What's Love Got to Do With it?

Ever wonder why you chose your particular vocation? Sure, luck, timing and opportunity all play a role in work. However, your top choice usually matches your unique form of intelligence.

Many dancers say that moving feels as natural to them as breathing. According to Dr. Howard Gardner, author of Multiple Intelligences, this is due to your innate ability to express yourself through movement---kinesthetic intelligence. It's also central to performers who must watch, imitate and recreate what's laid before them, such as the "born" mimic or the musician who's exercising fine motor control. Dr. Gardner describes seven other types of intelligence that we all share to varying degrees. These include linguistic, logical, musical, naturalist, spatial, and two personal intelligences that help you understand the motives of others and to know yourself. Comics and actors excel in the verbal domain, whereas a musician or singer outdo others in the perception and production that comprises musical intelligence. All performers use the personal IQ's to discern the moods and intentions of significant others (e.g., teachers, directors, audience) and to interpret a role by expressing their innermost feelings.

Like any performing artist you need to know what your assets are and capitalize on them. So pay attention to your natural strengths. They'll help you as a performer now, as well as finding a satisfying profession after you retire from the stage. Unlike the Tina Turner song, it turns out that love has a lot to do with it! At least when it comes to your vocation.