I was horrified a few years back when I got a show CD of photos and there wasn't a single photo of me on it. I'm the (co)owner of the studio!!! I danced 2 solos in that show and was in almost every group dance. I was in the background of some, but nothing with me properly in it. I voiced my displeasure to the photographer and he told me that I was pulling a face in every photo he took of me. Really? In the past I had gotten a few good photos from performances. I don't expect a lot, but surely there would be 1 of me that is usable? Apparently, not.
Since then I've watched videos of myself, practiced in front of a mirror and even done a workshop of expression (including facial expressions). I guess have an extreme face.
We always emphasise the importance in smiling or having the correct expression for the music to our students. Mostly they revert to the deer in headlights, scary stalker smile or looking at the roof (you know whom I'm talking about. Ruthie). Nice facial expressions come with practice and confidence. That's why we should always practice expression in class.
There are a few facial expressions that I often see in dancers (I've probably done them at some stage too):
The Lobotomy (aka The Mouth Breather)
Image: Paramount
Tired and concentrating, the dancer forgets about their face completely. You'd think this would be solely a beginner problem but I've seen it in dancers who have been dancing for around 10yrs.
The "I've just seen something shocking"
Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
This face comes into play when a dancer is trying to play a flirty, cheeky character. If the photographer catches you at this exact moment, it's not going to be a pretty photo.
The Stalker
Image: Overly Attached Girlfriend (YouTube)
Your teacher told you to smile, so you smile. With every inch of your face.
The Resting B!tch Face
Image: Paramount
If you are lucky like Melanie, you have "resting nice face" and don't have to worry about the last on my list. I unfortunately have a very good RBF. You try to keep your face neutral, but you just look angry.
So what can we do to avoid these?
Practice facial expressions. Seems so fake because surely facial expressions are natural? Well, sometimes they need improving on. Sometimes what we think looks one way actually looks another.
In this article, Facial Expressions For Performers, Saqra gives tips on how to improve your facial expressions as well as sharing her list of odd expressions.
Featured Image: Melanie Wallis, Thelma Rose and Jessica Perelson