“Inspiration can come from any direction, but only you can tap into it.” -Faith Puleston
Occasionally, even the most creative, provocative and innovative artists need a dose of inspiration at one time or another. Where that surge of inspiration comes from, are frequently, unexpected places. As a dance-teacher and choreographer myself, when I embark on setting a new work I often wait for the concept to organically “come to me.” Sometimes, I’m waiting an awfully long time; especially when multiple projects are on the drawing board and each are calling for their own interpretation, nuances, detail and movement aesthetic. So what’s one to do? While artistically I would love to be able to just wait it out until an idea moves me, realistically that is not always feasible; when deadlines are to be met, costumes need to be ordered, competition rehearsals are approaching, performances are gearing up, etc.
I have also found when working with my own students (particularly modern, improvisation and choreography-composition students,) that their natural impulse in the beginning is to gravitate to a piece of music they like and base their movement off the lyrics; which is great…but what I choose to challenge them with (even younger dancers who are great at this and the most receptive and uninhibited mind you) is a broader scope of stimuli to get them thinking outside of the box; to demonstrate how inspiration can come from vast and intriguing sources; giving weight, texture, emotion and dimension to the spirit of their dance profile.
For dance teachers, sometimes it’s just hard to stay innovative and fresh with ideas; particularly mid-year when we are starting to feel the beginnings of burn-out or when we are given a theme from studio directors for that year’s performance. Working within the confines of those themes can sometimes make it easier to zone in on concepts or somewhat stifle a teacher’s creativity; depending on the individual’s creative process.
What I have come to find throughout my years as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and artist, is that there is a whole other world of interdisciplinary catalysts that can bring about even just a pulse of new breath into your work. These inspirations can trigger thought-provoking questions, an emotion or feeling, a gut-reaction, a story or concept and ultimately movement….
One trick that has worked for me is creating an inspiration board. Mine is a place I can go to, to check out some of the things that I have pinned over the years. They are little things that I have collected that have moved me in some way. It’s also part of my dance teacher tool-box that I also often use with my own students. From visual art, photography, poetry, literature, quotes, music, nature, science, etc., finding things that move you and are pleasing to the eyes and soul will energize your creative flow, as well and put you back in touch with who you are first and foremost…an artist. Let this be a place that can inspire you in different ways and also a place for you to come and share your dreams and visions. Let these mementos prompt journal writing and questions to ask yourself: How did it make you feel? Did you love this experience? Was it painful and a difficult time in your life you worked through? What did it make you think of? What movement did it resonate? Was your choreography successful? How did your process change? Did it feel more organic and less forced getting started? What seems to prompt your students best? Did you try it with all age groups? What was the result? What was the piece about? Did the inspiration evolve into a bigger project or take off in another direction? Did it lead to other inspirations of your own?
The main thing is that, this is all about you. Creating a visual board sometimes prompts us in ways we didn’t realize, gives us a little creative boost we need or at the very least brings a smile to our face to stop for a second during our day and visit the things that touch our soul. Have fun with it!
Enjoy!
Good Luck... and let your imagination dance wildly!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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