sanslimites

You know what, technically speaking, I haven’t choreographed it. I’ve started it many times, and other projects have gotten in the way.

But my main goal with this own- albeit unspoken- was that I wouldn’t perform unless I had something choreographed. How very silly of me. Because I have just performed my first solo, and it was my first time doing improvisation, as well! (See the first entry under “learn to improv- and look good doing it.”)

I still plan on choreographing pieces for myself. But, you know what… It’s not as important now. It’s important that I learn to be the dancer that I want to be, to be able to present myself in a variety of situations with skill and grace. Sometimes, that’ll require improv, not choreography. A lot of times, I think.

I think just going out there and performing my first solo was- not really a big step, per se, but a big confirmation for me, and it really helped develop how I view this art form that I practice.

My first improv solo!! Ahh!

I performed it this past weekend at a student show. I was their special guest dancer. And… I was not a bit nervous. I had no idea what to expect, but I also didn’t spend the last hour before the performance trying, panicked, to remember elusive choreography. I was able to watch the performers before me, to take the stage with confidence, ease, and pleasure, and I entertained.

It was informal, wrap-around seating, so very close contact with the audience, and if you stood in just one place, they would never see you. So I worked the crowd, held my posture and smooth arms, and smiled the whole time.

I got very good responses, everyone seemed very entertained- and I actually had people thank me afterwards. Not just saying, ‘yeah, that was cool’ but—actually thanking me. And smiling whenever they saw me. What better thing, than to bring to the audience the joy we feel as dancers?

It was confirmation, for me. I can improv. I can entertain. I am, after all, a dancer.

I have a lot to learn about improv, but now I know that I can do it. :)

I think I’m going to leave this still on the list for now, but it seems that I have gotten to the point where I could take it off the list if I wanted too.

I started bellydancing nearly four years ago. And when I did, it was like an obsession that ate me from within. I knew that I had found my passion, and I knew that I had finally found my social niche. For a very long time, it felt like I was hovering in the background of that niche, wondering where I fit in, if people would ever know who I was, if I would ever be a contributer, not just another member of the audience.

Four years later, and most of the people know my name. The ones who don’t know my name at least recognise my face, and we tease each other, exchange information, go to the same shows, watch each other perform. I’ve been a volunteer many times, people expect us to be at events.

This past weekend, I participated in Pittsburgh’s Art Crawl by dancing at one of the venues. It was outside my usual circle of events, but I knew people there who were quite happy to see me, and walking back to our car, we ran into still more people that we knew. It’s all about networking, it’s all about being present and being willing to be involved. And I think we’ve finally reached that point.

It’s going to be a continuing process. It’s a many-faceted goal, and I don’t think it will every completely quit. But I’m involved, now. And it’s every bit as fulfilling as I thought it would be. :)