Final Dance Videos / Reset

 

 

 

The Reset

After a performance, practice shaking off the emotions you just built up. Jump and exhale as you land, shake your limbs, brush your body or imagine you’re scrubbing yourself in a shower. “If you struggle to release, contract your muscles to the maximum and then suddenly let go as you audibly exhale,” La Fleche suggests. Post-performance can also be a good time to vocalize or cry. If you want to avoid casual post-show conversations after a challenging performance, time your cool-down so you leave the theater after the audience, recommends Spivey.

It’s important to fight feelings of isolation and negative self-talk after a show, says La Fleche, which can contribute to emotional vulnerability. Rachelle debriefs with each dance partner to touch base as real people, not just characters. “Talking to your colleagues prevents you from making up stories in your head,” she says. Sanchez Narvaez thanks the space, the crew and fellow performers. “If you’re thankful for being pushed, you’re able to understand that the performance was a gift,” they say. “When you return to that memory, you have a sense of gratitude instead of anger or frustration.” 

 

Link:  https://www.dancemagazine.com/post-performance-trauma/

Students' Performance's Last Reflections

 

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Sofia Vidali

 

Today was the culmination of all the exploration of movement I had with my body. I learned a lot about myself and the focus I want to bring in my future performances. I also realized throughout this semester how much I enjoy moving my body and how much work I need to do to be able to sing and dance at the same time. I noticed I was a bit better this time since dress rehearsal, but there is still so much more for improvement. I am proud of myself for continuing through my sections of my project today even though I "messed" up the words. At the end of the day it is all about moving forward and taking myself seriously. I got used to letting things go of what something "should" be and most importantly I learned I also need to not apologize when I go on stage and to stand tall and proud. 

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Esther Baker

 

 Performing with my body, and voice, and cello was challenging and I know there is so much more to explore and questions to ask about incorporating my instrument. Letting go of that, I found the experience was fully immersive in a way much of playing no longer is. I couldn’t think about anything else during those few minutes, only being. It felt like the story was carrying ME along and I had to trust the current. I didn’t know if I forgot anything or not I was just in the story. I appreciated the encouragement to just be, not perform because it felt different than performing music alone. I felt comfortable in the serious space of my cello story. I am proud of the work I put in. It feels like a special conclusion to the semester.