Coaches New Gym Coach - I want to start choreographing floor and beam routines but don't know how to go about it.

[Rookie Gym Coach]

So as the title says, I want to start choreographing floor and beam routines for our excel team. I used to be on excel gold, but did not end up competing at any level with this gym. I'm on good terms with the head of excel. Used to be a dancer, and floor was always my favorite and best event. I would consider myself a good choreographer. I used to and still do choreograph routines even though I've quit. When I was on excel gold, I choreographed my own floor routine, and it turned out great even though it was never competed. Head coach was supposed to be my choreographer, but I told her I love choreographing, so she let me take lead and I did 95% of it. Anyways I'm currently in training to be a rec coach, but probably like next summer, I would want to choreograph. But I don't have formal experience. How do I go about this?

 

[Carly]

Talk with the head Xcel coach at the gym. Every gym handles choreography differently so that person should be able to provide you with the info you need.

 

[coachsades]

First thing for choreo is get your hands on the Xcel code of points! You must know all requirements & allowed skills. This book also has lists of skills like unique turns & jumps you can utilize.

Second, ask if you can lead dance training once a week! Maybe 20 minutes during their practice. Go through basics, foot work, artistry.

Once you can secure work time with a gymnast, please please ask the gymnast their strengths & weaknesses. Xcel is so wonderful with individuality. Learn if they are fantastic acro workers with great flex, or if they need hard hitting moves!

Finally, research! There are fantastic choreographers that post movements & routines all the time! Just be careful with copycatting.

 

[Rookie Gym Coach]

First thing for choreo is get your hands on the Xcel code of points! You must know all requirements & allowed skills. This book also has lists of skills like unique turns & jumps you can utilize.

Second, ask if you can lead dance training once a week! Maybe 20 minutes during their practice. Go through basics, foot work, artistry.

Once you can secure work time with a gymnast, please please ask the gymnast their strengths & weaknesses. Xcel is so wonderful with individuality. Learn if they are fantastic acro workers with great flex, or if they need hard hitting moves!

Finally, research! There are fantastic choreographers that post movements & routines all the time! Just be careful with copycatting.

Where can I find an xcel code of points? Like a pdf version? For some reason I can't find it.

 

[Carly]

Where can I find an xcel code of points? Like a pdf version? For some reason I can't find it.

There is no free version. Your gym should have a copy of it.

 

[josie55]

I am not sure that all choreographers know the code, or need to. I think the coach (maybe along with the gymnast) determines what skills should be in the routine and the choreographer creates a routine that has places for those skills. It seems the bigger issue with regard to choreographing is finding someone who will allow you to do it. You might be able to start by serving as an assistant to whoever is choreographing currently, especially if that person is ready to hand off some or all choreography to someone else in the future.