Wise words from Paul White

Ask Emma: How important is your individuality as a dancer?

Paul White is an independent dancer/choreographer

"I can’t remember a time being asked to “dance like them” but I was asked many times to learn someone else’s phrase or copy their movements. Why hold on to the thought that there’s something “individual” to your dancing? Dance is not something personal, it belongs to the human spirit and exists only in dialogue. If you can look at it like tapping into how another expresses themselves, and think of it as a chance to absorb and digest another style or dynamic, then your concerns for individuality will disappear.

  "There’s also something thrilling about being able to synchronise your body’s energy and movement precisely with another and dance as one. I’ve found in dance and creativity, the more I give away, the less that belongs to me, the more room I have for the next level of expression and creativity. Give it away!"

This is an extract from the Feb/Mar issue of 'Dance Australia'. Want to read more? Buy the new issue at your favourite magazine retailer or purchase an online copy via the Dance Australia app or subscribe here.