Earlier this week, I attended an inspiring event held by Staatsballett Berlin to honor soloist ballet dancer Michael Banzhaf who will end his 19 year long career this season. He was interviewed in a very calm and intimate setting by deputy artistic director Dr. Christiane Theobald.
It was very interesting and a fantastic chance to learn from an experienced ballet dancer, so I wrote down the most remarkable sentences to share them with you. 🙂
The much-admired artists’ words are exemplary for the wisdom, kindness and empathy of great ballet dancers. As there is a lot to talk about, I split it into 3 blog posts – watch out for the 2 other parts to come!
I’m sure his words will inspire you, because they not only apply to the ballet world but are also helpful in the everyday life!
As introduction, the interviewer used some well chosen words to describe Michael, that – in my opinion – also apply to great dancers/artists in general:
- Knowledge of art
- Passion
- Enthusiasm
- Complexity
- Music and Dance says a lot more than words
- Dance as an adventure, as universe, when you engage with it
- Approaching a part through movement, emotion and with all senses
Experiencing constraints or boundaries
M.B.: The work as a ballet dancer exclusively takes place in border zones and along certain frontiers. But our formation teaches us to approach these constraints and at some point, you feel comfortable about doing so.
Self-confidence and self-esteem is part of being a dancer, but I took a long time learning this. You develop everything bit by bit: the steps, the pas de deux and your own space. Then, everything fits together.
Imitating is not enough – you have to evolve technically and find your own expression.
Sometimes, the workload given to you could ask too much of you – in your eyes. But your director or the choreographer has trust that you will make it. That´s when you overcome a barrier. What I work out in rehearsal, I can reproduce on stage.
Balletify:
This really shows how much the art of ballet is a challenge all the time and how you learn and grow because of it! Every challenge you face, the little and the big ones, brings you a step further. The effort always has an effect.
Self-confidence and self-esteem are important strengths – especially at work, but also at home or with friends. You should never underestimate yourself!
Who does not know the feeling of overwhelm, thinking you won’t make it? Michael underlines an important aspect: there are always two perspectives. You might think that a certain task is too much of a challenge, but the person who gave it to you has trust you will make it – and you will!
Remember: “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you’re right” (Henry Ford).
Motivation and Setbacks
M.B.: Motivation was always there, because my dancing career has become so much more than the dream to be on stage. When I look around in morning ballet class and see all these wonderful artists standing right next to me, that’s a lot of motivation.
Concerning setbacks, I have luckily never been injured. I was trained to prepare my body very well for class and rehearsal. I’m there one hour early every morning and prepare with heart and head. Injury changes everything though. Concentration and patience are important elements of being a dancer. Sometimes, your wishes don’t come true in a quick way.
Balletify:
This is so true! For dancers and everyone really who does some sort of sports or training, an injury can change everything and requires a lot of attention to heal.
You need a lot of patience and focus throughout the healing process and are forced to wait before restarting your training.
And still, there can be setbacks, when things just don’t develop the way you expect them to despite all your efforts. That’s when you need to work out the right mindset. One that makes you feel better about waiting and pouring in all the efforts to hopefully obtain your desired results.
Below you find a short video portrait about Michael Banzhaf:
Within three meters – Portrait of a ballet dancer (German with English subtitles) from Alessia Mandanici on Vimeo.
Your Point (e):
What constraints do you experience and how do you grow on it?
How do you deal with setbacks (whether throughout a healing process or not)?
Parts two and three of this blog post series:
Interview with a ballet dancer – Part 2
Interview with a ballet dancer – Part 3
[…] If you missed part one of this series, here it is: Interview with a ballet dancer: A challenging life and career – Part 1 […]