I had the good fortune to spend my childhood watching dancers every night in my father’s club.  I learned what I like and don’t like, what I want to emulate and what I don’t, what works with audiences and what doesn’t.  And  I always take something away from the performances I watch. And then there is costuming…..well, we will talk about  that in a whole other blog! 

Did you know that the main way dancers have learned this dance traditionally is from watching each other?  You can learn so much from watching someone else, both dancers you like and maybe some you don’t, some that dance your preferred style and some that are completely out of your comfort zone. 

There is no shortage of dance events these days, from showcases to festivals and competitions and so much more!   But I’ve noticed that dancers today have their favorite teachers and performers, their favorite style and their favorite events.  Do you attend an event to see someone new, to try a new style or study from someone new?  Do you support events just as an audience member and not because you are participating in some way?

Its normal to have a favorite dancer or style but if we just stick to just that it limits our creativity and dance…… Watching other dancers and styles always gives us something whether its something to to do or not do….

And you know, I also find that when I am just attending a performance to watch, and I’m not performing, I am able to absorb so much more.  When I’m performing, I’m worried about my performance and that takes precedence, but when I am relaxed and open to just watching, that’s where the real learning takes place. 

I know we can’t go to everything, there are just too many events.  I encourage you though, to attend something different, just be a spectator and sit and watch and absorb and see what you get from it! I guarantee this will have a positive effect on YOUR dance!!  I encourage you to attend an event as a spectator and maybe even something that is outside of your favorite style.  

Here are some things to think about when watching other dancers: 

• Which performance grabbed you and made you feel something? 
• How did the dancer use the space? 
• Stage presence-Were there changes in the dancer’s energy, tempo, speed throughout the dance? 
• What did you notice about costuming? 
• Did you see a move or two you want to steal? 
• What felt authentic and what felt fake?
• How did the audience react to the performances? 
• What performance did you just enjoy?????