Creativity

In the past week on Strictly Come Dancing, Kevin was forced to stand far outside his comfort zone; he and Anton Du Beke were asked to sing, as well as dance in the show’s opening number on Musicals Week.

The experience went well, but it forced Kevin to examine the process of mind-set, and his own approach to the creative process. In this week’s episode, Kevin discusses the way to deal with doubt, the mind-set needed to combat expectation, overcoming creative block, and the best ways to stimulate and maintain your creative side.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Self-doubt, even when we know we possess the abilities needed, can be the difference between fear and enjoyment, especially when it comes to performance.
• It’s far more important to focus on the performance itself, and giving the best in the small time you have while performing, rather than the validation you may or may not receive from other people.
• Despite having extensive experience in singing, and having performed vocally many times in public, singing on Strictly was very different, as the expectation of the audience was radically different.
• It was important for Kevin to heed the advice that he always gives to his partners on the show; to enjoy the performance, to trust his abilities, and to lose the weight of expectation.
• When we put pressure on ourselves to create, we reach a mind-set that encourages perfectionism. Perfectionism is great, but it can also lead to stress and anxiety about the thing we are striving to create. Remove the pressure from yourself. Focus on the end result, and concentrate on the work itself.
• Set realistic conditions. People are at their most creative when they’re most relaxed. Think about when you are at your most imaginative, such as in the shower, or while relaxing. Isn’t it those times when you suddenly come up with marvellous ideas?
• Look at things that inspire you; things that spark your imagination. Music is perfect for this, but if you’re a writer, then read something that resembles the aim of your own project.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Even as a viewer, watching the series, I had a great time’

‘My head can be my own worst enemy’

‘You’re supposed to let go of the end result’

‘You need to listen to your own advice’

‘We’re all a work in progress’

‘You have to let go of the end result’

‘When you’re trying to choreograph, just go for a walk’

'Let your brain be ready to receive creativity'

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

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Kevin Clifton YouTube