Do you know what makes you unique?

Do you know what makes you unique as a dancer? Usually it is much clearer to our trusted friends, dance colleagues and teachers, because we are too engrossed in the inevitable highs and lows of being a creative person. But do you have those people in your life telling you what makes you unique? Do you know your strengths, celebrate them, work with them in your performances? Do you take the time to tell other dancers what you love about their performances? This is the greatest gift you can give another dancer. By telling them what you love about their act, you help them to forge their sense of self and identity on stage. Once a dancer has this sense of self and identity, they can choose what to do with it in performance. They can be deliberate in expanding upon their strengths or throw a curve ball by doing something completely different. And being deliberate is key. So next time you see someone dance, or if you prefer to reflect on your own dance experience, here is a list of strengths to consider (just a few):

• Commanding stage presence; or the ability to build suspense
• Theatricality in costume ideas and make-up
• Musicality (finishing musical phrases; picking up on nuance, understanding climax etc)
• Thoughtfulness and restraint in choreography composition
• Emotional resonance and engagement (eg joyful, moving)
• Precision, boldness, fluidity, flexibility, physical strength, dynamic (to describe technique)
• Element of surprise; risk-taking; adventurous; experimental
• Maturity, self-assuredness, making the audience feel at ease
• Ability to improvise

Usually as we evolve and strengthen certain attributes, others will naturally take the back seat. As we go along our dance journey, our attention can be drawn to different aspects. This is part of becoming more well-rounded dancers. But integral to this journey is to know what we have strong now. If you don't know, ask your dance friends for feedback.