Mikhail Kaminsky: ‘The Body is Made for Dance’
Mikhail Kaminsky: The Body is Made for Dance
Mikhail Kaminsky is a multifaceted individual whose talents span across choreography, acting, teaching, and psychology. He has a unique ability to explain the inexplicable and reveal the invisible. As an associate professor at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, Kaminsky has developed a methodology for dance improvisation and founded his own dance studio. In an interview, he shared his insights on why everyone can dance, the essence of improvisation, and how to harmonize the mind, body, and emotions.
Understanding Dance Improvisation
Dance improvisation might sound unusual to many, but for Kaminsky, it is more than just a dance style; it is a comprehensive methodology rooted in the laws of stage art, contact improvisation, and psychology. This methodology took shape early in his career as he observed the physical and emotional transformations of actors on stage. His goal was to empower individuals to overcome their fears, fully immerse themselves in their roles, and take responsibility for their actions on stage.
Kaminsky’s journey with improvisation began nearly two decades ago during his student years at the Academy of Arts. He experimented with objects like a cloak, moving to music and exploring expressive movements. He discovered that the best moments were often spontaneous rather than premeditated. Over time, he refined his approach, focusing on how to make movements appear so natural that the audience would not realize they were improvised.
Teaching Dance Improvisation to Everyone
The idea to teach dance improvisation to non-professionals came to Kaminsky several years ago while working at a dance school in Minsk. The turning point was a conversation with a student who believed she couldn’t dance due to a lack of flexibility. Kaminsky taught her to listen to her body and emotions, to face her fears, and to pursue her goals. Inspired by her progress, he decided to open his own studio.
The path from idea to reality was challenging. Balancing university teaching, film shoots, and theater performances required meticulous time management. Financial and logistical hurdles also had to be overcome. Despite skepticism from others, Kaminsky remained committed to his vision, driven by the joy and fulfillment he found in his work.
Explaining the Essence of Dance Improvisation
Kaminsky often uses the analogy of sculpting clay to explain dance improvisation. Just as a lump of clay can be shaped into a beautiful form, so too can a person be guided to express themselves through dance. The key is to release physical and psychological blocks, allowing the body to move freely and expressively.
He draws inspiration from the work of Michael Chekhov, emphasizing the harmony between the body, emotions, and mind. Modern society often prioritizes the mind over the body and emotions, leading to a lack of balance. Kaminsky’s methodology aims to integrate these three elements, creating a harmonious and expressive individual.
Working with Professionals vs. Non-Professionals
Contrary to popular belief, Kaminsky finds it easier to work with non-professionals. They are more open to new experiences and less likely to overanalyze movements. Professionals, on the other hand, often have ingrained techniques and habits that can be difficult to overcome.
Kaminsky compares learning dance to driving a car. Just as one can learn to drive before fully understanding the rules of the road, so too can one learn to dance before fully grasping the technical aspects. The key is to trust the process and allow the body to learn and adapt over time.
Everyone Can Dance
Kaminsky firmly believes that everyone has the ability to dance. The human body is naturally designed for movement, and even everyday actions can be transformed into dance. He compares dance to poetry, where ordinary words can be arranged rhythmically to create something beautiful.
He acknowledges that some people are more inclined towards intellectual pursuits and may resist physical activities. However, he emphasizes that the goal of psychology is to transform thinking individuals into active, free-living beings who can enjoy life to the fullest.
In conclusion, Kaminsky’s methodology is based on the belief that everyone can dance. By understanding the basic ‘letters’ of movement and learning the ‘grammar’ of dance, individuals can express themselves freely and joyfully through dance.
