Who are You Wearing?

I love watching the Academy Awards. I really don’t care who wins, because I haven’t seen most of the movies anyway, but I enjoy seeing who wins the Oscar.

I also like watching the red-carpet pre-show. I think the question, “Who are you wearing?” is intriguing. The actors get to mention the dress designer’s name, and then they launch into the style and jewelry that makes the outfit. Then the interviewer goes on about how gorgeous the actresses and handsome the actors look in someone else’s design…on the outside. The outside is the part that belongs to someone else and disappears when the party’s over. The part of the person that is actually the true identity is often hidden away. I guess actors do have to be good at keeping their insides hidden from the public, otherwise they wouldn’t be very good at their job. 

I wouldn’t want to be known for someone I am pretending to be. Make-up and wigs may fool the public on the big screen, but in real life, each of has to live with who we truly are. We can only fake it for so long, but our true character will always be revealed.

Being genuine and honest is crucial for a dancer. We can’t use words, and the costumes must be minimal enough to allow freedom of movement, yet distinct enough to define the character or style of the choreography. All that’s left to communicate with is the heart and personality. That’s why it’s fascinating to see different dancers perform the same role.

Too often, when learning a solo, younger dancers try to imitate other dancers, rather than own and interpret the part themselves. Intimidation and lack of confidence can squelch an amazing personality and a creative talent that the audience won’t see if the dancer is too afraid to show who he or she really is. Fear of criticism is real, but when we try to be someone else, it won’t come across the footlights as well as sincerity anyway.

It’s always better to allow your heart to be revealed. Then everyone can see the real beauty and character you have received as a gift from the real Designer, and you can use that gift for others. You don’t have to hide behind someone else’s creation. 

There’s a reason the director gave YOU the solo in the first place. Therefore, if anyone asks you, “Who are you wearing?” you can say, “Me!” Everyone will be thrilled to know the real you.

Dance on.