So, I know I've been horrifically M.I.A for a while and I have so much to write about but right now there are some things that I want to say to all of the dance majors, minors, and enthusiasts who are lucky enough to be returning to Mount Holyoke over the next week or so. I've been reflecting a lot on the things that I discovered in college and I think that you should hear them since information is really of no use unless it can be shared:
Dear Lovebugs,
So, I’ve been thinking about writing you a letter all summer
and now that you all are returning school, it’s about time that I actually
type this thing out. I am so jealous that you get to go back to Mount Holyoke.
Some of you are probably back already actually for reslife commitments,
athletics, or Sidra Bell rehearsals. Whether you are finishing up this year or
not, please enjoy every minute of your journey in the Valley.
There are so many things I want to tell you all and the main
reason I’m writing this letter is to tell you some things that I learned while
dancing in the Five College Dance Department that may be of interest to you.
Whether or not you decide to pursue dance, it never hurts to have a little
extra information about things. Here are a few gems that I discovered along my
journey. If you so choose, please feel to pass this on to the first years when
you meet them. Here we go:
1)
Doubts:
I feel like this is an area that plagues all of us, dancers or not but is a
struggle that is amplified for students studying in arts related fields. The
truth of the matter is, at some point in your career you are going to face
doubt. This may be a matter of your doubting yourself, or someone else doubting
your abilities or your dreams. Don’t let this deter you. Use it as inspiration
to make yourself stronger. It is absolutely okay to want what you want and to
chase your dreams. If you’re ever struggling with this and need someone to talk
to, message me!
2)
Resources:
You are so fortunate to be a member of consortium where you have five schools
worth of faculty, classes, auditions, books, friends, and confidants from which
to pull information. Be sure to use them to your greatest advantage! Are you
thinking about pursuing an mfa after you graduate? Meet up with one of the grad
students from Smith and talk about their experience with them. Considering
performing professionally after graduation and living in the city? Enroll in
nypop (dance 495) at Umass. It’s super fun and you literally get points for
going to nyc and attending auditions, classes, performances, etc. Perhaps you
want to write a book or a critical review of a performance? Talk to Constance
at Hampshire. Seeking an opportunity to showcase your choreographic talents
outside of MHC? Perhaps you should take a look at performance project at
Amherst. And of course, if you are ever about to collapse or have a meltdown in
any capacity whatsoever, seek out Peter Jones or Paul Matteson. They always
know how to bring you back to your senses. You are not confined to the
resources of just one place so use everything you have. People will not always
hand the information you need to you so be sure you have as many tools as
possible for seeking what you need
3)
Auditions:
For goodness sake, GO. Seriously, go to all of them. You will be surprised how
much you learn and how quickly you can learn when you are placed in an audition
situation. Sure, it can be scary and maybe you will make a fool of yourself on
occasion but that’s alright. Auditions are one of the best places to find other
dancers you admire, faculty you may want to work with presently or in the
future, and an opportunity for you to play up your strengths and a chance to find
your points of atrophy (Ohad Naharin’s words, not mine) . Keep at it. You will
surprise yourself. And it really does get easier with practice.
4)
Friends:
This is a piece of advice I got from Jenn Weber my junior year- find something
that you love to do other that what it is you’re doing all the time and don’t
let your friends go by the wayside. In case you haven’t figured this out
already, friends make life a lot easier. Make sure you make time for those
people in your life and give yourself an opportunity to take a break every once
and a while. If you decide to major in dance you will be spending LOTS of time
with the other dancers in your graduating class especially as you get closer to
graduation. I know there’s a lot of love in the department already, but it will
surprise you how those bonds continue to strengthen over time. Have fun. You’ll
have lots to laugh about even if it wasn’t something that was funny at the
time. Need an example? Remember last year when we had that killer snowstorm,
the school was shut down and there was a driving ban in effect? Well, we had a
show coming up in 2 days so T drove to the college anyways and basically we
climbed over a snow bank and broke in to Chapin for rehearsal. Love the people
you’re with, you have a lot in common.
5)
Push
boundaries: I feel like this is something we’re very used to in class but a
concept that many dancers have trouble translating or articulating outside of
actual movement. We are always encouraged to jump higher, move farther, turn
faster, etc., but how do we continue to take risks and make our mark outside of
class? The answer is pretty simple actually. If you want something, figure out
how to make it happen. I know this is a broad statement and hardly begins to
cover the means necessary to encompass everyone’s individual needs but it’s a
place to start. For example, if you want to dance over the summer and don’t
have the financial means to do so, apply for funding via UAF and talk to the
department about the funding options you might have. Did you know that you can
apply for money simply to take classes on a consistent basis during your summer
break without taking part in a specific intensive or workshop? Because I didn’t
until someone mentioned it off hand towards the end of senior year. If you want
to graduate in three years, you can make it happen. If you want to teach while
you’re in school, there are numerous chances to make that a reality. If you
want your senior project to progress in a nontraditional fashion, show that
your ideas are valuable and stand up for what you want. You have a voice so use
it and the people around you will listen. If you up and change your mind and
decide dancing isn’t what you want to do, that’s okay. Explore what you want
to. You are the ruler of your own destiny. Whatever your goals are, there is a
way to make them happen.
6)
Learn:
Go to everything. Lectures, performances, auditions, workshops, dinners,
meetings, social gatherings, you name it, just go. Give yourself every
opportunity to experience as much as you can. You will never regret being well
rounded. Embrace corrections and criticisms. They are meant to help you. The
teachers who push you the hardest are the ones who believe in you the most. Be
thankful for their feedback. Watch for the people in class who are stronger at
what they are doing than you are and observe them carefully. Another great piece
of faculty advice I received in school was, “If you see movement you like on
someone else, steal it. It won’t look the same on you”. Befriend those who
inspire you. Make mistakes.
I hope this is helpful or at least pleasantly retrospective.
I miss you all dearly and can’t wait to see how you all grow this year. You are
all wonderfully bright, beautifully creative, and incredibly talented. Take
advantage of all of the opportunities you have right now. Treasure your
friends. Make many memories. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
Peace
and Love,
Jen
