Capstone Proposal

How does someone choreograph a contemporary/lyrical dance piece?

o What is the history of contemporary and lyrical dance? What is the difference between
contemporary and lyrical? What are the foundations of both styles? Who are some of the
dancers/choreographers who have influenced this modern style of dance?
o How can dance be used to tell a story?
o How does someone organize the creation of a dance piece? How do you cut music?
o How do you teach choreography to dancers well?

1. For my capstone I plan on first researching the history of lyrical and contemporary styles of
dance.
2. I then plan on organizing the piece, finding dancers that would like to learn it and then
finding the right song.
3. Once I have found my dancers, I will then cut the music and begin choreographing to it.
4. After I have the base choreography, I will teach it to the dancers and make changes as
needed. We will then practice and clean the dance.
5. Lastly, the dancers will perform it at my dance studio’s Student Choreography Showcase.
6. Finally I will present what I have learned, including a video of the dance, at the capstone fair.