

Routines are based around feeling and emotion and, though technique is crucial, spirit generally tells where the dance will go. Lyrical is based around choreography and the interpretation of the music.
However, lyrical choreography is often peppered with intentionally pedestrian moves to create a simultaneously organic and dramatic feel. A solid, ballet-based technique is an essential component of this style of dance, as is a facility with various other forms of jazz, some contemporary dance, and proper placement and bodily alignment. Depending on the given song and choreography, a lyrical piece may or may not be graceful, but will always be expressive and unpredictable, particularly in comparison to ballet and other jazz pieces which may have a more presentational quality. Lyrical dance is often choreographed to a song about freedom, of releasing a sad emotion, or of overcoming obstacles, but can be choreographed to any human emotion-related song. It is a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves. Lyrical dance is expressive, subtle and dynamic, expressing emotions through movement. Lyrical dance gained its name not because the lyrics of a song are sometimes highlighted over the rhythm, but because of the meaning of the word lyrical: having a poetic, expressive quality musical characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling expressing deep personal emotions or observation highly rhapsodic or enthusiastic. Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. It is mainly performed to music with lyrics, and the song’s lyrics are a driving force and key inspiration for the movement. Lyrical dance has a relatively recent history and a genesis based on the coming together of ballet, rock, a variety of jazz dance and modern dance, and to a lesser degree, punk and swing. A lyrical dancer’s movements attempt to show the meaning of the music. Lyrical dance challenges choreographers and dancers to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques.
