Unless choreographically and explicitly stated, always, always, always be pointing your feet *Michael Scott voice*
Nothing screams "beauty!" more than the accentuation of pulled up knees and lengthened legs that end in stretched ankles and pointed feet. Auuuh! Most times we see a dancer and automatically look down to see what their feet are doing. Just being honest, sometimes your ability to correctly use your feet can give you extra confidence.
I find it interesting that the feet of a dancer functions both as intransitive execution and undeniable beauty. Dancers' feet have a way of capturing attention and displaying brilliance even amongst a mistake. Your feet can most certainly cause you to stand out but what happens when you're in a class, an audition or on stage and everyone knows how to point their feet? It's such a funny question but is worth the thought.
What makes you stand out as a dancer when the obvious is in abundant supply? A few weeks ago we heard from some amazing industry dancers, directors and teachers on how to be an unforgettable dancer and I would like to expand on those perspectives.
You know, the thing that makes people feel that they must experience your dance can be wrapped up into one word.
Passion is paramount. Passion also acts as the roots of what you do, how you engage with it and how dedicated you are to it. Passion produces disciple and it also produces excellence. A passionate dancer connects to the movement well before the audience does. This is what causes an unlearned skill (from an audience perspective) to transform into a relatable experience. Even when a very seasoned artist takes their seat to watch dance, passion is what adds fuel to their fire, inspiration to their tank and a glistening hope that dance has a shot at making it after all. Passion causes legends to watch dance in awe. They become proud of the dancer(s) and can rest assured that this craft they have dedicated their lives to is in extremely capable hands.
I don't know too many people who neglect to carry passion but change lives and make history. And although ability and technique matters, even that without passion is the ultimate snooze fest.
Know who you are. Come alive in the work. Work at it. Strive for it. Learn more about it. This can be displayed and expressed in many ways. It is not something you can hide.
Dance is the last thing anyone should want to make a career of if you aren't overflowing with passion. Passion breeds understanding and knowledge. Passion even increases your literal skill set.
Straight legs, pointed feet (not toes), deep plie, high passe, parallel stag turn, high battement, rounded back, endless pirouettes, expansive saut de chat...
Do you carry passion?
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