Improvisation

Post date: Jan 24, 2011 11:26:28 AM

I had a great weekend. Not only did I get to perform with my lovely snakes at a friend's birthday party, but I also got to take a pole! I really, really love performing.

There were bellydancers and jugglers and many amazing carnival costumes. I got to perform and, best of all, one of my students also got up and did an improvisation. I was so proud. Teaching gives me a warm glow anyway, but getting to watch a student overcome nerves and show off her skills was just wonderful! Huge congratulations to her.

I'm a big fan of improvisation. In fact, most of my performances and videos are just that. Developing and learnng choreographies can be a lot of fun, and is a great way to find new transitions into and out of moves. For me, I still find that improvisation is where my heart comes into it. It's where poledance stops being about the individual moves and becomes a full dance. It takes courage, because you're having to think on your feet (or even off them! ~grin~) and you're trying combinations you haven't done before. It takes confidence, because you have to trust in your ability, not try to think to far ahead and just know deep down that you will have another move or sequence to perform next. Most of all, it takes practice. Improvising every lesson helps you get rid of the nerves and actually enjoy doing it. This is why I make students improvise every class and why I improvise every time I practice.

I'm now really looking forward to the summer, when I can organise an outdoor pole party. I can't wait for all my students to have the chance to showcase what they can do.

Much love

Natalie