If you want to pursue a professional dance career, it is important to know how to create a dance reel. The dance reel is one of the most important marketing tools to make yourself visible as a dancer. It can be used for any situation where you need to present your skills and experience quickly and easily.
In the first part of the webinar, you will learn:
Clip Selection
Creating Extra Footage
Reel for an Audition
Editing
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What is a generic video?
A generic video refers to a video that is not specific to any particular brand, product, or message. It usually contains content that is broadly applicable or general in nature, often used for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes.
How old can the footage for the dance reel be at most?
The footage for a dance reel should not be older than 2-3 years. However, if you no longer feel connected to the old videos, it is not recommended to include them. It's advisable to feature current footage that accurately reflects your current appearance and dancing style.
Are there legal consequences if I use music in a video that isn't officially listed (f.ex. in YouTube, Vimeo)?
Even if the video is unlisted*, using music without the proper rights can lead to legal issues. It is advisable to ensure that you have obtained all the necessary rights for the music used in your reel.
*Unlisted means your video will not come up in search results or on your channel either. Only those who know the link can view it, and you can share the link with anyone.
German Copyright Law for Dancers
Would you recommend returning to the setting or filming situation that was previously shown at the beginning of the video?
That depends entirely on your desired dramaturgical and narrative structure. In general, both can work: an edit that returns to locations that have already been used and one that constantly strings together new situations. Maintaining smooth and dynamic transitions, along consistent background music, is crucial.
What is the recommended pace for video cuts?
The speed of cuts varies depending on the purpose. In the case of a generic showreel, faster cuts are preferred. However, when submitting your material for a specific audition, longer sequences can be used to demonstrate movement over a longer duration. Always check out the requirements.
How can vertically formatted videos be effectively integrated into the showreel?
A split screen can be utilized, but it is crucial to ensure that it does not cause any distractions. This layout is more suitable for a generic video, but it is not advisable for audition purposes. If the quality remains satisfactory, you can opt to zoom in. Additionally, you have the option to employ the same image as the background and blur it.
Is it advisable to merge my improvisation show reel with footage from my stage performances into a single video?
It depends on the intended target group/ recipient. For a dance theater setting, it's preferable to showcase the stage performance separately. However, for online platforms, consolidating both into a single video is recommended to streamline the viewing experience and avoid requiring viewers to watch multiple videos.
What should I do if I don’t have professional footage?
I recommend capturing footage both outdoors and indoors. This will enable you to showcase your unique personality, versatility, diversity, and the range of dance styles or qualities you possess. Embrace the fact that you are at the beginning of your dance journey; there is no need to hide it.
In the video some examples of different dance reels are shown. We would like to thank for providing the material:
Edith Buttingsrud Pedersen
Maria Kobzeva
Joy Alpuerto Ritter
Dassy Lee