A lot of things go through my head around workshop time, which can drive me kind of crazy. So, to help deal with overwhelm that comes about before, during & after a workshop with a fabulously amazing artist I try to remember that there are certain things I can do to make it easier...
Antes
Think about what I want to get from it.
Remind myself that the teacher is just a regular person, and, if it's someone I'm bringing, that this person is nice. Being nice...a requirement for giving a workshop here. Phew.
Remind myself that this is an amazing and once in a lifetime experience.
Get in flamenco form. [Go to class, practice, stuff like that...]
Durante
Focus on what I'm doing, instead of on how fast others are getting it.
Be there, as fully as I possibly can.
Go through parts that I remember in some way after class. [In my mind, actually doing it, just marking the steps, going over it with a friend...]
Run the steps right before class begins with a friend of by myself. [All, tricky ones, whichever ones I/we can recall]
Jot down notes to help me during the workshop or to serve as reminders afterit is over. [using words, pictures, numbers]
When I get frustrated, remind myself of why I am doing this. And that it is about having fun.
Laugh.
And Breathe.
Y Después
Reflect on what I learned & notice how I grew, what I got from it.
Hold on to what I want to... [The choreography, the essence, one specific move.]
Practice with a friend.
Practice on my own, perhaps with a video.
Palmas workshop with Ricardo López
I don't necessarily do all of the above. But I know that there are ways to ease the situation. I know that I have options. I know that I can pick and choose.
And you, how do you prepare for a workshop? What do you do afterward? Let's discuss this, leave a comment.
And, speaking of workshops, Emilio is on his way. Oléeeee! And there is still a spot for YOU!