Making Waves
REHEARSAL
Once everybody is happy with the final structure for their dance it can be rehearsed.
At this point you need to take into account the relationship to music, and practice not only in the
studio/classroom space, but begin to think about how it might be different in the performance space.
Bringing music and dance together
If the music and dance have been created separately (as in the Making Waves project) then bringing
them together can be an exciting experience. Children can be fully involved in suggesting and
selecting suitable music for their dance.
 Ask the children to close their eyes and visualize the dance, how do they see the music and dance
working together?
 Experiment, try the movement to the music and see moments where they connect
 Highlight music changes and variations, could these work with certain parts of the
choreography?
 Juxtapose an intense crescendo with a solo performer
One of the main ingredients for the music and dance working together is that the dancers have truly
had the opportunity to listen to the music and know how the music progresses.
Then the dancers can listen for key changes, particular musical instruments, rhythms or phrases in
the music which can indicate to the dancers a movement or change in the choreography is about to
happen.
The following music could be suitable for a nautical theme:
Artist
Title
Debussy
La Mer
Holst
The Planets
Lemon Jelly
The Elements
Chicane
Low sun
Royksopp
In Space
Rehearsal techniques
 Be careful not to over rehearse your dance, as this can causes the dancers to lose the
intention/quality and get bored

Throughout the process groups can watch each other’s work and give feedback – this then
reflects how both perform

Work on and rehearse one part or section and then go back to putting the whole dance together

Clarify the intention or dynamic, remind students of the original starting point and how this
initially made them feel

The dance can be rehearsed in separate sections so the group doesn’t get tired of it. Identify
specific things to work on e.g. spacing in section one, quality in section two and timing in section
three

Rehearse exits, entrances and final bows or finales

Include a dress-rehearsal to help children feel comfortable with the performance space,
costumes, exits, entrances and timings