How to get and give the input you need to grow your dancing, choreography, and the art form? Coaching the mental game of art involves a critical look a the messages you take in, whether it be self-talk, teachers, mentors, audience members or critics and reviews.
Creative people of all stripes will encounter many pieces of input and feedback along the way, from helpful concepts, tips, and tricks, to detailed commentary on one’s creative product, to harsh and even mean criticism.
Fine Feedback Workshop
Recently I shared a new workshop called “Fine Feedback: How to Give & Receive Constructive Criticism & Promote Dance in the Process” with a group of talented dancers & choreographers at West Hawai’i Dance Theatre. Content included practicing a host of powerful tools for distinguishing fact, interpretation, empowering & disempowering input about our creative work.
During the workshop, I shared examples like the ones I read off index cards in this video, from fabulous to fraught, words of feedback I’ve heard and received in the context of dance technique, performance, choreography, and even publishing on YouTube:
Artists shared their own bits of criticism and came away with skills that will serve the rest of their creative lives. Excited to continue to offer these transformative distinctions and continue to improve through the participants’ input as well.
Real Feedback Examples
Real-Life Critique
Before the workshop, I also posted a Reel posting the question on Instagram: What’s the most and least empowering feedback YOU have received?
Sometimes that feedback is one and the same, as in the case of a friend who responded:
“I think it was both. Someone didn’t like the lyrics to a song I wrote, and was pretty adamant about what a terrible job I did, which left me feeling powerless, but then, I remembered I’m here to do my thing and other people’s opinions on that is none of my business, and therefore, I shouldn’t really care, and that made me feel empowered.”
Yes, an important key is to evaluate the source of the input and whether you wish to listen to their advice or judgement at all! We can develop skill at transmuting disempowering inputs into inspiration through practice.
Another key is to be goal-oriented and clear about your purpose, both in creating what you make and in providing feedback that helps others to do their thing.
Advocating Growth
This workshop and the tools I continue to share in classes and sessions, equips dancers and choreographers with tools to distinguish constructive, empowering criticism, helping them dodge hate and instead appreciate and advocate for performing arts.
We practice describing and evaluating dance and artistic works in a way that supports creative growth, develops artistic voice, and draws audiences.
Rich words reflecting back our experiences of dance can help artists create their vision more effectively. We can also provide reviews which promote the art of dance and grow audiences.
Work with Coach Blythe
Collaborating with students and clients in-studio and online, I would love to connect on social media @ablythecoach also offer valuable free resources on the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel and weekly email newsletter.
For more information on my Dilemma to Delight signature coaching program and ongoing personal coaching offerings, visit Life Coaching at ablythecoach.com Please message directly about my dance, choreography, coaching, and creative living workshops.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish fact from interpretation and empowering from disempowering critique?
- What is the most impactful feedback you have received?
- How to evaluate input to determine whether and how to apply it to your dancing or creative work?
- What is your commitment when it comes to creating and sharing work?
- How might we offer criticism in a way that promotes the development of artists and the arts?
- How can I help empower you to take your creative leap?
Resources for Exploration
- Fine Feedback Workshop – How to Give & Receive Constructive Criticism & Promote Dance in the Process provides more information about the workshop
- Blogging My Purpose – the “Why” behind A Blythe Coach is a response to Judith Peters’ Blog Your Purpose challenge, because purposeful living is my jam
- How I coach dancers & creatives through difficulty into delight tells about A Blythe Coach one-on-one personal coaching and other offerings
- Learning from Mistakes & Failure article helps artists and creative people who invariably meet with “failure” to transmute it into growth and inspiration
- Dealing with Difficult Developments – 15 Ways to Cope with Challenges & Setbacks facing challenges to your life goals and aspirations? I’ve been there
Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in the Fine Feedback workshop at other locations, as well as further workshops and special events.
Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact!
Love,
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
they/them or she/her
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties,
taking leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga & dance education