What a crazy few months it’s been! I’ve had performance after performance and had two more last weekend. You may have noticed I’ve been posting a bit less- that’s because 90% of my creative energy has been going to dance.
Today I felt inspired to share some encouragement. And that is, how to play to your strengths as a dancer. More specifically, why you shouldn’t worry if you don’t have perfect technique.
Obviously, you need to have a certain level of technique as a dancer. Technique is what separates the dancer from the pedestrian. A pedestrian will tromp onto the stage and splay their ribcage and jut their pelvis out. But a dancer is very pleasing to watch because of their technique that the average person just doesn’t have. However, every dancer struggles with something when it comes to technicality. Maybe you struggle with turnout, or have to work extra hard to get en pointe.
I don’t think dancers should let imperfect technique hold them back. Why?
Directors and choreographers are looking for much more than just technique.
Okay, captain obvious. Every dancer knows that already. But do they really know that on a visceral level?
It’s so easy to get caught up on your technical abilities and to spiral into a dark place, thinking that if you can’t developpe up to your head, you’re a bad dancer. Believe me, I’ve been there. I got an extremely late start on dance. So maybe I can’t do a quadruple pirouette en pointe. But so what? I have so many other strengths in dance and multiple art forms. I need to point this out to illustrate that even though I got a late start and have taken multiple extended breaks, I’m out here doing it in a way that feels amazing for me!!!
If you can somehow relate to this, here is why I believe you will succeed. It’s because you will also play into your strengths that choreographers and directors want.
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Here are my top 6 tips on how to play into your strengths as a dancer:
1. Be easy to work with. I place this as number one because it’s of the utmost importance. Being easy to work with means you mesh well with others and give them respect. This doesn’t mean you have to be friends with everyone, but you should strive to remain professional and cordial with your fellow dancers. You never know who you’ll run into again. I’ve seen the most technically skilled dancers overlooked because they’re just hard to work with.
2. Leave your ego at the door. I’ve witnessed dancers getting selected for their dream role once, but never again after that because it went straight to their heads. The choreographer will notice an inflated ego, and they want nothing to do with it.
When given corrections, apply them to the best of your ability. Take the choreographer and their vision seriously. Don’t look down on other dancers who may be at a different stage in their career than you. Furthermore, I’ve seen egos present where a dancer doesn’t even get selected in the first place because of their sour attitude.
3. Be punctual and communicative. Choreographers love when you’re on time and show up to every rehearsal. If you can’t be on time or can’t come that day, make sure to communicate that with the choreographer. When you arrive at rehearsal, be ready to snap into action and don’t cause any delays.
I also believe dancers should communicate any physical hindrances they have if it prevents them from dancing to the best of their ability. This doesn’t mean you should complain about every ache and pain. But for example, if you have a back injury, you should tell the choreographer so they don’t mistake your inability to do certain movements as indifference.
4. Know your value and become innovative. All of the above doesn’t mean you should become a meek doormat, or overly humble to the point of self-deprecation. You need to get to the point where you know you’re a great dancer from the inside out, so people’s attitudes or unconstructive criticism won’t impact you. If you rely on others for validation, your dance career will be a rollercoaster. But if you have a deep understanding of your intrinsic worth and talent as a dancer, the outside noise from everyone else won’t affect you.
In addition to this, you should always strive to be innovative and open. If creative input is welcome where you dance, then give your input! Share your vision and those parts of yourself that make your art uniquely you. I believe you have something so special that needs to be shared.
5. Be multitalented in other art forms. It’s important to learn other forms of art besides dance. This is for two reasons. First, I believe different ideas are better expressed through different mediums. For example, a painting will get a different point across than choreography. Second, it keeps you from becoming too involved with dance. To put it bluntly, don’t make dance your whole life or your only creative outlet. Sometimes you just need a mental break from dance to work on your own projects.
By becoming proficient in other art forms, you’ll be a more well-rounded artist. So if you’ve been wanting to take a pottery class, then go sign up! A few examples of other art forms I’m currently interested in are poetry, digital art, spoken word, music, and fiction writing. Honestly, all of the above are just as important to me as dance.
6. Keep an open mind to different styles of dance. I used to have such a narrow view of dance that if I didn’t become a ballerina, I couldn’t dance at all. To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t pursue a career in classical ballet because of how limiting that would’ve been. I branched out into Chinese dance, performance art, and modern styles. Think about it: 95% of ballet dancers are in the Corpse de Ballet. They stay there most if not all of their career. Who would want that? But if you truly love ballet, consider branching out into contemporary styles. Then, you have a much higher probability of success.
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This is why if you’re not the most technical dancer you shouldn’t worry. You have strengths that people want. I believe you will find your own path.
None of the above means you’re overcompensating for anything. It means you’re seeing the best in yourself, believing in yourself, and playing to your strengths.