Hints and Tips for SCD - Performing
Running a demonstration
Just one here so far. I'll get round to more later.
- The Golden Rule "KISS" ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") applies in demonstrating as much as anywhere else.
If you do simple dances the dancers can concentrate on getting the dances to look good rather than
on what's coming next. Also simple dances tend to have clearer patterns for non-dancing audiences to
understand - a complicated dance with everyone moving all the time can just look like people milling
around aimlessly if you don't know what you're looking for.
Performing in a demonstration
- Most importantly, look happy and confident. If you look good from the waist up, it's amazing
what you can get away with in the way of footwork (believe me - I've seen many people who do).
- Watch your lines. If you have people out of line the audience will see it. This goes particularly
for standing dancers.
- Make your phrasing is crisp and accurate. If everyone phrases carefully (and with the same timing)
you will all line up naturally.
- Here in Edinburgh there is great emphasis on "covering" - looking around the set and making sure
you're lined up with people who are doing the same thing as you. If everyone's phrasing is correct
this shouldn't be necessary, but if you're in a group which covers rather than phrasing, watch out
for it - it's up to you to be in line with the others as much as them to be in line with you.
(BTW I'm considered a bit of a heretic for thinking this here. Just as a warning.)
- If you go wrong keep moving. Work out where you should finish the phrase and
get yourself there, while trying to keep out of the other dancers' way.
- If you find you've changed partners, it doesn't matter. Carry on with your new partner.
The audience won't have noticed the switch, but they will if you try to shuffle around to get
back to the right partners.
- Keeping talking to each other, saying what is coming up (but not so loudly the audience can hear).
- Smile!
See also the other hints and tips sections:
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ian@scottishdance.net
Edinburgh, Scotland
