May recently made a life changing decision – she wants to make her passion her job.
She started dancing classical ballet at the age of three and later on always tried to get to know as many different dance styles as possible. The whole lockdown situation not only pushed May to want to make a living from her dancing; she says it also helped her in terms of learning how to use her body correctly and finding her own style. She now wants to pass on her knowledge to fellow dancers.
How would you describe your own dance style?
When I choreograph or dance for myself, I let myself be inspired by everything, whether that is jazz funk, heels, lyrical, or other crazy stuff. But where I feel most comfortable overall is definitely contemporary and floorwork, preferably including spooky music and moves.
What are your favourite classes to go to?
In general, I like to try out every level and every dance style. A dancer I admire very much once said that classes of dance styles that you haven’t mastered entirely yet are the ones that take you furthest in your own style. I mainly go to intermediate or advanced classes, but I also like to go to beginner classes, simply because I feel like there is always something to work on and improve, even in the basics. If you train properly, you are completely exhausted after each class anyway.
I love going to Anthony Nakhlé’s classes because I find the ease and fluidity with which he dances incredibly impressive. When I asked him about it, he explained that his goal is to move like water. Anthony just has a refreshing way of approaching dance. Another dancer I admire a lot is Malou Linders. I think anyone who doesn't know her is missing out. She has an incredible control over her body, over every single muscle. I also love the way she teaches and motivates her students.
What do you think it takes to become a good dancer?
I used to think I was not good enough to be a dancer. Now I've realised that it's not so much about being able to do all the acrobatics (although of course I try and it would be nice to be able to do them) but it's much more about what you feel and what feeling you convey to the audience while dancing.
I sometimes have the feeling people just copy dance moves rather than try to understand what is expected. My advice: understand the emotions and implement them when you learn a choreography! A lot of dancing has to do with mindset. Even if you don’t master the steps perfectly, it’s so worth it to watch and listen to dance teachers.
What is it about dancing that you enjoy so much?
It has an incredible amount to do with emotions. Dancing can be a kind of processing mechanism, but it can also change your mood. I often feel very happy after practice, even if I wasn't feeling so good before. Dancing is also just a very enjoyable sport for me. Jogging, for example, I personally don't like at all.
Something else that I enjoy so much about dancing is the group dynamic it creates. My contemporary teacher always says, "feel the others around you". There is some exchange of energy between everyone in the room, and that just makes me happy.
How was your experience of starting to teach during COVID?
It was very stressful at first. I didn’t realise how much preparation time it takes, sometimes double or triple the time you need to teach. There was also the challenge of starting via Zoom. Not only do you have to get to grips with the technology, but you also have to solve the problem of the limited space, not having all the necessary equipment at home and not being able fully to see every participant. But it was all definitely worth it!
In contrast, how was it to give your first live lesson?
I find teaching very fulfilling; I think less about how I dance, and look forward to seeing how others interpret and implement my choreographies. Experiencing that in person was incredibly cool. I finally had a lot of space, a mirror and lights again. We could cheer each other on, and feel the energy accumulate in the studio. As a teacher, you can also give corrections and tips much better and respond to everyone personally.
May at the front right
Choreograpahy by Jouana Samia and Anthony Nakhlé
Song Cigarettes & Alcohol by Santino Le Saint
What do you wish for the future, both for yourself and for the dance community?
I have learned to appreciate it very much when classes are not too crowded, because you can perceive teachers and fellow dancers much better. I have also felt a big wave of support during COVID times, both from the community itself and from the outside world. I would like to see this continue. Just because artists can work again doesn't mean we don't need support anymore.
Personally, I would like to continue teaching, and hope more opportunities for me to do this comes up soon.
If you want to see snippets of May’s work and be the first one to know when she will teach her next class, whether it is live in Berlin or via Zoom, make sure to follow her on Instagram @may_frontzeck!
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