Do you have to film 10 times before you post a video?
You finally got that one transition smooth. Yeaahh!!
But now the whole routine looks more robotic, because you „forgot“ all the other little movements. ^#@&%*!
What looks better? The first video, when you were still out of your head, or the last one, when the pole trick was executed with perfect technique?
It gets more nerve-wracking when you’re preparing a performance routine. You keep changing your choreography, figuring out transitions and tweaking your technique until the day of your performance.
How do you know when your pole routine is ready?
When is it just perfect, or good enough?
Here the problems with perfection:
1. Your brain can’t focus on everything at the same time.
When you focus on one thing, something else gets neglected.
Unless it comes automatically… Pointing toes, for example, comes automatically for some people, while others need to think about it.
I recommend focusing on just ONE thing in your training. With practice, it will slowly become natural and you won’t need to put extra effort into it.
Then focus on the next ONE thing you’d like to improve. Know that it will pay off soon and things will come together nicely.
2. Technical perfection can affect your dance expression.
And the other way around.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re thinking about tricks and execution, often something gets lost?
The emotion and the energy. The dance gets lost!
Likewise, when you try to get out of your head, to be more flowy and dancy, your technique and your lines could become a bit messy. This happens also to professional dancers.
It seems hard to get that TRUE perfection – an emotional dance, combined with perfect lines!
Here’s what the famous dance photographer Rachel Neville recommends:
Passion over perfection.
Emotion over technical perfection.
In my experience, pole dancers tend to get obsessed with technique. Many believe that this is what it takes for a great performance.
But a technically perfect pole routine is just that – a technically perfect pole routine. To me, a routine becomes truly perfect when an emotion comes across. This is what people will remember when the show is over. It leaves an impression, because it touches them in a special way.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t be afraid to get messy and technically imperfect. Surrender the urge of having everything under control. Feel, get wild and lose yourself in the dance – no matter if you’re at home or on stage.
P.S.: Have a look at Rachel’s behind the scenes clips of shootings – @rachel__neville. Her approach to get the most out of professional dancers is really fascinating.