The Ridley Blogs

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

I briefly touched on this a bit in my last note. The concept of being stagnant and not moving forward within your technique, whether you are a young dancer or a professional who has been off for a while, here are some key things to keep in the front of your mind every time you take class:

1. Don’t let frustration get the best of you: It’s so easy to get frustrated and then let everything go while your taking class. Stay focused.

2. Relax: Sometimes as dancer’s we want something so bad we forget to dance! Dance through your obstacles, no one likes a overly focused dancer, it comes off as boring or angry.

3. 2ND best: It’s okay to not be the best in the class, everyone has their time to shine! You may honestly never be the best at what you do, so make sure you have fun. Friendly competition is healthy, envy is not!

4. Maybe next time: If you just can’t do something its okay. You won’t get everything the first time around or third or fourth! That’s why we take class.

5. Stop Comparing: This goes back to point number three the more you try and do things better than someone else the more frustrated you get when you can’t do a step!

6. Reference back to my weight loss analogy in my last post.

Have fun & keep dancing it will all come together eventually, think a little later then sooner, just a little

Photo by: James Houston

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A DANCERS CROSS ROAD

Every dancer hits a cross road in their life where they feel they are ready for a change. Whether it’s changing dance studios or Dance Company’s it can create a lot of stress. Taking the first step can be very scary so here are some helpful hints on how to take that first step.

For students wanting to change studios after years of loyalty:

• Don’t assume everyone will hate you when you tell them you want to further your education elsewhere. The best thing about being apart of a studio is the family atmosphere. The director and teaches will love you and support you as you seek further development elsewhere, and will welcome you back with open arms if things outside the studio aren’t quite what you thought they’d be.

• Do what you feel is best for you as a dancer with a goal. Don’t give up our goals and dreams for others.

• Don’t feel as though you need to pull a 180. Its okay to try out some classes else where. You don’t have to completely commit yourself to only one studio.

• Don’t bit the hand that feeds you. It is important to remember the good things your old studio has given you. Be polite and respectful in leaving. Sometimes our emotions can get the best of us and cause us to be irrational.

• Don’t leave before a show! Remember to fulfill any obligations before transitioning to another studio if you plan to leave all together.

For professional dancers apart of a studio or company:

• Same rule as the last don’t assume the artistic director will hate you. FYI if they do give you a hard time then this makes it all the better to leave and move forward. Those who truly believe in you and your talents will support you no matter what your professional decisions are for artistic growth.

• If tension is high around the time you leave between you and the artistic director, say your peace (in a professional manner) and move forward knowing that you were the bigger person. If you feel your words were taken negatively and out of context don’t attempt to clear your name it may lead to an irrational out burst. Just be content with the fact that you did not attempt to pick a fight while on your way out the door.

• Don’t bit the hand that feeds you, in case the big world is not so kind you will still have a home to go back to (if that’s what you want).

• Again same rule as the last don’t leave before a show! Remember to fulfill any obligations before transitioning to phase in your dance career.

Remember the hardest part about all this is opening your mouth and finding the words to say, you want to try something new, but once that’s done a fun and new journey will begin!

Photo by: Marc Von Borstel

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THE AILEY EXPIERENCE

I saw Alvin Ailey perform at the Escondido Performing Arts Center. I was amazed at the passion the dancers had for what they did. I was moved to tears, as I watched each dancer move from one position into another effortlessly.

It reminded me of why I dance and why I love the life style that I live. They laid their emotions out on the stage in front of everyone to see. I hope to one day master the level of technique and performance quality that they have. You are not just watching a show when you see Ailey you become apart of the show.

Photo by: Andrew

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LIVING A DREAM

I love the back stage experience of being a dancer. It’s an indescribable experience and something that I miss anytime I’m away from it for to long. The stage is my home, that place where I always belong.