Further thoughts the rehearsal process

It is an interesting time in the final stages of rehearsing a piece. There is a balance to be found between cleaning and correcting and letting a piece grow by itself. The perfectionist in me wants to focus on the former and the artist wants to focus on the latter.

Every piece needs adjustments and clarification. It’s like writing an essay and not proof reading the original text, something that would be unthinkable. It helps a lot to organise and make sure the dancers are on the same page, with the same basis of knowledge in the steps, musicality, dynamic and intention of the choreography. Each individual is an artist and will approach it in their own unique way, yet dancing together and speaking as one voice through movement requires a connection, making sure they are all on one page.

Allowing the piece to grow is where the magic happens. I think of my creations often as a seed that I plant. Sure, I bring the ideas or collaborate to develop them, but the tree grows by itself. It’s my job as the choreographer to nurture and take care of it, to shape it and form it without removing its unique identity. It’s a delicate process.

In connecting with the feel of a piece, a scene or a dance is the place where its identity can grow. An honest connection that is born within, is then expressed. It’s perhaps the most important part, allowing dancers to embody their roles in their unique individual way. It’s what makes the difference between a good and a great performance.

Dance has evolved over the years away from direct engagement through performing to and for an audience, to embodiment where we allow the audience to observe and be in a performers presence. Both types of performance have their own magic yet the latter is much more powerful. It pulls an audience out of themselves into the performance, rather than have it delivered to them on a platter.

On to the next rehearsal!

Rehearsal photo for Lebendige Landschaft
Martina Mensching - Photo R. Fischenich