Every Number is Special...

How true.
Once the choreographer has researched and has a feel for the style, then each number must be analyzed separately. For the audience member there are two types of dance numbers:

1. Audience invitation. Does this piece make the audience feel as if they are invited? The audience should feel as if they are "in" the room with the characters. At the dance. Invited to the party. ie: the beginning of the "Hand Jive" prom scene in Grease. The front proscenium should become less important. The actors' focus should not be just straight forward (downstage). Movements are less presentational. Everything should seem spontaneous. The movements need to be identifiable by the audience. Movements that they can relate to or feel that that they could do themselves.
Your goals is to make the audience member:
a- feel that they would be welcome to jump up and join the cast
b -if they did go crazy and joined the cast, they could do all of the same steps.
c- excited and tired (in a good way) at the end of the number as if they REALLY were in the number.
You can tell by the applause if you achieved the desired effect. The audience will cheer as if they were on the dance floor of a great concert. They feel a part of the music and movement.

2. Spectator. The audience is on the outside watching. ie: "Greased Lightning" or "We Go Together". The audience is there to merely witness the craziness.

With this type of number the proscenium matters more. Now the audience is beyond the "fourth wall" merely catching a glimpse of a private moment. A fly on the wall. Now the movements and stray a little from familiarity. This is a time to "Wow" the audience by showcasing the talents of the performers.

The prom scene in Grease really calls for both, invitation and spectator. The audience is a part of the action until Danny and Cha Cha are left dancing in the contest. Then, both audience and performer are watching the fun.

Next blog: Boys vs. Girls!