What Is Your Style?

#dance #dancer #choreographer #whatisyourstyle

I've been asked this question many times throughout my dance journey, and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on it. I grew up in a hip hop dance group, but I’ve never fully resonated with the name "hip hop" for my own style. There has always been more to it. The name "hip hop" originated from the music it was danced to, but I’ve always been drawn to its softer, more soulful side such as RnB or soul.

When I started exploring contemporary dance and learning to focus on the quality of movement rather than just the form, my understanding of dance evolved even further.

My style goes beyond forms and names. It is inspired by the rooms I’ve visited, the people I’ve met, the songs I’ve listened to, the pain I’ve endured, the unprocessed emotions, the doubts I've faced, the courage I've proven, the birds in the sky, and the wind in the trees.

However, because I teach dance classes, I’ve had to examine my style more closely and give it some structure so that others can understand it. This helps people imagine it, connect with it, and see whether it speaks to them or not. I’ve tried giving my classes different names, clarifying my style as much as possible, only to realize that one person’s vision of a name may evoke something entirely different for someone else. I can only point in a direction but I can't capture it all.

While creating a post for my dance event, Find Your Flow, I reflected on the style of my choreographies and, simply by playing with words, I found a name that fits my vision "Street Soul".

So, what Street Soul means to me. The name Street points to my hip hop and street dance foundation - the connection with the music, the embodiment of rhythm, and the more expressive side of dance with a focus on technique. The Soul part reflects my storytelling through movement, the way I feel and interpret a song, and the softer, more emotional side of me.

In my dance, both are present, but the best way to understand it is to come and experience it yourself.

My next class is on February 28, and you are welcome to join. You can learn more about it here:https://www.jindriskakohoutkova.com/event-details/find-your-flow-6

Thank you for your support and I am looking forward to dancing with you.

With Love,

Jindriska