Failing Well – Twyla Tharp

As a choreographer Twyla Tharp provides some exceptional insight into the methodology of creativity and how we approach success vs. failure.  I came upon this video over on 43Folders and it has some great advice for dancers who are in the middle of creative ventures.

Perhaps the most significant note in the video: wanting to be liked and admired can be an impediment to our creativity as dancers.  We often choose to replicate what works and what is showcased as successful in competitions by top dancers rather than pursuing our own creative impulses.

We have to be aware of our crowd and audience but at the same time have the confidence to forge our own dance since being admired and liked have little to do with dancing.  Something I think all aspiring dancers have to work on balancing.

Twyla Tharp is the author of The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life.

Making Changes

This is probably one of the most personal posts I have ever put up here.  Take it as you will.

Recently I have had some interesting twists added into my life.  My regular work week fell from five days a week, working more than 45 hours, to three days a week, averaging 24-30 hours.  At first it hit pretty hard.  I was taking about a 40% paycut on really short notice.  I cut back on expenditures that I could and stressed over it.  So much so that I was in physical pain for almost three days.

Then as the time has rolled by, I have realized it is a sort of blessing in disguise.  It has given me the space in my life to reevaluate what is important, how I want to live, and what I really take as valuable.  I am not made for the office life or the desk job.  I am an artist and that takes commitment; to no longer being afraid of freeing oneself from normal expectations.

I have added a tap class to my weekly schedule on Mondays at Steps alongside practicing tap with Maggie twice a week.  I am commiting more time and energy into my collaborative news project with Alain Wong, Lindybloggers.  I spent eleven days in a row either going out dancing or working on dancing, my body was tired but it felt great.

I have projects planned to choreograph with other dancers.  I am checking in on gigs for the new year and building prospects for the future which enable my artistic side to be sustainable.

I am building the life I want to live.