular choices include:

• Pop Ballads: These often feature strong melodies, emotional lyrics, and a good dynamic range, making them ideal for conveying a wide spectrum of emotions. Look for songs with a driving beat that still allows for lyrical phrasing.
• Contemporary Pop: Some contemporary pop songs, particularly those with strong vocals and emotional depth, can work well for lyrical dance. Focus on songs with a more introspective or melancholic feel, avoiding overly upbeat or party-like tracks.
• Classical Music: Pieces by composers like Debussy, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff often offer rich melodic lines and expressive harmonies, perfect for conveying profound emotions. However, ensure the piece is accessible and engaging for the dancers.
• Instrumental Music: Instrumental music allows for greater freedom in choreography, as the dancer isn’t constrained by lyrics. Consider film scores, contemporary classical pieces, or even world music.

4. Musicality and Phrasing:

The music should be rhythmically and melodically engaging, allowing the dancers to find natural points of emphasis and phrasing in their movements. Look for music with clear melodic contours, well-defined sections, and a strong sense of musical structure. Avoid music that is overly chaotic or disjointed.

5. Length and Structure:

The music's length should be appropriate for the choreography's intended duration. The structure of the music should also lend itself to a natural progression of movements and emotions. Consider using a song's different sections (verse, chorus, bridge) to create distinct phases within the choreography.

6. Copyright and Licensing:

Always ensure that you have the necessary rights to use the chosen music for performance. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues. Investigate royalty-free music libraries or obtain the proper licenses if you plan to perform publicly.

Practical Tips for Selecting Lyrical Music

• Listen Actively: Don’t just passively listen to music; actively engage with it. Pay close attention to the melody, rhythm, dynamics, and overall emotional impact. How does the music make you feel?
• Visualize the Movement: As you listen, try to visualize how the music might translate into movement. What kinds of steps and gestures might suit the various sections of the piece?
• Collaborate with Dancers: Involve the dancers in the music selection process. Play them different options and let them share their reactions and suggestions. This fosters ownership and enthusiasm.
• Experiment and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment with different musical styles and combinations. Try juxtaposing contrasting pieces to create a dynamic and engaging sequence.
• Seek Inspiration: Explore various sources of music, including streaming services, film scores, and classical music libraries. Be open to unexpected finds.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Choosing music that is too complex or technically challenging: Ensure that the music's rhythmic and melodic complexity is suitable for the dancers' skill level.
• Focusing solely on lyrics: While lyrics can provide inspiration, don't let them dictate the entire choreography. The music's overall mood and dynamics are equally important.
• Ignoring the dancers' preferences: Involving the dancers in the process ensures buy-in and increases the likelihood of a successful performance.
• Neglecting copyright issues: Always ensure you have the appropriate permissions to use the music publicly.
• Choosing music that is too long or too short: The music should complement the choreography's duration and structure.

Examples of Lyrical Music for Different Age Groups

Younger Dancers (Ages 6-10):

• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri (Instrumental Version): This song has a beautiful melody and a gradual build-up, ideal for conveying a sense of wonder and growing emotion.
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Instrumental): A classic choice with a familiar and uplifting melody.
• Selected pieces from Disney soundtracks: Many Disney soundtracks feature emotional melodies and accessible themes perfect for young dancers.

Intermediate Dancers (Ages 11-14):

• "Fix You" by Coldplay (Instrumental Version): This song offers a good range of dynamics and emotional depth.
• "Halo" by Beyoncé (Instrumental Version): This song combines power and vulnerability, ideal for showcasing a range of movement styles.
• Selected pieces from film scores (e.g., "How to Train Your Dragon," "The Lord of the Rings"): Film scores often contain rich musical textures and emotional narratives.

Older Dancers (Ages 15+):

• "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver: This song features a haunting melody and raw emotionality.
• "Liability" by Lorde: This song explores themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance.
• "Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi: This piece of classical music has a beautiful and evocative melody.

The Scientific Basis of Music and Movement

The connection between music and movement is not merely artistic; it has a strong scientific basis. Music engages multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for emotion, memory, and motor control. The rhythmic and melodic patterns in music can influence our movement patterns, creating a natural synchronization between body and sound. This synchronization is facilitated by neural pathways that connect auditory and motor areas of the brain, allowing for a seamless translation of musical cues into physical expression. The emotional impact of music further enhances this connection, as our feelings directly influence our movements.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any song I find on YouTube or Spotify?

A: No. Using copyrighted music without permission is illegal. You must obtain the necessary licensing rights for public performance.

Q: How do I find royalty-free music?

A: Many online platforms offer royalty-free music specifically for use in projects like dance performances. Research these options carefully and ensure you understand the licensing terms.

Q: What if my dancers don't like the music I've chosen?

A: Involving your dancers in the selection process is crucial. However, if you have chosen music based on artistic vision and they still strongly object, consider having an open dialogue to understand their concerns. You might need to compromise or find a different approach.

Conclusion: Unlocking Emotional Expression Through Music

Selecting lyrical music for young dancers is a crucial step in creating a powerful and memorable performance. By carefully considering factors such as age appropriateness, musical style, tempo, dynamics, and copyright, you can help your dancers unlock their emotional expression and tell compelling stories through movement. Remember to actively engage with the music, visualize its potential for choreography, and collaborate with your dancers to create a performance that resonates deeply with both performers and audience. The right music will not only enhance their technical skills but will also foster a profound connection between their bodies, minds, and the art they create. Embrace the creative process, and let the music guide your dancers on a journey of artistic expression.