Every dance studio owner wants to create routines that stand out.
But here’s the truth: the routines people remember aren’t always the ones that win competitions.
Sometimes, the most memorable performances are the ones that surprise the audience, tell a story or simply make people smile.
In a recent episode of the Dance Principles United Podcast, Amanda and Rebecca unpacked what makes choreography memorable and shared practical ideas that dance studio owners can implement immediately.
It’s easy to follow trends.
One routine goes viral, one style starts winning competitions and suddenly everyone is creating their own version of the same performance.
The problem is that copying someone else’s ideas rarely creates memorable choreography.
As Amanda explains, audiences remember routines that feel different. The goal isn’t to fit in—it’s to stand out.
Ask yourself:
What’s unique about this routine?
What moment will people talk about afterwards?
How can we surprise the audience?
Does this feel different from everything else on stage?
Props don’t have to be expensive.
In fact, some of the most effective props are simple, reusable and practical.
For younger dancers, props can help with:
Stage spacing
Confidence
Storytelling
Character development
Audience engagement
One idea shared in the episode was using small boxes that can be transformed into different themes simply by changing the backdrop.
Those same boxes became:
Fire trucks
Toy shelves
Magazine stands
Beach scenes
By attaching different designs to the front with Velcro, studios can reuse the same equipment year after year.
The best routines often tell a story.
Instead of starting with choreography, start with the theme.
Ask yourself:
Who are these characters?
What world are they living in?
How can costumes support the story?
What props would make the idea stronger?
The episode highlights examples including:
Toy Story characters
Firefighters
Mermaids
Bumblebees
Fashion magazines
Each concept instantly gives the audience something to connect with.
Many dance studio owners focus heavily on technique in preschool routines.
But Amanda challenges teachers to think differently.
Parents don’t leave a preschool concert talking about perfect pliés.
They remember:
The funny moment
The cute interaction
The unexpected laugh
The emotional connection
When creating preschool choreography, aim for:
An “aww” moment
Maybe it’s a hug.
Maybe it’s a smile.
Maybe it’s a group interaction.
A funny moment
Children naturally create joy.
Build that into the choreography.
A memorable ending
Give parents a moment they’ll photograph and share.
These moments matter just as much as technical skills.
One of the most powerful ideas from the episode is simple:
Create for the audience.
Dance studio owners spend hours watching routines, but parents experience your concert differently.
They want:
Entertainment
Emotion
Pride
Connection
Memories
Before finalising choreography, ask:
“What will the audience remember?”
If you can’t answer that question, it’s worth revisiting the routine.
Small details make a huge difference.
The episode shares examples including:
Personalised towels
Name plaques
Special props children can keep afterwards
Custom headpieces
Interactive costumes
These touches don’t just excite students.
They create an experience for parents.
And parents who feel emotionally connected to your studio become your biggest advocates.
Great choreography doesn’t happen when teachers feel restricted.
Studio owners should create an environment where teachers can experiment and share ideas.
Try these strategies:
Hold brainstorming sessions.
Encourage teachers to pitch unusual ideas.
Ask, “How could we make this more memorable?”
Focus on storytelling, not just technique.
Celebrate creativity.
When teachers feel trusted, they think bigger.
You don’t need a huge budget to create standout performances.
Try:
Reusable boxes
Cardboard props
Canva designs
Velcro backdrops
Core flute signs
Themed accessories
A simple prop with a clever concept often has more impact than an expensive set.
Think back to your own dance experience.
Do you remember every winning routine?
Probably not.
But you probably remember:
The funny one
The surprising one
The emotional one
The creative one
That’s the goal.
Not simply to win.
But to create something that students, parents and audiences still talk about years later.
As a dance studio owner, you’re not just creating choreography.
You’re creating memories.
The routines that stand out are built on originality, storytelling, clever themes and emotional connection.
The next time you’re planning a concert or competition season, don’t ask:
“What’s everyone else doing?”
Ask:
“What will people remember?”
Because that’s the routine that truly lasts.
