The Best Life Lesson I Learned As A Dancer
I started dancing when I was 13 years old, and actively performed and taught the art form from the age of 15. From travelling around Russia, Europe, and United States I learned from the best dancers and choreographers. A dancer’s life for me is what I told myself… I’m not here to boast, but to share the best life lesson I learnt as a dancer.
It was summer 2013 at Fair Play Dance Camp, and one of the Q&A sessions with guest choreographers. Kyle Hanagami (an incredible choreographer from Los Angeles) encouraged dancers to think about a ‘Plan B’ – if it’s not dancing, what would you be doing? Could you do something dance-related (creative director, costume designer…)?
Best Life Lesson I learnt as a Dancer
Let me guess, Dance is everything for you – a hobby, free time, a dream career, etc. I feel you, dance was everything for me too–at some point in my life. When I heard Kyle Hanagami’s words, the whole idea of doing something dance-related ‘just in case’ was so foreign… “nah I’m 19, my dance career is only at it’s beginning” I thought. Many of us dancers get kind of fixated on pursuing fame as a performer or choreographer, and it’s really hard to even to think about an alternative.
Sadly a performing dancer’s career can be unexpectedly short — it’s life; injuries happen, or life happens too. Chances are you won’t be dancing as much, or as good as you are now in 5-10 years time. According to a recent study by aDvANCE Project many dancers believe they will remain active dancers and performers for nearly 10 years longer than is feasible.
Check out Why do dancers die twice? It’s a brilliant thought-provoking article and a Radio documentary on BBC.
Plan B
Think about a plan B. What if you’re not able to pursue performing as a career? Do you like choreographing or teaching the art form? Maybe it’s planning and putting together outfits for upcoming shows your favourite thing? Is it lighting that fascinates you, or maybe getting everyone organised for dance events or performances? Are you passionate about nutrition and physical wellbeing? Maybe you’re interested in dance photography or videography?
When writing this here I am, a dancer turned into a dance photographer and videographer! I’m still a part of dance scene, working with dance companies and individual professionals, and I love it! If you want to learn about my background as a dancer, feel free to read Why Dance Photography?
The lesson here is be resilient. Start noticing other disciplines that are somehow related to dance that you’re drawn to; learn about them more. This way you will not only prepare yourself for unexpected, but also find new opportunities to expand your dance career.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s post. If you have any questions about life lessons I learnt as a dancer, drop a comment in the comment section below.
