Day 1: First Rehearsal of "Anything Goes"

January 20, 2014

DAY 1: "Anything Goes" Choreography

So, today was my first day at Marshalltown High School being the choreographer for the musical "Anything Goes." I got the opportunity from my friend, Joe Smith, about him needing a choreographer for a musical that he was co-directing. This is a dream come true, in my eyes. So, I finally got in touch with the director, Rebecca Erickson, about her wanting me to be the main choreographer. Getting this opportunity literally means everything to me because all I have ever wanted to do was for people to see my work on stage. My first day is nothing but good vibes and adventurous.

My first day was great. Meeting the director and the cast was something I could not explain. The cast is going to be my little experiments and my portraying characters of what my dance is showing. They are such sweet and cooperative kids. The fun fact is that I am only about 2 or 3 years older than a good amount of the kids, so they respect me in a way that is different than a person who is about 20 years older than them giving them direction. What was a big surprise to me was that at least 3/4 of the chorus, angels, and sailors are show choir members and they pick up on moves rather easily. Which makes my work a whole lot easier. Now its time for the choreography to begin.

My tactic with choreographing is to make the moves simple enough but have them be showy as well. Jazz hands and flashy hand movements are things that make the audience pay attention to and also something that every single member of the cast will be able to do. I have not touched the tap choreography yet and I know that will be an adventure. Let the games begin!