• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • About Sarah
  • The Blog
    • What Moves You?
    • RahTalks
    • RahMoves
  • FREE RESOURCES

Rah Dance Works

What Moves You?

  • College Prep for Dancers
  • Contact

6 Quick Tips for a Unique Artist Statement

Featured Post

6 Quick Tips on Artist Statements

Writing a Unique Artist Statement

It feels like torture, right? How do I describe my movement and dance aesthetic in a way that feels genuine, authentic AND accurate? 

There are a few quick tips I want to share that will get you started in the right direction. First things first…

Artist Statement vs. Artist Bio

Sometimes they can mean the same thing because both types of writing can be used for similar reasons: programs, press releases, websites, grants and choreographic applications. But let’s try to think about them separately for now. An artist statement speaks more about your process and your artistic goals while your biography talks about your life story (it can include your artistic process, but it’s not limited by that).

If you’re looking for more details on how to write an artist bio that actually stands out – I got you covered.

If not, here are a couple of tips to get your started on your artist statement…

6 Quick Tips for a Unique Artist Statement

Alright, let’s get to it. Use these ideas to jumpstart your writing:

  1. Start with the physical description of the space your work is in/will be in (outside, inside, large space, cubical!?).
  2. Try voice recording yourself in rehearsal when you’re with dancers and listening back to what words you use.
  3. Ask people who have seen your work how they would describe it. 
  4. Research choreographers you like or who have similar goals to your own. How do they describe their work? Don’t copy! Just look for formats or ideas you like.
  5. Look at your rehearsal or choreographic notes…any common themes?
  6. Sometimes it’s more important to talk about what your work is researching and who it impacts vs. what the action descriptions are (it helps people relate more….especially non-movers)

I’ll be writing more on artist statements and other career skills, so make sure to subscribe below to stay up to date, but I hope that helps for now!

In the meantime, a wonderful resource is Andrew Simonet’s book Making Your Life as an Artist. I highly recommend it!

Keep Movin’, 
Sarah

Featured Photo by Kenzie Kraft

May 27, 2020 by rahdanceworks Filed Under: RahTalks

Copyright © 2023 · RAHDANCEWORKS