“Dancing with a crew vs. dancing solo. What are the differences and why do you like each one?” ~Fiona, New Jersey
Happy New Year Fiona!
Dancing with a crew and dancing solo have dynamic differences. I love both performing aspects equally and they each have a way of making me feel free. Dancing solo allows you the freedom to creatively be you and not adhere to the specifics of group choreography. It is the ability to break free and express yourself through music... no rules. For some dancers, this is a huge challenge and would prefer to have choreography to guide them. I love letting the music and the beat guide me. This is definitely more of a challenge, but once you overcome that fear of letting go and trusting your dance instincts, it's invigorating. Knowing music is a huge plus when it comes to dancing solo. If you are able to hit specific beats and rhythms when freestyling, it looks very impressive. I try to translate this message to my students... Study music like you study books. The music is your tool, know it and use it wisely and creatively. The biggest challenge for me when dancing solo is ENERGY. You have to feed off the energy of the other dancers that are dancing before or after you. When it is your turn, try to top that energy and keep the vibe and positivity going. When I'm dancing amongst my crew or groups of 20 to 30 dancers, the energy is a given; you are a big unit. The true test of a great solo dancer is creating the energy and excitement of 100 dancers. This comes from your SOUL. I love to watch a dancer that is connected to the music and just loves to dance. It is easy to tell the difference between a dancer that is showing off and a dancer that could care less if anyone was watching. It's in the dancers vibe and flow. A great solo dancer doesn't try, they just dance. I love freestyling and dancing solo because it is about me. I don't try to impress anyone; I just dance because I love the way it makes me feel. When I see people or my students feed off my energy, it is a great feeling, but when I am in that circle, it is about me and the music. I try to save 5 minutes at the end of my classes and have the students make a big circle... or in B-boy terms, a cypher. I put on the music and make them freestyle one at a time. Some kids look at me and shake their heads no. I give them a thumbs up and say ok, next time and move on to the next. I try to get their peers to encourage them to go in because deep down inside I know they want to get in there, they are just scared of being judged. I love seeing the kids encourage each other to dance in the circle because they are all feeling that same fear. It's that first time that is the hardest and once they overcome that fear, they usually want to be the first one to go the next time around, which is great. One of the biggest questions I get when the kids come into class is... "Hey GEO, can we freestyle at the end of class?" I love that they look forward to it and I love watching them develop their own styles week after week.
Dancing with a crew is powerful. I love the energy of a crisp, tight unit, dancing in complete unison. It is so impressive to watch, to see numerous dancers look like ONE. Michael Jackson was obviously one of my greatest inspirations because he was such an amazing performer, but when his dancers were behind him, it was an incredible energy and amazing sight to see. I attended the auditions for Michael's "This Is It" tour before his unfortunate passing. At the auditions, director Kenny Ortega said it perfectly... "The dancers are an extension of Michael." Group performances like Thriller and Beat It inspired us all, the dancing was always in perfect unison. I am very influenced by this and strive for it when creating a piece. I love feeding off the energy of my crew. Each is so talented in their own right, but when we come together we become ONE. We strive to look the same and never out-dance one another. When dancing with your crew, you have rules. You must adhere to the choreography, the style, the transitions, the spacing. You have a responsibility and you have to do your part or the unit can fall apart. This is one of the challenges when dancing with your crew. It is not about you, it is about your crew. On ABDC, my crew was always on point. Rehearsals were short and effective because everyone was focused. I never felt the need to over-rehearse. When I look back at our performances, I have no regrets. We were tight, clean and sharp. I was blessed to have such a talented unit with me on the show. I loved dancing with them. We all had such a mutual respect for one another, and it showed on the dance floor and in our performances. That is the biggest challenge for any crew. You have to respect one another and work together, there cannot be any superstars or divas. The dynamic of the crew is important for the crew to be successful.
Whether dancing with my crew or dancing solo, one thing remains the same, I love to dance! Thank you for your question. Wishing you a healthy and blessed 2010 full of dance!
Be ICONic.
GEO
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