FAQs
 
What type of pieces do you choreograph?
Standard classes, pre-professional and professional choreography all aim to carry authenticity, a message, or a theme. My work regularly holds messages of empowerment, freedom, the importance of art and self-expression. Other work is a pure look at break-dancing, hip hop, locking, or popping. Finally, I also enjoy work that is structured more like a modern piece, comedy, miming and many other quirky or "out there" themes.
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Dance teams get high energy work. Crowd pleasing choreography for competitions, sporting events, etc..
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For younger dancers, I touch on a number of styles as well, with a big look at breakdancing , locking, and original party dances of the new jack swing era of music.
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All of my work is an homage to hip hop and street styles, with themes or influence from anything important to this particular dance culture.

What dancers/groups will you consider working with?
Standard dance classes, Competition teams, performance teams, dance crews/companies, College or High School programs, solos, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, productions, all skill levels.
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Who chooses the music when I hire you to choreograph on my group?
Frequently, we will have  a sit-down to discuss the many music choices. We work together to find what you or your dancers will be most excited for within the style of the work i typically create
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Do you only choreograph to older music?
No. I choreograph to a very wide range of music. However, I am particularly picky about proper representation of pure styles Just as there is a certain kind of music for ballet or modern, same goes for these styles. Locking has funk music. Popping has a specific sound. Etc..
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Will you do street jazz or commercial choreography?
Im not opposed to creating anything outside the main styles I choreograph. My work outside of the labels of Hip Hop, Locking, Breaking, Popping get labelled as simply "dance" rather than street jazz,commercial, urban, etc... Much of my work is done with influence from certain styles and can be done to music from decades ago all the way up to now. I do not set pieces that emphasize sexuality. I do not set work to music that can be seen as ignorant or unhealthy. This does strictly narrow the amount of currently popular music that is labelled "Hip Hop".
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What experience do I or my dancers need in order to pick up your choreography?
None.My work is taught with consideration of dance experience. I rely on a brief analysis of my dancers or conversation with a teacher or studio owner to understand the potential of my group.
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his isn't to say my work will be easy. I always aim to make my work a challenge. In fact, my choreography  rarely can be presented properly unless each dancer is willing to put in the extra time to rehearse movement and technique between rehearsals. Hard work is an essential ingredient for hip hop dancers, and one frequently overlooked when dancers expect the movement to be familiar. This goes especially for the styles we do. Many dancers are not familiar with street styles and for that reason, I ask my dancers to be fearless when entering a project with me.
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How does payment work?
I sell my choreography as a product.  Once you inquire about work, I can give you a price quote based on a number of factors. In terms of the actual piece(s) being set, I generally ask 50%to begin my work and the remaining amount upon completion.  Local contracts may sometimes require a dance studio rental charge which would not go to me and is therefore due before the studio rental date. Out of state work usually requires a separate travel expense as well.
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If I purchase choreography from you, does it then become my piece? Will you use the same choreography on other groups?
When I choreograph a number, I am releasing my rights to continue performing with or using that work directly. Though my name may or may not be attached to the choreography I set for you, It is without a doubt your piece once purchased.  
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Who is responsible for cleaning the dance once you have finished teaching it?
The final price for sale of choreography is based in part on the amount of time I will spend completing the dance. Some studios prefer I simply sell them my style of work , which they will then clean or position themselves. In other situations, we agree that I will spend additional time cleaning the dance once it is taught and set. However once the agreed upon terms of a contract are complete, I am still available for additional cleaning at normal workshop cost.
 
Who chooses the costume or the look for the performers?
I am willing to choose costumes or assist in the process, but do not require it to be my vision for costumes when I sell my work.



I am available for choreography in any area I am requested. Travel/overnight accommodations may need to be considered depending on location.
(New Jersey Based)

Contact JohnBarrella13@gmail.com to inquire, or fill out the form below.