Similarly, fantasy or sci-fi genre narratives often rely on over-the-top visual elements. Even if you love the emotional element and soundtrack of a particular sci-fi movie, your audience might find it difficult to identify with the story and its attendant emotions without the visual components. Think instead about what stories you love and which aren’t tied so closely to language or visual effects. Folk tales, fables, and fairy tales are often great choices, as the stories are well-known and they communicate clear, strong, and changing emotions.
For example, look for crescendos and decrescendos, as these gradual changes in the volume and quality of the music can be effectively reflected in your movements. [1] X Research source A couple good examples of songs with building textures and varying dynamics are Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke and Rose Royce’s Car Wash. [2] X Research source
Once you’ve identified your emotions, try to match them to different points in the song. For example, if the song starts out melancholy and contemplative for about thirty seconds, mark this out on a piece of accompanying sheet music. If it turns to a more energetic, uplifting mood after thirty seconds, make a notation at the thirty-second mark.
Similarly, rapid, accelerating, and seemingly impulsive movements tend to signal happiness or buoyant emotion, while slower motions often portray sadness or pensiveness. [5] X Research source
The key to making this brainstorming session effective is keeping an open mind and experimenting with a broad range of motions. Even if you don’t end up using any of the specific moves you perform at this point, you can generate valuable ideas and inspiration for your eventual choreography.
For example, heaving or sighing motions indicate yearning or struggle, while a puffed-out chest can signify assertiveness and strength.
Generally, wide, swift arcs and rising motions indicate anger, arms stretched toward the front indicate joy, and slow motions with little movement in the elbows indicate sadness. [8] X Research source
Some forms of dance such as gymnastics dance or pom squad require the dancer to hold a fixed grin throughout their routine.
If you’re not effectively expressing emotion, strive to stretch your limbs, lift your chin, and exaggerate your motions. [12] X Research source
