Lyricism et Tempus

Why is everything about modern living instant?

Eating has become instant (think fast food and take-aways), working has become instant (I communicate with people I work with via e-mails and sms) and even dating has become instant (I last asked a girl out via e-mail and she replied me via sms).

To my horror, I realised that the term "instant" has also made its mark in dance choreography - with phenomenally fast pace even for lyrical choreography. I mean seriously, lyrical, the most sensual of all Jazz dance styles - cannot fall prey to speed. Tempo is key.

Lyrical, in my opinion is not that different from playing the dating game - coyness, sensuality, slow and when necessary a battle of emotions and mind games... think of kite flying, the dance of tug and release between you, the kite and the velocity of the wind...

Lyrical is meant to be slow and beautiful... and the truth is that there are no short cuts to many things in life - losing weight, looking pretty or attaining happiness.

The elements of living life - love, romance, dance, happiness really is an amalgamation of balance, strength, the right tempo and most importantly connecting the body, mind and soul...

Lyrical Jazz, when done properly — is beautiful and languid. The movements literally beg the dancer to sustain, lengthen and stretch the body’s anatomy. It allows for time for the dancer's soul to drink in the melody and use the body to paint visual images that moves with the music. Lyrical epitomises moving art.

Contrary to all things instant, lyrical requires discipline and character - postures and positions are held for a certain time frame, and balancing requires a firm foundation and intuitive connection between mind and body.

There are no short cuts in life and especially not in dance. If you can’t go slow, you are just drifting through the motions without fully appreciating the full glory and passion of dancing.