Over the years, I have made friends with many talented dancers across various styles, many of which also have low vision or some form of visual impairment like I do. When learning new choreography or dance moves, many of them rely on video lessons or watching videos in order to understand what is happening, and read/listen to descriptions of movements to help them understand how they can replicate something in their own practice. Here are my favorite tips for how to describe dance choreography for visually impaired audiences in the context of dance tutorials and virtual dance classes.
Video descriptions for visually impaired: text-based and audio descriptions
As short-form video content has become more prevalent, two different styles of video descriptions for visually impaired audiences have become viable options for creating accessible dance videos, including the use of audio descriptions and text-based video descriptions.
Audio description, sometimes referred to as descriptive audio or described video, is an additional narration track designed with nonvisual access in mind, providing details for all key visual elements of a video so that audiences with visual impairments (inclusive of blind/low vision) can fully participate and engage with content. Audio description is delivered during natural pauses in dialogue or music and can help viewers better understand what is going on. Most audio description content posted online is “open”, meaning that it does not require any special equipment or headphones to listen to.
In this context, video descriptions provide a text-based description of visual elements in a video, acting as a transcript or summary that the viewer can read either with large print, a screen reader, or a braille display. The viewer may use the text-based description to provide additional context for what they are watching or to help fill in blanks after watching a video, ultimately answering the question “what did I just watch?” Video descriptions can also be a helpful educational tool for dancers wishing to learn new choreography or discuss a video with others.
The primary difference between audio description and video descriptions in this context is that audio descriptions describe everything going on except for what is communicated by sound or verbal description; the focus is on what isn’t being said or heard. For video descriptions, the audio may be mentioned when it comes to describing song choice or writing a transcript of spoken content, but the primary focus is still on describing visual elements of the video.
Related links
- All About Audio Description For Broadway Plays
- How To Write Video Descriptions For Animal Videos
- How To Create Image Descriptions For Red Carpet Looks
Examples of dance choreography videos and using videos in dance lessons
For dancers with visual impairments, videos of choreography or dance lessons can be a valuable educational tool in multiple contexts, including:
- Videos can be played on repeat or played multiple times
- Content can be viewed on mobile devices, computers, or larger screens depending on individual preference
- Screen magnification and pinch-to-zoom gestures make it possible to zoom in on a specific area of the video or enlarge content so that it is easier to see.
- Video playback speed can be altered/slowed down
- Volume can be adjusted, which can make it easier to focus on movement
- Dancers can watch videos of themselves performing, or watching others perform so that they can get feedback on choreography or view images closer compared to watching in a mirror
- Mirrors may be challenging for dancers to see either due to distance, glare, or positioning within the dance studio. Additionally, dancers who choose to perform/rehearse without glasses or contacts may have more difficulties following along with what is going on in the mirror.
- Video classes may be more accessible for some dancers if in-person instruction is not feasible or available
- Dancers can browse social media for inspiration and use videos from others to inform their own practice or learn specific choreography
A lot of my friends will record videos of themselves practicing, or watch recordings from their instructor/choreographer when learning new choreography, using text-based or audio descriptions as a guide for helping them understand what is happening.
Related links
- How To Describe Science Experiments For Visually Impaired Students
- Recording Video Lectures For Visually Impaired Students
- How To Make Classroom Videos Easier To See
Options for producing video descriptions for dance choreography
When it comes to recording audio description for dance content or composing text-based video descriptions of dance videos, there are several free tools that can be used to create descriptions, including the following options:
- For creators recording their own videos, narration can be incorporated into the recording process by providing detailed verbal descriptions of movements as they appear on the screen. For example, an instructor can share a set of steps or the name of specific movements as they perform them in real time, while avoiding phrases such as “like this” or “over there” without providing additional clarification as to how the dancer is expected to move.
- One option for adding audio description to YouTube videos is the free YouDescribe web application, which offers options for recording inline descriptions that play alongside the video, as well as extended descriptions that allow creators to pause videos and go into more detail about what is happening.
- For videos recorded on an iOS device, the Clips application can be used to add additional narration to videos and record audio description.
- When posting videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, a video description can be shared or linked in the video caption or description, so that users can read the description on their own. Alternatively, a comment containing description can be pinned to the top of a feed.
Adding video description to dance content either in text-based or auditory formats can be helpful for dancers who may not be able to see their screen when practicing, and can also provide information about body language or gestures that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Related links
- How To Create Audio Description For YouTube With YouDescribe
- How To Create Accessible Videos and Narrated Images With Clips
- Options For Writing Extended Image Descriptions On Social Media
- How To Write Alt Text and Image Descriptions for the Visually Impaired
- Audio Workouts and Low Vision
Arranging the rehearsal space with visual access in mind
When recording videos such as dance classes or dance tutorials with plans to add audio description and/or text description later on, it is helpful to arrange the rehearsal space or studio so that viewers with visual impairments can follow along with on-screen movement. While it may seem counterintuitive to prioritize visual accessibility when designing for visual impairment, many individuals with low vision primarily access visual media and use audio (sounds/narration) or movement-based strategies to “fill in the blanks” for visual content. Potential strategies for setting up spaces for recording include:
- Avoiding patterned/visually complex backgrounds or wallpapers, which can make it harder to see dancers on-screen.
- Arranging lights so that they provide proper illumination of choreographers/dancers without creating glare
- Having cameras on a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky footage, which can be disorienting to watch
- Using props that provide good contrast against the surrounding area. For example, light colored props or accessories may be easier to see in a space with primarily dark walls or surroundings
- Add colored tape or lines to the floor to indicate where the edge of the floor is, or to edges of items (e.g. barre, hoops, platforms)
- If dancing on a tap board, dance mat, or smaller area, ensure that the area is outlined or otherwise contrasts against the surrounding area
When it comes to deciding what to wear, solid colored clothing may be preferred over busy patterns, which can create additional visual complexity. The clothing should also be a different color than the wall or other background to ensure that the subjects of the video do not blend into their surrounding areas.
Should rehearsal spaces be described in videos?
If the rehearsal space or the clothing worn by the video subject provides important context to understand the choreography or style of dance, this information can be acknowledged in an audio description or video description. However, it is important to remember that the focus of these videos is on learning choreography, not on describing the colors of walls or brands of clothing. However, any protective clothing or equipment that is in use should be acknowledged, such as mats or tape that protect from falls.
Related links
- Lighting And Low Vision
- Participating In Drama and Theater Programs With Low Vision
- High Contrast and Low Vision
What to include when describing dance choreography for visually impaired audiences
Examples of information to include either in text-based descriptions or audio descriptions of dance choreography or lesson videos include:
Description of rehearsal space
Where is this video being filmed? Are any safety precautions in place? As mentioned above, the focus of this video should be on dance and not on the color of the walls, but it can be helpful to know the dancer’s name and how the space is set up so that proper safety precautions can be taken when following along with the video.
Type of dance being demonstrated
If the choreography being demonstrated has a specific name (e.g. the Macarena) or is from a specific source (such as a music video, scene from a movie/TV show, or similar established routine), this should be mentioned at the beginning of the audio or video description. It can also be helpful to include the name of who originally choreographed the dance, if it originated from social media.
Initial position
Before beginning to describe how the dance is performed, it can be helpful to share the initial position or resting position the dancer is using in the video. For example, are they in the center of the floor? Are they facing a specific direction? Are their limbs positioned in a certain way, or are they sitting down/lying down? The description should also include which side the first movement starts on, e.g. left foot or right side.
Names of movements/choreography
When it comes to learning new choreography or dance moves, using specific dance terminology and names of moves can help viewers better understand what is happening. The level of description needed will depend on the target audience; a beginning dance class or tutorial will require more detailed descriptions of movement, such as describing what a tendu looks like in ballet or a cramp roll in tap. If the video is designed to synthesize existing knowledge, sharing the name of the dance move with no description on how to do it is acceptable. Movements should be described in sequential order of when they appear on the screen.
By providing the name of the movements, someone who is looking for additional context can search for the name of the movement and watch additional videos or read descriptions of what that movement should look like. If specific terminology is not available, describe the movement using kinesthetic or tactile imagery so that someone could replicate it, instead of trying to describe what something looks like visually.
Description of whole body movement (Body moves)
When describing movement, it can be helpful to identify what the primary focus area is for a given dance move, and mention body moves in terms of what the audience is most likely to notice beyond the area of focus. For example, someone who is performing jazz hands may be kneeling on the ground and have a large smile, or someone demonstrating pullbacks may extend their arms in front of them.
In some cases, songs that are used in dance tutorials may narrate what the dancer is doing. This can still be helpful to include in a description just so that it doesn’t sound like these details were forgotten, such as if the dancer does a pirouette when song lyrics mention turning. It can also be helpful to indicate which direction they are moving in (stage travels), such as backwards.
Repetitions for specific movements
Instead of saying the word shuffle three times when someone shuffles three times in a row (“shuffle shuffle shuffle”), it’s easier to say or write “shuffle three times,” since it can be easy to lose count of how many times a movement is repeated. If a group dance is being performed, it can also help to know if someone else joins in a movement as it is repeated.
End of video
What is the final movement shown? When does the dancer return to a rest position? It can be helpful to know when a choreography or video ends, so that it can be restarted if needed or so the viewer knows where the description ends.
Song credits or other text
Some videos will list the song(s) as text within the video. Any text content that appears on the screen should be written or read verbatim, such as the names of songs, movements written on screen, or usernames. Background text such as writing on clothes, signs, or captions for spoken content do not need to be added.
Related links
- Creating Audio Description For College Fight Song
- Creating Audio Description for Music Videos With YouDescribe
More tips for how to describe dance choreography for visually impaired students
- Looking for ideas on participating in dance classes with low vision? I share advice based on my own personal experiences in Dance Classes and Low Vision
- Want to watch performances of dance choreography? Read Streaming Audio Description For Performing Arts Videos
- Need to screen a video for flashing lights? Check out How To Check Videos For Flashing Lights and Avoiding Flashing Lights On Social Media
- Interested in taking an in-person dance class? There are several non-profit organizations that teach dance to visually impaired individuals, and more specific information can be found online. I’ve also found recordings of classes also offered in person when browsing for Audio Workouts and Low Vision
Published April 30, 2020. Updated November 2024