How to find music

There are many ways you can find inspirational music to choreograph a dance to. In my experience as a dancer and choreographer, I've found that some pieces could have done better with a different song.

Here are some of my helpful tips for making the right music selection:

1. AVOID POP...and overly-used songs. You will get sick of them and so will your dancers, and possibly, even your audience. Please, stay away from anything you'd hear on the radio. No Beyonce, Kanye or Lady GaGa. :) This is your time to shine and you want to look at least a little bit original.

2. OPT FOR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. Going along with tip #1, it's easier to get songs with lyrics stuck in your head that will eventually drive you to insanity than it is to have a song without words. These woefully lyrical songs also bring the audience's focus to the DANCE rather than the song.

3. GO TO PANDORA.COM and type in your favorite obscure artist. You will get plenty of other unheard of artists that may lend great inspiration for a dance.

4. CHOREOGRAPH FIRST, FIND MUSIC LATER. You'd be surprised how well some songs go with pieces after they are choreographed. Plus, you'll get past the "But I haven't picked out a song yet" roadblocking excuse and get right down to the dirty business -- choreographing.

5. BEFRIEND A RADIO DJ. I know this tip goes against what I said in tip #1, but if you know any music experts, specifically musicians or any of those DJs working for KCPR, they may have song ideas tucked away for you. Describe a mood, concept, etc and they may just have an answer.

photo illustration: bdesign.be