Have you ever seen a music video you loved and wished you could be in it? Well, you can! As a dancer, you already have the stage presence and the emotions needed. This is your time to be the main character! Whether you are going for a raw and emotional video or a high-energy dance number, making a music video can be a fun way to let your creativity shine.
Choosing the Song
The basis of any music video is the music. It is important to pick a song that matches the vibe that you want. Consider the lyrics and how they relate to you and what you want to portray through your movement and expressions. The beats and the tempo are also important. For example, if you are creating a lyrical piece, a slower tempo may be a better match than a song with an aggressive beat. A hip-hop number will benefit from a much faster tempo with more beats.
Planning the Vision
Planning makes bringing your ideas to life that much easier. Your plan should include everything from the filming location to your outfits. If you want to tell a story throughout the video, write out that narrative or storyboard different scenes. Consider the location and lighting of where you will be filming. Does the weather matter? Or the time of day? Consider if you want to film in the daytime or nighttime. If there is going to be choreography, start playing around with different movements and timing throughout the video.
Picking a Location
The location can make all the difference in the overall tone of the video. Filming in the street might bring a hip-hop video to life but distract from a contemporary video that would appear more focused in a studio setting with fewer visual elements. Don’t be afraid to get creative here! Think outside the box and find places that appeal to you and your vision.
The Outfits and Aesthetic
Your outfits play a big part in how your moves are interpreted. Make sure they match the story you planned. Consider the patterns, textures, and colors of your clothes or costumes as well as your hair and makeup. You might consider doing more of a bold and dramatic makeup and outfit for a concept with a high-energy song. You can also introduce props such as fairy lights, hats, and balloons or interact with your environment.
Recording
You can film with a phone or a higher-quality camera, but you don’t need anything fancy. Just set up a camera for the shot you want and hit record. Get creative by shooting your dance multiple times, changing angles and the distance between the subject and the camera.
Editing Like a Pro
This is the last and final step of the process. This is where you can adjust the lighting, change colors, and put parts into slow motion. It is all about how you want it to look. You are the movie maker and main character here!
Making your own main character music video is a confidence boost and a creative outlet. Whether you choreograph an emotional solo in a field or a jazz routine in the city, this is your chance to shine. Grab your phone, hit play, and step into the spotlight—you are the main character!
