Recitals, Choreography, Summers - OH MY!
Why does this year seem to be flying by? I guess in comparison to 2020 anything is faster. I can't believe that it's recital time already and preparing to teach summer intensives and summer classes in general.
It's an exciting time of year but I also get a little sad. Sometimes after a recital, it can be a pivotal time for students. If they don't continue to study through the summer they might decide that they want to explore other options for extracurricular activities. Though I tell my parents that as long as their children are busy doing what they love but I always secretly hope they love to dance (in whatever form) enough.
Have you ever noticed when the word 'performance' or 'recital' is brought up that it heightens everyone's emotions? Parents want to videotape the choreography so they can have their child practice at home.
SIDE NOTE: Don't forget to have your parents videotape straight on from the back of the class or the child will be SOOOOOoooooooo confused after practicing it the wrong way. And if you have TV monitors in your lobbies, don't let parents sneak and videotape them because the younger dancers don't know how to translate that!
And costumes! Thankfully my main studio doesn't do costumes and one of the many reasons I love working there. We might add a wrap-skirt or wear a bright-colored leotard instead of the standard black that is our dress code. This year, with the help of my mom, sister, and daughter we made beautiful Swan Lake style headpieces for my Ballet 1/2 class, and the studio had white chiffon skirts they could wear. And we were able to pull it all together for less than what probably one costume would cost.
My main studio's focus is on showcasing what the students have learned all year. In fact, we don't even start working on recital choreography until late April-May for our end-of-May performance. I think it is so important to continue to teach technique while balancing the need to learn choreography. It's hard for me to give up plies & tendus. From there I might skip dégagés and go to rond de jambes. Each week, I change it up a bit. In my perfect world, I like to give a short barre and center. If I see their pirouettes or petite allegro isn't looking clean in the choreography I will try and create a combination for them in the center to work on that. Then it's not completely about choreography and probably just makes me feel better. LOL
My younger students love to let loose after working on choreography and go crazy when I say 'Let’s do big leaps across the floor!'. Hey whatever works, right?
I am super proud of my dancers and I feel pretty good about my choreography this year. It's never been my strong suit even after (30+ years of teaching) and I struggle to not be repetitive and I try hard to incorporate pretty formations. I am always looking for inspiration.
I wish everyone a successful recital season! Merde
