It is an exciting week for high schools in Minnesota: choreography week. It’s the week that the captains get to start their competition dance journey. The music, the formations, the choreography, the skills, the energy and the costume all work together to bring a vision to life. If one of these elements isn't working with the other, the dance feels "off"... and no one likes that feeling.

The first step of choreography is taking a step back and understanding the direction, theme, or approach. Some teams have obvious themes that are easier to pinpoint because their music sets the stage all on it's own. For example: a Latin, salsa-inspired sassy dance with a fringe skirt. Or a military theme with a combat outfit, complete with the camo facepaint to match.

Some teams create their own story. The music might have a deeper meaning to the team and their journey. They may create their own "team theme" or motto for the year (example: "Do what you love, love what you do.")

And others don't have a theme, but rather a style or approach. A hard hitting rock dance. Or a soft emotional lyrical piece that makes the seniors and moms cry every. single. performance.

No matter what route you decide to go, your team, music, costumes and choreography need to work together to make the dance an experience, not just "another dance." Over the years we have gotten the opportunity to work with so many phenomenal high schools that have had a wide variety of approaches to making their costume work with their choreography. Here are just a couple of memorable dances!

In 2013, Blaine HS did a spectacular transition costume, starting the team in an all black "Thunder" theme. About halfway through the performance, with the swipe of an arm the dance magically transformed into a colorful, rainbow and the gals kicked to the sky to, you guessed it, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow!" I would like to give the choreographer who created the formations and transitions to work flawlessly with groups of color a pat on the back and a giant cookie. SO ENGAGING!

And here's a video!

Another team that had a stand out theme was Mound Westonka HS this past 2014 season. Their brown tones and hats that made for a perfect "Newsies" theme. I've never seen copper suspenders look so good.

Good luck to all the high schools who have started their competition season journey! We can't wait to see you on the floor!