Write for Dance Advantage!

Do you have something you want to share with dance students, teachers, or parents?

Did you know that I accept submissions for guest posts and contributions here at Dance Advantage? You don’t have to be a fellow blogger. You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t even have to be a dancer. What is required is a passion for your topic and preferably for dance or education itself. I welcome posts from other dance teachers, students, parents, professionals, those knowledgeable in related fields, or… I don’t know, surprise me! Why? Because I don’t know everything (oh boy, is that true!) and because I believe in sharing ideas, presenting a wide variety of perspectives, and learning from one another.

So here’s the thing, if you think you have something to say on a particular subject, let me know! Can you use the exposure to promote your blog, website, studio, product, etc.? Sure, your byline is a great place to do that. However, refrain from scattering self-links throughout the post. Content here should always be informative and useful to the reader, first and foremost. When I write posts, I write as someone who has been (and still is) on the other end of things, searching for tools and tips that will improve the work that I do as a teacher, as a writer, as a dancer still learning, and as a parent. If you think you can do the same, then let’s chat.

Do I have to have an article ready to show you?

Not right now. We can talk about what you’d like to write about first and make sure the topic is a fit for this blog. I’d hate for you to do all that writing for nothing. BUT, feel free to just send along a submission if you like. I’ll be happy to consider it. I don’t publish my e-mail address here because it helps to keep my inbox clear of spam. So, it is best to make contact first and let me know you’d like to send something.

Will everything submitted make it onto the blog?

Nope. Here are some guidelines that will improve your chances, though: Submitting a Guest Post. If you are new at the whole blog-writing thing, I can help tweak a post that contains good information. If the article or concept isn’t right within the context of the blog, however, there’s not much I can do.

Can I contribute regularly or just once?

That depends. You are, of course, welcome to submit more than one post and to do so whenever the moment strikes. I’m open to forming relationships with those who have an interest in a recurring role. I’d rather this happen organically. I don’t have any positions that I’m trying to fill, in other words.

Suppose you accept my article, will I be paid?

Sorry, but no. Guest appearances can help bring awareness of your site or business to my readers. And you’ll be “paying it forward” by sharing your expertise.

What kind of articles are you looking for?

Primarily, posts must be relevant to the core audience of the blog (it helps if you’re familiar with what goes on around here). Beyond that, the sky is the limit. There is no age limit or qualifying experiences required so write about what you know. If you are a student, feel free to write from that perspective. If you have an experience to share that would benefit others, let’s hear it. If you know how to do something, guide us. Don’t be afraid to write with your own style but take note of the positive tone of this blog.

I’m in!! How can I contact you?

Just fill out the form on the Contact Page. Put “Guest Post” in your subject line. This helps me keep track of submissions, increasing your chances of getting published.

Also, please don’t submit without reading the page which is linked above, or here (for your convenience).

Thank you! I look forward to reading your submissions!

How to Write an Observation Paper or Critique

Those of you studying dance academically at the college or high school level have probably been  (or will at some time be) asked to express in writing your reaction to a dance performance. These essays go by many names (observations, critiques, reactions), however, the format is generally the same – two pages of double spaced… what?

What am I supposed to write about? How do I describe movement? What should I be looking for when I watch dance? How should I format the paper? What is expected of me?

A Guide to Writing Performance Reaction Essays

Preparation and Recording

1. Read articles, class material, and descriptions of the dance company, artist, and/or dances you will be seeing. This little bit of additional knowledge can go a long way in helping you watch and write about the performance.
2. Arrive early to the performance and read through any program notes and biographies
3. Keep a writing utensil handy to record notes in the program or in a pad of paper
4. Record keywords and phrases regarding what you see, feel, hear, and experience
5. Do not judge your own perceptions
   
6. Document movements, costumes, music, lighting, scenery, props with descriptive words (adjectives and verbs) as they occur to you
   • Look for shapes and patterns in the organization of movement or ideas.
     • Are certain things repeated? Do the dancers move in lines or formations?
   • Notice relationships between dancers, between objects, between parts of the body
     • Is there distance between individuals or groups of dancers? Does the head follow the elbow in a turn or does the dancer focus outward, beyond himself?
   • Observe your feelings and images that come to mind, and how they change (or not) throughout the piece
     • Does the music make you tense or agitated? Do the movements remind you of popcorn one moment and falling leaves the next?

Structuring Your Paper

1. Look through your notes and recall the thoughts, images, and aspects of the dance of which they were written
   • Are there themes or patterns in your responses?
   • Were your reactions to certain works stronger than others?
   • What stands out as you look at your notes?
2. Based upon this information, determine which dance pieces (one or two are usually plenty), or which aspects of the performance (themes or motifs, costumes, lighting, etc.)  you will detail in your central paragraphs. Three paragraphs is usually appropriate.
3. Consider how you might summarize this collection of paragraphs or the work as a whole. This is helpful in creating your introductory and concluding paragraphs.

Writing Your Paper

Introduction

Include the name of the artist or company in your opening lines. Other possibilities include where and when and even under what conditions you saw the performance.

Set up the following paragraphs (the meat of your paper) with a general thesis statement. This could describe or offer your prevailing opinion of the work overall, and/or mention the titles of the works you are about to discuss. (For more on thesis statements see this article at the George Mason University website)

Observations

Use specific and descriptive language when writing about what you’ve seen.

• Use action words that imply a quality or attribute of the movement (slithered, sauntered, bounded, careened instead of rolled, walked, leaped, or turned)
• Use vivid adjectives to describe qualities of the lighting, costuming, or other elements (cast cheerless shadows, donned gaudy colors and fabrics, carved intricate pathways)

Include your interpretation of how the work(s) develop, how they change in mood, how the themes or mood of the piece is expressed

When offering your opinions of a specific element or how effectively the work is carried out, support these with specific examples from the work (and be wary of attempting to support opinion with blanket statements of belief – “The dancer was astonishing. She was an amazing turner and moved better than anyone else on stage.” vs. “The dancer was astonishing. Her turns had a serpentine fluidity, making her a standout every time she took the stage.”)

Conclusion

Sum up your overall experiences and thoughts about the performance.

Relate what you’ve seen to your study, or describe how the performance affected you and/or others in the audience

Reading, Revising, and Polishing Your Work

1. Read what you’ve written aloud to yourself or a friend. Is your meaning clear and does it read smoothly?
2. Leave the paper and then go back to it, reading and making any necessary revisions. Cut or tighten redundant (repetitive) statements, phrases, or paragraphs.
3. Check spelling (particularly on the spelling of names and titles within the production) and proper punctuation
4. Be sure the paper is formatted to your instructor’s specifications before handing it in

Remember, your reactions, feelings, and opinions are neither right or wrong, however, how well you express these in your writing can vary. Composing an effective observation essay about a performance takes preparation and an openness to receiving the dance presented. Your state of mind when viewing work that is unfamiliar can affect your perceptions so, try to be rested when you watch a performance, clearing your head of to-do lists or other extraneous thoughts.

I hope you find this guide helpful for drafting your performance reaction or simply an assistance as you view dance. For further aid, try this guide to writing dance reactions from George Mason University.

Have you written an Observation/Reaction paper or critique?

If so, what are some things new writers might avoid?

If you are new to writing about performance, what are your questions?

Post them below!

Reflection and Journaling for Dancers

Dance is a form of expression, allowing one to creatively or artistically “speak” through a non-verbal language. However, dancers have often found a need to express themselves through words and writing as well.  In fact, writing can be a useful tool for dancers, teachers, and choreographers.  And, journaling or keeping a diary is a great way to preserve and organize one’s thoughts, reflections, goals, and more.

Who and What

A dance teacher and friend of mine, recently wrote on her blog, Uptown Dance NJ, about ways in which a dance diary can be used for students, teachers, and professionals.  She spoke of her own methods and uses for this valuable tool and how and why she encourages her own students to keep a dance diary.

There are many types of journals from organizational (lists, schedules, data/idea collection), to pragmatic (what you did, what you’ll do, achievements, failures), to idealistic (goals, dreams, ambitions), to emotional (how you felt, reflections, critiques).  And, there are many, many, many techniques for writing and keeping a journal.  Some people collect and use or sketch images, others write free-form, limit themselves to one sentence, or answer questions or write lists.  Some use a binder, others a bound book, and others use technology and computers.  In this regard, each must determine the methods that will best meet his/her needs. However, in order to encourage you to make use of a dance journal, I’d like to highlight how particular aspects of a diary could be useful to dancers and/or teachers. Read more

Celebrate National Dance Week

National Dance Week is approaching ( April 25-May 4, 2008 ) and if you haven’t already, now is the time to decide how you’re going to celebrate!  Obviously if you’re visiting this blog, you probably have an interest in dance and may already feel like you are immersed in its practice.  However, there are lots of ways you can observe this special week that will enrich your own or your school’s dance experience. And who knows, they may even spill over into the rest of the year, too!!

Sometimes in movement classes we are so focused on learning dance that we forget that appreciating and understanding the art form is just as important.  Of course, we learn to appreciate through doing, but here are some other ways to discover and embrace dance during National Dance Week and beyond.

• See dance – Attend or watch videos of professional performances (it doesn’t matter if it’s a style you are studying) or view video biographies of dancers/choreographers.  If there are no opportunities to attend a professional performance, try a local university with a dance program or a community group that performs ethnic dance forms.
• Discuss dance – Share observations about a performance, dance artist, or a significant event in dance history with your class, your friends, your peers, or your family.  An in-class discussion is great if you’ve experienced something as a group.
• Write about dance – Write a review or report about what you observed about a performance or learned about a particular dancer, company, or choreographic work.  You could share these with your dance class, in school, or even on your own blog.
• Read about dance – There are lots of books and online resources on dance history, dance vocabulary and technique, biographical texts, and dance criticism (reviews of dance performances).
• Make dance – Try your hand at your own choreography, guide your students through the basics of composition, produce your own dance performance (don’t forget to consider costume, makeup, and lighting if available), or share your knowledge of dance with someone else who has never experienced it.

Another important way to celebrate National Dance Week is to reach out to the community.  Many dance studios perform at local festivals, parades, and other events in honor of NDW.  Some other methods of reaching out would be to hold free classes or an open house at your dance school, perform at nursing homes or hospitals, or give workshops at public schools or boy/girl scout meetings.  Perhaps you could also organize volunteering opportunities for your dance studio during this week. Activities like road clean-up, serving at a soup kitchen, or collecting canned goods for a food bank, reflect that dancers, in addition to giving the gift of their art, seek to improve and strengthen their communities in other ways.

As we lead up to NDW, I want to discuss in more detail how teachers can celebrate by incorporating a little dance history, performance, and discussion into their classes; help you build a dance library for your school; and address why all of this is worth the effort.

What are some ways that you have celebrated National Dance Week?  Is there anything you’d add to my list above?