Whether a recital or competition number, as always, its the little details that make the difference on stage. At this time of year everyone is busy preparing for their recitals or end of year shows. Competitions are in full swing and we are all looking for that edge to make our dancers look more proficient and polished. We are also trying to think of all the little details that will make our performances go smoothly so that everyone is happy at the end result.
Casting An Eye On The Competition
When it comes to a competition performance, there are three areas where the details will really make it or break it. There are the technical details as far as dance is concerned, the costume details and the makeup details. Details In Dance The details in dance are really fairly simple, but they always bear repeating. They consist of making sure the feet are beautifully pointed, that the port de bras is well placed and strong and that the posture of each dancer is exact. The stronger and more consistent the technique, the more confident the dancer will appear.
In the past few years I have noticed, when judging competitions, that dancers have a tendency to work constantly with the hips released backwards. This, of course, is a big problem when the dancers attempt to execute any choreography that requires balance. Pirouettes become a nightmare and just to stand in a well-placed arabesque position is almost impossible. So my recommendation across the board is to try to make your dancers understand that if they use their lower abdominals correctly, they will solve a lot of technical problems. Adding more abdominal exercises to their daily classes is a great way to start. Try to make it as fun as possible so that it doesnt become something the dancers dread doing.
Emphasizing the importance of performing in their classes and not just when they are on stage is extremely helpful to any dancer. If a child is shy, they may have difficulty showing any expression on their face. If you can instill in them the idea that everything they do in the studio is a performance, whether they are at the barre or doing center work, it will help them break down the barrier of exposing their inner feelings to the world.
Help them to really listen to their music so that they know it inside and out and it gets into their system. We always recommend that our dancers have all their music readily available to themthat typically means to have them download it on their iPod and that they take every opportunity to listen to it.
Why Costuming Counts
Costume details are important because a good or a bad costume can really make or break the feeling of the piece or, worse, an entire show. Part of the beauty of any number is how the costumes reflect the feeling and passion of that number. You want to see the fabric move in sync with the choreographers steps as the dancer translates the essence of the choreography to the audience. Too often dancers wear a costume that might be totally in fashion on the streetit can certainly even look beautiful in a costume catalog but onstage it just fails to give the right effect. Thats the true definition of a flop! The line of the costume is so important and, of course, so is the way that line relates to the dancers body. The dancer needs to feel comfortable and attractive in his or her costume to be able to give a really great performance. It is not always the most expensive costume that looks the best. The cut and design are the most important features for a successful costume. The next consideration is the type of fabric used to make the whole thing work.
Makeup Can Make Or Break The Effect.
Makeup used in a way that is appropriate to the costume will add the right sparkle to any number. Try out some unique makeup ideas to help make your number a winner. Take the time in advance to experiment with lip gloss, exaggerated eyes and even fake lashes to add the desired oomphremember that onstage it is important to be able to see the dancers eyes as they are a vital energy point to connect to the audience. Make sure that all the dancers in any particular number have a look that matches. Of course, that goes for hair, too.
Recital Require Another Level of Attention
For your recital or end of year show, spend some time finetuning the actual production. Beyond working your numbers to the point of perfection, it is important that the show run as smoothly as possible, an aspect that is often neglected either because time isn't set aside for it or because of the hopeful feeling that everything will magically come together as the curtain rises.
The Question Of Choreography.
The choreography you select for each group needs to reflect what the students have been taught throughout the year and show that they have mastered it. We, as teachers, always want our students to look their best and, yes, its a reflection on us, one way or another. For any type of performance, I feel that it is always better to give students a level of technique and steps that they feel comfortable with, and it is usually a mistake to give your dancers anything that they have not perfected in the studio and performed consistently. Also, if you plan to use props during the number, devote a good amount of time for the dancers to get used to them.
Take A Cue For Production
Making lists to make sure that you have everything covered with your backstage and front of house help will put your mind at rest. And actually, the less people you have helping backstage, the better off you will be. Too many hands trying to help only makes for confusion. Try to avoid using parents unless you are sure that they will be fine with devoting their time to other peoples children. Give everyone a specific job that they are responsible for; this will take away the margin of error. Attention to detail makes your product look greatand will be a huge incentive for parents to sign up their children for the following year.
