Being a dancer means being courageous. It means having a fearless mentality that doesn’t stop you from thriving in the art you dearly love. No matter how many hurdles a dancer has to overcome, their determined mindset conquers all. It’s what drives them to success in an ever-demanding industry. It goes without saying that dancers are powerful. Their hunger to achieve greatness dominates any negative judgement from the individuals that don’t truly understand what it means to be a dancer.
Unfortunately, there is still an inconsiderable amount of prejudice when it comes to dancers. A common myth that lures in our society and one that you will undoubtedly hear at least once in your life is: ‘dance isn’t even a real job’. A simple response to an ignorant statement like this would be to ask ‘why?’. Sadly, the main reason why dance is disregarded as being a ‘real job’ is due to their low level of income when compared to other employment. But what is important to remember here is that dancers are not in this field for financial gain, they are in it for their indestructible passion for performing.
Without realising, individuals who are outside of the dance industry or are not truly invested in this art form, don’t realise the heavy demands that being a dancer entails, both mentally and physically. If we stepped into the shoes of a devoted dancer, we would be confronted with a whirlwind of determination and fortitude as their love for dance outshines all negativity. However, there is still a level of precariousness when it comes to a dancer’s life. There are constant uncertainties of whether they are able to survive being a dancer with a low income and the competitiveness of the industry can become daunting, meaning dancers need to work harder if they are wanting security. What is most beautiful about these dancers is that they will cast these downfalls aside and continue to strive and fight for what they love most. This is an attitude you don’t see in every field of employment.
Within society, there are still heavy judgements being made regarding dancers and a level of ignorance when it comes to appreciating this art form, specifically as a form of employment. It is important to remind ourselves of the significance of dance and to realise that without it, there would be little liveliness in the world! Without realising, we consume dance on a daily basis. Whether that be through TV adverts, films, music videos and much more. If we stripped dance away completely, where would society be?
Speaking to Henry Ward (@henners332 on Instagram), a professional dancer, he believes that people are unaware of the impact dance has on society:
“I think that people tend to dismiss dance as a job because they either only see it as a hobby and not a source of income or that a dance job isn’t beneficial for the public. Whereas I believe that dance is a form of entertainment and escapism that is needed for people to feel real-life emotions. Just like in the war they would send dancers and comedians to keep the morale up for the soldiers. People don’t realise it, but dance does benefit the system”.
Dance has more influence than people realise. It has the power to entertain, to thrill and to gain enjoyment. It is much more than a job for so many; It’s devotion and long-term commitment to create escapism for both dancers and the audience, as they immerse themselves in a world of entertainment.
Also speaking to Lydia Herbert (@lydiaherbertt on Instagram), a professional dancer and teacher, she believes that dance is underestimated and not appreciated as it should be:
“Dance is an art form that still gets underestimated in society. I think there is still a stigma of it if you don’t start dancing at a young age or you aren’t classed as ‘able bodied’ then you can’t make it as a dancer or performer.
I love to work with such a wide variety of dancers because of the influence it has on people's emotions and as a teacher, I think it’s hard to watch society try to strip that from people. To have young dancers questioning their choice to do something they love and to retrain isn’t what we should be promoting. We should be building the next generation to be what they want to be, not stripping them from that. Dance shouldn’t be underestimated, because dance has the potential to be whatever it wants to be and NOT just a hobby”.
I think it's due time where we honour how hard-working and driven dancers really are. They deserve the utmost respect for the level of determination they carry through their careers and journeys of becoming and being a dancer. It isn’t an easy road, but they will always fight for their dreams no matter how bumpy the journey may get.
To every single dancer out there, whether you are a professional, a beginner, a teacher or are simply dancing for a hobby; today we celebrate you. We see and admire your strength that it takes to be a dancer. Keep going and keep fighting, but most importantly, keep dancing.
Written for May 2021 Flexus Dance Collective Newsletter
