Conquer the Mirror!
A typical day for a dancer goes something like this. ALARM-COFFEE-TIGHTS-MIRROR-MIRROR-LUNCH-MIRROR-MIRROR-MIRROR-DINNER-SHOWER-BED. We spend the majority of our existence facing a mirror. We are vividly aware of good days, bad days, skinny days, fat days.
Today’s note is CONQUER THE MIRROR! Let’s face it dancers-we need to see what we are producing. At the same time we need to realize that mirrors are deceiving. Their voices are often untrue and their constant desire for more/better/best is just smoke and, well, mirrors. You are beautifully and wonderfully made! Your true reflection is far deeper than a sheet of glass. Once you find that honest reflection of who you are-YOU’VE CONQUERED THE MIRROR.
Now you can enter the studio with confidence. You’ll find more time to laugh with those around you in class and you can leave each day with a true inward smile. And, more importantly, you become the very best YOU that is meant to be.
Conquer the Mirror!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Honor Wardrobe!
In the wee hours after the curtain comes down there are cute little fairies that enter the theatre and clean your costumes, prep your wigs, fold your tights and sew on loose buttons. Hello! Wardrobe department-
Today's note is HONOR WARDROBE. Just as you have put in years of training to work as a dancer you must realize that employees in other departments in the theater have worked equally as hard to hone their job. Always say thank you during that quick change that could have only been successful with 3 people helping you. Do your best to hang costumes up after they are used and keep your shoes and accessories as neat and compact as possible.
If you honor wardrobe you will find that you will be respected and honored in return. Those little fairies are people who, like you, want to have an enjoyable experience at work.
Honor Wardrobe!
Today's note is HONOR WARDROBE. Just as you have put in years of training to work as a dancer you must realize that employees in other departments in the theater have worked equally as hard to hone their job. Always say thank you during that quick change that could have only been successful with 3 people helping you. Do your best to hang costumes up after they are used and keep your shoes and accessories as neat and compact as possible.
If you honor wardrobe you will find that you will be respected and honored in return. Those little fairies are people who, like you, want to have an enjoyable experience at work.
Honor Wardrobe!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Learn To Read Music!
For those of you who are already working professionally you know that reading music comes into play. Even when you are hired as a “dancer” and that is the majority of what you are doing within a given production, there are times when a piece of sheet music comes across your dance bag.
Today’s note is LEARN TO READ MUSIC! Reading music is a skill that every artist needs. For those of you who choreograph dance, the ability to read music is of great importance. Most composers do not know how to count the way dancers count. Their music is written in 4/4 for example and you are counting in 8’s. It will be your job to communicate in musical terms rather than in dance terms. Or, maybe you are appearing in a holiday show and need to learn a chorus and verse of a song for the finally. It’s a bit embarrassing to be a pro at dancing and have no clue about music. This tool will serve you well.
If you learn to read music you will gain confidence in the rehearsal studio, broaden your skill set and have the ability to grow as a well rounded performer.
Learn to Read Music!
Today’s note is LEARN TO READ MUSIC! Reading music is a skill that every artist needs. For those of you who choreograph dance, the ability to read music is of great importance. Most composers do not know how to count the way dancers count. Their music is written in 4/4 for example and you are counting in 8’s. It will be your job to communicate in musical terms rather than in dance terms. Or, maybe you are appearing in a holiday show and need to learn a chorus and verse of a song for the finally. It’s a bit embarrassing to be a pro at dancing and have no clue about music. This tool will serve you well.
If you learn to read music you will gain confidence in the rehearsal studio, broaden your skill set and have the ability to grow as a well rounded performer.
Learn to Read Music!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Think Long Term!
Most dancers enter the world of dance with a looming reality that some day it’ll all be over: no more standing at the barre perfecting plie, no more gracing a stage somewhere in the world with a new performance, no more sitting in the dressing room gluing those eye lashes. We believe that we only have a short little window to DANCE. As a result we carry around this deep fear and anxiety. Though it is rarely exposed it is definitely present.
Today’s note is THINK LONG TERM. After I got married I thought my dancing was over. Once the herniated disc was found I really thought I was done. Two knee surgeries should surely do the trick. Then after my first child I thought it would be over. My second child came along and while I was pregnant was asked to do the most exciting project of my dance career. After 22 years of professional dancing I realize, finally, that I’ll always be an artist.
If you think long term now you will enjoy the project you are currently working on and look forward to the many other projects that have “your name” on it later in life.
Think Long Term!
Today’s note is THINK LONG TERM. After I got married I thought my dancing was over. Once the herniated disc was found I really thought I was done. Two knee surgeries should surely do the trick. Then after my first child I thought it would be over. My second child came along and while I was pregnant was asked to do the most exciting project of my dance career. After 22 years of professional dancing I realize, finally, that I’ll always be an artist.
If you think long term now you will enjoy the project you are currently working on and look forward to the many other projects that have “your name” on it later in life.
Think Long Term!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Take Time to Smell the Roses!
Are you a dancer who has tunnel vision? Your ENTIRE existence swirls around your dancing. Wake up-get to class-stretch-eat-take another class-go to an audition-stretch-eat-rehearse-sleep-start all over the next day?
Today's note is TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES. Your busy dance schedule is hugely important, however, if you are not careful you will miss aspects of life that are meant to enrich your human experience. For example: on your way to the audition have you ever noticed the wild flowers lined along Park Avenue? Or, have you looked up long enough to actually see the sun? Did you take time to call a friend who needs a pick me up?
If you don’t take time to smell the roses you may find yourself alone and lonely. Life is full of great and wonderful moments. And, it only takes a moment to pause and drink it in. You may find that you dance more refreshed as you allow your mind and body to shift focus for a quick sniff of the rose petals.
Take Time to Smell the Roses!
Today's note is TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES. Your busy dance schedule is hugely important, however, if you are not careful you will miss aspects of life that are meant to enrich your human experience. For example: on your way to the audition have you ever noticed the wild flowers lined along Park Avenue? Or, have you looked up long enough to actually see the sun? Did you take time to call a friend who needs a pick me up?
If you don’t take time to smell the roses you may find yourself alone and lonely. Life is full of great and wonderful moments. And, it only takes a moment to pause and drink it in. You may find that you dance more refreshed as you allow your mind and body to shift focus for a quick sniff of the rose petals.
Take Time to Smell the Roses!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Don’t Blame the Leotard!
In all of my years of sitting behind the table watching hopefuls audition to become a Radio City Rockette I have never heard of anyone getting cut because of the wrong leotard. And yet, I have heard dancers muse about why they did not get a job due to wearing the wrong thing to the audition.
Today's note is DON’T BLAME THE LEOTARD. As long as you present yourself professionally you are free to wear whatever you like. Your singing and dancing should far exceed the color or style of your leo. The real name of the game is “do you got game?” Can you dance? Are you well trained? Are you right for the job? Your hair/make-up/attire choices are all secondary to your skill and ability to perform.
If you don’t blame the leotard chances are you will begin to focus on the other issues surrounding your auditioning skills. Plus, it sounds silly to say “I should have worn red instead of blue”. You can simply say “I wasn’t what they were looking for.”…..and move on.
Don’t Blame the Leotard!
Today's note is DON’T BLAME THE LEOTARD. As long as you present yourself professionally you are free to wear whatever you like. Your singing and dancing should far exceed the color or style of your leo. The real name of the game is “do you got game?” Can you dance? Are you well trained? Are you right for the job? Your hair/make-up/attire choices are all secondary to your skill and ability to perform.
If you don’t blame the leotard chances are you will begin to focus on the other issues surrounding your auditioning skills. Plus, it sounds silly to say “I should have worn red instead of blue”. You can simply say “I wasn’t what they were looking for.”…..and move on.
Don’t Blame the Leotard!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Learn the Art of Asking Questions!
Questions usually go like this, “Where do you want the arms on that step?” or “What’s right before the swoop step?” or “How are you counting the last phrase?”
Today’s note is LEARN THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS. Within a class or rehearsal session the one thing that can quickly become a “danger zone” are questions. Dancers are working to absorb the material and the choreographer is working to get the movement from their brain and body onto the dancers.
Guidelines for questions:
• Never ask a question to get attention
• Never challenge the director or choreographer with your question
• Always wait until all of the material has been taught to ask a question
• Wait for the choreographer/teacher to open the floor for questions
• Avoid asking questions that have already been answered
• In general-limit your questions!
If you LEARN THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS you will dance more and talk less. Choreographers and teachers will be at ease in your presence knowing that you are there to dance.
Learn the Art of Asking Questions!
Today’s note is LEARN THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS. Within a class or rehearsal session the one thing that can quickly become a “danger zone” are questions. Dancers are working to absorb the material and the choreographer is working to get the movement from their brain and body onto the dancers.
Guidelines for questions:
• Never ask a question to get attention
• Never challenge the director or choreographer with your question
• Always wait until all of the material has been taught to ask a question
• Wait for the choreographer/teacher to open the floor for questions
• Avoid asking questions that have already been answered
• In general-limit your questions!
If you LEARN THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS you will dance more and talk less. Choreographers and teachers will be at ease in your presence knowing that you are there to dance.
Learn the Art of Asking Questions!
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