Hello, fellow dancers! I wanted to do something fun and a little different this week.
If you like personality tests and are a performer, this post is for you! While this is specific to dancers, I believe it could also apply to other types of performers such as actors or musicians.
What kind of dancer are you, and what can you do to improve?
Below, there are the 5 different types of dancers with 3 words that define them. I go into detail on their distinctive strengths. I have also listed ways in which each type of dancer can take their skills to the next level. This post has been a lot of fun to write, so I hope you enjoy it!
──────────────────
- The Multitalent (Skilled, Flexible, Inspirational)
The Multitalent is a dancer who is the jack of all trades. They are proficient in many genres. This dancer can go directly from a street dance class to a jazz class seamlessly. Not only have they honed in on their ballet technique, but they also have amazing syncopation for tap class. They don’t have any difficulty with transitions or balancing opposite types of dance such as ballet and street dance.
Due to their versatile nature, the Multitalent makes the perfect teacher. Many will start as instructors, and eventually open up their own studios! With their ability to focus on so many things at once, they make successful instructors and business owners.
If you see yourself in the Multitalent, an area you can improve upon is focusing on a specific genre of dance. The saying goes, “Jack of all trades but master of none.” This is why it’s helpful to figure out which type of dance you would like to specialize in. For example, if you enjoy modern dance the most, take a few months to work on your skills as a modern dancer to take your abilities to the next level. Ask yourself which is your favorite kind of dance and sign up for some classes!
- The Perfectionist (Disciplined, Experienced, Technical)
The Perfectionist is the dancer who has impeccable technique and picks up on choreography instantly. They likely have been dancing since a very young age without a single break. This dancer makes every audition and usually is selected for lead roles due to their technical proficiency and ability to remember sequences. Perfectionists make an amazing canvas for choreographers to set their work on because the choreographer knows they’ll be able to do it every time.
Although the Perfectionist can glide through any sequence given to them, they may lack stage presence due to hyperfocusing on technique. Flat stage presence can also be from the monotony of dancing for such a long time. If you’re the perfectionist, focus on your vibe and having fun rather than “reciting choreography.” Even though you’ve been dancing for your whole life, try to keep a fresh perspective with each class you attend.
A great exercise for the Perfectionist is to incorporate non-technical improvisation into your training. This is a great way to get yourself outside of your comfort zone and let the joy of dance shine through while you perform.
- The Visionary (Unique, Innovative, Original)
The Visionary stands out amongst the rest because they come up with new and exciting ways to share their love of dance. They think outside the box, often challenging norms within the dance world, and encourage other dancers to do the same. Some will go as far as to create their own genre of dance that is unique and has never been done before. Visionaries are the change makers and always find a way to get their inventive work out there.
Visionaries will usually become a leader of some sort, whether it’s a choreographer or director. Many of them will have multiple roles within the company they created and will work on the technical aspects of the show as well. This is because they know exactly what they want and how to bring that to life for the audience.
With strong ideas and an intense sense of purpose, it becomes frustrating when Visionaries feel misunderstood. That’s why if you relate to the Visionary, patience is key. It takes time to get a new idea off the ground and if you are starting a company, to find reliable dancers to share your perceptions with you. I encourage you to take your time and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight!
- The Charismatic (Passionate, Charming, Endearing)
You’ll know you’ve seen the Charismatic because your eye is instantly drawn to them onstage, no matter the role they play. They are fun to watch and are highly entertaining due to their strong stage presence. The Charismatic has that jene sais quois, an essence that makes the audience want more from them. The Charismatic’s love of dance truly reflects in their performance as they emote from an authentic place and are genuinely having fun. Oftentimes, the Charismatic has a background in acting or in dance theater. Because they captivate the audience, the Charismatic usually creates their own solo dance project.
The Charismatic excels in stage presence but oftentimes lacks in technique. Sometimes they need extra time to learn choreography on their own and as a result, may need to focus on taking technique classes.
If you relate to the Charismatic, I’d recommend signing up for advanced-level ballet technique classes. Ballet is the foundation of many types of dance such as jazz and modern, so this will allow you to work on technical skills such as turnout and remembering combinations. Luckily, muscle memory works in your favor as the longer you dance, the more you’ll remember.
- The Acrobat (Strong, Fascinating, Energetic)
Dance for the Acrobat is rooted in athleticism. This dancer likely comes from a competition dance, gymnastics, or cheerleading background. They are used to performing as a soloist since their flexibility, strength, and ability to perform a sequence of tricks keeps the audience’s attention. Because Acrobats are typically soloists, they tend to have higher physical strength and stamina than average. The Acrobat dances BIG and are never shy. They are not afraid to take up the whole stage. Acrobats typically become coaches for other dancers, and even fitness coaches because they’re so versed in athletic training.
The rehearsal process for the Acrobat is focused on performing leaps, spins, and flips as the centerpiece. Due to time constraints in the training process, sometimes the dance is only taught on one side of the body. Learning a dance on one side of the body only leads to imbalance. An example of this is many Acrobats are able to perform more turns on one side than the other.
If you see yourself in the Acrobat, make sure you’re practicing the dance on both the right and the left side. The key here is balance. This will keep your body strong equally, so you’re able to do movement on both sides.
──────────────────
There you have it! These are the 5 types of dancers with their strengths, and areas in which they can improve upon. Which one did you relate to the most? Was it just one of the above, or a combination of two or more? Personally, I find myself relating to the Charismatic the most (Just look at my name!) I also relate to the Visionary. I have known at least a few dancers from each category at one time or another, and they are all so valuable. If you’d like, reach out to me and let me know which one you are!