Recently, I got a message from a reader, Zoe: Hi! I'm teaching a VERY basic Jazz class to 8-10 year-olds! I was looking for a clean, upbeat, and possibly christian song to choreograph for our final recital. If you could give me a few ides, that would be awesome! Zoe Finding upbeat and CLEAN music can be rough... Especially if you are trying to avoid the Top 40 songs that everyone else is playing. I'd love to help! Here are some suggestions. 1. Smile Big by Leftover Cuties I'll admit that this is a song I've used more than once. I've maybe choreographed to this song 3 times...it's that good. And I don't get sick of it! This song has so much character and is great for little ones or beginners because the lyrics themselves remind the dancers to perform and smile big! 2. All of Me by Tanlines I use this song a lot for warm-up, but the steady beat and catchy chorus make it great for beginning choreography as well. 3. That Beep by Architecture in Helsinki This catchy song is sure to put you in a good mood! This is also a good choice for warm-up for younger dancers because it is exciting, yet not too fast. 4. Boomerang by Lucy Schwartz I've shared this song before, but it is worth sharing again! This is another song that I have used multiple times for choreography and I don't get sick of it. I've used both for jazz and tap choreography. 5. Bop 'til You Drop by the Nylons This song makes me want to dance! And I promise it will make young kids want to dance too. Get ready to boogie! 6. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley I personally love using classic oldies for choreography. They are familiar songs, but still fresh because they are not currently overplayed. You can't go wrong with Elvis and poodle skirts. 7. Papa Loves Mambo by Perry Como Speaking of classics, I LOVE this song. This is another song that is exciting, while not being too fast for littles to keep up. 8. Brighten it Up by Matt Stansberry & the Romance This is a hand-clapping, soulful song that will have you singing along and tapping your toes. 9. Jump in the Line by Harry Belafonte This song makes me think of bright tropical colored costumes! With Fringe. Lots of fringe. 10. New Shoes by Paolo Nutini Put your dancers in some colorful Chuck Taylors and boom, you have an adorable concept.
I couldn't find many upbeat Christian songs for kids that I loved for choreography, but I will keep listening and make another post if I find some! What song would you love to use for a kids jazz class? Tell me in the comments below!
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This song gets me pumped! It's like big band meets electronic hip hop. And Angela McCluskey's voice is sort of reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald. So much love. 2. Sunset by Panda Panda! I was so excited to hear that Panda Panda released a second album! I use his first release, The Black and White EP, in class all the time! This album, Cherry Blossoms, did not disappoint! Panda Panda's mix of electronic and acoustic music along with the occasional clip of recorded text is the perfect background for improvisation or dance workshopping. I've used it for student choreography as well. You can get the album free (legally!) from Noisetrade here! (I promise Noisetrade doesn't pay me or anything. I just love them!) 3. Tell Me There's a Garden by Jospeh I've been loving and using Joseph's music for a while now, and I've featured them before, but I've noticed that they've gotten a lot of attention lately for their song White Flag. These sisters definitely deserve the attention! Their harmonies are so unreal! But while White Flag is a good song, it's not nearly as good as many of their other songs, in my opinion. So, I just had to share this one with you. I used this song last year for some contemporary modern choreography I set on my dance company at school. This song means a lot to me and I hope you'll love it too! 4. The Gene Sequence by Barclay Crenshaw I came across this song recently and thought it was so cool! With it's unique electronic sound and hip hop beat, it's just like a mysterious cacophony of goodness. 5. Let the Games Begin by Aloe Blacc This past winter, the concert at my school was titled, "Let the Games Begin". The students created choreography inspired by games. We had a good variety with everything from Twister, to football, to the Quiet Game. This song from the Race soundtrack was the perfect finale song for our concert. 6.Colors by Verite I used this song in my set warm-up this year and my students seemed to really like it. The is an electronic pop song with a strong beat and echoing female vocals. 7.Liv and Leo by Danny Black Danny Black is Dan Schwartz, the guitarist of one of my favorite bands, Good Old War. He came out with a solo album earlier this year titled, Adventure Soundtrack. Not only is this album the perfect background for all of your outdoor adventures, it is also the perfect pick for your next piece of choreography! Each song on the album has a very different sound as he uses both acoustic and electric guitar. I used this particular song for choreography in my last concert. Dan is an excellent musician and you won't want to miss hearing this one! 8. Built for this Time (The Hidden Memoir EP version) by Zayde Wolf I originally found another version of this song, which has a beat more constant throughout the song, but I actually like this version better. This dramatic song could definitely make for some epic choreography! Also, does this music video make anyone else laugh? The little boy is just so cute with his angry face, haha. 9. Hunger of the Pine by Alt-J You may have heard other tracks by Alt-J like Breezeblocks and Left Hand Free, which are both great songs, but you may not have heard this slower, more eerie side of their music. It's definitely interesting! Give it a listen! 10. The Raven's Song by Aaron Embry This is a sweet little song with piano and vocals. Like the lyrics say, "It's short, but it's strong." It's from the Soundtrack of Wish I Was Here, which I've never seen, actually. This is the only recording of the song I can find too. But...I kind of like the roughness of the recording. It makes it seem kind of sentimental, like listening to an old record. It's a pretty song.
Well, that's it for now. Let me know if you like these, end up using any of them, or need more recommendations! Recently, I received from a message from Katy, a Dancer's Music Resource reader. She said, I am writing to see if you have any equally awesome suggestions for lyrical songs for younger dancers (9-12ish). I love giving them pieces they can relate to, songs about childhood, friendships, etc... I just can't (and wouldn't want to) ask them to relate to songs about heartbreak or sadness. Do you have any song suggestions for light, happy, lyrical, appropriate for younger children? I can completely relate. When I choreograph for younger dancers, I can't bring myself to choose songs that are sad, angry, angsty, or talk about adult problems. Those kinds of songs are very popular when it comes to lyrical dance. But when kids are young, they don't need that. I agree with Katy, let's give these kids songs they can relate to. Even more, let's give them songs that inspire, help and uplift them in a world that can easily drag you down. I mean honestly, it doesn't matter what age you are - we could all use a little hope and positivity right now, couldn't we? So, here are a few songs that I think would be appropriate for lyrical or contemporary choreography for dancers of any age. 1. If Then by General Ghost This song is about trying new things and not being afraid of failure. I've seen a lot about the importance of failure going around on social media lately in articles, videos, etc. and I agree that it's an important topic. We can't let the fear of failure keep us from reaching our full potential. Failure can teach us a lot if we pick ourselves back up, learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward. I used this song a couple years ago for a junior division contemporary piece and I love the energy of it. 2. Be Still by the Killers Ok, so I've featured this song before....but it's just so perfect I had to do it again. This past year, I used this song for choreography I did for a junior competition team. Before teaching them the choreography, I discussed the meaning of the piece with them; It's about rising up and staying true to yourself no matter what life brings us. Later, I found out that one of the girls on the team had a serious health condition, needed surgery, and wasn't able to compete. The team dedicated this piece to her. Though I was heartbroken because of what this girl and her team had to go through, I was so happy that my piece was able to inspire these young girls and motivate them to keep going. Last I heard, the young dancer was recovering and excited to dance again. 3. Lifted Away by Joseph Alright, so obviously this is a live video performance, but you can find the recorded version of this song for free on Noisetrade. I've used this song for choreography as well and loved it. It's about not worrying and breaking free from the things that keep you down. These ladies have beautiful harmony. I hope you love it as much as I do. 4. We're Going to be Friends (cover) by Jack Johnson If you're looking for the perfect sweet & innocent friendship song for kids, here you go. This song is originally by the White Stripes. I actually really love the original, but I've found that many dance teachers prefer the Jack Johnson version for their young classes, so that's the one I went with... But they're both great, take your pick. 5. Diggin in the Sand by Josh Rouse This song is just cute, lighthearted and upbeat. How adorable would a beach themed dance be? 6. The Weight of Living Pt. 1 by Bastille Similarly to "Lifted Away," this song is about letting go of things that bring you down in life. So many of these songs are great for choreography because dancers can relate them to the different challenges that they face individually whether that's depression, illness, family problems, or anything else. 7. Let it Be by the Beatles This a classic, not much needs to be said here.... One of my all time favorite songs full of hope. 8.Next to Me by Sleeping at Last I LOVE this song. My husband and I are childhood friends and this song played during our wedding slideshow. (Awwwww. I know, right?) Anyway, it's kind of a love song...Kind of. But it is also about the innocence of youth. It would be so precious for a group of young dancers. 9. Little Balloon by Jenny and Tyler This is such a sweet song. And how cute would it be to use balloons in your choreography? 10. Hang On by Guster I'm going to finish this list with another general, hopeful statement, "Just hang on." This song is mellow, but meaningful with just enough dynamic to make a beautiful piece.
Well, what do you think? Do you have any other songs you've loved using for younger dancers? Please share! (And Katy, I hope that helped!) Happy choreographing! It's officially arrived - the week of Halloween! Dance teachers everywhere will be doing fun Halloween inspired classes this week. This time of year is so fun for students. I still remember when I was in school and my ballet teacher taught us barre exercises to Halloween music during the month of October. We had a blast and it made a great impression on me. Over my years of teaching, I've realized that finding new Halloween music can be hard. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Ray Parker Jr's "Ghostbusters" are always go-to choices, but after you've heard them over and over, sometimes you just need something new and the students do too. I've compiled a list of 15 Halloween songs I've used or plan to use. Some are traditional, while others are more obscure. Hopefully this will help all teachers looking for spooky new music. Maybe you're just looking for songs to add to your Halloween party playlist? This is for you as well! 1. This is Halloween by Danny Elfman from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas In all honesty, this movie has always terrified me...but this song makes for great Halloween choreography. 2. Sally's Song by Fiona Apple (also from The Nightmare Before Christmas) Though I'm not a fan of the movie, I really enjoy this song. As a senior in high school, I choreographed a solo to this song that I used in auditions for several university dance programs as well as my senior solo at my studio. 3. The Monster Mash by Bobbby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers Check out this awesome clip with Dick Clark on American Bandstand! This song will always be a Halloween freeze dance classic. 4. Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley This song is great for young kids because it lends itself perfectly to actions. Also, they think the silly voices are HILARIOUS. 5. The Addams Family Theme Short and sweet...or should I say short and spooky? This year I'm choreographing a combo en pointe to this song. 6. Rama Lama (Bang Bang) by Roisin Murphy I have no idea what she is actually singing about, but this song just sounds Halloweeny, doesn't it? If you don't agree, surely Wade Robson's choreography to this song on So You Think You Can Dance will change your mind. I've taught a combo to this song in many teen jazz classes and it's always a hit. 7. Walking with a Ghost by Tegan & Sara This song has a great tempo for warm-up and conditioning. 8. Walking with a Ghost by KADEBOSTANY No, this is not a Tegan and Sara cover. (Though, if you want one of those, check out this one by The White Stripes). This is a much different song that just happens to have the same title. I'd describe it as a mix of piano, tango, Adele, rap, and a horn section. Intrigued? 9. Ghost in My House by Lucy Schwartz Click here to see my post featuring this song and more of Lucy Schwatz's music. 10. The Ghost Inside by Broken Bells While we are on the topic of ghosts, why not throw in this groovy song? 11. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon They'll be howling with this one. 12. The X-Files Theme Believe it or not, I've seen some great choreography to this song! 13. Disney's Grim Grinning Ghosts This song may or may not have scared me as I watched it on the Disneyland Sing-Along VHS as a child. 14. Love Potion Number 9 by the Clovers Why do so many of the good Halloween songs come from the 50s? 15. Double Trouble by John Williams from Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban Who doesn't love Harry Potter? This beautifully spooky song would be prefect for a Halloween ballet class!
What are your favorite Halloween songs? Feel free to share! I hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween. Keep dancing! Haley Life has many exciting "first moments"... First steps, first day of school, first kiss, first home... The list goes on and on. Utah Dance Artists, one of the fabulous dance studios that I teach at, is dedicating their Spring 2016 Recital to these moments. The recital theme is "That's a First! Dances Inspired by Life's Fabulous First Moments." I have to admit that when I first heard the theme I thought, "What...? What does that mean?" But, as I've grown to understand the idea, I've become very excited for this theme! There are so many possibilities and so many personal memories that can be commemorated. I have spent the past month or two searching for songs that capture these first-time life moments. It's been challenging and exciting; I've found quite wide selection! While I am saving some of my best ideas for myself, I certainly can't use all of them, so I thought I'd share. These song could be used for many different ages and styles, Hopefully these will help some of my UDA teachers who need a last minute (or back-up) idea. But really, no matter where you teach, these songs could inspire great choreography in any venue! 1. First Love by Adele I've been an Adele fan for a long time. Before "Rolling in the Deep" and "Set Fire to the Rain" there was this song. I'm thinking advanced contemporary, but what do you think? 2. Breaking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka (First Break-Up) How cute would this be for a preschool class?! 3. Money from the musical Cabaret (First Paycheck) A great song for a musical theater/jazz piece. 4. Fixing a Hole by the Beatles (First Home) Who doesn't love the Beatles? They are played often in my tap classes, so my students definitely like them. I was originally thinking of this song for tap choreography. I wanted to use a house piece of scenery that the dancers would 'fix up" during the dance by using tools such as hammers - banging to the beat of the music. The idea is up for grabs if you want it! 5. Being Alone by LOVE ON A REAL TRAIN (First Time Being Alone) I just think this song is awesome. I could see this being used for modern or contemporary choreography. 6. One is the Loneliest Number by Three Dog Night (First Time Being Alone) Another great song for the same idea. This one is rockin! 7. Best Summer Ever from Teen Beach Movie 2 (First Summer Vacation) Ok, I'll admit I would probably get reaallly sick of this song if I had to listen to it every week... But I know that any young jazz class would love to dance to this song. And it would probably be really cute. :) 8. I've Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash (First Road Trip) I guess this could be titled First Time Hitch-Hiking, but I don't really want to promote that, so we'll stick with First Road Trip. This would be perfect for a tap dance. 9. NYC form the Musical Annie (First Trip to NYC) Ok, so maybe a trip to NYC isn't a first that happens in everyone's life...but it should be! I'm a tap teacher, so a lot of the ideas I had were for tap, but this could also be a fun jazz dance. 10. Everything I Own by Bread (First Loss of a Loved One) I saved the best for last this time. Sadly, this is is a first moment we can all relate to eventually. This song may be old, but a modern, contemporary, or ballet piece to this song would be BEAUTIFUL.
Do you have any great "first moment" ideas that you aren't using? Share your ideas! Do you have a great idea, but can't find the right music to match it? Let me know and I'll see if I can help. Did any of these spark an idea for you? Comment below! Good luck on your choreographic endeavors! -Haley Just for fun before I begin this post, here's a throwback to one of my favorite hip hop numbers I did in my high school years. Yes, I'm the one in the middle with the duck face... So, you're teaching a hip hop class for kids, but all the good hip hop songs seem to be too inappropriate for the little ones. What do you do? Morgan recently commented, "You want to know my struggle? When I teach hip hop to elementary kids in after school program, I struggle every year to find good clean music that doesn't involve the name Justin Beiber or other similar artists. Any suggestions would be great!" It can be a challenge to find clean hip hop music! I've used Justin Bieber and similar artists a few more times than I'd like to admit. However, I do know there are other options out there. Now, before I get into some of my ideas, let me say that there are a lot of different hip hop styles out there. The songs that I suggest certainly won't work for everything. If we want to get technical, b-boys (break dancers) probably won't want to use the same music as dancers who do popping or locking. Krumpers won't use the same music as dancers who do "liquid" or "lyrical" hip hop. I'm no expert on each of the individual hip hop genres, but if you're just looking for some clean music for kids, hopefully this helps. :)
The Bridge has lots of tracks that simply have good beats and use an electronic sound. Look through their music and find a song at the tempo you need, and you won't have to worry about lyrics. I've used this for hip hop skills across the floor. 2. The Muppet Show Theme Song by Ok Go This song may not technically be classified under hip hop, but it totally works! I choreographed a kids hip hop piece to this song where half of the kids were "puppets" and the other half were "puppeteers" and acted as if they were controlling the puppets' movements. It was cute, the kids had fun, and the parents liked it too! 3. Pro Nails (Rusko Remix) by Kid Sister Dubstep. Lots of people are using dubstep in hip hop, while others are criticizing it. All I know is, when I've used this song, my students have loved it - especially every time it says, "Uh Oh!" For some reason, that gets them every time. Incorporate that into your choreography and you're golden! (I've also used this song for a modern combination and my teen students liked that as well.) 4. Recess by Skrillex Alright, yeah, more dubstep-ish music. I've used this song for choreography and it was a lot of fun. If you like the dubstep sound, you should also check out Basshead. Bassnectar is a good song to start with in my opinion. 5. Where Did You Go by Morgan Page, Andy Caldwell & Jonathan Mendelson This one has more of pop sound. It reminds me more of a Chris Brown song if that's your thing.
In addition to these songs, I've found that that kids like when I use some well known oldies like U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer. They also like remixes of theme songs from TV shows and movies, like this Inspector Gadget remix (this also immediately gives them a character to work with). And, of course, they love songs they've heard on the radio. When I was teaching a hip hop class a few years ago, the big requests were Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes and You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship as well as several Justin Bieber songs. It doesn't hurt to throw those in sometimes too, but it's definitely nice to have other options. So, hip hop teachers, what suggestions would you make? What songs do you love to use with kids? Where do you look? Leave a comment and share, because we could all use more ideas! -Haley |
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