Bali Bound on a Kite String

BALAM Dance Theatre | Jul 26, 2010 | there are 0 comments 0
Carlos Fittante as

Carlos Fittante as "Rama" in Rama's Meditation from the "Ramayana"

by Carlos Fittante, Artistic Director, BALAM Dance Theatre

What does it take to pull together the international tour of a dance company? A dance enthusiast asked me that question, which got me thinking about the skills needed to organize Bali Tour 2010 for BALAM Dance Theatre.

The stresses we face are typical, including a tight budget, many things to do and not enough staff, etc. Rather than giving advice on stretching a budget, I want to share the following directorial points of view that guide me in rallying the BALAM Dance Theatre team to stretch the kite string all the way to Bali.

Maintain a good attitude. Interact with others with a calm and trusting disposition.

Create a sense of abundance. In your daily interactions and preparations, especially in rehearsals, try to bring a feeling of ease and availability to the situation.

Patience is a virtue. When required, I have developed the ability to slow down my pace during interactions, allowing time for me to get involved in the nitty-gritty of the problem, while reducing my potential for being annoyed.

Listen to the messenger. Try to understand what is said and simultaneously feel what is in the heart of the individual, as the person states it. The motivation behind the words is the essential communication.

Use these three lucky charms: breathing, smiling, and waiting. These three activities can help divert a conflict.

Apologies can heal. The ability to apologize sincerely to a colleague is essential. Let the person know you care about their feelings, regardless of a difference of opinion. People are more important than getting what you want.

Acceptance is a sign of maturity. Be able to accept terms that are not your preferences. The creative process is all about accepting and incorporating boundaries and, at the same time, trying to stretch past them.

These realizations are the foundation of my directorial style and have helped me throughout the planning of Bali Tour 2010.
For more information about BALAM Dance Theatre or Bali Tour 2010 and ongoing updates throughout the tour, visit http://www.balamdancetheatre.blogspot.com, http://www.facebook.com/pages/BALAM-Dance-Theatre/332263244599, and http://balamdance.org/.