Is creativity essential in dance? For some dancers, the answer is “not really”. You are perfectly happy being told exactly what to do and how to do it. Maybe you are in prestigious schools, or training programs that keep you busy with technique classes, rehearsals, and performances all day, every day. Your dream is to be in a high caliber company that is successful so you don’t have to work extra jobs and you can just focus on your dancing.
But, maybe these past couple of weeks of quarantine, you have been challenged to open your mind and receive dance education in creative ways. Bet you never thought you would be taking Graham master classes in your living room, or going through your typical studio schedule all through virtual learning, watching a computer or television screen. And as bad as it may be and as unusual it may feel, that my friends, is creativity keeping the dance world alive and well.
A career in the dance world 95% of the time, doesn’t look like the example in the first paragraph. Creativity is a dancers’ greatest asset, and without it, a career in dance will surely fail.
Reality Check:
First of all, most companies work collectively.. They want dancers that can manipulate choreography, come up with phrases, teach master classes, do partnering, and contribute ideas for the betterment of the company. The whole attitude of “my technique is impeccable, set a work on me” is not going to fly in the world of professional dance. This is why so many companies don’t even have a one day audition anymore. They simply don’t care as much about your technique as they do in: Who is this person? Will they get along with the current company members? What else doe they bring to the table that will benefit our company?
Secondly, dance is an art form. Yes, it is really cool to type in “boys doing high ballet jumps” on Youtube and be amazed at their physical talent, but those videos aren’t showing the artistic side of dance at all. And while it may be impressive to some, does it really matter if you can do “insert trick here”, if you can’t express artistry on stage?
There is so much I want to say here, but in lieu of getting “ranty” I want to imprint upon you the idea that creativity is completely essential in dance, quarantine or not, and creativity is what is going to sustain this art form for future generations.
Here are my top tips on implementing more creativity in your life:
Creative Research.
As much as you are practicing your physical technique, your creativity should be practiced as well. I like to think of this as creative research. How should you do this? Start with improv. 10 minutes a day. See where that takes you.
Learn as much as you can about dancers, choreographers, musicians, production, costuming. Discover what appeals to you, what dancers and dances pierce your soul. Enjoy the time of expanding your knowledge to build your confidence as you grow as a dancer/performer. Let this growth be a spark to generate more creative thoughts and concepts.
Is this a paradox? Shouldn’t creativity be something that just comes to you, not something you have to practice? I believe the answer is NO. Creativity is something that can grow, if it is nurtured.
Novelty in everyday life.
Experiencing newness is like a breath of fresh air to the brain and nervous system. Whether it’s standing at a new place at the barre, wearing new dance clothes, or brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, the brain loves it and it will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Idea generation.
If you always go with the first idea you have, that is probably the most predictable thing you can do. Instead, write down/brainstorm/think about multiple ideas for every situation and use the one you thought up last. Whether this be choreography, song choices, or what you are having for dinner, the goal is to surprise yourself with what you can come up with.
Play.
If dance is not super fun to you, then what are you doing? And this is not the same thing as going to class. Can you enjoy just being on your own, and improv-ing to your music? Is the creative process as fun to you as the performance process? If not- you should reassess. A career in dance is more about what you do alone versus what the audience gets to see onstage.
I like to think of this as the root system of a plant. We get to enjoy the flowers we see on the surface, but the complicated, dirt covered, messy root system is what makes the flower so beautiful. Can you enjoy the flower without appreciating the roots? Your dance career will not blossom unless you are nurturing what is giving it nutrients.
Consistency.
The book “The Creative Habit” by Twila Tharp is all about this. Would totally recommend to anyone who is interested in investing in their creative practice. Twila gets right to the point with this excerpt from the book:
“Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits. That’s it in a nutshell.” – Twila Tharp
Open your eyes.
Look around you. Go outside. Observe the people that you see. Let your eyes be your starting point to inspire ideas for new work, new movement and new opportunities.
Pause.
Take creative lulls to recharge. Step away from ideas that don’t come or that you get “stuck” on. Go back to the basics in 1, 2 and 3 with no pressure. Don’t be discouraged. There is an endless amount of creativity in you just waiting to be tapped in to.
1 Comment
excellent
process is very valuable