Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough credit in the dance world—patterns.

Yep, patterns.

You might think your struggle to pick up choreography has to do with talent, memory, or speed. But in this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, I make a bold claim: understanding patterns can literally change your ability to learn choreography—and transform your performance.

Here’s the deal: music is built in patterns. Verse, chorus, bridge. Rise, fall, repeat. And those same patterns exist in the choreography you’re trying to learn.

When you see those patterns, you stop guessing. You start connecting. Suddenly, it’s not just a string of random steps—it’s a story with rhythm, flow, and structure.

In this episode, I break down:

• How the structure of a song gives clues for your facial expressions and energy shifts

• What a “theme step” is and why choreographers return to it

• Why noticing movement patterns (like accents on counts 5 and 6) helps your body predict what’s next

• How to practice smarter, not harder

And I’ll share a little truth: I used to think I was great at winging it. But the truth? I was great at performing under pressure because I had patterns and preparation built into my training. (Spoiler: winging it only gets you so far.)

So if choreography feels like a brain game you can’t win—pause, breathe, and look for the pattern.

Your brain loves patterns. Your body thrives on rhythm. And you deserve to dance with confidence.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now
🎓 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Expression Lab—where we break down storytelling and movement into patterns that stick.