On creation

This is the first post of a sort of notebook which I would like to share with the readers; all sort of reflections on creativity and creation processes (I am writing from my experience in the field of dance). I opened a forum as well in order to open discussions about the topics I bring in the blog and let them be the starters of a creation itself. Otherwise, feel free to write to me in private to exchange thoughts and develop the next post. To begin with, as dancer, I choose to be an active element in the creation process, I conceive my part as fully understanding (therefore, also questioning) the intentions, movements or actions of the creator/choreographer in order to embody them.

Probably, it is not so much of a choice, but I simply cannot do it any other way. What I can choose is which way to approach it depending on whom I’m working with and other elements of the context.

As dancers, we are also creators (at different levels). We are constantly creating and recreating the choreography every time we perform it, that is why I used the word “to embody”, because I believe it is deeper than just executing established patterns.

When it comes to work with a choreographer, we are not empty-of-knowledge shells, although it is most positive to empty ourselves of any pre-judgement. However, they are two different things,separated by a thin line (like most contradictions), but that shouldn’t be mixed up.

As I see it, interaction makes the creation, and most important, how this interaction is. The equal combination of both (or more) elements choreographer-dancer is what is going to make the creation happen. Who has the desire, or need, to create usually feels more creative in front of somebody in order to channel it and make it real through sharing or transmission.

I will always have emotional responses to the work, I accept them and use them if there is space for it (which ideally there should be). However, I would not to let them take over or control the process, since it is not what we want to focus on. Because we sense, we have feelings about what we perceive, but they are not the subject.

I recommend not to let a certain creation process define you, but other way around: Define the creation by who you are, allowing it to change with you as well. There will always be a subline, an essence, habits (however we want to call it) that reappears, so we don’t have to hold on to it, we just assume it the way it is and everytime will be different expressing different parts of oneself.

How do you live and approach a creation process, in general? Are you actively aware of this approach?How do you consider the relation choreographer-dancer (director-performer)? What can you give to the process from your past experiences and knowledge? How much you have to re-learn or deconstruct? Do you feel more creative in front of people, in front of a specific kind of person? How do your emotions influence the creative process? Do you feel confortable doing things differently when it is not what you are used to or you usually practice?

#Contemporarydance #Choreography #Performance #Creativity #Process