Art v’s Science

Art v’s science, or Technicians v’s Artists, perhaps one of the most controversial topics in dance. I am asked all the time, how do I improve my arabesque or how can I achieve more turnout? But never have I been asked, how can I improve my artistry or how can I be more versatile? Maybe the type of question comes with being a Physio, I’m not sure, but the truth is it doesn’t matter how high your legs are, if you lack performance skills. Some say you’ve either got it or you don’t and to an extent that may be true. You may be amazing at perfecting a quadruple pirouette, but if the performance lacks presentation and versatility… mmmmm. So many dancers just want to be ‘ballet dancers’, but they have to understand and demonstrate fluidity, expression, movement that’s not all tutu’s, pointe shoes and high legs. The same goes for dancers who just want to be contemporary or musical theatre dancers, they still require technique and aesthetic line, the basics of ballet technique. So my pointe is, don’t limit yourself, educate yourself to be well rounded and versatile, artistically and scientifically.

But how? And how can we address this art v’s science debate? Again I think it comes back to reflection, my first blog. Ask yourself, what is it you want, what are you trying to achieve? Is it more turnout or is it a job? Ideally the answer would be both right? However structurally, more turnout may not be achievable. Educate yourself on the anatomy, speak with your physiotherapist, but don’t loose sight of the big picture. Try not to be so focused on achieving more turnout that you loose your love of dance or your performance skills. Yes, be mindful that turnout needs to improve, but look at your dance career holistically. Keep adding to your toolbox both artistically and scientifically. Eat right, know your body, know how to recognise signs of fatigue or injury. If you’re unsure ask your Physiotherapist or Nutritionist. Get enough sleep so you can focus on the goal. Ask your dance teacher to help with artistry and to pointe you in the right direction to research your role.

This brings me to my next pointe, research. Research is an intergral part of science degrees. One can be a great researcher, however it may not mean they can implement it well. For example if you research the anatomy and recite all the origins and insertions for the muscles needed to turnout but lack the ability to implement it well, it can be a waste of time. Likewise if you research your role, know all the steps but neglect artistry, it’s also a waste of time. Again if you’re unsure ask questions and don’t stop asking. Keep reflecting on how you can become a better version of YOU, not someone else.

The internet can be a wonderful thing. There are more and more opportunities to research online for artistic purposes and for reputable research papers. This wasn’t so much available in my early dance career. We looked at videos, yes videos, or DVD’s for inspiration. How many students know what a video is/was…? Anyway back enpointe, be proactive in understanding your body, and how it can move through space to achieve the asthetic lines, movement, expressions,  fluidity etc. Be versatile in all ways art AND science.

I’ll chat more specifically on dance science later, however I think it’s important to highlight that we shouldn’t separate or even debate the two.

MEL