Stimulating Creativity

by Karen Dito - suite101.com
First published: March 20, 2001

The act of creating choreography can be difficult, with such obstacles as finding rehearsal space, finding the dancers to do the job, and finding the funding for both. Even worse than working these issues out, though, is the period of creative frustration suffered by most artists known as a "dry spell" or a creative block.

Creative people in all fields are affected by periodic bouts with feeling a lack of direction in their work. For some artists, simply taking a break from their craft is enough to revitalize them back into creative fertility. For others a more active approach is needed to get their creativity flowing once more. To follow are some thoughts on stimulating creativity for the choreographer. Some of these ideas cross over easily into other artistic disciplines as well.

Do some other creative task outside of dance.

For example, try painting or sculpting. Take a class in some new discipline. Cooking, building something, or organizing your photo albums are all creative endeavors you might enjoy. Try something you think would be fun and promise you will not judge yourself on your proficiency in your new creative efforts. Even if this does not spark the choreographer in you, maybe you will find a new hobby and a new way to relax and connect with other aspects of your creativity, and that can only be a good thing for you in the long run.

See a performance/go to a gallery or museum.

Seeing others perform is a great way to remind yourself why you love it so much. It does not have to be a dance performance; theater and multi-media events often incorporate movement in their presentations that can be just as inspirational as technical dance concerts. However, I have found great inspiration in seeing dance concerts at times of a creative low. See what is available in your area; from major companies to free shows in the park. There are many local or small companies worth seeing and the ticket prices will be much more reasonable than the nationally touring groups. I was inspired out of a dry spell once by seeing a really bad performance! I thought, "If they can be on the concert stage doing this, I'm sure I could be here doing something better!"

Spending time at an art gallery or museum is also a fun way to surround yourself with the creative spirit. Look for showcases on styles of art that interest you, take your time, and see what new ideas are ignited. The creativity of other types of artists is bound to awaken some new ideas in your own creative process.

Observe the world around you.

I took public transportation to San Francisco State University where I studied dance. On my daily treks, I used to watch people in the subway stations, at bus stops, and on the trains themselves. I noticed the beauty and humor in everyday movements and began to write down my observations. For me, this translated into a ten-minute piece of choreography two years later.

Carry a notebook with you! Keep your eyes and ears opened - you never know what could become creative material for your new works. Even the most pedestrian movements, with a little crafting by you, can transform themselves into something unique on stage.

Read books on the creative process and choreography.

If you are producing your own work for your own purposes (not for a school project), it is often difficult to keep your focus. Sometimes even the most experienced artists need to go back to the fundamentals. Review the principals of choreography, found readily in a great book that I encourage every choreographer to have in her dance book collection: The Intimate Act of Choreography by Lynn Ann Blom and L. Tarin Chaplin. This book outlines activities you can try yourself to generate movement ideas and get your creative juices flowing. You might have a favorite fundamentals book of your own to use as a reference. I have also benefited greatly from reading books by other choreographers at times of low creativity for me. Reading first hand the creative process of other respected artists can be not only stimulating reading, but also give you some good ideas of your own. Pick choreographers that you admire for your reading.

Some favorites of mine are Twyla Tharp's, Push Comes to Shove and Last Night on Earth by Bill T. Jones.

Collaborate!

Consider collaborating on a project with another choreographer that you respect. It can be a great experience for you as an artist to see someone else's creative process first hand. You will learn so much from collaborating and will have the chance to teach your collaborator as well.

If you don't want to collaborate with another choreographer, think about approaching your dancers in a new way. While you would still be in charge of the project, you can tap into your dancers' talents and creativity by allowing them to contribute to the creative process. You can do this by using directed improvisation, contact improvisation, or Chance in your rehearsals. (For more information on Chance, study the works of Merce Cunningham and check in your choreography references). Many dancers who do not consider themselves choreographers will really enjoy having the opportunity for their ideas to be expressed with your help and guidance.

Musicians/composers, visual artists, and multi-media artists should also be considered when looking for a collaborating team. The performing arts are a changing medium. Get in on the action, try something new, and end your dry spell.