Choreography for Xcel Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire Team Gymnasts
Updated 8/25/23 Nb
Choreography lessons typically include working with the coach for 1-2 lessons at approximately one hour each time, in addition to communication and providing your floor music selection in advance.
Choreography coaches set their own rates and communicate that information in advance, as well as the method of payment. For Spokane Gymnastics coaches, payment is made at the service desk, then 100% of the lesson is paid to the coach through bi-monthly payroll. Independent coaches may be paid directly.
Coaches set their own schedules and communicate directly with the gymnast’s parents. If requested, Spokane Gymnastics will initially connect the gymnast and coach, but after that introduction, is not involved with the process or scheduling.
Choreography lessons typically are scheduled in advance for early afternoon, evenings, or on weekends.
Gymnasts are never alone with any coaches, so if lessons are scheduled during times that Spokane Gymnastics does not offer normal programs, the parent must remain and watch the entire time.
The choreography coach will come to the first lesson prepared with general ideas and suggestions. Each choreography coach understands the requirements for each division’s routines, including length, required skills, dance, and jump connections, and prohibited elements. Your coach will be willing to make adjustments and also communicate what needs to be included.
With personalized routines, it is important for the routine to represent the individual gymnast’s personality and strengths. We want each girl to feel comfortable voicing her opinions about what she does and does not like during the composition phase while also understanding that we will follow guidelines to help her be successful.
Gymnasts may choose their own floor music. The best sources are google, youtube plus specific websites such as:
Please remember that music can not have any lyrics. Do not worry about the length of the music as long as it meets the minimum requirements; we can connect you with someone who can assist with cutting the music to fit the routine choreography and the time limit.
Unless you select a track from our library (or are absolutely sure what song you would like), we recommend your gymnast identifies 2-3 top songs. You may then share them with the coach doing your choreography. Also, instead of purchasing right away, if you are comfortable waiting, you may inquire if we already have that specific floor music in our library. We are happy to assist; please email team@spokanegymnastics.com
For your information – Floor Music Duration
Bronze Division (Please connect directly with your coach, individual routines for this division are not recommended)
20 – 40 seconds
Silver Division (Please connect directly with your coach, individual routines for this division are not recommended)
30 – 60 seconds
Gold Division:
45 – 60 seconds
Platinum Division:
45 – 90 seconds
Diamond Division:
45 – 90 seconds
Sapphire Division:
45 – 90 seconds
For the gymnasts (along with the help of her parents)
Items to think about ahead of the first meeting with your choreography coach:
Your personality
Your strengths in gymnastics – skills, and elements you would like to “show off.”
The style of music that “fits” you
Your personal goals for your routine – for example, to keep in clean and score well, to challenge yourself and have skills that you are still perfecting, a routine that is fun and makes you smile, etc.
A starting pose that you are comfortable holding for at least 10 seconds (sometimes starting the floor music is delayed)
A final pose that you like
A few other things to consider:
Xcel Beam routines will be choreographed by the coaches for each division.
Gymnasts will have flexibility in selecting a personalized beam mount, options for dance and leap connections, their tumbling set, and their choice of dismounts.
All preteams, Xcel divisions Bronze and Silver, and USAGDP Levels 3 and 4 will have established vaults and bar routines as taught by their coaches during regular practice.
Xcel Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire will work directly with their coach to determine the best vaults, bars, and beam routines.
Ways parents can sign their gymnast up for choreography:
Directly with their coach
Via the team app
Submitting a request at the Pines service desk
You may communicate your request to be connected with a choreography coach using this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023teamchoreography
USAGDP Pre-Team – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel “Honey Bees” Pre-Team – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel “Lady Bugs” Pre-Team – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Bronze “Bounders” – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Bronze “Leapers” – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Bronze “Springers” – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Silver “Flippers” – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Silver “Kippers” – Routine will be taught in training time. No further action needed 🙂
Xcel Gold “Aerials” Team – An individual floor and eventually beam routine will be needed at this division
Xcel Gold “Twisters” Team – An individual floor and eventually beam routine will be needed at this division
Xcel Platinum Team – An individual floor and eventually beam routine will be needed at this division
Xcel Diamond Team – An individual floor and eventually beam routine will be needed at this division
Xcel Sapphire Team – An individual floor and eventually beam routine will be needed at this division
USAGDP Level 3 – Established routines will be taught during normal training
USAGDP Level 4 – Established routines will be taught during normal training