Going Solo with Improvisational Performance
Part II - Performance Professionalism The It Factor, Can it be taught?
By Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan
Photos by Carl F. Sermon
What is the It Factor?
Performance tricks are a dime a dozen. The dancer who can make you sit forward in your seat and pay attention has “It”.
A dancer with a personal stamp of styling, energy, emotion and expression in their movements - has “it”. As a competition
judge and as a seasoned dancer I can tell if a dancer has “It” or the potential to grow, learn, and become a dancer with “It”.
As a result of personalized and stylized performance, dancers become known for being unique; and thus have the “it factor”.
Because of their uniqueness and expertise - Jillina and Sadie - are examples of well known and well-traveled dancers
recognized for their signature dance styles. As photographers, both Carl Sermon and I retain special images and recollections
of the musicality of stunning performances by these two professionals.
Components of the “It Factor”
What are the components of the It Factor?
Performance presentation, personal energy,
movement quality and timing, unique
personal engagement with the audience,
body alignment, and a performance
signature that is musical and matches
musicality and dynamics in the piece.
What are the elements of professional
personalization besides styling? You must
bring out every aspect of your character
to convey controlled energy. Each step
must have an intention behind it and
emotionally engage the audience. There
can’t be disconnection between being
expressive with movement and engaging
emotionally while dancing. Sometimes
when we see a great performance, it is so
awesome that we get chills. We’re not
conscious of each nuance or movement
that creates this reaction; we just know
that we are watching a great performance.
Great dancing should appear flawless and
easy – and flow from your soul. But in
October 2015
The Belly Dance Chronicles
63