Choreography of posing routine?

[HoustonTXMuscle]

Am totally in the dark as to whether it's important to: (1) walk to center stage and go thru the various poses to the music I've chosen; or (2) move around (dance off-center) after going thru the mandatories. Am agile but certainly no dancer. As this will be my first show, I'd really appreciate suggestions.

[Roasted]

You can but don't have to do mandatories. I think you can generally tell them to put the music on before you enter or go to centre of stage, set up and than hit the music. Walking around is good. You can go to one side of stage, throw up a most muscular, than walk to other side and do the same thing, etc. The routine is basically to entertain the crowd. I don't think it matters much for judging. It should be fun and about showing off.

GO on youtube and watch some routines by Kai Greene, Dennis Wolf, old Arnold routines, etc. This local natty guy Michael Kwao is also one of my favorite posers. Check out his routine from the 2010 canadian cbbf nationals (can't link....youtube is blocked at work).

EDIT: Some guys DO dance, but my favorite routines are the classic style bodybuilding routines that's classic posing, not dancing.

[simpleguy4]

Do whatever you feel comfortable with...dance if that fits your style or doing the mandatories linked with some artistic, smooth transitions can make for a great routine. It is your choice on what part of the stage you perform and they will start your music accordingly...just let the expeditor know in advance.

[red_cat]

Best piece of advice I can give is to keep it simple. Hit 6 or 7 poses and put some nice, smooth transitions in and you've got yourself a solid routine. Find a few mandatories that present your physique well (that's the whole point of posing) and a few non-conventional poses.

There are tons of videos on YouTube of good (and terrible) routines. This one is probably my favorite posing routine of all time:
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Followed closely by:
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[Barn01]

I teach posing as well and even thought MOST orgs don't judge it or if they do then it's low weighting ... I suggest you ask a rep from the org if the routine counts towards your score. Then tailor the routine.

Pick music that defines you and can also appeal to the crowd. It feels so much more comfortable when the crowd is with you. I would also work the stage since this is YOUR time and you want to show everyone your hard work. So make a routine that works both sides and center stage. It's also good to toss in at least one low pose that gets you in a position closer to the stage. Combine you BEST manditories and your BEST free poses. Don't try to hit to many ... around 10/60sec ish should be enough to make smooth transitions as well as holding the poses for 3-5sec for pictures to be taken.

Smile and have fun!