2 replies to this topic

[Phaedra392]

They say that musicality is an indispensable virtue in a great dancer.  Suzanne Farrell is often held up as an example of a dancer who had it in her bones.  Which dancers performing today have this quality?  And can anyone define it?

[artist]

Well, I suppose musicality is not only being on the right counts and beats but, rather, allowing the music to transfer movement into the body of which it flows. Being carried away by the soulful sounds and moving with the music not by the music truly captures the essence of sound and dance. See the music, hear the dance.

Or, maybe it's how music brings one to move. So, maybe it can't be taught and each individual is different. Or it could be as easy as whether you're on the correct counts, which means you have to be able to hear those counts. One has to be sound sensitive as pianists/musicians have to find the right timing.

[Figurante]

The first immediate dancer that sticks out in my mind is Ashley Bouder. Her musicality coupled with her technique makes for her impeccable phrasing.