As a dancer, you spend countless hours honing your technique - working on your extensions, mastering 180 degree turnout and perfecting your pirouettes. But while technique is undoubtedly important, it's not the be-all and end-all of dance performance. In fact, some might argue that the most crucial aspect of dance is something less tangible - authenticity and presence.
When you're truly present in the moment, you're able to let go of your mental baggage and respond to what's happening right now. This requires a willingness to be vulnerable and an openness to the experience, no matter how uncomfortable or uncertain it might feel.
But what does authenticity and presence actually look like in dance? Simply put, it's about expressing your truth through movement. It's about letting your essence shine through the music, technique, and choreography - and trusting that it will connect with others on a deeper level.
Of course, this is easier said than done. We all have internal barriers that can prevent us from fully inhabiting the present moment, whether it's negative self-talk, anxiety, or the pressure to perform at a certain level. So how do we break down those barriers and access our true selves on stage?
One effective approach is to start by lovingly acknowledging and surrendering any thoughts, emotions, expectations, or external pressures that are getting in the way. This can be done through mindfulness or meditation practices, which help you cultivate a greater sense of awareness and compassion for yourself.
Once you've cleared away some of the mental clutter, you can focus on tapping into your physical presence. This might involve utilising breath work or visualisation techniques to feel more grounded and centred. It could also mean experimenting with different movement styles, improvisation, or other techniques that allow you to tap into your natural creative flow.
Ultimately, the key to authentic and present dance performance is to integrate your technique and your emotional truth. Think of technique as the tool that sharpens your movements and expression, while your authenticity and presence bring your performance to life by infusing it with your unique perspective and energy.
So the next time you step onto the stage, remember that your true power lies not just in the height of your extensions, but in your ability to fully embody the music and movement with your authentic presence. Not only will this create a deeper and more meaningful connection with your audience, but it will also feel pretty great to be able to fully express yourself through your art.