Practice makes perfect…
A2D2 Contortion Trapeze, www.a2d2.ca
How relevant and how true this statement is for performance artists!
The difference between a good performance and a great performance is the amount of time you’ve spent preparing your piece in rehearsal. Rehearsing is a critical component to successful execution. Without it, you run the risk of looking amateurish and unprepared instead of professional and polished.
I’ve been a part of countless rehearsals over the years ranging from large to small, simple to complex, and easy to difficult. I’ve rehearsed as a circus artist, dancer, actress, singer and musician so I believe it’s fair to say that I’ve personally had a cross-section of rehearsing experience to draw from. There are a few things I’ve picked up along the way that I find to be helpful in any rehearsal scenario.
Get Your Head in the Game
Even when it is not possible to physically run though your routine, running choreography in your head while listening to your music is a fantastic way to block out the rest of the world and focus.
Come Prepared
Be sure that you account for set up/rigging time, travel time, and contingency time for random things like a knock at the door or an important phone call which you have to take during your scheduled rehearsal hours.
Dress the Part
Acquiring training clothing which is conducive to your discipline is key. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable as it only distracts and pulls focus.
Avoid Being Cold
If you know you are heading into a drafty/not-so-toasty facility, make sure you bring your leg warmers, breathable zip-up hoodies etc. Coldness usually leads to bitterness so bring on the heat!
Warm Up Properly – Every Time
Warm-ups should simply be a regular rehearsal ritual. Your body needs the time to prepare for what’s to come, not to mention, you significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Organize Large Groups
The more people involved in a rehearsal, the more organized you have to be about who is doing what and when. Don’t allow people to sit around when they are not “needed.” Rather, have them off on the other side of the room running choreography, lines, transitions etc. Sitting around = wasting time. Avoid wasting time at all costs.
Bring the Video Camera
Footage is key to a successful rehearsal.
My sisters and I use our smart phones to record and review our choreography. Being able to watch your work from an audience perspective is incredibly helpful when trying to work through intricacies. It’s also great to have the capability to review the rehearsal while you’re sitting in a waiting room or lying in bed. How convenient!
What works for you when it comes to your rehearsal process?
Your feedback would be fabulous!
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Dancing Feet in Rehearsal ~
No matter what you do, you should always put your best foot forward. Why? Because you never know what this experience could lead to.
When you don’t do the best possible job that you can do, you are only wasting not only other people’s time, but your own. It kills me to see ANYONE take on a job and then do a half-way effort. Every new job leads to meeting new people, new experiences and you can learn new things. Be open to these moments. No matter if I am teaching a class, or running rehearsals – I expect everyone I work with to give me their all, because I do the same for them.
Life is what you make it! You only get out what you put in So get out there and show them who you are and what you can do!
I love this piece Kendra!
Thanks for letting me re-post on Circus Blog ~what you’re saying is so true, and so inspiring!