A "Philosophy of mind and body ". Two very important elements of dancing.

This weekend was the get together of the expanded dance troop of Luscious Dance. If you have read my blog before you would be aware that I am quiet the groupie, and know fittingly I am part of the group. Ha Ha

I just wanted to comment on the excitement of dance and performing. I want to share a story that happened over a cocktail this weakened with a member of Luscious. We were talking about being in front of an audience.

Starting with me, In my 1st stage show experience, other then being terrified that I would be too sweaty to properly grip the pole, and certain I would forget my choreography, I did what has been called as a BLUE out. My heart was beating and my adrenaline was so high that once I took the 1st step toward the stage the music, the people, everything faded away. I saw and heard nothing, my eyes glazed over and my next awareness happened some point backstage when the routine had completed. I really can 't remember the experience past those 1st and last moments, and not surprisingly, I was disappointed that my spotlight moment had passed so quickly.

Now her story: After 2 years of performing, I had expected this member from Luscious to tell me that it was all routine, little left to be terrified of in the wealth of experience. To my surprise she stated that she still started every performance with a rapidity beating pulse and the concern she may forget a step. She further stated that she combated this BLUE OUT by rehearsing until her mind could shut off and body would lead, allowing her to think about something else, such as connecting with the audience. Sounds like a good tip to me, and reminded my of that 1st performance where I had lost myself, yet my body seemed to continue, or so the video footage would suggest.

I also had the opportunity to speak to another member earlier that week about how she prepared. She had told me that in her case, she simply broke down the choreography until she had every nuance. This method took longer to for her learn but she could recall choreography from over a year ago, as if it was performed only last week. Again, her body seemed to know the performance in a way that the capacity of the mind does not have the room to hold. I was fascinated.

I don't know if this is how all-professional dancers handle it. I do know that watching the tape of my 1st and second stage show; I used the same signature spin. I don't remembered having added this spin into the second routine. After thinking about this for a moment, I am convinced that as my mind started to phase out my body, filled in the blanks with a spin from the past. Maybe this technique is the key? It is worth a try. I have just spent the majority of my week re-arranging my very small Vancouver apartment preparing a rehearsal space. (A task requiring the art of utilizing vertical space I didn't know I had)

Will it be enough? I will see this upcoming weekend. It will be my debut with Luscious Dance. It will be my 1st opportunity to see what my body comes up with, as I enter into a completely improvised show, where music will be offered to us only when we arrive.

Am I excited? Ecstatic! Am I terrified? Soon to be discovered. Am I going to remember the conversation of this last week? Absolutely!