Dance Pantomime Lesson

by Maximo Califano Principal Ballet Dancer

It is very sad to see great dancers who do not know how to pantomime or act onstage. Pantomime helps dancers to express themselves on a dance performance and to explain the story of a ballet to an audience. In the following list, I will address common mistakes and I will provide with tips to improve your dance pantomime.

• Dancers sometimes forget that they are pantomiming for an audience. Acting should be done towards the audience and not to each other. Even though you are talking to another dancer or dancers on stage, it does not mean you are going to face the dancer/s directly.
• Do not give your back to the audience while miming… Try to always face front towards the audience and use profiles as well.
• While acting, don’t cover your face with your hands or arms.
• Every time you move on stage towards one point to another, you should always look first where you go and then move. Common mistake is start walking without looking where you heading to.
• The eyes of a dancer reflect the most inner feelings and emotions. They should be always opened wide and expressive.
• Dancers should understand their pantomime and what they are trying to express. Sometimes, I ask students or professionals what they are saying with their mime and they really don’t know… if you understand and know your pantomime, the audience will understand what you are expressing.
• Study your role. Be aware of your character, your scenario, your surroundings, and your costume. Get yourself into the personage and think how he thinks, walks, talks, moves, etc.
• Be real and express real emotions. Your movements should originate from your soul.
• Don’t look down to the floor.
• Study old pictures, movies and ballet films. I really like those first black and white with no sound movies.

If you follow my advice, you could become not only a great dancer but a great performer.

Maximo Califano
Ballet San Jose
Principal Dancer