Dance Spirit / April 1999

Lyrical Technique

Lyrics are universal. Everyone has recited a beloved poem or hummed a favorite tune. As babies, we are nurtured through song. Music and poetry are everywhere - from nursery rhymes to contemporary ballads. Sometimes, we hear a melody and all kinds of emotions surface. We can see the face of someone from our past, smell their scent, feel their embrace. Lyrical is an adjective from the word "lyric." Whether it's lyrical, lyric or lyricism, the feelings portrayed in a lyrical dance are personal, emotional, expressive and poetic. I sometimes see heartfelt and enthusiastic dancers rich in emotion, but weak in technique. Remember that if you want to master a subject, you must know the material, so keep up your jazz and ballet tech- nique studies and study all forms of dance. The most beautiful lyrical dancers have a strong base in jazz and ballet. Students are often daunted by the word technique. But how you execute a dance is of the utmost importance in relating to an audience. Fully extend your leg and arm lines, work your turnout from your hip, stay lifted in the upper body - strong use of back and arms are essential to a beautiful line. Tell your story, let the audience laugh or cry, but make them respect your technique.

Darryl Retter