I think a lot of times we imagine auditions, masterclasses, Dem Lab performances, JURIES, like everyone is hate watching our performance, just waiting for us to make a mistake.
When we find those thoughts creeping into our heads, it may be worth stepping back to consider what kind of audience members we are ourselves. Do we hope the performers we are watching do well or are we secretly rooting for some noticeable failure (as if their failure somehow makes us better)?
It’s one thing to notice imperfections and to have opinions about what we are seeing and hearing and deciding what we might do differently. That’s an important part of developing artistry. And it’s perfectly alright to say that you don’t like a performance.
But what are we looking for? Are we looking for flaws or looking for what works? Are we quick to criticize or quick to compliment?
Now, consider how you evaluate your own performances. Do you look for the flaws first or can you just as easily highlight your areas of excellence?
Did you see this French ad for Dove?
http://www.bustle.com/articles/74573-french-dove-campaign-asks-women-to-write-down-every-negative-thought-about-themselves
We would never let other people get away with saying the negative things to us that we say to ourselves. We all know haters gonna hate and we can't do anything about that. Do we really need to do it to ourselves, as well?
Some of the most gracious performers I know are also the most gracious audience members. They love to perform and they love to watch others do what they love—perform.
I love watching my students perform. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy it even more when I can tell you feel good about your own performance.
That’s what I'd like to see at your juries. Thanks for a great semester!
Now go practice.
I think this is a great thing to consider. As we grow deeper into our professions/careers we become experience at analyzing what is an acceptable piece of work and what is not. From this we start analyzing everything... literally. Whether it be ads, shows, dance or music pieces, workshop ideas, literally everything starts to become a question or you begin to wonder if it is up to par where it should be. In our profession(s) it has become a norm to even evaluate ourselves a little too cruelly, especially with the boom of social media and what that makes our minds up to be (only if we let it) but more often than not. Something that will stick with me is what you, Brian, said at the beginning of the semester, "you know what sounds right, and you know what sounds off. Be aware and build from there". Being able to critique yourself in an encouraging manner is something that needs to be practiced numerous amount of times in order for ourselves to grow with out the guilt and stress thinking we need to be somewhere better. If we practice our craft and are honest with ourselves, we will build and grow how we are supposed to.. By simply being the best version of ourselves.
ReplyDeleteKellie Rae
I know I have been guilty of hate watching, specifically with things like the Carrie Underwood Sound of Music and the new Annie movie that recently came out where I only watch them in order to laugh at how bad they are. However, this means that I made a judgment before I have even witnessed the piece, and that I'm not learning anything from them... instead, when we have actually viewed a piece of work and have a negative opinion of it, I think it is much better to be asking why it didn't work, what elements didn't come together and what could have been done differently in order to better the performance.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to play off of the quote that Kellie mentioned, "Be Aware and build from there." I feel like I want to put that in vinyl lettering on my wall. In order to grow, we have to know where we are. However, being self-deprecating does us know good either because it also causes us to view ourselves in an unrealistic position in our progression. Once we have a real idea of where we are vs where we'd like to be, we can WORK towards our goals.
Because of pop culture like American Idol or SYTYCD I feel like a lot of us are geared to find the bad/funny/mistakes, find humor from it, and then get our strength from other peoples weaknesses. It's a terrible way to watch a performance or to perform. I definitely don't find myself gunning for people to fail, I do notice many/almost all my imperfections when I sing/perform, I am critical of watching other people as well... not NEARLY as badly as I am with myself, but it's just like this automatic thing and I try to grow and learn from their mistakes but also their good qualities. I have gotten a lot better at relaxing and enjoying the story the person is telling... and honestly... I've found... is that is all that matters. When the song, the person, and the heart are all in harmony. It's something I strive and will continue to strive towards.
ReplyDelete