EDIT: APOLOGIES AS APRIL NEWSLETTER CONTAINED THE INCORRECT INTERVIEW... PLEASE ENJOY THE CORRECT INTERVIEW WITH
MR SHAYNE BLING CHOREOGRAPHER!
1. How long have you been choreographing?
I would say since I was about 12.
I used to choreograph routines at the dance school I attended from about 12 years old. I really knew early on it was my calling and my passion.
2. What inspires you to create a piece?
Music and everyday life.
Sometimes tragedy or happiness in the world will bring new concepts and feelings towards pieces that I want to create. I listen to music all the time when I’m travelling so this allows me to create in my mind. Usually the music will tell me what I need to do with a piece.
3. Do you hear a piece of music and imagine who that would be good for?
Of course!!
Every piece I create has to be a perfect match for every dancer. I hear music and think of students the music and concept will match up to. I’ve been known to cancel a lesson because the right music hasn’t come along yet. I really take this process seriously because I want every piece to be magical.
4. What is your favourite genre to choreograph?
Hmmmm hard question
My passion is lyrical and contemporary because of the emotion and technique behind these styles but I also live for a sassy jazz and broadway jazz routine.
5. Once you have taught a piece, do you come back to the dancer to clean it… or is it in the hands of the studio?
In a perfect world yes, I do.
It’s a time factor issue.
I travel all over Australia so it’s very hard to get back to more rural areas for cleaning sessions, however I do offer message critiques and video critiques when polishing so we are all happy with the end result.
6. How has your routines style changed over the years? What was the influence?
I used to be more of a tap and jazz dancer when I was younger. Until I seen Mia Michael’s choreography on SYTYCD. Lyrical and contemporary really became a passion of mine due to these performances on tv many years ago.
My routine style has evolved over the years. You get to know what works and what doesn’t through each and every lesson. I think my routines now are very different to those many years ago. Competitive dance in our country has really pushed our students forward in standard and my choreography has to match that.
7. Do you prefer traditional movement or more commercial, and why?
I am all for technique. It’s universal.
I’m a little more traditional in that area.
I see a lot of tricks being performed without the right strength or technique and that’s a little scary to see sometimes. Commercial movement has its place in our industry, it’s exciting and fresh. I just wish I was a student now days because they get to do such amazing choreography with awesome musicality. Hopefully the kids know how lucky they are when heading to big workshops around the country.
8. Do you notice different choreographic styles between states?
No not really. Some states are more commercial than others, but I think that’s due to having commercial teachers on a regular basis.
9. There is a significant increase in acro/tricks in choreography, what if a dancer is technical but not acrobatic, how does this affect the way you choreograph? Do you think this is just a fad or will continue to grow?
Tricks can be included in one of my routines but are not important. For me they can be a real wow factor when done correctly and technically. If a student is not acrobatic then I don’t need to put it in the routine. instead I choreograph to the individual strength and ability. Acrobatics will continue to grow due to competitive dance being such a high standard in this country. Everyone needs that extra bit of wow factor to stand out. But sometimes the art of stillness and connection is more powerful than any trick in the book.
10. What advice would you give someone wanting to start choreographing?
Experience!!!!
I started teaching for free when I was younger
I was happy to gain that experience. Don’t rush into it. You want your brand to shine and first impressions can sometimes last forever. Ask to assist other established choreographers and take your time to really find out what it is you offer as a brand and as a choreographer.
TERM 2 CLASSES AND TUTORIALS COMING SOON!
