`Support` is a key word as far as musical accompaniment goes, especially for the center exercises of a dance class. Here the dancer is building strength while working at both core stability and flexibility requiring secure musical accompaniment.
Given that the correct meter and underlying rhythm for the exercise is known (guidelines found in the previous blog), it is then important to gauge the amount of lightness or heaviness that each exercise requires within the music. This may well be determined from the voice of the teacher as they show the exercise or deliver the introduction. Here are a few rules of thumb (avoiding dance and music terminology where possible) that I generally apply when figuring out what to play for an exercise in the center.
exercises focusing on feet: Music that is light and precise with clear rhythms. Avoid using too many notes or complicated cross-rhythms.
exercises with lunging movements: Music that has a good strong downbeat with both lighter and driving recovery beats.
balancing exercises (legs in the air etc.): Music with a steady and continuous rhythmical pattern. A simple melody can help to `ease the dancers strain` over a full, rich harmonic progression (though not too heavy-handed).
floor rolling exercises: Keep a clear beat to the music. A drawn-out swing beat works well as it has both an underlying 2 and 3 within its rhythm. Not too loud and more harmonic than melodic in approach.
leg and body swing exercises: Music that has both a driving upbeat feel and a strong downbeat. The upbeats can be slightly syncopated.
twist and tilt exercises: Music that has a good clear beat and a supportive continuous rhythmical pattern.
It is worth remembering that while music for a dance class exercise is not a composition, it is a piece of music that someone is both listening and dancing to. So, once you have figured out the underlying rhythm and tempo, the meter, the phrasing, the atmosphere and how many times the movement will repeat, enjoy it!
paul pavey 