Finding Balance-Donald Byrd

Has a different mentality towards castings and auditioning:

“…an audition was not to get a job but to see if he was interested in the work. If the style didn’t suit him, he wouldn’t do it.”(Bergardi, G. 2005)

Whether auditioning for a specific role within a company or for a specific production, dancers do face rejection. Instead of being so nervous and having all that pressure to try and impress and be perfect, here it suggests to approach casting as a work shop? If the dancer finds that the work suits them, naturally they will do well. If not chosen, i.e. rejection, perhaps reassurance will help, and to know they have something better to offer in some other area/role.

*”This is the only way to survive in the dance world-you have to be your own person…It’s the only way to emotionally survive and find some balance and not be victimize or brutalized by the profession.” (Byrd, D. pg. 108) 

(Being your own person- dance for yourself, be more self-aware: emotional resilience)

Confrontation and communication

During confrontation or solving a situation, the individual knows whether the situation during communicating is thruthful, and need to stay true to themselves- “Dancers need this emotional placement as well as physical.”( Byrd, D.)

*Dancers need to know what is best for them, and know where they stand.

The Ideals

Dance is demanding…also how dance deals with the ideals. Dance is full of unrealistic demands, but the pressure is still on.” (Byrd, D. pg. 108)

-Irony in this statement because ballet is viewed as effortless. There is a certain story or intention portrayed by the movement. However the demands, that can become unrealistic, are still expected to be met or worked on. This perspective from the audience is totally different to the perspective and experiences of a dancer.

Byrd touches on the notion of perfectionism. “The worst is the notions of perfectionism, achieving the ideal that doesn’t exist in the world…I think it is hard to get away from.”(Byrd, D. pg. 108) Perfectionism is what helps drive a dancer forward and to strive to be better, yet too much can be conflicting, and can hinder certain mental approaches towards a difficult challenge.

“Most dancers have a really, really negative self-image. Even if they have the most beautiful body, they’re still hyper critical.”(Byrd, D. pg. 108) For a dancer, perfectionism covers every aspect. Their body is their instrument and so obviously they want to look as best as possible. But with this mindset, a dancer is never satisfied. It’s like a mental-emotional cycle of how one perceives themselves. Once something is fixed, there is something else.

He also mentions that a dancer can’t always stay in control. They have to fully accept what they cannot fix to move on- working within limitations and doing the best with what you have is considered a healthy attitude.

Positivity

• Negative self-talk is ‘what kills you, initially.’

• What helps- “Gain confidence with and experience as many different techniques, styles and teachers.” Here a dancer gains a better perspective, knowledge and approach towards development in any situation-helps them perform at their best. Through experience, they are free to choose what approach suits them 

Berardi, G. 2005, Finding Balance- Fitness, Training and Health for a Lifetime in Dance, 2nd edn. Routeledge, New York.