To Love the Technical
Technique First, Artistry Later
Last year, I put on my ballet slippers after a three-year break from dancing. And I experienced again one of my favorite aspects of the craft: beneath the artistry and musicality is a foundation of technical excellence.
And with each class I take, I am reminded that being technical is a constant fight against atrophy to keep your edges sharp. A diligent practice of the same movements day in and day out. And for those who strive for technical excellence— it is the constant keeping of an internal benchmark to know if your pointe is as arched, extension as high, feet as quick, etc. as they were last week. If you slip, you are the first to know.
And all dancers know the following to be true (it’s why we train): you cannot be an artist without technique.
Last year, I also transitioned from a technical role to a “non-technical” role in my job. Yet the fight to remain technical continues because as I've learned: technique come first, before anything else. Being technical is hard but in my experience, attempting to dance without a technical foundation is even harder.