My top five tips for improving your performances!

As I write this, I’m in the middle of my act development course – coaching several emerging performers towards a first time on stage (or spending some time trying to dedicate and improve their craft).

I am by no means an amazing performer – I have come to terms with the fact I’m not the one that’s going to be pulling out the most eye dropping or innovative acts.

But an old dog like me knows a few tricks.

These are tips I have given to ever single artist that has taken 1-1 lessons with me.  Ideas that I think can help you up your performance a notch or two.

1.       Cut out at least 30% of your choreography

Nearly every time I take a private class, I tell the student that there’s too much going on.

This can be a combination of things: it might be that it feels overly structured and rigid, or just too fast with no moment for pause or reflection.

I nearly always suggest when you refine your act, to cut out a good portion of your choreography.  You don’t need to fill every beat of music.  Take your time, don’t be afraid to slow down and give yourself space to engage with your audience.

2.       Check your eyeline

Many years ago, I did a workshop with Catherine D’lish (*clang, name drop *) when she was touring Australia.  She passed on amazing tips that I still remember to this day.

The best piece of advice was to check your gaze. I used to have a bad habit of letting my eyes look upwards. Catherine reminded me that:  

(a)    The audience isn’t in the air

(b)    It makes your eyes look like they are rolling back in your head if you look up too often

I recommend practicing looking to wear your audience’s eyeline is and get used to looking people in the eye when you perform.

3.       Video yourself practicing

If you aren’t filming yourself when you practice you are really doing yourself a disservice. We sometimes have a bad habit of thinking we look a particular way – when it’s a bit different!  Consistently record your rehearsals.  An added bonus – it helsp you remember your choreography!

4.       Try rehearsing to different tracks

This was a tip that (*clang*) Alyssa Kitt gave me.  Try practicing your routine to some different music.  It helps you keep remembering your steps and getting that rehearsal time in. But using different styles of music lets you find new emphasis on your movements. And I find it stops me just getting bored with the song I’m using.  

5.       Commit to your movements

It’s easy to half do a movement.  Make sure when you review your footage that you are constructively critical of how you execute each step.  You should see your arms fully extend.  Each grind should finish it’s rotation.  These are all small things but ones that make your act look more polished. A half finished move just looks sloppy.

Harsh tips? Perhaps but try them when you are practicing this week and see if you notice a difference.

Do you have some other ideas or tips that have helped you in your burlesque practice. Leave ‘em in the comments below!