Choosing Music

My process for choosing music:

• Have my ears open to every piece of music I come across and evaluate it for dance suitability (no such thing as listening to music “just for fun” :)
• Go on music-listening binges to chase down that one elusive song that would be perfect for a certain class or group
• Ask around
• Listen some more
• Create a shortlist of possible songs

• Ask the following questions of each shortlisted song:
  • Is it the right feel, speed, length?
  • Does it match the theme of the show?
  • Is the language and subject matter appropriate?
  • Will the students enjoy dancing to it?
  • Will there be enough variety between the pieces?
  • Would this be a culturally-sensitive use of the song?
  • Will this song contribute to a diversity of voices across the performance?
  • Is there such a thing as too much Arianna Grande?
  • Is the song available for purchase?

If the song has a specific context that I know about or came across through research, that gets considered as well. I may also watch the video. 

So many songs with a great groove that would be fun to dance to get disqualified because they are either overly suggestive, or demeaning towards women.

I try to find a workable balance across all those criteria. Once I’ve made my choices, I purchase the music, then cut or remix it as necessary. 
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