Reflection: Starting the new season

Officially starting the company's season, we have been busy rehearsing for our upcoming gala as well as some other productions that we're hoping to put together. After a long pause due to COVID-19, we're fortunate to be able to return into the studios in June. I'm looking forward to the new season and also starting Module 2! I have started going through the Module 2 Handbook and also been bringing myself back into the 'study mode', I will soon blog more about the module. 

Although we're fortunate enough to return to the studios as early as in June, it's been a while since we've been rehearsing and putting together a production. With the various rehearsals that are happening, I got the chance to see different working environments which led me to ponder on the responsibilities of everyone within the studio as well as the balance required between dancers and rehearsal directors/choreographers/ballet mistresses.

As much as there is a level of authority that the choreographers and rehearsal directors hold during the rehearsal, I think what mainly happens and should be happening in a rehearsal is an artistic discussion between the dancers and the person leading the rehearsal.

Of course, in a group/corps de ballet rehearsal there is less of a physical discussion that occurs as compared to a solo or duet rehearsal because in a group rehearsal the role of the rehearsal director would be to standardise movements for the group as everyone has their individual habits and preferences. Nevertheless, the process of standardising movements and 'cleaning' a piece of choreography involves the choreographer/rehearsal director to share their artistic opinion.

Personally, what I look forward to during rehearsals isn't just the piece of choreography that I'm dancing but more of what I can take away from the piece that I am rehearsing. It might be a way of moving my body that I never thought of or just something simple like being able to solidify a technical move that I have been trying because, and during the rehearsal, I was given a correction or tip that allowed me to have a better understanding to how to do the movement.

A little conclusion that I have drawn from my reflection and my own thoughts at this current moment is...

Dancers need to be pro-active, fast learners and be fully engaged during rehearsals. Open-minded to the work and choreography of the choreographers/rehearsal directors.

Choreographers/Rehearsal directors are not just people who create choreographies on dancers, they are also the ones who further refine the work of their dancers and aid their dancers in exploring and realising their potential. They are also responsible of the working atmosphere of the rehearsal.