Tips for your First Dance Shoot
Hey guys! I wanted to share a couple quick tips for those preparing for their first dance video. As a videographer who has filmed countless people, including dancers, I wanted to give you some tips to think about when approaching a professional video shoot as the dancer, pole dancer, cirque artist, or aerialist.
TIP #1: EYE CONTACT
Look at the camera - not the mirror - not me - the lens! I remember eye contact being the hardest part for me when I trained for my first pole competition, so I get it. Making eye contact can feel really uncomfortable at first, but it does get easier, and can even be a fun challenge! Practice doing it when you practice your freestyle or routine. While filming I usually catch moments while filming where I feel like more connection is needed; I will literally shout out “GIVE ME EYES!”👀lol! Consider my lens your greatest fan and all it wants is to be seen 👋 This is part of what makes a professional video (and performance) stand out, especially from the videos shot from static phones on the ground, where you are probably looking at the mirror or ahead.
You’ll notice in the video above, Elena Anishchenko’s eyes follow my camera as I move across the floor. Of course she’s a pro, but it’s something to keep in mind as you prepare for your shoot, and for performing in general!
TIP #2: RELAX!
Try to relax and release all feelings of self-consciousness. This is more of a tip for those hesitant to do a video in the first place, because they are worried about not looking their best. Trust that I will follow your movement and find the most flattering angles - both while filming and in the edit. You don’t have to be a professional dancer to have a professional video made, and what better way to document where you’re at now and look back on it years later once you ARE at the next level? People usually express how nervous they are for their first video shoot… and I get it. It’s not like a photoshoot where you are posed and everything can be perfect staged and styled. Video is dynamic, and catches all sides. The result of a video in my eyes is also so much cooler! Most dancers actually remark how surprised they are at how fun it was to shoot their first professional dance video. And how good I made them look. See testimonials here =) Wherever you are at in your journey, embrace it, and be happy that you have the ability to move as you do.
More questions about shooting your first video? DM or email me - I’d be happy to answer them.
Watch all pole dance videos HERE
@theinspiredcapture