Thread: Personal style development

It will soon be seven years of dancing. Wow!

At this point I think I should have developed my own "style". I have taken lots of workshops of varying lengths with lots of great pros. I have taken just a very few privates over the years, and have been on my own to learn for the most part, since I am in a remote location. Tell me...what constitutes the term "personal style" for you?

The ability to skillfully dance such that your audience (be it dancers or lay people), cannot distinguish a particular person's influence in your dancing and your (the general "your") lack of self-consciousness about it.

Good question. I am interested to see everyone's answers.

For me, it is when a dancer has both a broad knowledge base as well as highly-developed sense of self so that he or she can evaluate the unlimited choices available (in music, movement vocabulary, stylization, costuming, etc.) and incorporate exactly what suits him/her and discard what doesn't.

To me, a dancer needs to have something of his/her own to say. One of my first dance coaches (pre-Bobby Farrah) advised me to devote as many hours a week as I could to dance: immersing myself in listening to music, and forcing myself to do things like, during practice, pop in a new CD I didn't know and dance to the whole thing. This kind of exercise taps into your own inner dance creativity rather than imitating some other dancer. I also found that being immersed in music, especially the great singers like Adbel Halim Hafez and Um Koulsoum, gave me a different and more organic/natural reaction to music of all kinds than I had in the past.

I think the first question to ask when developing your personal style is, "What do I have to say, as a dancer?"

There are a couple of exercises I use with my private students, to help them figure out what kind of dancer they want to be when they grow up.

1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be?

The responses to both of these exercises usually clearly indicate where the student's focus should be.

All of these things will help you try to figure out what you want your personal style to be. And most responses to the "magic wand" exercise are things that can be achieved, given enough motivation.

Latifa

I think the first question to ask when developing your personal style is, "What do I have to say, as a dancer?"

There are a couple of exercises I use with my private students, to help them figure out what kind of dancer they want to be when they grow up.

1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be?

The responses to both of these exercises usually clearly indicate where the student's focus should be.

I love this idea Latifa! Thank you! <runs off to think about it all>

I'm so glad! PM me if you have questions.

I love this advice, Latifa!

Originally Posted by bintbeled

1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be?

Ooo! Great thread! This is something I'm very focused on right now and Latifah's exercises here have really got my brain going! As I start a new session of classes with my troupe tonight, I'll be thinking about this.

I'm excited to see other peoples' answers!

The great thing about the magic wand question is that unless you're wanting to be, say, 6 inches taller, anything you come up with is attainable.

Originally Posted by bintbeled

The great thing about the magic wand question is that unless you're wanting to be, say, 6 inches taller, anything you come up with is attainable.

It makes sense, since people freak when I step off the stage b/c they thought I was 6 inches taller!
..l;,

Anala, do you feel you've attained your personal style (or are on the path)?

For me, my personal style is just about allowing my personality to come through in the dance, allowing different styles to amplify and present different parts of my persona instead of putting on an act. I don't know how to define my style...but I am confident that in each performance there is a palpable core of me.

Originally Posted by Azhia

It makes sense, since people freak when I step off the stage b/c they thought I was 6 inches taller!
..l;,

Azhia, you have such presence that I'm not surprised that people think you're taller. It's all that fab attitude...

Originally Posted by ozma

For me, my personal style is just about allowing my personality to come through in the dance, allowing different styles to amplify and present different parts of my persona instead of putting on an act. I don't know how to define my style...but I am confident that in each performance there is a palpable core of me.

Ozma, you discovered the secret! Congrats! I think that's exactly what dance is about.

Anala, do you feel you've attained your personal style (or are on the path)?

With as little consistant outside influence as I have had over the last 7 years (not voluntarily) - I must be, or perhaps I just suck and dont know it! I am working up enough courage to post a video to be seen and critiqued here. Without a local teacher, y'all will have to stand in.

Originally Posted by ozma

For me, my personal style is just about allowing my personality to come through in the dance, allowing different styles to amplify and present different parts of my persona instead of putting on an act. I don't know how to define my style...but I am confident that in each performance there is a palpable core of me.

I agree. For me it's the part of your dance that no teacher taught you.... the extra spark you found on your own.

Originally Posted by anala

Anala, do you feel you've attained your personal style (or are on the path)?

With as little consistant outside influence as I have had over the last 7 years (not voluntarily) - I must be, or perhaps I just suck and dont know it! I am working up enough courage to post a video to be seen and critiqued here. Without a local teacher, y'all will have to stand in.

Sometimes that's really good. I actually often take a "head in the sand" approach myself because I do not want to be influenced. I'm not saying that's what you're doing, but the fact about not having so much external influences, I like to stay out of the "fray." I mean, nothing is really original but being in a certain type of isolation helps to get you to the core of yourself (along the lines of what Ozma said).

Did you get to attend Amira Patricia's workshop when she was there? Or was that too far away from you? She is a fantastic dancer and worth taking a workshop or 2 with.

I know personally, I have a style which is my own but influenced by my teachers. But the down side is that, for me, I have problems fitting into a troupe. But this was true when I was dancing Ballet and Jazz. I became a soloist very quickly. Or if not, the member in the chorus who either lead or did something different.

The fun thing about having your own style, as said above, is being able to say what it is the music tells you!

{{{HUGS}}}

She is a fantastic dancer and worth taking a workshop or 2 with.

I agree, I have taken 2 classes with her before. She was only 60 minutes away, but we had a birthday party we were hired for, so I was unable to go. She kicked my ancient old ass both times.

Originally Posted by anala

She is a fantastic dancer and worth taking a workshop or 2 with.

I agree, I have taken 2 classes with her before. She was only 60 minutes away, but we had a birthday party we were hired for, so I was unable to go. She kicked my ancient old ass both times.

Your GORGEOUS ancient old ass (*ahem* referring to your beautiful photos in Dunyah's thread!). ..l;,

That's awesome. We were in business together in early 2000. I'm back in touch with her, now that we're both expats in Canadaland. Sorry, 'jacking this thread!

I found this...seems appropriate for this thread, and is said so much better than I could have. I think if I were to look at a vid clip of myself...I might not recognize me..the kite on a string syndrome of the mirror thread that I spoke about a while back. Kindo of like you see Marilyn Monroe photo...but you dont, cause she has such a famous and well known face.

To quote a passage here.

It’s hard because it’s a Self that, like the Muse, we must coax out of its protective shell. It’s a Self that may be shaped by years of life’s travails, that may have been housed in a body busy with the processes of Life and Giving Life, a body that may have been kept under wraps due to the insidious Demons of self-hatred that possess our cultures and whisper to us that we’re not pretty, thin, brave, brazen, or nimble enough to ever….do…that.

Paola inspires us with her thoughts for the Gilded Serpent

Originally Posted by bintbeled;248396

I think the first question to ask when developing your personal style is, "What do I have to say, as a dancer?" [COLOR="DarkRed"

I want to bring out layers of the music with layers of movement[/COLOR]



1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?
"She moves like liquid "
"I love her passion for the dance"
"Her technique is flawless"

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be? The ability to freestyle flawlessly
To never forget anything I learned
Impeccable timing

The responses to both of these exercises usually clearly indicate where the student's focus should be.
Latifa

So how do I get there?..l;,..l;, Other than practice practice practice, is there anything else I can be doing to achieve these goals? (Like you Anala, I don't have a lot of access to various instructors and workshops) Any suggestions Latifa?

I am loving your homework assignments, Latifa! I'm eagerly eating them up!

Great topic, Anala! I want to see your style when you're ready to share!

Agree with all of the comments, really good thoughts, they all go together nicely.

*eta: I've noticed that a lot of dancers/famous entertainers seem to chisel away at their "style" over time. You can see one thing get tweaked, then another, then another, until gradually they become more beautiful and talented than one would ever think possible. I think it involves constant "looking in the mirror", so to speak, to see what suits you and chuck what doesn't. Using the tools we have to view ourselves from the outside: photos, videos, professional advice and listening to feedback. And then also using the tools we have on the inside: meditating on what went well, what felt right, the ability to take notes during practice, etc.

I think I felt like I had achieved a personal style when I heard hafla-goers and such say looked forward to seeing me in the lineup because of someting I brought to every performance. What they expressed I was bringing was some times different from person to person, but it told me that there in some ways I stood out among the "regulars" in a way that make them picture me when they saw my name on the program. Does that make any sense?

Originally Posted by laura 2

I think I felt like I had achieved a personal style when I heard hafla-goers and such say looked forward to seeing me in the lineup because of someting I brought to every performance. What they expressed I was bringing was some times different from person to person, but it told me that there in some ways I stood out among the "regulars" in a way that make them picture me when they saw my name on the program. Does that make any sense?

Laura_2, I think they're trying to say that you are being yourself on stage instead of being a dancing costume. Congrats!

Originally Posted by bintbeled;248396

I think the first question to ask when developing your personal style is, "What do I have to say, as a dancer?"
[COLOR="DarkRed"

I want to bring out layers of the music with layers of movement[/COLOR]



1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?
"She moves like liquid "
"I love her passion for the dance"
"Her technique is flawless"

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be? The ability to freestyle flawlessly
To never forget anything I learned
Impeccable timing

The responses to both of these exercises usually clearly indicate where the student's focus should be.

HOOKEDNOVICE;248638]So how do I get there?..l;,..l;, Other than practice practice practice, is there anything else I can be doing to achieve these goals? (Like you Anala, I don't have a lot of access to various instructors and workshops) Any suggestions Latifa?

OK, it's hard to do virtual coaching for someone whose dancing I haven't seen, but here are some suggestions.

To move smoothly (like liquid), you need to drill technique, make sure your body is strong and supple (possibly strength training and yoga?), and work hard on transitions. I think smooth transitions really separate the Dancers from the dancers. If you're working on a choreography, analyze every single transition and make sure that you're finishing your movements and moving smoothly to what comes next. Pay a LOT of attention to weight shifts and breath. This should also lead to impeccable timing.

Passion for the dance: In addition to all of the above, work on your expression. You don't have to feel passion (because you might not at times) but you have to look like you do. My fave dancers to watch for inspiration are Mona Said (why oh why is there not more video of this amazing dancer??) and Dina. When I saw Dina live the first time and was videoing her, I just kept zooming in on her face because of the wonderful passionate expression. Wow.

The ability to freestyle flawlessly: I'm not sure that anyone actually does freestyle, or improv, flawlessly. ..l;, It just seems like it at the time. To get started down this road, dance as much as you can, to all kinds of music. Try to move intuitively with the phrasing. If you can dance to the phrasing of most pieces of music, then start strengthening your vocabulary of "default" steps and combinations that you know so well they feel like just walking down the street. And (again) work on expression.

To never forget anything I learned ..l;,..l;, When you discover the secret to this one, let me know! I have a humongous stack of dance notebooks and I'm still trying to transfer all that knowledge into my head!

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

I know personally, I have a style which is my own but influenced by my teachers. But the down side is that, for me, I have problems fitting into a troupe.

I realized that I was starting to have my own style that I felt strongly about when I stopped being able to do troupe work. Being in a troupe started to feel like it was detracting from my progress and vision as a dancer. I wouldn't rule out ever doing troupe work or partnering again, but right now, I'm still establishing what I am for myself. I'm not quite secure enough in it to be able to let go of my style long enough to do somebody else's choreo or follow somebody else's direction.

Recently I saw a long term teacher of mine perform--she hadn't performed in a while, so it had been at least a year and probably more like two years since I've seen her perform or taken classes with her. I realized watching her that there are definitely elements of her dancing in my own, but I also realized that I'm not a carbon copy and that I am taking what teachers give me and mixing it all together and sorting it it out into what fits and what doesn't so much. It made me simultaneously happy for myself and grateful that I have had teachers who encourage that kind of growth in their students.

I seem to have my own style, after six years, I hope so! ;) I know that my mom often tells me that she sees a lot of Nadia (Nadia Sahar, my first teacher) in my dancing, which is the BIGGEST compliment ever.

But, like badriya al ahmar, I'm not a carbon copy of any of my teachers. I learn from them, but I don't try to become them.

And as far as what we would like to hear people say about our performances..I have a funny story:

Last year, at the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, I performed at the Saturday night hafla. The next day, I heard a couple of ladies chatting about a dancer, and how beautiful she was, and her amazing technique, and some other things...really great compliments. I was like "Oh, who are you talking about?" they described me. "I don't remember her name, but she had this beautiful teal costume that sparkled, and she did a beautiful entrance with a veil..." I blushed when I told them that it was me...(to be fair, I looked like a SCRUB on Sunday morning...hair pulled up, no make up no eyelashes, etc.) :)

What a nice compliment...to over hear someone talking that nicely about you and you don't even know its you!

I've also had someone tell me that they saw a piece of my soul when I danced. I loved that. I'd like to make that be a standard when I perform...



sorry to threadjack, I just got off on a tangent there! ;)

no no..thats not a tangent...just what I was hoping to hear...how are you unique, and what makes you so.

OOOOOOOO fantastic!

Originally Posted by bintbeled

I think the first question to ask when developing your personal style is, "What do I have to say, as a dancer?"

There are a couple of exercises I use with my private students, to help them figure out what kind of dancer they want to be when they grow up.

1. You've just danced in a show. You're in a stall in the ladies room and a couple of women come in (dancers or GP), discussing your show. What 3 things would you like to hear them say?

1. She really connected with the music
2. She dances with such heart and passion, I was really moved by her performance
3. She makes technique and interpretation look effortless

2. If you had a magic dance wand that would grant you 3 dance wishes, what would they be?

1. to have access to instructors in Egypt
2. to have performance opportunities for a ME audience
3. the ability to look great in any costume ;)

The responses to both of these exercises usually clearly indicate where the student's focus should be.