There are a number of ways to get feedback on how we are 'performing'
- video (watching images of ourselves moving)
- peers/witnesses (verbal feedback on what others see)
- tactile (specific information via touch can direct our awareness to particular areas of the body, to assist alignment, activate a specific muscle group, release an area of tension)
Feedback from sources outside ourselves can help us to become aware of habits or tendencies in our bodies that may be less efficient or potentially harmful, and others' expertise may offer ideas or strategies for maximising our potential as expressive artists
BUT
you are unique and you are the best person to tune in and reflect upon your own body
This is an ongoing research project.
Our bodies are in a constant state of change—as we age, as our environments and tools shift, as experiences impact upon us physically and emotionally...
If you spend time focussing on your body, listening to it, exploring its range and shape,
acknowledging what feels good or what feels uncomfortable,
you will be able to tune into specifics and experiment with shifts in how you hold or move particular areas of the body
So how do we 'spend time' when we have back to back classes or parking problems or injuries or one of the many issues arising in our broader lives?
Here are some of my strategies for surviving as a dance artist, for getting the feedback and reflection I want and the practice time I need:
- get into the studio earlier ...they open at 8am at Deakin so if I get up and travel a bit earlier I not only have time to warm-up physically and tune in my attention, away from the exterior "stuff" and into my breathing and moving, but I miss the worst traffic and can easily find a car park
- have a buddy or buddies to practice with ...arrange time together in a studio where you dance together, witness and/or video each other, chat
- take up offers ...make a time to chat with your colleagues or teachers outside of class/work
- try different ways of working ...this is like physical and philosophical cross-training...e.g. a yoga class might help you deepen your attention to your breathing which also calms the mind and opens the body; a climbing gym can quickly identify how the arms and legs should work in partnership as well as giving you the adrenaline buzz of working at height; a vocal practice can open your breathing, activate endorphins for feelings of well being and stimulate nuance in your physical rhythms
- set some goals—long and short term which are achievable and schedule them—this also means examining how you use your time...is there a balance between your work, social and rest time? (see my jpegs below on goal setting & time management)
- Congratulate yourself on "turning up"—use affirmations to positively reinforce your goals and change your behaviour to achieve them—and listen to positive feedback. Negative feedback is not only not useful (it is usually about the other person's issues not yours) but weighs ten times heavier on our minds (again see the affirmations below).
