Getting Into Character
While dancing for self-expression is a common motivation for many ballerinas, entertaining and engaging with the audience is just as important. When dancers can use their movements to draw the audience in and help them feel fully connected to the show, this makes the difference between moving artfully and moving with life.
A great way for a dancer to foster this connection is to embrace their role in the production and fully embody the emotion behind it. Sometimes, the role is based on a historical or fictional character, meaning it requires the dancer to portray a character’s story, personality, and mannerisms. Other times, the dancer’s responsibility is to portray an emotion, an interpretation of something else, or an idea or thought. No matter what, learning how to get into character is essential for dancers who want to connect with their audience while on stage.
Sometimes, this is easier said than done. For some dancers, this skill comes naturally. For others, getting into character requires some intentional work. If you’re a dancer who’s on the shy side, this collection of Ballerina Tips is for you!
How to get into character...
By Yourself
Watch other performances.
Acting may not seem like a valuable aspect of dancing, but it truly is. A dancer who can express emotions and personality on stage has the power to bring a performance to life. Take some time to watch other performances, studying how dancers use their movements and expressions to represent a character. Reflect on how you felt after watching the show. As a spectator, did you feel entertained? Connected? Inspired? Did this added level of expression make the show better?
Shift your mindset.
If you are a shy person, you may have a hard time fully getting into character. You may think that you look silly or too dramatic. You may be intentionally toning yourself down so you can feel comfortable. In this instance, staying in your comfort zone means you’re not fully connecting with the audience! Work to shift your mindset so that you view expressing yourself on stage as liberating instead of frightening.
When we interviewed Erica Lall, an American Ballet Theatre dancer who is known for being expressive on stage, she shared a tip for overcoming her shyness: “Just keep practicing. Practice in the mirror. Don’t be afraid to look silly, because you never will - and if you do, just laugh at yourself. “
Research your character.
Researching your character is a way to help yourself feel connected with the character you’re portraying. Let’s say you’re assigned the role of a specific character. How were they portrayed in other performances? What is their background story? If you’re not portraying a specific character, but a specific character-type, research movements that could show the audience who you’re portraying. For example, how would a child move? How would a lonely, or angry, or infatuated person move? Find ways to blend these gestures into your choreography.
In Class or Rehearsals
Try group exercises.
A common exercise that actors use to loosen up and stay versatile is improvisation. Improv activities can help dancers too! Fill up a hat with index cards that each list different emotions or characters. Have each dancer pull from the hat and portray the emotion/character while dancing for 30 seconds.
Tap into your natural instincts.
Sometimes, you may get so caught up in the technical aspects of your choreography that you forget to be natural. When it comes to portraying a character, tap into your natural instincts. For example, when you are frightened, you may walk nervously, or you may be jumpier. When you are happy or proud, you naturally stand taller, with your chin held high. What instincts can you incorporate into your choreography, without changing it, to make your character come to life?
Ask for feedback.
When you are surrounded by other dancers, you have the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by the energy in the room. Work with your teacher and fellow dancers to find areas for showing emotion. If you feel unsure about how well you’re portraying a character, or if you’re having a hard time feeling connected, be sure to communicate that to the director, if possible.
In Madiba, dancer Daphne Lee was assigned the role of Nelson Mandela’s wife, Winnie Mandela. When we interviewed Lee, she explained how she initially struggled with connecting to her role. The production’s director, Jeremy McQueen, helped the cast prepare by researching the characters’ mannerisms, then working to communicate those movements using the choreography. Lee worked closely with McQueen until she felt more confident portraying Winne Mandela.
Before a Performance
Visualize yourself on stage.
Using headphones, play the music that’ll be used for your performance. Close your eyes and visualize yourself performing the entire piece. You can visualize it from your perspective, or from the audience’s. Doing this will help you to have a fresh memory of where, when, and how you’re going to express your character on stage.
Think of the audience.
Remember, your audience’s ability to connect with your character plays a huge role in the purpose of performing on stage. Before the show, take a moment to reflect on how you want the audience to feel after watching you perform. What do you hope they understand about your character? How do you want them to feel about your character? Keeping this in mind prioritizes the audience and reminds you, as a dancer, what exactly you’re responsible for communicating on stage.
Give yourself a pep talk.
Before your performance, hype yourself up with some affirmations. This is especially helpful if you’re a shy dancer who has a hard time loosening up and expressing emotion onstage. When we interviewed Janine Beckles, a principal dancer for the Philadelphia Dance Company, she shared two mantras she uses to get her mind ready for a performance:
“My rehearsal director here at Philadanco, Debbie Chase-Hicks, told me this and it is my go-to saying: ‘Change your head and change your costume.’ Whenever I’m performing in multiple pieces of choreography in the same program I have to create a new character for each piece. The goal is to perform differently and with a new intent. Another one I like is, ‘Nothing to prove and everything to share.’ This quote was originally created by my favorite choreographer, Ulysses Dove. I do not dance for other people’s approval. I dance for the love of it. I enjoy being onstage, becoming someone else and letting my emotions flow.”