Improv

“I see dance being used as communication between body and soul to express what is too deep to find words.”

-Ruth St. Denis

Improv is basically dancing freely to a selection of music, or just endlessly in your living room. It is an impromptu, very informal dance that is made up on the spot. Consistent improving for purpose of creating art in a free expression, no string attached can really bring out a dancer or choreographers creativity and emotion, as well as an enhancement of their natural talents and feelings. Improv is done so fluidly, there should never be a blank spot, because it is all up to you to decide what comes next.

Choreographers of all backgrounds improv, both the best and the worst. In order to create a dance a choreographer must improve, and figure out the best formation for all of their ideas. Every single dance, no matter what begins with improv and ends with a new, innovative dance routine. The chorographer has to be able to use their talents to create something that goes seemingly with the music and emotion of a piece. It may take many attempts, but since improvisation is limitless, they are able to do whatever they want to have it all come together.

Improv is not only an element used by choreographers, but it is also used for dancers themselves. It helps dancers learn to listen to their music, and decide based on hat what story they are trying to tell. Should the accent be determined by a turn, sway, leap, snap, body hit, head turn or foot flick? That is for them to ultimately decide in a split second. Dancers at most auditions will be asked to improve, so those hiring them will see their musicality when they have been given nothing, but a newly heard or classical piece of music. Dancers should be showing that they can balance their dance tricks and turns with, reaches, emotion and fluid filler. Some may say that will just wing improv, but I do not suggest this going into an audition. You can indeed practice improv, by playing music and really listening for accents, and flavored musicality. You should never go into an audition to wing improv, because it can sometimes be awkward and you should not feel embarrassed to do what you love, dance.

Improvisation is endless in dance. It is up to the dancer to decide what comes first, next, in between, after that to the finish. It helps a dancer display their talent, creativity, feelings, emotions and fluidity. Improving has the ability to use varieties of music and instrumentals, however music is not even needed. A dancer is improving whenever they dance freely even if no music is playing. Improv also lets you get comfortable with new music and styles, and a great tool for aspiring choreographers. In my opinion the best part of improve is that it is limitless and carefree. It is one of the truest expressions in dance because there are truly no rules.

~Julia Brewer