Dance+Interview

__Ask the Expert__: LeVon Garret is a dancer and a dance instructor at a local dance studio. She kindly participated in an interview with me.

Question #1- How do you think dance is related to art?

Answer #1- Dance is just visual art. It uses the body to tell and act out a story. Dance is also a way to portray talent into movement so that the audience can visualize and intercept it into "lively art".

Question #2- What inspired you to become a dancer?

Answer #2- I really loved and enjoyed the different dance movements. I liked that you can take movements and connect them and make them into a story. Also I feel like I will be able to communicate and reach somebody in a positive way through dance.

Question #3-How do you prepare for dance performances? Are there any special foods you eat or exercises you do?

Answer #3- Anything that I can do to relax my mind and body is an important step in preparing for performances.I do various warm-ups and stretches before I preform. Stretching helps me to be come more flexible and it prepares my muscles for movement. I also take a Pilate class and do different water exercises. Normally, the day before a performance I try to eat pasta and get plenty of rest because if you are tired you cannot meet the performance demands and expectations. On a regular basis, I stay hydrated and try to stray away from fatty foods.

Question #4- Do you ever get stage fright? If so, what do you do to relax?

Answer #4- I do a lot of breathing and deep breaths to calm me down. Before perfomances, I sometimes find a quiet place and remove my self from the environment around me. I may close my eyes or listen to soft music like jazz or classical. I also do yoga and Pilate movements.

Question #5- What do you do in order to come up with choreography?

Answer #5- I pick music and listen to it over and over and meditate on it. I listen carefully for beats, tones, and lyrics to help me really understand the music. I also like to sleep and pray on it. I am always "cutting and pasting" and trying out different movements to see if they fit and connect. It can take up to a couple weeks or longer to complete a dance piece. The amount of time it takes to come up with choreography depends on how complicated and involved the piece is.

Question #6- What is some advice you have for people that want to become a dancer?

Answer #6- Pursue it and go after it. Never believe that you are too young or too old to start to dance. Also, take different types of dance and learn about different cultures and how they are related to the dance world. This can help you to become a more experienced dancer. Taking dance classes is also very helpful.

Question #7- What types of stretches help to prepare you for performances?

Answer #7- Any stretches that strengthen your core are helpful. When your core is strong your body tends to be strong too. Stretches that improve your flexibility help your body to be able to do a bigger range of dance movements. Try spreading your legs out as far as you can and reaching to your left and right side and the center. Abdominal work, planks, and lunges are also good ways to stretch and exercise before a performance.