How to find the YOU in dance

(Improvisation in Valletta, Malta 2018 to the sound of the city)

What is my own style? Who am I and is my dance and human self different?

You may wonder why all this is important. It never even crossed my mind until you're in your last year. Even though you may have all your plans laid out you will probably still have a panic moment of doubt and mystery as you embark on the big world. Auditions are around the corner and you realise two contradictory things. THERE ARE SO MANY DANCERS. and THERE ARE NOT AS MANY DANCERS AS YOU THINK.

It occurred to me when in a workshop looking at what options we have to go into in a dance field. Not everyone went to the same place; this be performing, administration or well-being to name a few. So yes there are so many of us from one year in one university, which means across England, The UK, Europe and The World there is a lot more. BUT we all go into different individual routes and our unique qualities we bring. Yet walking into an audition room there are still hundreds going for the same job as you.

So avoiding more panic, what has this to do with YOU?

Well...

There are lets say 100 people for an audition and all have a similar university post-modern training, what makes you stand out? Yes having good technique, musicality, strength and flexibility. But that can make us all seem robotic, and I am sure auditionees are sick of seeing all the same stuff.

THE BEAUTY OF THIS ERA OF DANCE is that it is all about blending. So whatever you are, how you move and what you know makes every movement slightly different, even if you are being taught rep.

Finding you

- Go to loads of different classes/ different styles. One this will give you more chance to add to your blend (or pure style). Two you may find new more innate ways for you to move

- Improvising. Its something you may hear a lot and HATE, trust me i did too, but it gets more enjoyable the closer you get to you. You will see what is in there, what looks good on your body [just make sure you film some sessions and really let go].

- Imitate others. See how someone else moves and want to be like that. Well try. Even again if it is in the safe quarters of an empty studio, learn how someone moves. What are there initiation points? What is the quality?

- Research dance. Part of the reason I went to uni was to get the knowledge alongside the physical aspect. By finding out theorists on how the body moves- such as Bartenieff [which has been a massive help for me] or Alexander technique and use it to clarify a solid technique BASED ON YOUR STYLE AND NOT ANOTHERS.

- Simple as, put your personality in. Feeling happy, sad, confident move it. This can apply to temporary moods [and is a great way to tackle through them] or personality traits.

- Go to a psychotherapy session. See who you are, and express this in the arts and this may uncover something new, help with an issue and reveal your connection to dance AND it could find a passion.

If you ever feel stuck or lost, you can get through it in a studio. This is my mantra. Feel free to message for either dance advice, classes or in the foreseeable future psychotherapy.