5 Tips to BecomeMore Comfortable with Dance Improvisation

Like every dance technique, improvement is a form of dance that takes a great deal of practice in order to master. Becoming one hundred percent comfortable with dance improvisation is not always easy for dancers.Just recently I have begun to realize how psychosomatic dance really is. When improving I believe if I doubt myself or my movement abilities even the slightest bit, it will most certainly affect me externally. I continue to fathom how one cannot reach their full potential and ability as a dancer until they are entirely aware and confident of how capable they truly are. Improvisation not only takes practice, but one definitely needs to be confident in themselves and their techniques in order to undertake this skill. Here are 5 tips on becoming more comfortable with improvisation.

·         Imagery

A great tool for improv, especially for beginners is imagery. You can use images that you have in your head,or even current surroundings for more inspiration. Take these images and try drawing them out using all body parts. For example, spell out your name or create your favorite tree that you spot outside of the window!You can also try using words that your body can react to such as hit, twist, jump, float, jab, or kick. 

·         Music and Dynamics

Try to really use, listen, and respond to the music that’s been given. If it’s a song you love, theimprov will probably come a bit more natural to you. Feel out the music and try to match your movement to it in a way that makes the most sense to you. Listen to the type of song: What are the lyrics like? What instruments are playing? Happy or sad? Upbeat or slow? It will help to consider all of these aspects when beginning your dance. Not only can you match your movement to the music but you can also try countering the music. If the song is slower or has a lot of pauses to it, start dancing extremely fast. If the song is on the fast side, explore some tranquil type moves. The music is there as a guide for you, and dynamics can really spice things up.

·         Be yourself

Let loose and express yourself! No dancer is the same, and we can all take and learn from one another. If you think something might look “weird”, think again. These moves can turn into ideas for actual choreography, and those ideas are what make you…you!

·         Be in the moment

Trying to plan or think ahead too much won’t benefit you. Live in the moment, and let your body do the talking. As your body starts to move, you may begin to notice a certain pattern of movement. Go with it, explore this movement, and let it take you on a journey. You may also start to notice and connect with other dancers around you, leading to contact improvisation. You never know what is in store when improvising, and that to me is so beautiful. It’s unpredictable and can lead to some true magic on the dance floor!

·         No criticism

Although dancers tend to always be hard on themselves, the best advice that I can give is to let that all go. Improvisation should be your time to dance however you want and to show what makes you unique as a dancer. Criticizing yourself or others is not what this art form is about. We all share the same passion for dance and are here to support one another. So don’t think…just dance!!

“Once you let go, it all makes sense. Yes, technique is essential. However, one cannot fully feel, love, and live in their movement until they are unafraid of being themselves.”

 The authors：

Olivia Rodrigues is a recent graduate from Dean College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. At Dean she was a member of all three dance teams; jazz/contemporary, hip hop, and tap. Olivia is a third year UDA instructor, dance judge, and has choreographed for many high school and college dance teams.