* Suit your chosen style: Is your dance contemporary, lyrical, jazz, street, etc.? The music needs to match the style's mood and tempo.
* Have a strong rhythmic structure: This gives you a framework to build your choreography around. Avoid songs with too many unpredictable tempo changes for a beginner.
* Evoke the desired emotion: Does your dance aim for joy, sadness, anger, reflection? The music should support this emotional arc.
* Have a length appropriate for your routine: GCSE dances have time limits, so the song needs to fit within those constraints. Consider using only a section of a longer song if necessary.
* Be something you connect with: Your passion for the music will show in your performance.
Instead of suggesting a specific song, here's a strategy for finding the perfect one:
1. Brainstorm themes and styles: What story or emotion do you want to convey? What dance style suits you best and your abilities?
2. Search for music based on genre and emotion: Explore different genres (classical, contemporary, pop, world music) and search for songs that match your chosen emotion. YouTube and Spotify are great resources for finding music. Look for instrumental versions as well as songs with vocals.
3. Consider instrumental vs. vocal: Instrumental tracks allow more focus on the movement, while vocal tracks can add depth and emotional impact. Consider if the lyrics enhance or detract from your choreography.
4. Test it out: Practice dancing to several potential songs. Does it feel right? Can you create choreography that fits the music's structure and feel?
Remember to check copyright restrictions before using a song in your performance. You might need to purchase a license for performance. Your teacher can provide guidance on this.
In short, the best song is the one that inspires you and allows you to create a compelling and expressive dance.