How to Level Up Your Gogo Performance
Whether you're a seasoned gogo dancer or breaking into the scene here are 7 tips to improve your gogo game!
A friend breaking into the gogo scene recently asked me, “I feel confident performing choreography in dance class, but how can I bring that confidence to my freestyle?”
Similarly, another confessed that she’s “struggling to expand my movement vocabulary and find my style” and asked for some recommendations.
If you’re looking to level up your gogo flow here are a few things you can do: (p.s. #3 and #7 are my fav tips)
7 Tips to Level Up Your Gogo Game
Practice… for real!
It sounds obvious, but how many of us actually practice a full 15-minute or 20-minute set with NO BREAKS? This will improve your stamina and help you explore creative ways to move.
Find a DJ set on YT or SoundCloud, set up a timer, and just GO!
If you need some set recs you can find mine here :)
I recommend a recorded set over Spotify because you can practice what to do when a DJ gets on the mic, makes a rough transition, or stops the music. We have to handle a variety of situations with grace.
Connect with your audience
I’ve seen amazing dancers get passed up for opportunities simply because of their lack of performance while dancing. No one wants to hire a dancer who looks bored or is forcing a stiff smile.
Try out smirks, smiles, and serious expressions in the mirror and remember what looks great on you.
Eye contact is everything - especially in a club. Don’t be afraid to look at the attendees! In the right setting a wave, a hand heart, or blowing kisses can be super fun. Interaction often makes guests smile, move to the beat, or even give you a tip!
Stage presence: If you’re performing on a stage you need to be bigger, bolder, and more theatrical. Being dramatic is encouraged :) Don’t forget about interaction though - you can still interact with the guests at the barricades.
Play with speed and texture
EDM sets are often similar in BPM throughout the night (especially house DJs) which means it’s up to us to make things a little more interesting.
When you sit in the pocket of the beat for the 5th minute in a row it can get boring (guilty)! Challenge yourself to get out of the “1, 2, 3, 4” beat and play with fast and slow speeds.
Explore movement textures! Try everything from hard hitting movements to flowy arms to bouncy grooves to intricate hand movements to juicy floorwork. It’s okay to incorporate ballet or contemporary movement qualities when the music calls for it.
Here are some words that might inspire different types of movement: strong, circular, groovy, bouncy, grounded, flowy, ethereal, stoic, angular.
Incorporate tricks that wow
Dancing is NOT about tricks but a leg, turn, or floor work segment can get the crowd excited. Use tricks to spice up your set!
Let me know if you’d like a segment on appropriate trick ideas that you can execute during a set :)
Use that iPhone! The camera is your friend
Set up a camera, film while you practice (or work), and run it back. Notice: what reads to the audience? What doesn’t? Sometimes a movement pattern will feel good to you but not translate to the crowd. Find the stuff that feels good and looks good!
*Note: please do not RELY on the camera or dance ONLY for the camera/instagram. It’s a tool to help you improve your movement. Focus on the bigger picture.
Take a variety of dance classes
If you’re feeling repetitive or lacking creativity in your gogo I recommend taking a class from a new teacher or new style. We love our fav instructors but it’s inspiring to try something different. You might find a new way of moving!
Learn from the pros
Attend events where Gogo dancers are present and make mental notes. Enjoy going out and watch how the pros handle the ebbs & flows of the music.
*Note: The Gogo scene is nothing without clubs, festivals and the dance scene. Please take your time to understand the culture of these spaces. If you are a gogo dancer in the EDM space please understand & practice PLUR <3
Remember that this job is FUN and you don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself.
At the end of the day we are here to entertain, celebrate music, and liberate the audience to join in on the groove!
THIS WEEK’S OPPORTUNITIES:
New York City
Work at NYC’s most elite and scandalous club.
The Box is hiring aerialists, dancers, and actors.
Dm @lolavonrox or email submissions to lola@theboxnyc.com
San Diego
Parq SD is hiring! Dance for artists like YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Bia, Don Toliver, Wiz Khalifa, and EDM DJs.
Interviews held Thursday 4/4 from 7:00 - 9:00pm at 615 Broadway, San Diego, California 92101