It’s that time of year again! When popular dance shows take the airwaves: So You Think You Can Dance, Breaking Pointe, Dance Moms, etc. I found myself reading an article on the subject in the latest issue of Dance Magazine, entitled: “Who Needs the Drama?” and these comments struck me:
“For all the blood, sweat and tears streaming over the airwaves, there’s little attention paid to what these dancers actually do– that is, when they’re not onstage vying to win…What about the hours upon hours of day-in, day-out training that must have gotten them here?”
For me, this really strikes a chord. It takes a lot of work to be a successful dancer, choreographer or dance instructor. These shows (and I would also argue any performance), only highlights the final product: the beauty, the strength, and the splendor. But no one really sees the blood (every once in awhile), sweat and hard work that goes in to these performances. No one sees the amount of TIME it takes to create and perfect the lovely final product.
It’s frustrating from a choreographer/teacher’s standpoint because, as someone who always wants to encourage people to dance and learn the art of dance, it can be really intimidating for new dancers to just jump right in. Especially, when all they see is the final product. And I hear more often than not, “I’m not a dancer” or “I don’t dance” or worst of all, “I’m too old.” I would beg to differ. It’s okay if dance is not your thing, but if that’s the case, then just say so. No more excuses.
I’m always proud to say that I work for a place that encourages people of all ages and abilities to come and express themselves through dance. And for all the beauty that comes with a finished performance, that sometimes, there is no final product. Becomes sometimes the experience of just moving at that time and place is all that you really needed, and that is just as important.
