“Don’t take dancing too seriously”
Benjamin Behrends is an amazing dancer who has been working in NDT2 and from 2018 he joined GöteborgOperans Danskompani.
-You worked with NDT II, and you also joined Goteborg Opera. What do you bring with you about all these different work? What really helps you to grow as a dancer and artist?
“I think the idea of “don’t stop learning” which is the key because there are a lot of people who provide inspiration to me. Due to the environment, I could continuously watch other people that I have been working with and learn and get inspiration from them for sure as always which is for me a great source to get influenced artistically. Moreover, I try to take it not seriously because dance itself is full of joy so I try to enjoy the moments instead of pushing myself too harshly.”
-You worked in two companies that worked with various and different choreographers. What fascinates you about exploring different materials in your body?
“What I enjoy working with choreographers of diverse backgrounds is each choreographer has their own taste. It is really nice to learn where they gather inspirations and sources for their works. Of course, each has its own methods for creating based on their own imagination, so it is important to understand the intention of each choreographer's piece, what they wish to say, their different styles, etc... Then, while working with such diverse choreographers, we can have an easier time seeing how we fit into their work and how our own voice, taste, and humanity can reflect and possibly influence theirs.”
-You also worked as a guest in Club Guy and Roni. How was challenging yourself with that different kind of work?
“It was fantastic. I really enjoyed the energy. It was really nice to take the challenge of a speaking role which I was looking for when I joined Goteborg to dive more into acting and speech. It was really nice to tackle that and have somebody who encourages me to do that.”
-How were you able to develop your artistry?
“Artistry comes along with growing as a human being, and also from the pure expression of what you are needing to convey. It is not just copying and pasting someone else's movement and styles, but it is really more about exploring what you, your voice, and your art are. These things can arise from life moments, such as having deep and meaningful conversations with other people, going out and exploring other mediums, and broadening your vision. I think we grow in two different ways; we grow as a dancer with technique, but we grow as a spirit so I think as you grow and are able to perform, you should grad from another side that is also growing and that is what I take along in order to bring the spirit into something that we juggle with these days.”
-You also trained in the Boston Ballet. How much do you think technique is important?
“Today, the perspective of technique is maybe different compared to the time when I started dancing. Now, once you realize where you are and what you wish to achieve, you can feel free to break away from some techniques and play around with others. Once you've built up your crayon box, you can add or take different colors and shades as you choose.”
-And how important is also the process of improvisation and researching?
“What I look for in my own improvisation is a delayering of a shedding. I look to shed any training or ego and to not take the dancing itself too seriously; instead, I look to the inner voice and the ebb and flow of my emotion through movement. I then find myself verbalizing through my movement more easily and eloquently than my actual speech. I enjoy playing with the realization of who I am as a human at this moment and seeing how that can translate into dance.”
-What are the important characteristics you need to have today as a contemporary dancer?
“I think there are several fears that we need to pass through: our own desire for perfectionists, curious mind, and artistry. I think while we train ourselves as dancers, we should overcome the fear of our own body’s ability. And also, we should find our own voice in dance instead of taking from others.”
-What do you consider the most when you see other people dancing?
“For me, I love to see the vulnerability side of a dancer. This doesn't mean I need to see dancers create physical pain for themselves. Instead, I like to see a person who can bring out their own dialog to show their personal journey. No matter what the piece is, I like to see someone having an adventure fully in their mind and body. To see them living on the trip that they are creating for themselves.”
-What is the dancers’ role in society?
“We are artists and we are adding to development in society. Sometimes, I feel so small, but ultimately we perform in front of thousands of people so our voices ultimately touch people and inspire people to think differently and act differently. Maybe it seems too strange, but we do sometimes in order to achieve that, but it is hard to keep up does it happen because we are making small changes that can affect broader changes so I think that we are important.”
-Can you give some advice to young dancers?
“Don’t take dance so seriously because it is something we are going to take seriously regardless of if it is art or life. And there will be many struggles and many people pushing you down. Therefore, I think it is our job to not think seriously and allow this form of communication to be fullness.”
Thank you for giving us this opportunity, Benjamin! It was an honor for us.
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