Fun Friday Blank Stare

Fun Friday Blank Stare

Today’s Statute is related to Statute #1 which states:  “If the arms are moving, the head is moving”.  However, today's statute takes it a step further.  The eyes are always focused on something.  This is important because the alternative is a blank stare, or a “deer in the headlights” appearance, especially if the dancer is worried about the next series of steps. 

It is helpful when learning choreography to think about exactly where the eye focus needs to be during each step.  While this may sound excessive, it really isn’t.  Many steps have what is essentially a “pre-designated” focus (the positions of the body, like ecarté, for example), so it is a matter of filling in the blank.  Is the focus on the downstage wing during a traveling series of steps, or is it going to be on the center wing?  Are the eyes lifting toward the balcony, or the center of the house (audience)?  You get the idea.

Working with a partner takes it to another level.  When a man a woman dance together and have pre-planned where their focus is going to be during each step, it produces a wonderful (romantic) appearance of two people moving and thinking as one.  This is a great trade secret of successful pas de deux work.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Statute #23:  

“The eyes are always focused on something – never allow a blank stare.”

                Link of the Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9XyRMkzprY

Quote of the Day:

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym           

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