Learn Suhaila's Unforeseen Drum Solo with finger cymbals along in eight weeks while moving from Level 1 to Level 2 technique.
An eight week rotation of both levels is provided as well as level-ups (ribcage locks and slides) for advanced dancers. (Note the the choreography video and choreography notes are available only by PPV subscription.)
Suhaila choreographed Unforeseen in 2006. Many dance shows only allow 6-8 minutes per performance, and this two-minute drum solo is the perfect length to add after a 4-6 minute starting piece. Mostly in 4/4, the drum solo also includes a 9. Jam-packed with Suhaila layering technique, the show features both the Suhaila and Jamila formats and is great for any style. Perform it after a great classical choreography like Elf Leyla wa Leyla or En Rah or after a fusion piece like Hard Rock Fusion (“Dark Veil”). This piece is also excellent for an individual or group. Unforeseen is more difficult than it looks. Done correctly, the choreography has a calm but empowered feeling that builds in intensity as the piece progresses. The isolations have to be solid and can’t be executed too large, or the dancer looks a bit hysterical or “out of control”. This two-minute piece is a great exercise in accurate, fast movement. The choreography is roughly a Level 2.75, and is a nice push for someone in Level 2 before they begin work on Level 3 choreographies. For Level 1 students ready to begin Level 2 work, this is also a good choreography to begin learning and honing over time as you develop in Level 2.
For SL1: The choreography is considered a L2.75, but this is still a good piece to begin learning and working on over time. It can provide a helpful guage as you work on SL2 material to see how your precision and stamina are building.
For SL2: For the SL1 class each week, keep the footwork the same as presented by increase the timing of the movements from qt to ht or from ht to ft.
For SL3: Suggested layers are provided each week to use as applicable to both technique classes.
Music and Notes: The music is from Suhaila's Repercussion album, and a link to purchase the download is provided with the PPV choreography subscription. Choreography notes are available only with the PPV choreography subscription.
Note: The training plan is 8 weeks, but the choreography subscription is available in 1 month increments. The training plans were designed as a means to keep students training every week with a variety of classes following a traditional 8 week rotation of material. You can do this training plan without learning the choreography, or you can learn the choreography without the full training plan. You can adapt the training plans as needed. Be creative. Some approaches might be:
Purchase the choreography PPV for a second month so that you have the video available throughout the full training plan.
Purchase the choreography PPV for only one month, but double up the choreography assignments so they can be covered in one month.
Learn the choreography all at once and then use the sections assigned per week as a guide for review.
Of course, the video has a lot of value. Written choreography notes only tell a certain percentage of the story. After you learn the sequencing, moves, and steps in a choregraphy, we recommend going back and relearning from the video again. The second time, you notice even more!
