“A samurai has no goal, only path…”.
This specific phrase might not have a direct origin in Bushido - the samurai code of conduct - but rather reflects modern interpretations of samurai ideals. It is pithy nonetheless.
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. This sentiment has been expressed in different forms by many thinkers, writers, and philosophers. The concept of living in the moment holds immense appeal, especially in a world that often feels like it's constantly burning. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all simply "stop and smell the roses"?
You might think I’m just a never-ending fountain of clichés today, and that this post will be all about presentism and savoring life’s moments. Well, you’ll have to keep reading to see for yourself.
Last year, I conducted a workshop where I highlighted the fundamental strategies and principles of goal setting for beginner dancers. The primary aim of my talk was to demonstrate that, regardless of how big or ambitious a goal may be, it always requires clear milestones, timeframes, and a personalized system of rewards. If it doesn’t have a due date, it’s not a goal - it’s a wish(ful thinking). The milestones are there to ensure you’re on the right trajectory. The reward system is self-explanatory, though it does require careful tailoring, especially when considering common neurodivergence traits. Above all, however, every goal demands the most honest answer to a simple yet crucial question: why?
Why is this goal important to you? Why are you investing time, money, resources and mental energy into achieving it? What is it that you are seeking?
And here is where it gets tricky.
Once you think you've answered this question honestly, pause and reconsider. Keep digging. Keep asking yourself, "Why?". Let’s say your initial response to why you want to learn a particular choreography is, "Because it’s cute, and I want to perform it well on stage." Alright, but why? "Because I want to perform it for a live audience, including my friends and family!" Of course! But why? "Well, I love my friends and family, and I want to share something I'm passionate about with them." That’s wonderful! But can you tell me why? "Because I’m fucking fabulous, and everyone in the world should recognize and appreciate my awesomeness, okay?!" Ah, now I get it! Thank you for your patience!
You see, no matter what your goal is, there’s always ego at the center of it. Ego is the fuel behind every goal. As a source of self-confidence, it pushes us to get shit done.
It is ego that drives us to step onto a stage and perform in front of a live audience. It's a bonus when the audience is friendly.
Inviting friends and family to see you dance on stage adds an extra layer of support and encouragement, making the event even more meaningful.
A student recital is, at its core, the opportunity to share the experience of a genuine stage performance with fellow students, before an audience that is there to celebrate and admire each one, no matter what.
It is a tribute to the courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication required to prepare for the spotlight. A student recital serves as a unique learning opportunity, designed to inspire exploration and foster self-acceptance.
And here’s what a student recital is not: it is not a test, an exam to be passed, nor an audition for entry into some exclusive circle. It is not a measure of character; whether you choose to perform or not, it holds no judgment of the person you are.
If your answer to the question "Why do you want to dance at the student recital?" ultimately boils down to "because I was told to," then you might want to reassess this decision…
The stage can feel like an awe-inspiring and daunting realm.
Well, not really - but I’m being intentionally melodramatic to emphasize my point.
The stage is a place of heightened emotions and blatant disregard for one’s long-term physical health!
That’s tip number one, especially for those new to stage performance or student dance recitals: only dance to the intensity you have practiced for. This is not the time to level up your backbend, master a Turkish drop, or even go so low in vertical mayas that your kneecaps pop out, despite what the adrenaline and endorphins in your bloodstream may tell you. Please don’t hurt yourself trying to impress the audience. Guess how I know it’s a bad idea?
Tip number two: safety pins are a dancer’s best friend. Even if you think everything will stay in place on its own, pin it anyway! Having experienced my fair share of wardrobe malfunctions, both on stage and from the audience’s view, I can't stress this enough: pin it.
Third and, perhaps, not so obvious tip. Avoid wearing underwear with bold patterns even if the fabric of your costume doesn’t appear to be see-through. The brightness of the stage lights might surprise you, and not in a good way. We all love a good polka-dot print but it is best reserved for a different occasion. Although, you need to experience it for yourself to truly appreciate the importance of this tip…
I asked my fellow dancers to share their advice for those new to public performances and recitals and I wish I had read these tips years ago before my very first stage appearance!
(The grammar and punctuation have been preserved as originally written, where possible.)
“Make sure you keep hydrated and make sure you eat. I have learned that over the years. Make sure your makeup stands out under the stage lights ✨️.”
Brittney
“1. Don’t forget to breath 😉
2. If you make a mistake just go with it, no one will notice but you!
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff, it all goes by so fast so just enjoy the experience, because it’s quite an experience ❤️
4. Don’t be afraid to approach more experienced dancers with questions or help with costuming or makeup… or anything really”
Jessica
“Practice your performance piece, at least once, in your costume and with any props. This lets you think about and deal with any dress issues before you are on stage for real. Rehearsals, sound, and light checks are valuable, too, and give comfort. Practice the way you want to perform, smiles included because you will perform the way you practice. Visualizing the dance in your head works well.”
Sally
“Let’s have fun together even if you're shivering 🥶
It’s not about the test or judgement
Let’s celebrate our beautiful souls & bodies”
Melody
“Relax and have fun. You’ve worked hard and know your pieces. If you focus on the joy of dancing, any mistakes you make will be a little blip that you quickly move past.”
Sarina
I asked the in-house photographer to share any insights from the other side of the lens as well.
Here is what I got:
“Keep breathing. If you hold your breath, the camera is likely to capture it even if the audience doesn’t notice. It could ruin otherwise perfect shots.
Whenever possible, find out the colour of the stage background before choosing your costume colour. Make sure they don’t match - unless you’re planning a disappearance act.
There’s no such thing as too much makeup. The stage lights will wash out your features, so don’t hesitate to “dial them to 11”
Come talk to the photographer if you have specific moments you'd like captured (such as gracefully wrapping and unwrapping a veil, showcasing a prop, performing a particularly high jump, or anything else that stands out). It’s best done during tech run so you and the camera person are on the same page. Teamwork makes for better photos.
Avoid colour matching your veil to your costume. No matter how graceful your pose with the veil is, your body outline will look obscured and blurred. Colours can also “bleed” onto your skin under the lights in some cases.
Don’t be afraid to love what you are doing. Let the emotions you are experiencing while performing show in your every move. Emotionally charged moments on stage make the most striking shots.”
Anton, PhotoNinja YYC
This is all I have for you today. I hope you’ve found something valuable in this brief guide to student dance recitals - and perhaps to any stage performance!
I am sincerely looking forward to sharing the experience of the upcoming Shimmy Showcase with all of you.
Have some tips to share? Get in touch!
_edited.jpg)
Comments