POW! Ways to make your solo pop:
Every soloist strives to be in the top of their category. These simple tips offer great ways to make you stand out as a soloist outside of excellent technique.
Props can be great assets to a solo performance, but sometimes they can be a little over-the-top and hokey. To make sure props are being used effectively, make sure they are used throughout the dance. All too often soloists walk on with a prop, use it for an eight count, and never touch it again.
Play up your eyes. A bold cat-eye with rhinestones at the tips is a great way to highlight your eyes and bring some sparkle to your performance. The typical bright red dance lip is always a classic choice. You could also switch it up with a bright pink or a deep wine red.
The top bun has become standard, to stand out try a classic French twist, or add a braid to your usual bun (Pinterest has endless braided bun tutorials). Leaving your hair down is a refreshing choice as well. Be careful with this though; try the half-up approach so you don’t end up with a mouthful of hair after a series of turns.
Oftentimes dancers want to focus only on the big moments in their solos: the leaps, turn sequences, and tricks. They forget about the choreography that falls between these, and the dance looks choppy as a result. A fluid solo is much more appealing to the eye. Using your plié through important moments helps improve fluidity. The energy of every movement should originate in your back and extend beyond the tips of your fingers. The best way to insure that you have smooth transitions is to go through your solo count by count and make sure each count has an action.
This is perhaps the most important aspect of making your solo memorable. Because there are many solos at every competition, this is where you have the chance to really stand out with the judges. No matter the style of solo, you should be comfortable with the story you are portraying and your place in it. Sell this to the audience and judges. Remember it doesn’t hurt to make eye contact with the judges. It is way more fun to watch a soloist with believable facials than an emotionless technique zombie onstage. Remember, unforgettable soloists are the ones who exude confidence and understanding of their piece.
