By Jill Randall*

 

 

 

This playful writing task asks you to write from your own, real perspective, and then to get creative to write from a few other angles. Through this, you will be challenged to describe and articulate.

Whether you are creating text about your upcoming workshop, or working on a grant, this exercise will encourage dancers to write with specific, descriptive wording.

A DANCE CLASS

Think about one dance class in which you regularly participate. Write 1-3 paragraphs describing the class – its teacher, content, pace, format, etc. Consider that you are trying to advertise it for other dancers to get excited and come and try it out. What inspires you in this class? What are this teacher’s unique qualities? What is the energy in the room? What keeps you coming back?

Then, pick another viewpoint, such as the perspective of the actual teacher. Step into her shoes. Write 1-3 paragraphs from the teacher’s perspective – what you love about teaching, what you offer in classes, your training and expertise, etc.

Third, write from the perspective of a managing director. Let’s pretend that this teacher has her own company. The managing director wants to write about this teaching artist and why being in her class gives a window into her choreography and provides opportunities for the choreographer to find new dancers.

A DANCE

Think about one dance you are currently dancing in, choreographing yourself, or one piece you recently viewed as an audience member. Again, pick three different perspectives to write from (1 actual and 2 fictional).

Write 1-3 paragraphs from each perspective, describing in detail the dance, as if you wanted to get people excited to come to the upcoming show.

Viewpoints include:

-Dancer 

-Choreographer 

-Rehearsal director

-Dance historian

-Devoted audience member

DEBRIEF

What did you learn by doing this writing exercise? How did it help you generate ideas and language?

 

*Jill Randall respectfully credits dance scholar Dr. Sima Belmar for the idea for this writing exercise.

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