What makes a good performer and why?

‘I did not want to be a tree, a flower or a wave. In a dancer's body, we as audience must see ourselves, not the imitated behavior of everyday actions, not the phenomenon of nature, not exotic creatures from another planet, but something of the miracle that is a human being.’ (Graham 1965)

In this essay I will express my own opinion concerning the question about the reasons of being a good performer. I am not a critic and I do not allow myself to criticize other performers and their works. However, according to my experiences from witnessing and participating in a performance, I am able to point out several conclusions and several reasons of what makes a good performer and why.

First of all, I strongly agree with Martha Graham that dance is not about imitating other creatures. It is about being you and exploring that true self in order to share your experiences, struggles, happiness and passion with other human beings.

Secondly, ability of being present is the most important state which makes a good performer as well as performance. Dancer, who is not present in space, is not able to communicate with others and does not share any deeper thoughts except superficial knowledge of movement.

Consequently, with no effort and practice there would be no good enough performers. The way we treat our bodies on stage and before the performance has a great impact on our physical body as well as mental. Moreover, ability to treat the body as a tool to express inner thoughts and transfer them in movements is important step towards becoming a good performer.

Finally, every performer has own methods and tools in order to constantly develop and expand knowledge and awareness of a good performer. For some people, these methods might be useful while others are still searching for their own ones.    

Bibliography

Cohen, J. S. (1966) The modern dance. Seven Statements of Belief. Wesleyan University Press, Middletown (p. 6)