Improvisation
Here are some basic facts about improvisations (improv):
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- Improvisation involves creating and executing movement spontaneously, without any premeditated choreographing.
- Improvisation isn’t limited to modern or postmodern dance.
- Improvisation may or may not include contact improvisation (involving the physical connection and sharing of weight with another person or people).
- Improvisation can be practiced, performed, or used to make choreography.
- Improvisation is a movement skill as well as a dance form that takes practice to master just like any other.
I know improv can be kind of scary due to the uncertainty of it and the fact that the dance teacher is not giving you the steps to execute. However, dance is an art form that is created through putting steps together and a lot of what we choreograph sprouts from our own improvisation. As students develop their technique, they must also develop their artistic aptitude. It can be a freeing feeling to just let go and dance how you want to, see how your body wants to move, and discover your own choreographic artistry. Here are some tips to help with your improv. Go forth and create!
-With love and confidence, Ms. Caitlin xoxo
- Relax. Not much more to say about that one
- Be in the moment.Don’t try to think ahead too much or plan. If something unexpected happens, accept it, go with it, explore it, see where it takes you.
- Listen and be aware of what’s going on around you BUT allow yourself to enjoy moving the way your body wants to move.
- Don’t talk, laugh, or giggle.If you are a beginner or feeling uncomfortable with being asked to move ‘on the spot’ it is natural to want to release any tension with talking, laughing, or giggling. This may be especially true if others around you seem very comfortable and are moving in a way or trying things that seem strange to you. Resist, and take a deep breath instead. Recognize you may have a lot to learn and experience. Stay focused and practice a professional attitude.
- Don’t critique yourself.If you are being guided through an exercise or have been given an improvisation “score” – a set of challenges or problem-solving: Focus only on the essentials of what you are being asked to do. Move without worry or judgment of how creative, or original, or musical, or funny, or attractive, or _____ it is.
- Be yourself.Finding or discovering original or authentic movement (movement that comes from within you rather than combinations or steps you’ve practiced from class) is an element of improvisation that will take practice but shows maturity in your improvisation. It is possible to “try too hard” to be original, resulting in movement that is the opposite of authentic. To combat this, see tip #5 above.
- It’s okay to copy.Yeah, yeah, I know I said to be yourself but in group or contact improvisation, occasionally ‘trying on’ the way someone else is moving can be a very interesting challenge. It can also be a good way to break out if you are stuck in your own movement patterns. Copying does not have to be exact replication. Notice the rhythms, or the body part, or the movement quality of others around you and ‘echo’ these. Anything you copy can gradually or even immediately be made into something new, something of your own.
- Make eye contact and don’t be shy, especially if there is to be contact improvisation or you are improvising in a group.
- Be “available”.This is related to the above but contact improvisation in particular involves recognizing and being open to opportunity for connection when it crosses your path.
- Don’t compare yourself to others.This doesn’t mean ignore the other dancers – as you can see from above that’s the last thing you want to do. This tip relates to not judging your own movement and extends into avoiding judging the movement of those around you. Improvisation works best when people are safe and free to explore, so adopt a positive and accepting attitude.