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10- Macy’s Money

 

Macy’s Jazz – Rehearsal Log

Session Summary:

We spent the majority of this session finishing the choreography. Two new dance sections were added, and we finally linked in the chair unison section at the end, which really helped pull everything together. I also had another opportunity to explore and improvise how the Emcee character might move and carry himself during the second verse and chorus. I'm really enjoying discovering how he expresses his confidence and charisma.

The studio space was a bit cramped today, which made spacing quite difficult. As a result, there was a lot of stop-and-start work, especially when rehearsing with the chairs. We needed to ensure all the transitions felt smooth, safe, and well-coordinated.

Personal Observations:

  • I really enjoyed developing the storyline further. It’s beginning to feel more complete and layered.
  •  I found the circular section of the choreography challenging to time correctly. It involves multiple layers of movement that require precision and group awareness.
  • Dancing in heels continues to be a challenge. Staying grounded is difficult, particularly when the choreography becomes fast-paced or involves directional changes.

Research: Staying Grounded While Dancing in Heels

Remaining grounded while performing in heels is crucial for maintaining control, balance, and fluidity. Research shows that posture, core engagement, and proper footwear are key components in achieving this.

For instance, maintaining an upright stance with relaxed shoulders and feet in alignment helps distribute weight more evenly. This lowers the risk of imbalance and enhances overall elegance (DecentFoot, 2025). Core strength also plays a major role. A strong core stabilizes the trunk, enabling smoother transitions and more controlled movement (Grosse et al., 2021). Additionally, the design of the footwear can affect performance. Shoes that offer a broader base and good arch support are shown to increase stability and reduce injury risk (Johnson, 2020). Strengthening the feet through exercises like calf raises and resistance band training can also improve grip, flexibility, and support (Nakamura et al., 2019).

Core Strength in Heels Dance

A stable and strong core is essential for dancing in heels, particularly during fast or intricate routines. The core includes the muscles around the pelvis and spine, such as the transverse abdominis, obliques, glutes, and erector spinae. These work together to provide alignment, posture, and support (DDA Dance Academy, 2025). Engaging these muscles helps to maintain proper form and control, especially when balancing on a narrow base. This reduces the chance of injury and helps dancers remain poised throughout the choreography (Ballet with Isabella, 2025). Practicing exercises such as planks, leg lifts, and balance drills can significantly enhance stability and allow for more expressive, grounded movement (Queen Wear, 2025).

Next Steps for Progress:

- I plan to rehearse the new sections again, focusing particularly on the circular segment and chair transitions.

- I will also find and start rehearsing in my costume (an oversized suit). Since it will likely be heavy, I need to get used to how it affects my movement and balance.

References: 

- DDA Dance Academy. (2025). The Importance of Core Strength in Ballet. [online] Available at: https://www.ddadance.com/the-importance-of-core-strength-in-ballet/

-Ballet with Isabella. (2025). The Importance of Core Strength for Ballet Dancers. [online] Available at: https://balletwithisabella.com/posts/why-a-strong-core-is-essential-for-every-ballet-dancer/

- Wholesome Strength. (2025). Core Exercises for Dancers: Boost Strength and Stability. [online] Available at: https://wholesomestrength.com/core-exercises-for-dancers-boost-strength-and-stability/

-Queen Wear. (2025). High Heels: A New Dance Direction on Heels. [online] Available at: https://queenwearofficial.com/blog/shcho-take-khaj-khils-high-heels/


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