It’s the day you’ve been waiting all season for...CHOREO PROJECTS!! Instead of making a piece by yourself, try collab-ing (collaborating) with someone else!

AKA, be the collab-hoe in this video:

Learning to make a piece with another person is full of ups and downs, but the end product will be double the jumbo.

I PROMISE you’ll be left with some good laughs, memories, and possibly a video that will haunt you (in a good way) for the rest of your dance career.

Here are some tips on how to collab with someone to make a piece – without becoming mortal enemies...

1. Communicate

Understand that a COLLAB is, well… a collaboration – which means you’ll be working with somebody else.

They might have a different style, a different dance history, and an entirely different set of ideas than you do.

Before you begin the choreography process, sit down and talk about your vision and ideas for the piece. Learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Set goals for yourselves. And most importantly, make sure that your intentions for the piece lie in the same place.

‍*“Intention” meaning: What style are you going for? and What does this piece mean to you?

When you answer those questions and get on the same page, everything becomes much, much smoother when you actually try to make a piece!

2. Encourage each other

Let’s face it – some dancers may not be as experienced in choreographing as you are.

The last thing you want is to get competitive with each other and hurt each other’s feelings.

Compliment each other, tell them they’re doing a great job, and learn to appreciate your differences. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

When you make a piece with someone, instead of just shooting down ideas you don’t like, get hype for the ones you do.

3. Compromise

No one has the same brain, which means your moves and ideas WILL be different. We have to be willing to adjust to each others’ preferences. Be open!

You’ll come up with a much more diverse and creative piece if you push yourself to try new movements.

For example, maybe you aren’t much of a floorwork person (ouch!), but the person you are collabing with is...

It might take some practice, but being willing to add it into your piece might surprisingly give you an outcome that you like, and otherwise would have never tried if it weren’t for the other person.

4. Trust each other

Ok ok, so you might not like one of their moves.

Or two…Or three.

But have no fear!

Everyone hears music in different ways. Just because they choose a move that you wouldn’t have initially chosen, doesn’t mean it won’t work.

If anything, it might actually turn out even better than you expected. Trust in your partner’s choices. Try it before you trash it!

& lastly…

JUST HAVE FUN!

Dancing doesn’t always have to be so serious. Don’t forget why we dance in the first place!

We dance because it’s fun, freeing, and makes us feel a type of way. Choreographing can be a stressful process, but you’ll only get what you make out of it.

It is much easier to create when you’re relaxed and having fun, rather than when you’re ripping your hairs out trying to make everything look good.

ENJOY THE PROCESS!

And when you’re finished? Take a deep breath, look at what you made, share your video with STEEZY, and give yourselves a huge pat on the back :)

After all, no one can move the way you do!

‍What are some things you've learned from collaborating with another choreographer? Comment below and share with us!