PERFORMANCE DESIGN
In this lesson, we’ll explore how to shape your unique artistic identity and create performances that truly stand out. You’ll discover how to craft the essence of your vision by defining your image, building a powerful storyline, and connecting deeply with emotions that captivate your audience.
By aligning your appearance, music, and narrative into a cohesive concept, you’ll create performances that leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive into the art of performance design and bring your vision to life!
Imagine a performance concept as the seed of your creative process. It's the story you want to tell or the emotion you aim to evoke in your audience.
In pole flow, this becomes even more critical because it's not just about executing moves—it's about infusing those moves with intention and storytelling, creating a fluid narrative that captivates those watching.
In pole flow, this becomes even more critical because it's not just about executing moves—it's about infusing those moves with intention and storytelling, creating a fluid narrative that captivates those watching.
The foundation of a performance concept - the cohesive force that brings every aspect of your routine to life. A strong concept shapes the moves you choose, the transitions you create, and the overall rhythm of your piece. It’s what transforms a sequence of tricks into an unforgettable Magnetic Presentation.
Why does it matter? Because every movement, no matter how small, becomes part of the story you’re telling. The confidence in a powerful spin or the sensuality of a slow, deliberate motion reflects your intent and contributes to the narrative.
Your performance is a story, where music, costume, and movement come together to express your vision. By asking yourself key questions—What do I want to say? How do I want my audience to feel?—you can craft a performance that’s authentically yours, leaving a lasting impression as you transition seamlessly from concept to stage.
Why does it matter? Because every movement, no matter how small, becomes part of the story you’re telling. The confidence in a powerful spin or the sensuality of a slow, deliberate motion reflects your intent and contributes to the narrative.
Your performance is a story, where music, costume, and movement come together to express your vision. By asking yourself key questions—What do I want to say? How do I want my audience to feel?—you can craft a performance that’s authentically yours, leaving a lasting impression as you transition seamlessly from concept to stage.
Developing the Concept
Using your nspirations as a starting point, engage in a freeform brainstorming session without restrictions. This could involve mind-mapping, quick writing, sketching, or any other creative method that helps generate and explore ideas freely. Let your creativity flow without judgment. Allow yourself to explore different directions and connections between your inspirations. Remember, the goal is to spark creativity and generate a range of ideas to inspire your next steps in the process.
• Use pictures, words, or drawings to imagine lots of different show ideas.
• Use pictures, words, or drawings to imagine lots of different show ideas.
Step 1: Freeform Brainstorming
Out of all your ideas, find one that feels really special to you, like your favorite ice cream flavor.
Choose a theme that resonates with you and feels rich enough to explore through movement and expression.
Choose a theme that resonates with you and feels rich enough to explore through movement and expression.
Step 2: Pick Your Favorite Flavor
Decide on the mood or emotional arc of your performance. Think about how you want your audience to feel. Should they be excited, happy, or maybe a bit surprised?
Think about how you want the audience to feel during and after your performance. Your choice will help you decide on things like your costume and music to match that feeling.
Think about how you want the audience to feel during and after your performance. Your choice will help you decide on things like your costume and music to match that feeling.
Start sketching a rough outline of your performance. Consider the beginning, middle, and end;
Imagine the moves and tricks that show off your main idea.
Picture in your mind what you might wear and what music you would use to help tell your story.
Imagine the moves and tricks that show off your main idea.
Picture in your mind what you might wear and what music you would use to help tell your story.
Step 3: Mood and Emotion
Step 4: Conceptual Sketching
Going through these steps, one by one, you'll be able to shape a clear and special idea that’s all
about you and what you want to share. Your idea will help you make choices that bring
everything together in your performance— from your dance moves all the way to your outfit and music—making sure everything clicks.
And in the end, you'll have your very own amazing performance that tells your story in a way that only you can!
IMAGE AND APPEARANCE
Your appearance isn’t just an accessory to your performance—it’s a key piece of the puzzle. Every detail, from your outfit to your hair, should reflect your story and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
When your look and performance align seamlessly, you create a magnetic, unforgettable experience that speaks directly to the hearts of those watching.
When your look and performance align seamlessly, you create a magnetic, unforgettable experience that speaks directly to the hearts of those watching.
The image and appearance of a performer are essential elements of any performance, particularly in a visually captivating art form like pole dancing, where every detail influences the audience’s perception.
Why Your Look Matters
• First Impressions Are Powerful: The moment you step onto the stage, your appearance speaks volumes. Before your first move, your look sets the tone, preparing the audience for the story you’re about to tell.
• Visual Storytelling: Your outfit, makeup, and hairstyle are silent narrators of your concept. They can convey mood, emotion, and intention, reinforcing the narrative you’re expressing through movement.
• Consistency Creates Impact: Align your image with your performance. Flowing fabrics amplify dreamy, ethereal routines, while bold, sharp designs emphasize power and edge. Your look should seamlessly complement your music and choreography.
• Function Meets Style: While aesthetics are important, comfort and functionality are non-negotiable. Your outfit should allow complete freedom of movement and enhance, rather than restrict, your performance.
• Rehearse in Costume: Practicing in your costume is a must. This ensures everything stays in place, fits comfortably, and works harmoniously with your movements.
Why Your Look Matters
• First Impressions Are Powerful: The moment you step onto the stage, your appearance speaks volumes. Before your first move, your look sets the tone, preparing the audience for the story you’re about to tell.
• Visual Storytelling: Your outfit, makeup, and hairstyle are silent narrators of your concept. They can convey mood, emotion, and intention, reinforcing the narrative you’re expressing through movement.
• Consistency Creates Impact: Align your image with your performance. Flowing fabrics amplify dreamy, ethereal routines, while bold, sharp designs emphasize power and edge. Your look should seamlessly complement your music and choreography.
• Function Meets Style: While aesthetics are important, comfort and functionality are non-negotiable. Your outfit should allow complete freedom of movement and enhance, rather than restrict, your performance.
• Rehearse in Costume: Practicing in your costume is a must. This ensures everything stays in place, fits comfortably, and works harmoniously with your movements.
MUSIC CHOICE
Music is the heartbeat of your performance—the unseen partner that breathes life into your movements, transforms your story, and connects your soul to the audience.
When you’ve nailed down your performance concept, the next big step is finding the perfect music. And let me tell you, this decision goes far beyond picking a catchy tune. The right song can elevate your performance, shape its emotional arc, and help you create a connection that lingers long after the final move.
Here’s what I always think about when choosing music:
Find the Emotional Vibe
Music is pure magic—it makes us feel. So, think about the mood you want to convey in your performance. Does this song move you in the same way you want your audience to feel? If it resonates deeply with your emotions, it will help you express those feelings through your movements.
Align the Narrative
Your music should feel like the soundtrack to your story. Pay attention to the lyrics, the instruments, and the tone. Do they add depth to your concept? When your song and your story are in harmony, it transforms your performance into something unforgettable.
Consider the Technical Fit
Music isn’t just about vibes; it’s also about mechanics. Does the tempo support your pacing? Are there moments in the song—pauses, shifts, or crescendos—that you can use to accentuate your choreography? Those little details are where the magic lives.
Harness the Energy
A great performance feels like a journey. Choose music that ebbs and flows, giving you moments to display power and intensity, and others to show grace and vulnerability. Those dynamics keep the audience captivated.
Make it Personal
Most importantly, pick a song that lights a fire inside you. If it makes you feel something—if it moves you—it will naturally come through in your performance. Your connection to the music will bring authenticity, and that’s what will truly draw your audience in.
Final Thought
Choosing the right music is like choosing a partner for your dance—it needs to support, inspire, and challenge you. When your song matches your concept emotionally and technically, you’re no longer just performing; you’re creating a moment, a story, an experience. And those are the performances that leave people breathless.
Here’s what I always think about when choosing music:
Find the Emotional Vibe
Music is pure magic—it makes us feel. So, think about the mood you want to convey in your performance. Does this song move you in the same way you want your audience to feel? If it resonates deeply with your emotions, it will help you express those feelings through your movements.
Align the Narrative
Your music should feel like the soundtrack to your story. Pay attention to the lyrics, the instruments, and the tone. Do they add depth to your concept? When your song and your story are in harmony, it transforms your performance into something unforgettable.
Consider the Technical Fit
Music isn’t just about vibes; it’s also about mechanics. Does the tempo support your pacing? Are there moments in the song—pauses, shifts, or crescendos—that you can use to accentuate your choreography? Those little details are where the magic lives.
Harness the Energy
A great performance feels like a journey. Choose music that ebbs and flows, giving you moments to display power and intensity, and others to show grace and vulnerability. Those dynamics keep the audience captivated.
Make it Personal
Most importantly, pick a song that lights a fire inside you. If it makes you feel something—if it moves you—it will naturally come through in your performance. Your connection to the music will bring authenticity, and that’s what will truly draw your audience in.
Final Thought
Choosing the right music is like choosing a partner for your dance—it needs to support, inspire, and challenge you. When your song matches your concept emotionally and technically, you’re no longer just performing; you’re creating a moment, a story, an experience. And those are the performances that leave people breathless.
