Performance

Today I have a performance.  And this brought to mind two aspects of dance which are often considered at odds yet I would argue they are necessary to one another.  Particularly in the modern dance world, You will find those who consider themselves interested in the process of creating work but put little interest in performance.  Then you have those who like nothing more than to put on the makeup, stand in the lights, and perform for live audiences.  I believe that both satisfy basic needs of performers.

In the first place is the need for intellect.  Performers are smart people.  They may not be able to build a rocket to the moon, but they are often very logical people who reach their hands into many different areas of knowledge.  Therefore pomp and circumstance would never fulfill them as a chance to grind through a work and understand what is going on at every moment can.  To be bold, it could be said that those desiring only pomp belong in theatres of entertainment and not art.  A valid decision and in no way less important, but certainly different and distinct.

In the second place is the need for attention.  This may manifest itself in different ways but anyone with an artistic bent is looking for attention.  This is NOT derogatory.  Attention is NOT a bad thing.  If you seek to communicate a message, you clearly seek the attention for that message to be heard.  If you like to look pretty, you seek the attention of those deeming you to be pretty.  After all, the driving force behind live theater is that it is in fact live.  It is social.  There are people on stage.  There are people in the seats.  The performance happens as the two relate and connect.

I then postulate that these two are inseparable as without the first, the second occurs only as spontaneous improvisation, which although a valid artform, would also require an absence of technique or preparation and thus create a high potential for a dangerous outcome.  Without the second, the message of the intellect will never be shared outside of the creative force.

***I am fully aware that there are many artists who would disagree with the assertions which could be derived from this post and agree that there is a discussion there to be had.  For instance, I am inferring that performance requires an audience and a performer at a designated time and location.  I am also asserting that dance performance requires some form of  preparation or technique.  Among others, these are arguments for a different day.  For now, reflect on the interplay and exchange between process and product.***