Acting... something that us technique obsessed dancers are not always used to doing automatically. A question that a lot of us ask ourselves is: how do I know what facial expressions to make? Is acting or technique more important?
Interpreting choreography can be even more difficult if your choreographer hasn't given you a theme or perspective for the piece. On one hand you have more freedom, but on the other hand you 're not sure if what you're doing is correct.
If you have a solo, you're lucky because you can interpret the choreography however you want, without having to make sure that your partner or group are on the same page as you. - just make sure that it makes sense, and that it doesn't take away from your technique!
If you're doing a duet, it's really important that you talk to your partner and figure out what the piece means to you and how you interpret it. Try to find a common "theme" or emotion that you want to carry throughout your piece.
Group dances are more complicated - i recommend talking to the choreographer and asking them for some ideas. But make sure to do this with your group, so that you all hear what he or she has to say.
How do i know what facial expressions to make?
This goes back to the idea of interpretation. Think of the emotions that you're asked to portray in your piece and find a memory that makes you feel that way. For example, if you need to pretend to be scared, think of something that scares you while you're dancing and use it to guide your expressions. If it helps, try to link your dance to a specific time of your life where you felt the emotions that you need to feel when you're on stage. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Dance is all about showing your true colours and opening up to the audience.
Which is more important: acting or technique?
All dancers know that technique is important, but make sure that you practise artistry from the beginning as well. If you learn the steps first and focus on the emotions later, you're less likely to be convincing with your emotions. My dance teacher once told me that our emotions guide our dancing - and it's completely true(!). Focus on your emotions and artistry from the beginning: it affects your phrasing and will help you create a stronger muscle memory.
How do I stay in character/how can I maintain a certain emotion throughout the whole dance?
My main tip, would be to not think about anything. Just focus on your dance and the feeling that you have in that moment. Don't try to overthink anything - that's when you start to lose your ability to step into your character. Also, focus on your music - the phrasing of the melody can help guide your breathing and movement.
Group dances are more complicated - i recommend talking to the choreographer and asking them for some ideas. But make sure to do this with your group, so that you all hear what he or she has to say.
How do i know what facial expressions to make?
This goes back to the idea of interpretation. Think of the emotions that you're asked to portray in your piece and find a memory that makes you feel that way. For example, if you need to pretend to be scared, think of something that scares you while you're dancing and use it to guide your expressions. If it helps, try to link your dance to a specific time of your life where you felt the emotions that you need to feel when you're on stage. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Dance is all about showing your true colours and opening up to the audience.
Which is more important: acting or technique?
All dancers know that technique is important, but make sure that you practise artistry from the beginning as well. If you learn the steps first and focus on the emotions later, you're less likely to be convincing with your emotions. My dance teacher once told me that our emotions guide our dancing - and it's completely true(!). Focus on your emotions and artistry from the beginning: it affects your phrasing and will help you create a stronger muscle memory.
How do I stay in character/how can I maintain a certain emotion throughout the whole dance?
My main tip, would be to not think about anything. Just focus on your dance and the feeling that you have in that moment. Don't try to overthink anything - that's when you start to lose your ability to step into your character. Also, focus on your music - the phrasing of the melody can help guide your breathing and movement.
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