Say what the reader is trying to make
Start with one sentence that describes the creative rule. For the passing hello, that sentence is: “Offer a greeting twice, redirect it and choose an ending.” This gives the reader a map before the detail arrives. A title such as “The dramatic neighbour” can add personality, but it should not be the only explanation of the movement.
Next, distinguish the essentials from your interpretation. The repeated greeting might be essential to the prompt; your shoulder ripple, exact timing and outfit are not. Say so explicitly. Otherwise readers may assume that every visible detail is required and miss the invitation to experiment.
Use action, timing, direction and choice
Write actions in plain language before adding specialist terms. “Turn your palm outward” is more useful to a new dancer than an unexplained nickname. If a familiar dance term helps, define it and avoid implying that a short description replaces instruction in a technique that needs individual guidance.
Editorial example / The passing hello
Starting position: Choose a comfortable seated or standing position, with enough clear space for your version. Begin at rest.
- 1–2 / Offer: Make your chosen greeting. A small hand motion, nod or personally suitable signal can carry the idea.
- 3–4 / Repeat: Offer the greeting again. Keep its size or change it deliberately.
- 5–6 / Redirect: Change the gesture’s direction, or shift your attention without moving your body further.
- 7–8 / Resolve: Choose a comfortable shape or return to rest. Hold only as long as feels appropriate.
Alternative cue: “hello, hello, elsewhere, rest.” Counts are optional; pauses can be longer.
State whose left and right you mean. “Your right” is usually clearer than “this side,” particularly when someone watches a mirrored video. If mirroring is irrelevant to the idea, say that either direction works. Remove directional precision when it adds difficulty without helping the creative rule.
Describe options without ranking people
Offer choices alongside the main explanation, not as an apologetic footnote. For example, describe a hand-led version and a gaze-led version together. Avoid labelling one “the proper version” or promising that a particular option is suitable for everyone. Accessibility depends on the person and the circumstances, not just the label attached to a movement.
Range choices
Invite a smaller gesture, a change of focus or a pause. Do not require a large movement to make the ending count.
Pacing choices
Allow more time between actions, fewer repetitions or a spoken sequence without a musical beat.
Include a clear resting point and explain whether the phrase repeats. “Return to a comfortable position before trying again” is more helpful than letting a loop imply endless repetition. Encourage readers to stop when uncomfortable and seek qualified advice for individual movement concerns rather than pushing through.
Make a demonstration easier to understand
If you film your own demonstration for sharing elsewhere, keep the whole relevant movement in frame and use steady, readable lighting. Show the phrase once, then explain it slowly. Avoid edits that hide transitions. An ordinary background often makes an action clearer than an elaborate scene with competing visual detail.
Add accurate captions for spoken instruction and a text description of the actions. Do not put essential information only in music, colour or a quick gesture toward the screen. The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative offers useful background on accessible digital content. A captioned video still benefits from a separate, readable routine note.
Separate authorship, credit and permission
Explain which parts you created and which parts draw on another person’s work. Name the specific creator when known, link to their original material where appropriate and follow any stated reuse conditions. A general “inspired by disco” label is not a substitute for crediting a recognisable borrowed sequence.
Music credit is useful context, but it does not itself grant permission to publish a recording. Platforms, rights holders and locations have different conditions. Check the applicable rules before uploading, and do not assume that a short clip or a non-commercial post is automatically permitted. You can share the written movement rule without attaching music.
Ask every identifiable participant before filming and again before publication if that was not already agreed. Avoid showing private addresses, location clues, personal documents or people in the background who have not consented. Explain where the material will appear; permission for a private group does not automatically cover a public post.
Test the explanation with a reader
Invite someone to read your notes without first watching you. Ask what they think stays the same and what they believe they can change. If they cannot tell, revise the wording rather than treating their uncertainty as a lack of skill. Clear instruction is a collaboration between the idea and its explanation.
Finish with an invitation such as “Keep the greeting pattern; choose your own range and ending.” You do not need to publish a performance to have completed the creative work. Save a private note, exchange it with a friend or use the local message tool to put a question into words. This website does not host routines or operate a submission feed.