Forums > Technical Discussion > Performing vs. Being Watched
Login/Join to ParticipateDreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
Posted:
This has occured to a lot lately, but more so when we were out spinning in front of the national this weekend on Block Island. (it's a big hotel).
Anyhow, it doesn't bother me at all to have people watching me spin, altho sometimes if said people are in fact spinners i get nervous. But i can get over that. What i don't like, however, is the idea of being the performer. not because i have no wish to perform, but i don't freestyle all that well as of yet.
Any time i've found myself in a performing situation (not related to poi), it helps to know what i'm doing. Hence, i think if things were coreographed i'd be fine. But to just get up and spin in front of people with the idea that i'm entertaining them drives me nuts. I'm not even sure why. So i'm just sort of looking for your thoughts/ opinions etc. on this.
This has occured to a lot lately, but more so when we were out spinning in front of the national this weekend on Block Island. (it's a big hotel).
Anyhow, it doesn't bother me at all to have people watching me spin, altho sometimes if said people are in fact spinners i get nervous. But i can get over that. What i don't like, however, is the idea of being the performer. not because i have no wish to perform, but i don't freestyle all that well as of yet.
Any time i've found myself in a performing situation (not related to poi), it helps to know what i'm doing. Hence, i think if things were coreographed i'd be fine. But to just get up and spin in front of people with the idea that i'm entertaining them drives me nuts. I'm not even sure why. So i'm just sort of looking for your thoughts/ opinions etc. on this.
Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive
Shalom VeAhavah
New Hampshire has a point....
BRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posted:
I know what you mean, most people can't seem to understand that you are PRACTICING, not giving them a free show.
Even when you tell them!!!!!
I get tempted to take a times table out of my backpack and read it out aloud. Then ask them why they aren't watching anymore, that's it's just another type of practice...
But, to be honest, I do enjoy the attention too.
I know what you mean, most people can't seem to understand that you are PRACTICING, not giving them a free show.
Even when you tell them!!!!!
I get tempted to take a times table out of my backpack and read it out aloud. Then ask them why they aren't watching anymore, that's it's just another type of practice...
But, to be honest, I do enjoy the attention too.
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Dreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
Posted:
hehe, yeah i dunno, i'm often with people who like to "perform" too. so it gets a performy feeling, and i just don't do so well under those circumstances.
hehe, yeah i dunno, i'm often with people who like to "perform" too. so it gets a performy feeling, and i just don't do so well under those circumstances.
Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive
Shalom VeAhavah
New Hampshire has a point....
SILVER Member
Liquid Cow
2,629 posts
Location: High Wycombe, England
Liquid Cow
2,629 posts
Location: High Wycombe, England
Posted:
I feel pretty much the same - I have no problems practising and just playing around in front of my friends (some of whom I'm converting to the cause), but in front of people who just happen to be walking past, I get really nervous when I glance up and see that I'm being watched.
It's probably just because I'm not a natural performer and I find showmanship really difficult - I have done for as long as I can remember. I'm hoping I'll eventually get over it
I feel pretty much the same - I have no problems practising and just playing around in front of my friends (some of whom I'm converting to the cause), but in front of people who just happen to be walking past, I get really nervous when I glance up and see that I'm being watched.
It's probably just because I'm not a natural performer and I find showmanship really difficult - I have done for as long as I can remember. I'm hoping I'll eventually get over it
But there's no sense crying over every mistake. You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.
member
33 posts
33 posts
Posted:
I know exactly how you feel... you wouldn't belive how many times a day i have to explain what im doing to a person or a SECURITY GUARD...
I also get nervous around other spinners because i feel as if they're judging me to themselves as to whether they're better than me or not.
So i don't think it's anything new.
I know exactly how you feel... you wouldn't belive how many times a day i have to explain what im doing to a person or a SECURITY GUARD...
I also get nervous around other spinners because i feel as if they're judging me to themselves as to whether they're better than me or not.
So i don't think it's anything new.
The Dragon of The Poi
member
33 posts
33 posts
Posted:
if you don't like people watching walk around for a while and try to find somewhere somewhat secluded or where not many people look (or go to) or if people are watching what i usually do s close my eyes so that i don't see them and try to blank them out of my miond...
(that's just my opinion)
if you don't like people watching walk around for a while and try to find somewhere somewhat secluded or where not many people look (or go to) or if people are watching what i usually do s close my eyes so that i don't see them and try to blank them out of my miond...
(that's just my opinion)
The Dragon of The Poi
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
I think there are four levels.
First, there is "getting caught" where you really thought you had found a private or semi-private spot to practice and then people come up and watch you and you're not so thrilled about it.
Then there is "being watched" where you picked a spot that you figured would be low-traffic, but people see you anyways and you don't care.
Then there is what I call "guerilla performing" where you decide to randomly light up in the middle of a place with high visibility and you sort of DO want people to watch.
And then there is "true performing" where you have an audience who knows that you're going to be performing, and a venue and all that stuff.
Most of the places I spin, spinning is so rare that no security guard or cop gives me trouble. They just watch...
I think there are four levels.
First, there is "getting caught" where you really thought you had found a private or semi-private spot to practice and then people come up and watch you and you're not so thrilled about it.
Then there is "being watched" where you picked a spot that you figured would be low-traffic, but people see you anyways and you don't care.
Then there is what I call "guerilla performing" where you decide to randomly light up in the middle of a place with high visibility and you sort of DO want people to watch.
And then there is "true performing" where you have an audience who knows that you're going to be performing, and a venue and all that stuff.
Most of the places I spin, spinning is so rare that no security guard or cop gives me trouble. They just watch...
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
Dreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
Posted:
it's the guerilla performing that bothers me most. i really don't care who watches, unless there is some definite expectation of a show, or once in awhile in front of new spinners i havn't met before...
nice break-down mike i think.
it's the guerilla performing that bothers me most. i really don't care who watches, unless there is some definite expectation of a show, or once in awhile in front of new spinners i havn't met before...
nice break-down mike i think.
Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive
Shalom VeAhavah
New Hampshire has a point....
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
yeah nice categorisation mr mikey! (intentions, expectations)
if you use fwirling as an means to meet great peeps of all backgrounds, you can use that love of people to diffuse your performance tension: they are all potentially great friends that you haven't yet met.
I have applied this all my life, but then again, ima biased, being the shameless extrovert. look I'm not even wearing pants now. it's crazy.
/is relieved there is no marmite-cam above him...
yeah nice categorisation mr mikey! (intentions, expectations)
if you use fwirling as an means to meet great peeps of all backgrounds, you can use that love of people to diffuse your performance tension: they are all potentially great friends that you haven't yet met.
I have applied this all my life, but then again, ima biased, being the shameless extrovert. look I'm not even wearing pants now. it's crazy.
/is relieved there is no marmite-cam above him...
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Guerilla performing is one of my favorites, but it's tough to do. You have to pick a place where you can be reasonably sure you won't get in trouble, but enough visability to spin. You need your safety with you, and some friends to nucleate the audience.
But there's nothing quite like the feeling when about 30 more people have gathered around you, all eyes agape, and you finish to thunderous applause...not because your spin was a feat of acrobatics, but because they were all caught off-guard.
There's an intermediate between guerilla and true performing, where your venue isn't exactly controlled (like your front yard that you're spinning in for a party), and people walking by stop and stare.
Guerilla performing is one of my favorites, but it's tough to do. You have to pick a place where you can be reasonably sure you won't get in trouble, but enough visability to spin. You need your safety with you, and some friends to nucleate the audience.
But there's nothing quite like the feeling when about 30 more people have gathered around you, all eyes agape, and you finish to thunderous applause...not because your spin was a feat of acrobatics, but because they were all caught off-guard.
There's an intermediate between guerilla and true performing, where your venue isn't exactly controlled (like your front yard that you're spinning in for a party), and people walking by stop and stare.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Guerilla performing is one of my favorites, but it's tough to do. You have to pick a place where you can be reasonably sure you won't get in trouble, but enough visability to spin. You need your safety with you, and some friends to nucleate the audience.
But there's nothing quite like the feeling when about 30 more people have gathered around you, all eyes agape, and you finish to thunderous applause...not because your spin was a feat of acrobatics, but because they were all caught off-guard.
There's an intermediate between guerilla and true performing, where your venue isn't exactly controlled (like your front yard that you're spinning in for a party), and people walking by stop and stare.
Guerilla performing is one of my favorites, but it's tough to do. You have to pick a place where you can be reasonably sure you won't get in trouble, but enough visability to spin. You need your safety with you, and some friends to nucleate the audience.
But there's nothing quite like the feeling when about 30 more people have gathered around you, all eyes agape, and you finish to thunderous applause...not because your spin was a feat of acrobatics, but because they were all caught off-guard.
There's an intermediate between guerilla and true performing, where your venue isn't exactly controlled (like your front yard that you're spinning in for a party), and people walking by stop and stare.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
member
49 posts
Location: U.K. / Holland
49 posts
Location: U.K. / Holland
Posted:
Bovril------liquid cow!
Love it!
Bovril------liquid cow!
Love it!
Distorted sex drive in space was already known to be a sticky knoblem - BRASS EYE
addict
416 posts
Location: Hartford, CT USA
416 posts
Location: Hartford, CT USA
Posted:
heh, i did my first true guerilla performance a couple weeks ago, at a beach during a bonfire, i had a couple friends who wanted to watch me do it, so i pulled out my staffs, walked down the beach a bit and lit up, and it was awesome because when i was spinning, i didnt realize that most of the crowd around the bonfire had all turned to watch me...
it was awesome, and i agree it was mostly because they had no idea what was coming, when i first lit the staff i know i heard quite a few cries of "what the hell is he doing..."
oh man, it was cool
one experience i had that was even better than that was at a talent show at a camp i was working at, and counselors were allowed to participate, since it was inside, i couldnt use fire but rather opted for glowsticks and chains. the audience had no idea what i was gonna do, but were still expecting something entertaining, and i think that i surpassed their expectations and that was an incredible feeling as well, but im not sure equite what catergory it falls under...
god, im rambling, but to just respond to the topic, i really dont care who watches regardless of the situation, i dunno, im just comfrotable that way...
heh, i did my first true guerilla performance a couple weeks ago, at a beach during a bonfire, i had a couple friends who wanted to watch me do it, so i pulled out my staffs, walked down the beach a bit and lit up, and it was awesome because when i was spinning, i didnt realize that most of the crowd around the bonfire had all turned to watch me...
it was awesome, and i agree it was mostly because they had no idea what was coming, when i first lit the staff i know i heard quite a few cries of "what the hell is he doing..."
oh man, it was cool
one experience i had that was even better than that was at a talent show at a camp i was working at, and counselors were allowed to participate, since it was inside, i couldnt use fire but rather opted for glowsticks and chains. the audience had no idea what i was gonna do, but were still expecting something entertaining, and i think that i surpassed their expectations and that was an incredible feeling as well, but im not sure equite what catergory it falls under...
god, im rambling, but to just respond to the topic, i really dont care who watches regardless of the situation, i dunno, im just comfrotable that way...
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
member
184 posts
Location: London
184 posts
Location: London
Posted:
I'll often spin fire at parties, but all my friends are used to it now, and I don't get applause very often anymore
On the other hand, I'm a terrible performer. It doesn't come naturally AT ALL. In fact, one of the first times I performed the audience had to remind I was spinning to face them!
I'm hopeless at spinning in such a way as to demand appreciation from an audience at the end, although I absolutely love watching other people perform. I guess some of us were meant to be on stage, and some of us were meant to BE the audience!!
I'll often spin fire at parties, but all my friends are used to it now, and I don't get applause very often anymore
On the other hand, I'm a terrible performer. It doesn't come naturally AT ALL. In fact, one of the first times I performed the audience had to remind I was spinning to face them!
I'm hopeless at spinning in such a way as to demand appreciation from an audience at the end, although I absolutely love watching other people perform. I guess some of us were meant to be on stage, and some of us were meant to BE the audience!!
member
33 posts
33 posts
Posted:
I have to perform tonight (friday) for my step-grnadparents because my mom wants me to soo i truly can't refuse and i can't seem to put together a decent group of things so i'm really worried that i'm gonna hit myself and look like a fool..... (i don't think i like peforming for family as much.) So any help here would be hot...
I have to perform tonight (friday) for my step-grnadparents because my mom wants me to soo i truly can't refuse and i can't seem to put together a decent group of things so i'm really worried that i'm gonna hit myself and look like a fool..... (i don't think i like peforming for family as much.) So any help here would be hot...
The Dragon of The Poi
SILVER Member
Sweet talented nutter
2,615 posts
Location: Brisbane Oz, Australia
Sweet talented nutter
2,615 posts
Location: Brisbane Oz, Australia
Posted:
i do it just for fun! not to perform or entertain maybe at partys but that'll come old
news some time
anyman can achieve the greatest of things if he dosn't have fear in his heart !
i do it just for fun! not to perform or entertain maybe at partys but that'll come old
news some time
anyman can achieve the greatest of things if he dosn't have fear in his heart !
that shrewd and knavish sprite
Called Robin Good Fellow ; are you not he that is frighten of the maidens of the villagery - fairy
I am the merry wander of the night -puk
member
62 posts
Location: New York (its not as cool as you think)
62 posts
Location: New York (its not as cool as you think)
Posted:
i spin in front of my house which is right off the road. cars stop. some put it in reverse to come back and watch. im waiting for the day when i cause an accident. my first guerrila spin was at a small courtyard at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. me and a friend both spun once. we made a big deal out of it, you know, black clothing, crouched running, heart pounding. guerilla spinning brings me back to the good ol' halloween days.
[ 25 August 2002, 12:25: Message edited by: Locofly ]
i spin in front of my house which is right off the road. cars stop. some put it in reverse to come back and watch. im waiting for the day when i cause an accident. my first guerrila spin was at a small courtyard at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. me and a friend both spun once. we made a big deal out of it, you know, black clothing, crouched running, heart pounding. guerilla spinning brings me back to the good ol' halloween days.
[ 25 August 2002, 12:25: Message edited by: Locofly ]
From the makers of soylent green.
member
30 posts
Location: Halifax, NovaScotia
30 posts
Location: Halifax, NovaScotia
Posted:
I don't like performing in front of family for the pure reason that they don't or can't appreciate it. Even if they ASK me to do it, it seems like I've trapped them there and forced them to watch.
Not very cool I'm afraid.
But then there's the strangers who stop and watch because they are absolutely FASCINATED. True appreciation makes it worthwhile.
Also: Fire eating on the other hand is hard to do in a guerilla fashion. It looks like you're LOOKING for an audience. =-)
I don't like performing in front of family for the pure reason that they don't or can't appreciate it. Even if they ASK me to do it, it seems like I've trapped them there and forced them to watch.
Not very cool I'm afraid.
But then there's the strangers who stop and watch because they are absolutely FASCINATED. True appreciation makes it worthwhile.
Also: Fire eating on the other hand is hard to do in a guerilla fashion. It looks like you're LOOKING for an audience. =-)
---------------Did I say Corpse Hatch? I meant innocence tube.ENOUGH PHILOSOPHY, LET'S FART!
SILVER Member
Intrepid Penguin
5,635 posts
Location: Australia
Intrepid Penguin
5,635 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
i dont like people watching..... ie my flatmates, who REALLY pee me off when they stand in the doorway and im outside spinning, i fumble and smack myself in the head ALOT when people watch.. so i dont like it.
I DO like performing, but thats usually cos i've had a few days at least to get some sort of routine together, and i'm feeling confident and hyped up and in control...... not the same if im just practicing tho.
Usually if im practicing, i get to a point where its nearly meditation and thats why i like being alone. if i have someone watching me, it makes me ill at ease, and i cant put myself in that peaceful place anymore.... damn them! hehe
i dont like people watching..... ie my flatmates, who REALLY pee me off when they stand in the doorway and im outside spinning, i fumble and smack myself in the head ALOT when people watch.. so i dont like it.
I DO like performing, but thats usually cos i've had a few days at least to get some sort of routine together, and i'm feeling confident and hyped up and in control...... not the same if im just practicing tho.
Usually if im practicing, i get to a point where its nearly meditation and thats why i like being alone. if i have someone watching me, it makes me ill at ease, and i cant put myself in that peaceful place anymore.... damn them! hehe
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