Balancing Choreography & Logistics: Don't Stress, Have Fun
As a choreographer, educator, and performer, I wear many hats, often all at once. From conceptualizing choreography to managing formations, costumes, and the logistics of moving an entire team, countless demands vie for my attention. Balancing these responsibilities with taking care of my students, my family, and myself is no small feat.
The creative process, while deeply fulfilling, can also become overwhelming. Deadlines loom, expectations mount, and the spark that fuels my passion sometimes feels buried under layers of responsibility. Reflecting on my journey, I realize the most memorable and successful dance pieces emerged not only from hard work but also from joy and play. Those moments of experimentation and challenge brought the creative process to life.
Challenging the Limits of Creativity
The quote, “We voluntarily create obstacles in our path and then enjoy overcoming them,” resonates deeply with my experience as an artist. One of the most exhilarating projects I’ve worked on was choreographing a performance of The Greatest Show from The Greatest Showman. That experience captured the magic of embracing challenges as part of the creative process.
The choreography wasn’t just a routine; it was a spectacle. Fire breathing, a unicycle, stilts, and wire-flying were all seamlessly woven into the performance. Flying through the air and witnessing my team master these daring elements was unforgettable. The process wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it so special. Each successful attempt at a new skill became a celebration of growth and creativity.
Incorporating these challenges elevated not just the final performance but the entire journey. Rehearsals transformed into moments of discovery and excitement, reminding us why we love what we do. Those obstacles became opportunities to push boundaries, take risks, and strengthen our connections as a team.
Play as a Practice
One of my goals moving forward is to reintroduce more play into my choreographic process, not only for myself but for my students as well. Creativity goes beyond producing something beautiful; it thrives in the journey of exploration. Encouraging my students, and myself, to experiment and play with movement shifts the focus from the pressure of perfection to the joy of discovery.
Paul McIntosh’s reflections in Action Research and Reflective Practice highlight the value of “sketching” in creative work. Drafts and experiments become a space to explore possibilities rather than rushing to produce a polished final product. This perspective inspires me to approach choreography as a working drawing, allowing it to evolve through exploration with my students.
Finding Balance
The realities of deadlines, logistics, and expectations are ever-present. However, these practicalities don’t have to overshadow the creative process. Structured environments can still make space for play. Beginning rehearsals with improvisation exercises or carving out time for students to explore their movement ideas are just a few ways to invite playfulness into the studio. Embracing moments of silliness or letting go of rigid productivity goals creates room for joy and innovation.
Bringing play into the process creates an environment where creativity thrives. This shift benefits not only my work but also everyone involved. Play invites surprise, connection, and innovation, transforming the choreographic journey into a meaningful experience.
The Importance of Joy and Community
Even though the process can sometimes feel stressful, being happy and playful is crucial. I want to emphasize why I can find joy even in busy moments. First and foremost, God fills me with so much joy as I work. He has blessed me with a super supportive community—my pastors, my church, my students, and my family. They bring me immense joy and help in ways I cannot fully describe.
My words fail me when trying to express my gratitude. However, I want to highlight the importance of having a support system in fostering creativity and play. Their encouragement allows me to approach my work with joy, and I am deeply thankful for that.
An Invitation to Play
Reflecting on your own creative process, when was the last time you allowed yourself to play? When did you last explore without judgment or pressure? Whether you are a dancer, a teacher, or someone looking to reconnect with your creativity, step into the spirit of play. Let go of the outcome and focus on the joy of the process.
Moving forward, I am committed to rediscovering joy, both in my work and in the way I guide my students and collaborators. Embracing play allows us to create not just better art but also better experiences for ourselves and those around us.
Make space for the child within. Make space for play.
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