Sometimes I take non-musical theatre dance classes and the adjustment is kind of strange. Instead of finding a story driven purpose to dance (gotta cheer up the leading lady or prove to those Sharks we aren’t gonna take their shit), the motivation becomes a bit of a challenge. Especially if the music sounds like a cat is rolling over a synthesizer. A few times I have had to establish my own circumstances based on the movement, music, and overall feel of the piece because just looking pretty doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. Here are a few of the stories I have come up with in the past:
1) I am a robot programmed to kill. A femme-bot if you will. But I am in love with my next target. When the music starts I am all set to kill him but have strange human feelings that prevent me from harming him. What ensues is a physical conflict and semi-breakdown.
2) I am a the chocolate-y center of a Tootsie Pop trying to break free from the hard candy shell. The breaking sounds in the music are the sounds of the shell breaking and the movements are the pieces falling off. When I spin ya’ll better watch out for flying pieces. Now I am gooey and chewy and ready to go!
3) I see you looking at my butt. I don’t want you looking at my butt. But I really like that you are looking at my butt. Ok that’s enough looking at my butt…I’ll walk away so you can have one last look.
That last one was more of a commercial dance class…