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GOIN’
SOLO – The lost art of the solo exhibition
BOO!
Happy Halloween! I just finished eating my third Snicker
bar (the miniature ones). My kids are hiding their
Halloween candy as I write! I am soooooo bad. Unfortunately,
besides dancing, chocolate is my weakness. I promise,
tomorrow I will clean up my act and start my diet.
Unless I happen to discover the secret hiding place
of the trick or treat bags! Where is my will power?
In
this spin I would like to talk about the lost art
of the solo exhibition. Of all of the aspects of a
dance sport competition, the solo exhibition category
seems to have lost its place of importance. Why? I
remember a time when a complete session or evening
would be dedicated to pro/am and amateur couples,
who would take to the floor and present an interpretation
of a special song or maybe, a favorite dance. Is it
a lack of interest in performing solo style? Is it
a perceived lack of importance the organizer has given
in scheduling time for solos? Maybe it’s the
lack of comments given by the officials who are judging
the solo performances. Whatever the reason, the solo
exhibition has fallen to the wayside somewhat, which
is a shame because if used properly, it is one of
the best tools a dancer has.
You
may have noticed that sometimes the judges may look
just a little bit bored when they are critiquing solos
but let’s not be too critical of the judges just
yet. Let’s first take a look at what you might
be showing them. There are several questions that
go through a judge’s mind when watching a solo
exhibition. Sometimes the judge is thinking, “
How long did it take you to pick out this song?”
Nothing can kill the mood of a solo quicker than when
a couple has selected a piece of music that has either
been played to death in the studio or during freestyle
events at a competition.
So,
suggestion number one. Please, please, take the time
to find some original music. If not original, perhaps
at least one that hasn’t been played to death…something
that isn’t strict tempo, with a little bit of
originality to it.
Number
two…. and a pet peeve. The couple starts their
routine with a nice entrance and then they dance the
rest of their solo using their freestyle material.
This applies to professionals who are hired to do
demonstrations too. Come on, let’s be honest,
how entertaining is this? Not very.
I
love solo exhibitions, when they are given the proper
attention. There are so many benefits that a couple
can get by doing a solo exhibition that is hard to
develop in freestyle routines alone. The main benefit
would have to be the development of expression. When
you learn a solo, you have an opportunity to select
a piece of music that might be very inspiring to you.
Whether it is moving, funny or any other emotion that
you feel when you hear it, it should be a piece of
music that is easy for you to express your feelings,
which is something we need to do in our freestyle
routines also. This also gives you an opportunity
to challenge yourself with interpretive moves that
may not be conducive to a freestyle dance, but will
help you to develop your confidence on the floor.
So,
from the top, here are a few suggestions from a judge’s
point of view.
1.
Here’s a tip.... don’t take a bow or curtsey
to the judge before you start your exhibition. You
didn’t do anything yet, and the only thing you’re
going to see from the judges are the tops of their
heads. They are usually finishing up writing the last
critique. So, all you did was make yourself paranoid
wondering why those mean old judges weren’t looking
up and smiling at you! Not a good way to start a routine.
Wait until the end to take your bows and do this to
the audience, not the judges.
2.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and an ending.
It is no different in an exhibition. If your music
doesn’t have a story to it, it is probably not
a good choice for a solo. Listen to the whole song.
See if there are peaks and valleys, highs and lows,
quiet and loud sections.
3.
Keep it short and leave them wanting more. Yes, the
rule is three minutes but nothing says you have to
use all three. Sometimes, depending on the music and
the originality, three minutes can seem very short.
Sometimes, depending on the music and the originality,
three minutes can seem like an eternity!
4.
Here’s a biggie, at least to me. If it isn’t
working, get rid of it! So many times I have seen
a dancer struggle to do a trick or a pattern that
they were not capable of doing at that point in time.
This applies to freestyle routines too. Why would
you want to show a judge, or anyone for that matter,
something that you’re not capable of doing? Bench
it! Keep working on it, and when you have it mastered,
bring it back to your routine.
My
parting words this week are these…. I would like
to invite you to challenge yourself to do something
that is maybe not of your character. Perhaps a comedy
routine would not be the norm for you…. or maybe
a dramatic routine or a love song. You just may surprise
yourself and discover more about yourself as a dancer.
Besides, isn’t that what dancing is all about?
Taking you to the limits! To go where no man has gone
before! (No drag routines please!)
Have
a great week!
Dan Messenger
10-31-01
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