Music - Lyrics

I'm writing this post in three parts, corresponding to experience as a choreographer.

Beginning choreographers - stay away from lyrics.  The temptation to create movement that literally interprets the lyrics is simply too great.  As creating new movement and phrases is often difficult as a new choreographer, this will only hinder your creativity.  Also, lyrics can be confusing for the audience.  They add another level of sensory information that can distract the audience from paying complete attention to your piece.  It is difficult at first to deprive yourself of music with lyrics, but as one of my college professors put it 'if the lyrics already tell the story, why would you need to see the dance?'

Experienced choreographers - generally stay away from lyrics.  This has more to do with my sensory comment from above than anything else.  Remember that what ever the sounds you choose to use in your choreography, they add a layer of sensory information that the audience must absorb.  During the rehearsal process, we become so very familiar with our chosen music that it becomes second nature.  What we must remember is that our audience will be hearing that music for the first time while simultaneously seeing our composition for the first time.  This is not to say that it will never be successful, in fact quite the opposite.  As long as you keep in mind that there will be a lot of information being transmitted to the audience and you manage that flow of information well, it can be extremely effective.  Also, when considering lyrics in other languages, decide if the voice blends in as if it were another instrument or if it stands alone.  In the first case treat it as such.  In the second, make sure to take this into account.  It may not be an issue at all but it could create an issue if your audience spends the time they should be watching your piece trying to decipher the lyrics.

Studio choreographer - use lyrics.  This is for those out there teaching children or populations that are new to dance.  Your choreography should be focused on the student.  Challenge them in performance ability, but showcase the lessons they have learned in their course of study.  Lyrics can be an easy way for students to relate to the music and for those who have difficulty hearing rhythms or counting music, it gives them an alternative.  The words also help with memory.  And especially for the very young, it gives you ideas for movement.  *Note - this is in direct conflict with what I said earlier.* The more obvious the movement, the more obvious the connection to the music/lyrics, the easier it is for young ones to remember.  Also, repeated movement to repeated words is a huge help.