Watching Dance

The Stephen Petronio Company

As long as there is life, there will be dance. ~~ Margaret N. H’Doubler

OF ALL THE ART FORMS, dance is the oldest. Before people could speak, they could dance. It was how early men and women comprehended the world around them—how they imagined their gods were controlling Nature and circumstances.

As language and music developed, dance gradually became more structured and compartmentalized: such as how a tribe would celebrate hunting, planting, rites of passage, and war. Today, of course, we are far from the basic function of dance. It is deemed good or bad art, a form of communication, or mere entertainment. Is it ballet, jazz, or modern—and most importantly, do I understand it?

We have a personal reaction to dance because it is human bodies moving without words. Our interest is almost immediately piqued or repulsed. We can listen to music and be moved, see a painting and appreciate it’s beauty, or attend theater that tells a story with beginning, middle, and end that makes us happy or sad. But with dance, it’s not always clear what is happening and how we are supposed to feel.

Merce Cunningham

Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain. ~~ Martha Graham

A common complaint—especially when it comes to contemporary ballet and modern dance—is, “I don’t understand it!” We generally agree on what the Nutcracker is about and even what Swan Lake is about, although the program notes sure help. But a fairy tale is a fairy tale!

It’s very different—and more intimidating—when you’re watching the live work of an avant-garde choreographer, and you’re squirming in your seat wondering what it all means and when it will be over.

If this sounds familiar, here are some guidelines that might help the next time you watch a performance:

• First of all, relax and stay open minded. Put your judgment aside and just let the dancing happen. Watch the movement, listen to the music, try to appreciate what your fellow humans are doing as they invest themselves in whatever it may be.
• Realize that you are not accountable for analyzing the work. If something reminds you of a story you’ve read or a person you know, notice this. If it makes you feel a certain way—happy, sad, love, hate—these are all viable emotions. There are no wrong answers.
• Read the program or preview in the newspaper beforehand. Often the artist wants you to have as much information as you can so you don’t feel left out of the experience. Many choreographers are interested in educating their audience as well as entertaining and challenging them. Knowing where the work is coming from can help.
• Talk about it afterward. If you’ve seen it with someone else, ask how they felt—usually their opinion will be very different from yours. If you liked or did not like it, try to say why. Quick value judgments tossed back and forth don’t make for a good discussion.

Eclipse, San Jose Cleveland Ballet

Dance is fun! It lifts the spirit, strengthens the body, and stimulates the mind… ~~ Wayne Sleep

Next time you watch a dance that is not immediately recognizable, step back and let yourself see what the artists are trying to do. If you like it, great! If you don’t like what you see, remember that all performances are not the same and that the next one will likely be altogether different. ¶

Read Eliza Ingle’s bio here

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Acknowledgments
photo of Eclipse by Bob Shomler
copyright © San Jose Cleveland Ballet
used here for educational purposes only