By Wendy Jones

I teach at a public high school in San Francisco that offers beginning, intermediate and advanced levels as well as a performance company. I use a variety of popular songs and music that is less familiar. My music changes every three weeks to keep things fresh. The music also changes because of the technique introduced. Each piece of music is assigned to a specific exercise. The rhythm, mood, and organization of each score supports the technical focus.

Below is the playlist I used for the beginning of the fall semester. I have a lot of students that have never danced before and feel that this first selection is very important to get them interested and hungry for more.  

"Passing By" – Ulrich Schnauss

• Introduction exercise with spine articulations/stretches.

"Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)" – Felix Jaehn

• Rhythm steps to increase the heart rate.

• Isolations.

"Daft Punk" – Pentatonix

• Footwork- foot presses, articulations.

• Moving from parallel to turnout.

• Calf stretches.

"Higher Love" – James Vincent McMorrow

• Plié with port de bra.

"Hear the Bells" – Naomi Scott

• Tendu and rhythm hits.

"Fireflies" – Lights & Motion

• Stretches – lunges

"Dance Me to the End of Love" – The Civil Wars

• Chassé and soutenu turns

• Passé and developé work.

"Keep Your Head Up" – Andy Grammer

• Floor work and stretches on the floor.

"Rather Be" – Clean Bandit (feat. Jess Glynne)

• Abdominal work – Pilates exercises on the floor.

"Freedom" – Pharrell Williams

"65" – Kiasmos

• Combination

• Composition study

I have added two Korean Pop songs. My students love this genre, and I asked a Lowell High School dance alumna to give me a couple that would be appropriate. I used one for our Winter Showcase and the other for across the floor exercises.

*"Ssenunni" – Jessi

*"Hey Baby" – Crush

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Related posts:

Artist Profile #43: Wendy Jones (San Francisco, CA)

The Playlist Project – Overview

Lowell High School Dance Program Profile (On Bay Area High School Dance)

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