So you don’t know how to write a dance scene? The words to use, the actions to describe. It can be challenging. What’s too much? What’s too little?
1.) Know the Dance Style and Tell the Reader
This first tip will break the show don’t tell rule, but in specific scenarios, it’s justified.
Name it.
Whether it’s a classical ballet dance or a tap dance.
Saying what type of dance we are about to read on the page is the best way to describe it. It doesn’t matter how you tell them as long as it’s in there.
Examples:
They enter a wonderland of hip-hop break dancers.
She laces up her ballerina shoes.
Announcer Next up to the pole, we call her...White Diamond.
It’s best towards the beginning, especially if the movie isn’t about a dancer and this is a one-off scene. You have to let the reader know what type of dance is happening.
Naming, the dance in the opening, helps the reader imagine what the setting looks like and how slow or fast the dance is happening.
If it’s in a nightclub, people will assume it’s fast-paced unless described differently. If it’s in a strip club, people will think it’s slow and sexual.
We will get in some great ways to describe it, but you must first understand, what you say is more important than how you say it.
2.) Dance scenes are written short
This tip always stops people in their tracks. But yes, dance scenes are written short and not that descriptive.
How short are we talking?
I’ve read dance scenes that say
They dance
Yes, Hollywood produced screenplays.
Example:
Why?
The director will come up with what it looks like; it’s your job to come up with what it feels like. It’s your job to write the essential parts. Now that’s extreme, but it shows how minuscule this part of your script should be.
Example 2:
Even in a musical, The entire four-minute scene is written in half a page.
4.) Describe the Whole Emotion, not the Entire Dance
When writing a dance scene, you want to give a feeling. This feeling should reflect the tone at the moment.
The non verble comunication.
What are the expressions and emotions your character gives off while dancing? These words are far more valuable in a dance scene than the actual move itself.
Example:
There are no dance descriptions even written just about the emotion the protagonist is feeling.
But what dance moves do you describe? Keep reading.
3.) Only Describe the Essential Dance Moments
What is essential?
The broad strokes of a dance or the most crucial moment.
- The big move for the judges.
- The hardest part for the dancer to pull off.
- The moment of significantly heightened emotion.
If you watch movies, every dance scene has one. And if you read the screenplays, the writer usually writes only that part.
4.) Use Vivid Action Words
How do you describe dance in words? Don’t use dance terminology unless your writing about some Olympic or sporting event. Or if the term is being used in dialogue.
We can talk about what you don’t do because there aren’t firm rules on what you should do when it comes to creativity.
But generally use words that paint a picture. The image you give with your words is all that matters.
Example:
Don’t write this
She jumps
Write this
She leaps
or better yet
She floats in the air.
Think about it everyone jumps basketball players, kids on the playground. But “floating” paints a picture of grace I can see. It’s specific to a ballerina or contemporary dance.
Example 2:
Don’t write:
She dances with her hands up.
Write:
Her hands held rollercoaster high, raging to the beat of the drum.
I’m trying to describe dancing in a club or a Rave.
Since we are trying not to bore the reader with too many details, we have to paint an image with the words we know. Think what type of jump it was? Basic terms will not work when describing a dance. You have to think harder than that.
5.) Break Up More Extended Scenes with Dialogue
Dialogue is a great way to break up any action, including dance. It stops your dance scene from being two-wordy and keeps the reader engaged.
I think about the Mr. and misses smith dance scene. This scene is quite long, but what keeps it intresting is the antiques and wordplay from both assassins trying to get the upper hand during the dance.
Example:
Conclusion
In this post, you learned:
What not to do when writing dance scenes just as much as what to do.
- Tell the reader the type of dance upfront.
- Keep them short—preferably short, punchy sentences.
- Emotion trumps actions.
- Never use dance terminology. It confuses the reader.
- Have a point ot the dance scene.
Now its time to hear from you:
Did I miss anything?
How have you seen dance scenes written in screenplays?
Whatever your answers are, let’s hear them in the comments below.
Happy writing.