BWW Blog: Christopher Castanho - Be A Malleable Collaborator

Every artist has a way of working, whether it's using "counts" in choreography, or being an auditory learner, the list goes on and on. We all have ways that we learn and function as a creative individual, and I have discovered, as you probably have, that we don't all work the same way.

For example, every dance class brings a new opportunity to see movement through a different lens. Some instructors want your foot flexed in frappé, others want it pointed, some do it all on relevé (are you kidding?) There is always value in being able to appreciate the new form or technique that you have not been required of before. Many times I have heard:

"Well back in my studio we would always do it flexed."
"My teacher always said that was the wrong way to do it."

There is nothing more irritating as a creative artist than to hear someone speak against what you are trying to instill. Just do what your teacher or choreographer is telling you to do in that moment, trust that they know what they're doing. You don't need to comment or express your distaste, your job is to execute what you're being asked to do.

Hopefully, you will be given the opportunity to work with a plethora of people, and occasionally you're going to find an individual whose method really does not work for you.

A personal pet peeve of mine is when directors give line readings or say the line for the actor out loud. I know there is a better way to communicate to actors, and telling me how to say the text isn't going to make me feel like I possess artistic expression. Believe it or not, I have worked with people who do this. Do I like it? No. Do I comment and tell the director that I-? No. My job is to work with what I've got: to adapt.

Think of yourself as a malleable collaborator. Possess not only physical flexibility but mental and creative resilience. You might not jive with how something is being done, but your duty is to work hard and do what they're asking. There's always something you can learn from their new approach.

My favorite kind of colleague is an open minded worker: excited to try things in a different way, respecting my thoughts, and going with the flow. In reciprocation to their availability, I trust their ideas on the project.

On the other side of this coin, if you strongly believe in something, don't suddenly let go of that. If you're passionate, be passionate and never apologize for it. When working with others I always think there is a proper time and place to express your thoughts, and if you do not understand the reasoning behind why you can't use vibrato on measures 32-48, be sure to check in with your music director to find out why.

Be open minded and trust your creative team when working on projects. Smile, be positive and possess the mental flexibility to work well with others.