Duvet
Member
When you dance in front of an audience (paying or otherwise) how do you view yourself as a dancer – as a performer, as an entertainer, both or something else?
For me, I've noticed that for years when I danced out and thought of myself as a performer it put pressure on myself relating to technique, stage craft, presence, form, authenticity, comparison with past performers, etc; all self-focused and self-critical. But when I recently started thinking of myself as an entertainer it felt much more relaxed. All the other stuff is still mega important (otherwise it could just be a circus act), but it put the focus on the audience and their reactions, rather than just on me. I guess I find it easier to please other people than to please myself!
For me, I've noticed that for years when I danced out and thought of myself as a performer it put pressure on myself relating to technique, stage craft, presence, form, authenticity, comparison with past performers, etc; all self-focused and self-critical. But when I recently started thinking of myself as an entertainer it felt much more relaxed. All the other stuff is still mega important (otherwise it could just be a circus act), but it put the focus on the audience and their reactions, rather than just on me. I guess I find it easier to please other people than to please myself!