We Are Dancers.

We are dancers. It is what we love to do. It’s what we think about day in and day out. A lot of people have asked me what makes up a great dancer and of course, there were things like technique and passion that first came to mind. Yet recently, someone asked me and I thought of a few words that summed up what I have learned in my career, which has now turned in to what I teach my students. Aside from the technique and dance moves and all that, of course.

Dedication is first and foremost the most important quality of a dancer. Within that is also perseverance because we are in one touch industry. Starting out as a young dancer, there is always a clear moment in which we each decide if this is sometime we truly want or not. Those of us that say yes, focus and hone in on our craft. We spend hours at the studio. We take as many workshop classes as we can. We concentrate on the corrections we are given, and know that we are able to make them. And if not, we know when to ask for help. We realize that the only thing between our self and our training is our self. We hear the comments form agents, casting directors, and even sometimes teachers, that we have to push through and stay dedicated to our personal training.

Action is also very necessary as a dancer. No one is going to get us up and go to class every day. No one will be there telling us that we need to keep our grades up or else our parents won’t let us dance. No one is telling us to get to that audition that we might book. Motivation is absolutely everything in this industry. In order to make it, no matter what capacity in which you want to be involved, you have got to act fast. Because if you don’t, someone will gladly take your spot.

Networking is KEY to success in this industry. While yes, you need the technique to back it all up, but it is definitely who you know that can take you to greatness. As a student, no matter what age, go up to your teachers and thank them for sharing their art with you. Go to local classes that may come through your area. Go see shows. Talk to people at convention. Even if they are someone that you absolutely idolize. Funny thing about those people…THEY ARE PEOPLE! They are (normally) very nice. Go up and introduce yourself. Who cares what your friends think. Putting yourself out there is a huge part of our industry, so why wait? You both may be in an audition down the road and a familiar face and a smile can comfort even the best sometimes.

Creativity is a must. There is already a Travis Wall. We already have a Sonya Tayeh. And we have our Emily Shock. Find yourself. While these and many other dancers and choreographers are incredibly gifted and inspirational, you have to find what makes YOU bookable. Find the inspiration from them and let it do just that…inspire you. Don’t try to imitate what they do. We’ve seen it already. Same thing goes for things you see other dancers do in classes and such. If you see something they do, try to change it. We aren’t all the same in the mind, body and spirit, so why should we dance the same?

Evolution comes as a result of your creativity and training. My personal choreographic style can change from week to week within the same genre and there is no reason as to why it shouldn’t with everyone. Music moves us and each song we move to is completely different so our choreography should be different. Of course, there is a certain je ne sais quoi, or innate style, that should be a common thread as an artist, but music should dictate your movement. Let the music speak through your body the same way it speaks to your heart and soul. Allow yourself to grow as a dancer and choreographer and you will find your place in this industry.

If you’re following along, the last letter we have to spell dancer is R. And it is a very important one. REST. We need to allow our bodies to recuperate from the hours of rehearsals, classes and learning or creating choreography. We need that physical and mental respite to not only allow our brains and bodies to refuel, but to also let that creativity brew. It’s in the moments of rest where I am listening to new music that I have come up with some of my favorite combinations, choreography or concepts. In addition to creativity, we need to rest our body to prevent and repair injuries. It’s hard. Incredibly hard, I get that. But if we don’t allow ourselves to heal, it will only get worse over time.

Dedication.
Action.
Networking.
Creativity.
Evolution.
Rest.

All of these components are what make up a great dancer in my mind. It is these qualities that will give you longevity in your career. People will work with you once and won’t want to lose you. Stay dedicated. Take action. Network. Be creative (and original). Allow yourself to evolve. Listen to your body and rest when you should.

XO,
#DanceTchrProbs