Warning: Undefined array key "url" in /home/.sites/688/site2105/web/wp-content/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/includes/modules/schema/snippets/class-author.php on line 41
Skip to content
Author name: FraGue Moser-Kindler
FraGue Moser-Kindler is a freelance artist and writer based in Salzburg/Austria. His work is about storytelling with dance as his primary means of narration.
Freestyle dance is an art in itself. When we watch someone dance, more often than not, it’s the raw, unscripted moments that leave us awestruck. That’s the beauty of freestyle dance – it’s an unfiltered expression, a dance of the soul, unique to the dancer. It’s like a painter’s brushstroke, distinct and telling a story only they know. While choreographed sequences have their place and charm, freestyle is where the spirit runs wild, unrestrained by sequences or patterns. How does one channel this freedom without getting lost in it? Over the years, amidst my various dance endeavours, I’ve found that while freestyling can be spontaneous, it often thrives on a subtle structure. I’ve played with countless methods, but three have consistently resonated with me and enhanced my dance: Rhythm, Concept, and Storytelling. And to answer the question “How to freestyle in dance?”, from my perspective – we will journey through each of them.
1. Rhythm – Carving Your Own Dance Path Through Music
Music and dance share a symbiotic relationship. However, while many listen to music, few truly hear it. When freestyling, dissecting the track, understanding its highs and lows, and allowing it to guide your movement is essential, if you want to move away from generic repetitions of the same moves, you always do. True mastery lies not in merely following the rhythm but in showcasing your unique interpretation of it. It’s about how you ride the wave, emphasize certain beats, and sometimes choose to defy them. Your dance becomes a visual representation of the song, punctuated with your individual flair.
To do this, you need to practise active listening. Listen to the music carefully, trying to hear the different instruments separately. Most music we dance to has many layers, and it is impossible to dance to all instruments simultaneously. So the art of this freestyle approach is to find your own way through all the instruments. When you decide to switch from one instrument to the next or how you show multiple layers at the same time becomes your signature and it will be different from everybody else.
This way of freestyling benefits a lot from having a good understanding of isolations and polyrhythms so you can add layers of details to the basic moves you use. An amazing example of how far this journey of showing multiple layers can go is the dancer Brian “Footwork” Green. Check out the clip below and pay attention how he showcases different parts of the music.
2. Concept – The Guiding Star of Your Freestyle
Dance can be abstract; sometimes, having a guiding concept can shape your freestyle into a coherent masterpiece. This is akin to giving yourself a delightful challenge or a puzzle to solve. Whether it’s a task like ‘add a pop on every snare drum’ or an abstract idea like ‘water flowing through obstacles’, a concept provides a thematic consistency. It keeps you grounded, gives direction to your movements, and offers endless possibilities to explore within its framework.
If that sounds too abstract to understand, have a look at Paradox exploring a concept called “Tracing,” where you either trace the shape of your body or your movement with your hands or other body parts.
Concepts can be as easy as “movements alternate between left and right” or as complex as “separate your body in three areas and change the instruments you dance to every 3 bars.” The creativity dancers display while coming up with their own concepts is crazy. I wrote a few articles about dance concepts here on the blog and published the book Dance Smart, which introduces 36 basic concepts.
3. Storytelling – Narrating Tales Through Movement
Every dance tells a story. Sometimes it’s vivid, with clear characters and narratives, other times, it’s abstract, leaving much to the imagination. When you approach freestyle with the intent to tell a story, your dance becomes a dynamic play. It could be a story of triumph, a portrayal of a day in your life, or even the narrative of the song you’re dancing to. Each move becomes purposeful, each transition is a plot twist, and your entire dance becomes a journey that the audience embarks upon with you.
With storytelling, there are two different paths you can follow. The easier one is, “How would you portray the story with dance.” Your steps, gestures and facial expressions are a danced version of the things happening in your story. Kinda like impro dance theatre. The second approach would be “how would the dance of a person experiencing the story look like.” Here you would immerse yourself in the emotional world of the story, but don’t mimic the story with your moves. Instead, you would interpret the dance moves with the emotional load from the story. Mostly people travel the spectrum between those two during their storytelling freestyle.
You can watch some great examples in the clip from Freestyle Roulette presented by Galen Hooks below.
Freestyle dance might seem like a world of chaos from afar, but once you’re in it, with the right tools and mindset, it becomes a universe waiting to be explored, one move at a time.
Hey there, fellow groove enthusiasts. Diving into the world of dance choreography? It’s a wild ride. Imagine painting, but instead of a canvas, you’ve got beats; instead of brushes, you’ve got limbs flying around. Choreography is that fascinating bridge between the heart’s emotion and the body’s motion. It’s where our stories, feelings, and sometimes our quirks get to dance in the spotlight. Just like a captivating story needs a solid plot, a dance piece needs thoughtful choreography to resonate. So, whether you’re trying to express the euphoria of love or the chaos of the Monday blues, let’s embark on this journey of turning beats into steps and melodies into movements. Ready to jump in?
The Art and Science Behind Choreography
Ever wonder what makes certain dance sequences stick in your mind, while others fade away like last summer’s tracks? It ain’t just about cool moves or wicked beats. It’s a delicate dance – pun intended – between art and science. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Artistry in Motion: At its core, dance is a form of expression, a canvas where emotions play out in physical form. Choreography is where we paint our stories, drawing from personal experiences, inspirations, or even dreams we had last night. It’s subjective, fluid, and deeply personal. The artistry is the ability to convey a message, evoke a feeling, or simply create something visually delightful. It’s the nuances, the pauses, the intentional imperfections. Like how a single tear can sometimes say more than a monologue, it could be that lingering hand or the way a head turns in dance.
Science of Structured Movement: Now, here’s the clincher. You can’t just throw a bunch of moves together and call it a day. There’s a method to this melodic madness. Choreography leans on understanding body mechanics, spatial awareness, and musicality. How do you transition seamlessly from a leap to a roll? How do you ensure that dancers aren’t colliding or throwing off the visual symmetry in a group performance? That’s where the science bit kicks in. Structuring a sequence requires a deep understanding of counts, rhythms, and formations. It’s also about ensuring that the movements align with the dancer’s capabilities and the chosen music’s tempo and tone.
Melding these two – the raw emotion of the art and the precise calculation of the science – is where the magic happens. It’s like composing music, but you’ve got moves instead of notes. Or like crafting a delicious recipe, where each step, each ingredient, matters. Next time you watch a dance and feel something, know there’s both heart and a whole lot of thought that went into that. Let’s give a little nod to the choreographers, the unsung heroes who blend passion with precision, making our souls groove and our hearts move.
Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.
Martha Graham
Understanding the Purpose: Choreograph the Dance to be more Than Just Movement
Ever caught yourself swaying to a melancholic tune or pumping your fist to a rebellious rock song? Music, at its core, evokes emotion, and dance? Well, dance amplifies it. But before one jumps into crafting a sequence of steps, it’s paramount to dig deeper and understand the ‘why’ behind the dance. The goal you are trying to reach dictates how you approach the creation process.
Message Over Movement: While an array of complicated moves and flips might garner applause in battles and dance competitions, the message behind the dance truly resonates with an audience in theatres. Is it a story of love lost, a call to societal change, or perhaps a celebration of joy? Maybe it’s a narrative about battling inner demons or an ode to nature. Before delving into steps and sequences, a choreographer needs to be crystal clear about the message they want to convey. Think of it as the plot to your dance novel.
Adapting to the Platform: The intent behind a choreographed piece can also be dictated by where it’s performed. A competitive stage might demand technical prowess, while a community outreach program might emphasize connection and relatability. A theatrical production might require intricate storytelling, whereas a flash mob in a public space might aim for shock and awe. Knowing your platform helps in tailoring your dance to its audience.
Dancing for the Dancer: Lastly, understanding purpose also pertains to who is dancing. A solo piece can dive deep into personal emotions, while a group choreography might be about collective experiences or contrasting viewpoints. Moreover, choreographing for a novice demands different considerations than for a seasoned dancer. The purpose should align with the dancer’s capabilities, experiences, and, importantly, their own expressive desires.
In essence, choreography isn’t just about crafting a dance; it’s about crafting an experience, a story. And every great story starts with a purpose. So, as you embark on your choreographic journey, take a pause and ask – what story do I want to tell?
Choosing Your Music for the Choreography: The Heartbeat of Dance
Imagine setting a fierce battle scene to a lullaby, or perhaps a romantic pas de deux to aggressive metal – seems off, right? That’s because music is the backbone, the pulse, the heartbeat of a choreographed piece. Selecting the right track can make or break your dance. So, how do we go about it?
Resonate with the Rhythm: Before anything else, the music must resonate with you as a choreographer. Can you visualize movements, transitions, and emotions while listening? If a track doesn’t stir something within you, chances are, it won’t stir your audience either. Trust your instincts and choose a song that speaks to your soul.
Understand the Dynamics: Music isn’t a monolithic entity; it has highs, lows, crescendos, and pauses. Mapping these dynamics aids in understanding where the dance can have explosive movements, gentle flows, dramatic pauses, or intricate footwork. The dynamics of a song guide the dynamics of the dance.
Lyrics Matter (Sometimes): If you’re choreographing to a song with words, pay heed to the lyrics. If they are not easy to understand when listening, grab them from the internet. They can provide an additional layer of narrative to your dance. You can either follow the rhythm of the lyric, the story they are telling or only emphasize some single words. A turn on the word “spin”, a jump on “fly”, or a collapse on “fall” – these are simple examples, but the lyrics can provide a roadmap for your movements, enhancing the connection between the dance and the music.
Don’t Shy from Experimentation: Traditional ballet pieces don’t always need classical tunes. Hip-Hop can be danced to violin strings. The world of dance is ripe with examples where choreographers went against the grain, merging unexpected dance styles with contrasting music, leading to some of the most memorable performances.
Choosing music isn’t just about finding a catchy tune; it’s about finding the right partner for your dance story. When both dance and music are in harmony, they create an unspoken language that has the power to captivate, communicate, and connect.
Three Approaches to Crafting Your Dance Choreography
In the realm of dance, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe to choreographing a piece. Just as artists use different brush strokes, choreographers have varied methods to carve their vision. Here are the ones I used.
1. Story First: Narrating with Movement
Dive into the world of your music and weave a tale. Before a single step is mapped, the narrative unfolds in the choreographer’s mind. The music becomes the backdrop, setting the scene. As the tale progresses, sections of the song become chapters of the story, and dance steps breathe life into the characters and their journey. This immersive method pulls the audience deep into the narrative, making them live every twist and turn as the music feels like the perfect soundtrack.
To pull this off, you listen to the music and decide on which part of the song, which part of the story unfolds. So you already know what happens when on the track. After that, it is a matter of finding the right steps to fill the void. Knowing the music and the story, that is rarely a problem.
Check out an example in the clip below.
2. Concept First: Abstract Artistry in Choreography
Dance doesn’t always have to tell a straightforward tale. Sometimes it’s an idea, an emotion, or a theme that dictates the movement. With a concept-first approach, the essence of the dance is abstract. Choreographers might start with a vague notion or a feeling they wish to convey. From there, they mold and shape their movements, creating a piece that evokes emotion without a linear storyline. Once the core concept is established, narrative elements might be sprinkled in, adding layers of depth to the abstract masterpiece.
Check out an example of a concept piece that only works with hand shapes below.
I already wrote a lot about concepts in dance. If you are unfamiliar with that term, check out dance concepts here on my blog. If you really dig that stuff, you can grab a copy of my book Dance Smart, which is dedicated to dance concepts.
3. Music First: Moving to the Melody
For some, it’s all about the beats, rhythms, and harmonies. With the music-first method, choreographers become devout followers of the song’s intricacies. Every beat dictates a step, every pause an emotion, and every crescendo a climax. It’s a visceral approach where the music and the movement become one. Rather than imposing a preconceived story or concept, the choreographer allows the music to guide the journey, creating an organic flow that’s harmonious and intuitive.
Check out the clip below to how that could look like. In this clip the dancers work really nice with the lyrics of the song.
This often comes in the form of repeating freestyles to the same track over and over, finding movement that you like and keeping that part, then moving from there. You repeat this process until you are done. Stepping away for a while might be necessary if you hit a block.
Each approach has its charm and challenges. The key is to find what resonates with you as a choreographer. For me, it’s a blend of all three; with an emphasis on story. It’s about capturing the essence of what you wish to convey and translating it into a dance that leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
Staying Inspired and Navigating Creative Blockades while Choreographing a Dance
Much like any other art form, dance has peaks and troughs. There are moments when inspiration flows like a river and others when the well seems to run dry. No matter how seasoned, every choreographer has faced the daunting wall of a creative blockade. Here’s the secret – it’s not about avoiding these blocks but learning to dance around them.
Stay Curious: Just as a dancer always learns, a choreographer should be forever curious. Explore other art forms, from painting to poetry, and find connections back to dance. A scene from a movie, a verse from a song, or even the rhythm of raindrops can spark an idea.
Break the Routine: Change your environment if you’re always choreographing in the same studio or space. Sometimes, a new setting can offer a fresh perspective. Let different surroundings influence your movements, whether it’s a park, a beach, or even your living room.
Collaborate: Dance is a communal art form. Engage with other dancers, choreographers, or artists from different disciplines. A fresh pair of eyes or a new perspective can break down walls you didn’t even know existed.
Embrace the Block: It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way out is through. Instead of fighting the blockade, use it. Make a piece about feeling stuck, trapped, or restrained. You’d be surprised how therapeutic and liberating this can be.
Remember, every artist has their moments of doubt and dry spells. The passion, persistence, and the will to push through separate the good from the great. Embrace the journey, with its highs and lows, and let it fuel your dance narrative.
Selling and distributing art has always been a pain in the ass, but blockchain offers a potential solution with NFTs – which stands for Non-Fungible Tokens. Imagine being able to sell your piece of work, which can be everything that you can bring into the digital space, immediately and worldwide with 100% proof of who created it, who bought and therefore owns it, and built-in mechanics to collect royalties if it is resold. That is the concept behind NFTs.
Navigating the Old School Art Scene
Let’s be real. Selling and getting your art out there in the traditional art world is like navigating a maze blindfolded. Galleries and auction houses act like they own the joint, picking and choosing whose art gets to see the light of day. This means a whole bunch of seriously talented artists get left in the dust, struggling to get their work in front of the people who might actually want to buy it.
And don’t get me started on pricing. It’s about as clear as mud. The price tag on a piece of art has more to do with who you know, what some critic said on a Tuesday, or which way the wind is blowing, rather than the actual quality of the work. Plus, when your art does sell, you’re lucky if you see half the dough. The rest of it goes to the middlemen, and if your work gets resold for a higher price later, do you see any of that sweet profit? Nope, nada.
Now, let’s not forget about the headache that is managing physical art. You’ve got to sort out storage, deal with the nightmare of transporting it without damaging it, and fork out for insurance just in case. And the kicker? Your work can only be seen by people who stroll into the gallery or exhibition it’s in. But here’s the thing. We’re living in the digital age, folks. Shouldn’t there be a better way to sell and share our art? That’s where NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, come in. They might just be the game-changer in the art world we’ve all been waiting for.
The New Kid on the Block(chain)
Imagine this: You take your art, whatever that might be – a painting, a doodle, a digital masterpiece – and you create a digital token for it. This token, my friends, is an NFT, a Non-Fungible Token. It’s unique, it’s special, it’s like a digital certificate of authenticity that says, “Hey, this piece of art? It’s one-of-a-kind, and it’s all yours.”
So, you’ve got your NFT art, and here’s where the blockchain comes in. The blockchain is like a secure digital ledger, keeping track of all the ins and outs of your NFT art. It’s permanent, it’s transparent, and it’s tamper-proof. That means when you sell your NFT art, there’s a permanent record of that sale – who sold it, who bought it, and for how much. It’s like a digital paper trail that can’t be fudged.
With NFT art, you’re not just selling your work to the highest bidder. You’re also setting up a way to keep earning every time your art changes hands. Remember when I said you don’t see a dime when your art gets resold in the traditional art world? Well, with NFT art, you can set it up to get a cut every time your art gets resold. Talk about a revolution! NFTs and blockchain are not just changing the game; they might be able to flip the whole darn art table.
Getting Your Feet Wet in the NFT Art Pond
Diving into the NFT art space isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. At least, not yet. It’s a bit like learning to swim in the deep end. There are a few things you need to watch out for.
First up, the tech stuff. If you’re not a bit of a tech whizz, the whole process of creating NFT art can be a bit daunting. You’ve got to get your head around things like crypto-wallets, gas fees, and minting tokens. And if those words sound like a foreign language, you’re not alone. But don’t fret. With a bit of patience, a healthy dose of curiosity, and maybe a YouTube tutorial or two, you can get the hang of it.
Then there’s the rollercoaster ride that is the world of cryptocurrency. One minute you’re on top of the world; the next you’re in the pits. That’s because the value of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Cardano can shoot up and down faster than a yo-yo. So, if you’re not up for a bit of a thrill ride, this might not be the space for you.
Stepping into the world of NFT art is a bit like embarking on a wild adventure. There might be a few bumps in the road, but it can be exciting.
I suggest you get on-board immediately, but I understand if you want to watch the space first. Just don’t sleep on it and miss a potential opportunity that could unleash your work. Early adopters are always the ones who profit most when “their” tech goes mainstream.
If you want to read up on how to turn you art into an nft, check out the projects below.
NMKR.io is a platform that allows you to mint and sell NFTs on the Cardano Blockchain.
Opensea is one of the biggest marketplaces on Ethereum
Beeple has become a significant figurehead in the NFT world, having sold his digital art piece “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” at Christie’s auction house for a staggering $69 million in March 2021. This sale not only propelled Beeple into the spotlight but also accentuated the potential of NFTs as a revolutionary tool for artists. With blockchain’s authentication and royalty mechanism, artists could now reap the benefits of their work’s resale, disrupting traditional art market dynamics.
Beeple’s monumental success has also highlighted the democratizing aspect of NFTs in the art world. Unlike the usual high-end art auctions catering primarily to the upper echelons, the NFT market invites participation from anyone with an internet connection and some cryptocurrency. This innovative approach offers a new platform for artists and collectors alike, expanding the boundaries of the art market.
The Future of NFT Art
As we continue to witness the digital revolution unfold, one of the most intriguing developments in the art world is the rise of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These digital assets are transforming the way art is created, distributed, and traded, harnessing the power of blockchain technology to bring about a new era of art appreciation and ownership. NFTs provide a digital certificate of ownership that can be bought and sold, with the blockchain forever showing the original creator. This is a significant evolution from traditional art markets and one that could potentially revolutionize the industry.
Currently, NFTs are slowly drifting into the mainstream, and everyone who gets on board now can be considered an early adopter. At the moment, NFTs are priced and bought in cryptocurrency, which is likely to remain the status quo for a while. However, with the rising popularity of NFTs, there will likely be more apps and service providers that will make it easier for everyone to enter the NFT space.
Moreover, a plethora of NFT creator software has emerged, catering to different needs and skill levels. For instance, GoArt enables the conversion of images into realistic artistic works and efficiently mints NFTs. PixelChain is an NFT creator software that stores information and metadata efficiently in the chain, ensuring that the data is always accessible. Nifty Ink is a platform that allows artists to create, sell, and earn tokens without learning blockchain techniques. Other notable software includes Fotor, NightCafe, VoxEdit, and Hotpot.ai, each offering unique features to aid artists in their NFT creation journey2.
NFT Trends and Implications for Artists
As for the future trends in the NFT art space, it’s important to note that the landscape is rapidly evolving and can be influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, market demand, and legal regulations. While I was unable to find specific future trends due to time constraints, I can infer a few potential trends based on the current state of the NFT art market.
Increased accessibility and ease of use: As the technology matures, the process of creating and trading NFTs is likely to become more user-friendly, attracting more artists and collectors to the space.
More diversified use of NFTs: While NFTs are currently popular in the art world, they could be used for a wide range of digital assets, including music, virtual real estate, and digital collectibles.
Integration with other technologies: We might see more integration of NFTs with other emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, which could create new ways for artists to showcase their work and for audiences to experience it.
More regulatory clarity: As the NFT market grows, it’s likely that more regulations will be put in place to address issues such as copyright infringement and fraud, which could impact how artists create and sell NFT art.
While NFTs provide exciting opportunities for artists, they also come with potential risks and challenges. These include price volatility, security concerns and the environmental impact of blockchain technology. Therefore, artists should carefully consider these factors before diving into the NFT art world.
Will you be brave and early as one of the early adopters, or do you prefer to watch and see how it goes before you jump on the train?
The links are leading you to my small Youtube channel @theFraGue. There you can find some additional basic moves from hip hop and breaking, the series Dance Espresso and stuff about me exploring other art forms, like the Fire Nunchuks. If you dig my work, consider hitting subscribe. Every support is much appreciated. 🙏
Take your time to learn the basics
When you learn to dance hip hop, it’s like building a big tower. The tower will fall over if you don’t start with a strong foundation. If you don’t have the right building blocks, you can’t make it tall and strong. That’s what the basics are in dance. They’re the building blocks that help you build your dance.
And just like when you’re playing with other kids and building towers together, if you all use the same blocks, you can build a cool tower together. In hip hop dancing, if you know the basics, you can dance with other people and understand what they’re doing, which makes it more fun for everyone.
Recently someone asked me how I am affiliated with the Red Pill movement. Baffled by this question, my answer was, “I am not.” After a short exchange, I understand how the idea might arise that I am part of the movement, and I want to address that here shortly, so people who want to find out may find it via google or looking at my website. This is not a topic that bothers me a lot, but I’d like to give people an easy way to find out.
What is the Red Pill movement?
The Red Pill movement is a group of individuals who espouse various beliefs and ideas, many of which are controversial or considered fringe. Many people who identify with the red pill movement believe in traditional gender roles and consider feminism harmful to society. Other vital topics within that community are the research of conspiracy theories and sometimes controversial views on race or ethnicity.
It’s important to note that the Red Pill movement is not a homogenous group, and the beliefs and views of its members, which is already a stretch to consider them as members, can vary widely. Some people who identify with the movement hold more extreme or controversial views, while others have more moderate or mainstream viewpoints. While the majority of Red Pillers are men, some women also identify as Red Pill; most of them consider themselves traditional women and argue that women are brainwashed into not pursuing family life, which ultimately leads to unhappiness when women are past their prime and can’t find a suitable partner anymore.
The Red Pill is generally considered to be on the right side of the political spectrum and the left is pushing hard to put it into the far right corner.
The origins of the red pill as a symbol
The term “red pill” comes from the science fiction movie “The Matrix,” in which Neo, the main character, is offered a choice between taking a red pill and a blue pill by Morpheus. The red pill would allow him to see the world as it really is, while the blue pill would allow him to continue living in ignorance. I already wrote about another idea from the movie in the Matrix Metaphor.
The symbol of the red pill is far older than the Red Pill movement and stands for the effort of trying to see the world as it really is, instead of how we perceive it through our conditioning or even how we wish it to be. It symbolises the search for the truth, even if it is difficult or unpleasant. Since its inception, the red pill has been associated with “waking up,” which is an even older concept that can be found in many spiritual practices and philosophies – with stoicism being the most prominent one.
There are some really controversial topics in the community, that also lead to its massive presence on social media. Check them out below.
The controversy
Within the Red Pill community, many topics are not aligned with the current climate of political correctness and some ideas are perceived as backwards oriented. Therefore the community has a bad reputation in many places.
The most prominent example is Gender Roles: The big topic that blew up the presence of the movement on social media channels is the relationship between women and men. They point out that women prefer men that fill a traditionally male role, meaning being a provider and protector, while they themselves don’t want to fill the role of traditional women.
The solution that the men in the community propagate is to focus on becoming a high-value man (high-income, healthy, and experienced) with enough options to pick the woman he wants. The most significant controversy is that many Red Pillers point out that a man who built himself into that high-value man will probably not pick a career woman, a woman who slept with many men or a woman beyond her prime years when looking for a wife. This stance is considered misogynistic and oppressive of women, despite making sense on a biological and psychological level.
This controversy and others are used on purpose to generate hype on social media as both sides of the argument have enough ammunition to use. The discussion usually only scratches the surface and doesn’t reach the necessary depth to reach deeper insights.
FraGue and the Red Pill
So what is it with me and the red pill? I love to use it as the symbol it is in the original movie. I try to live my life based on reality and truth, not wishful thinking. Seeing the world as it is, is imperative to assess your situation and map out the course into the future you desire. Misjudging your actual situation will make it impossible (or at least very hard) to define the steps that lead to your goals. I often refer to this mindset as brutal honesty.
So whenever I refer to the red pill or recommend someone to take it, I suggest finding a more realistic view of the world instead of projecting wishes or dreams onto reality. Having these dreams and wishes is the right thing to do, but knowing we are most likely not there yet, is the difference between someone who took the pill and those who didn’t.
I neither support nor renounce the Red Pill movement as I am aware that within this movement, there is light and shadow, as everywhere else. I am not affiliated with the movement in any way.
The movie “Matrix” from 1999 is referenced daily to describe moments where people are aware of or unaware of different situations. We use the Matrix Metaphor to state that some newly gained knowledge changes the way we think or radically perceive our surroundings.
Typical moments of insights in a dance career are:
The connection to the music is more profound than the regular drumbeat.
There is something like the quality of movement.
It’s seriously interesting if people come up with their own creative moves.
That music is telling a story.
Some dancers tell stories with their dance.
You can dance to multiple instruments at the same time.
I must learn and master everything.
(years later) I don’t.
Of course, everyone has personal insights that transform his way of thinking.
In the dance field (and I guess in all arts), I feel the tendency that we want to consume the work of people that explore the same topics as we do. Another side of the matrix is that things, once understood, can’t be unseen.
You know… I know this steak doesn’t exist. I know when I put it in my mouth; the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy, and delicious. After nine years… you know what I realize? Ignorance is bliss.
―Cypher justifying his decision to betray his friends and re-enter the Matrix.
This means that we might perceive the dance of others who did not experience the same insights as we did as immature and unformed. And the more we learn about dancing, the more we take for granted and postulate it has to be a certain way. We neglect that others are on a different point in their development or maybe even on a different path.
This is one reason why many experienced dancers state that they are bored with events. The longer you are in the scene, the more you have seen and the further you move away from the average level of knowledge.
What we sometimes don’t think about is that the dancer we see might explore an aspect of the dance that is beyond our comprehension. So, let’s not be too quick to judge.
This article is a translation (and slight rework) of an old text that was originally in German. Comments might reflect that.
Martial Arts Books are an underestimated way to improve your craft and fighting skills. Most of your work happens in the gym and between you, your fellow practitioners and your master. This is the traditional way of martial arts and the predominant model for transferring knowledge. As every practitioner is different, some of us need additional input on top of our practice to make the most progress. For me, and many others, books are there to provide this additional input.
This list is not complete. I will add good stuff whenever I read more about martial arts that I consider worth reading. The links below are amazon affiliate links.
For the sake of this blog, I will categorize the books into the following:
Technique
Mindset and Philosophy
Science
Fiction
Books about martial arts techniques
The books in this section explain techniques and deliver knowledge directly related to applying a martial art or a self-defence system.
Understand the science behind your craft. Many traditional martial arts don’t explain the mechanics and principles behind the techniques. These books can provide the missing puzzle part if you are interested in it.
Public education is presented as a foundation for success in life. Still, it doesn’t prepare students for careers in business and entrepreneurship. Witnessing the development in the past years, I can’t get rid of the impression it’s on purpose. It seems to me our youth is moulded into a working-class caste, similar to the dystopian novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
I went through the same public education. I was in schools considered good and still did not learn many skills I use today. Luckily, my years were about engineering, so I got a sense of math and logic. The worst thing: not once were we encouraged to question the assignment. Not once were we explained why we learned, what we learned. It was always about getting a task, completing it as well as possible and being rewarded. A mindset that is perfect for workers. Not so for people who want to take their lives into their own hands. Not being taught these options is a grave systemic disadvantage for everyone who does not have the opportunity to attend expensive private schools.
This is one of the reasons why wealthy families often stay wealthy and low-income families remain poor. Knowledge and financial literacy do not transcend the borders of the castes. Nowadays, the information that is needed to overcome this is readily available. Sadly, the mindset of acquiring this information is not part of the curriculum of public schools. So everybody is responsible for bringing that knowledge into his family so they know that there is another way.
Here are a few points why public schools
Lack of emphasis on real-world skills: Public education focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills needed in the business world. This leaves students ill-prepared to run a business or start a company.
Limited exposure to entrepreneurship: Many public schools do not offer courses or programs designed to teach students about entrepreneurship. Students don’t have access to resources or mentorship that would help them learn about this field.
No access to networking opportunities. Public schools may not have the same resources or connections to the business world as private schools or specialized programs. This makes it more difficult for students to build the networks and relationships crucial for starting and growing a business.
Limited opportunities for hands-on experience: Public schools may not provide students with opportunities to work on real-world projects or internships, which can be essential for gaining the skills and experience needed to start a business.
Lack of diversity: Public education is not tailored to individual needs. It’s a one size fits all approach, which does not cater to the diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests of students.
Lack of inspiration: Public education does not provide the necessary inspiration to pursue business and entrepreneurship, it may not foster the creativity and innovation needed to be a successful entrepreneur.
No encouragement of critical and out-of-the-box thinking: the whole process of how the material is taught and tested does not encourage creative thinking but following a predetermined workflow.
Today it is easy to start getting a glimpse into the world of entrepreneurs with a few books. These are the ones I recommend reading to get you started.
Robert Kyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad
While it is most likely fiction and not a real story, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kyosaki shows the different mindsets of employees vs entrepreneurs. It presents the reader with young Robert, who was raised with influences from both sides. It is easy to read and makes its point very clear, as it always presents both sides of the coin. Is this a comprehensive introduction that will tell you everything about business? No, but it is a very easily understandable start on your journey to get rid of the mentality that slaving away in a job is the best way to provide for you and your family.
Seth Godin’s Tribes
“Tribes” is a book by marketing expert Seth Godin that explores the concept of tribes and how they can be used to create change and build a movement. The book shows that the internet and social media made it easier for people to form tribes around shared interests and that leaders of these tribes have the power to create change in their communities and the world. He encourages readers to embrace their leadership potential and create a tribe around their ideas, products, or services.
The Practise by Seth Godin
“The Practice” is another book by Seth Godin. It features the idea of becoming great at something through consistent and deliberate practice. Success is not just about talent or luck but about consistently putting in the time and effort to improve. Godin encourages readers to find their “art” and practice it daily. He also touches on the importance of setting goals, getting feedback, and learning from failure as part of mastery.
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp
“The Creative Habit” complements “The Practice” as it explores the idea of developing a daily creative practice and the habits essential for creativity and success. It covers key concepts such as setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and the role of discipline and routine in the creative process. It also provides practical exercises and strategies to help readers cultivate their own creative habits and achieve their goals.
Rework: Change the Way your Work forever by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried
“Rework” is a book by entrepreneurs David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried that offers a different perspective on how to run a business and do work. The book argues that traditional business practices and models are often slow, inefficient, and unnecessary. Instead, the authors propose a new approach to work that emphasizes flexibility, simplicity, and staying small. They advocate for ideas such as working smarter, not harder, embracing constraints, and saying no to unimportant tasks. The book is written in a conversational and easy-to-digest style and is filled with practical advice and real-life examples of companies that have succeeded by breaking the rules and doing things differently.
These books give you a glimpse into a world beyond slave mentality and the rat race. Embrace their ideas, and your subconsciousness will see opportunities that work for you.
Book links in this article are affiliate links which will take you to Amazon.
Clear communication is one of the essential pillars of running your business. It optimises workflows and saves you and your customers a lot of headaches. If neglected, it is a guaranteed set up for misunderstandings, that can damage your relationship with the customer or partner (fellow performers, booking agencies, etc).
The goal of clear communication
We aim to answer all necessary questions and make requirements as well as the outcome clear for everyone. One issue that arises regularly is that details remain unclear because one side thinks they are apparent while the other side is unaware of the point at all.
Let’s take a show booking as an example: the following points require clarification:
Location
Date
Time of the show
The arrival time of the dancers
Is there a soundcheck/tech rehearsal? If yes, when?
How do you deliver the music?
Space requirements/availability for the show
Which floor is in the venue? It there the need to bring PVC or something else?
How many dancers are part of the show (is not needed in every case, especial when the group is big)
Do you need additional rehearsal-time on the stage due to insufficient space?
Is there a dressing room for the dancers? Do you share it with another group? Can you lock it?
Who is the contact person for the dancers on-site? How can we reach them?
Who is the main contact person on your team for the customer? Make sure they have the phone number.
How much does the show cost? Include travel expenses or at least negotiate that they are covered.
Invoice Adress
Is catering provided for the team (not necessary in every case but you should clarify it)
If the show is late or the travel is long: who takes care of accommodation?
Depending on the type of shows you do, there might be more or less points to discuss, but it is more than the regular customer thinks about when he is not used to booking a show.
The principle is the same for every business communication.
The rules of clear communication
Don’t assume. If something is unclear, ask.
Try to speak/write in a language that avoids technical terms or explain them. Your counterpart might not know those.
Have it in written form so that everybody can revisit it, in case of uncertainty.
Don’t be afraid of being the one who points out that some parts are still unclear or missing. While some people might perceive it as counterproductive or even rude in the beginning, everyone will thank you in the long run.
Make it a habit to make things clear
Making things 100% clear for everyone gives you and everyone involved the security of knowing what’s up. There are neither loose ends nor room for interpretation.
That is precisely what we want in our business. Applying clear communication standards to all of our business talks/mails lets you work and sleep better.
Strange times, that’s for sure. We are confused. Some of us scream for more personal responsibility and freedom, while others want stronger government intervention and control.
I did not publish a lot recently. Life kept me busy with things that were not related to dance. I also took the time to read and think a lot. Some books were more thought-provoking than others. Here are some that I want to recommend if you are looking for stuff to read.
1984. George Orwell. (there are also two graphic novels available, and you might consider grabbing Animal Farm as well)
