discovering the vision
I believe in a future for the dance industry where professional dancers don’t have to choose between feeling artistically challenged, enriched, and successful, and feeling valued as a person and employee. I have made this vision my reality and it is not something I take for granted, but for the large majority of current professional dancers, this is far from the reality they experience while ‘living their dream.’ The unfortunate truth is, the majority of the professional dancers I’ve interacted with feel forced into sacrificing money, time, energy, self-worth, lifestyle, health, relationships, and even sanity just to make their dream a reality (but then, is it their dream?). I am still newer to the professional end of my dance career, but I’m fortunate to have realized very early that I was not willing to sacrifice all of those things in order to be a ballet dancer. Which, after already investing 18 years of my life into that path, was an extremely hard pill to swallow thinking that’s the only reality out there in this career.
Part of me felt (and still feels) abandoned by the leadership within many dance companies. The large majority of artistic leadership were once dancers themselves. So, why does it feel like they aren’t trying (harder) to make things better for their dancers when they are the heart and soul of the art and organization? In my mind and experience, when companies put dancers first on their long list of priorities, they have happier, more eager dancers, stronger trust and communication between dancers and leadership, and more potential for full company growth from there. Dancers that are cared for in addition to being challenged are fueled dancers - A strong foundation builds a strong house.
In my opinion, achieving this vision in the dance industry isn’t as far fetched as it may sound. How often as a dancer, do you have the opportunity to openly share your thoughts and concerns with faculty/leadership without fear? I don’t know how it is in every company of course, but in my experience previously and those of my peers, this is a rarity. What it boils down to in my mind is, ballet (unlike other performing arts) - while interactive and deeply personal - fosters an environment of quiet focus and respect. Therefore discussions of concerns only come up when they reach a tense boiling point, rather than routine check-ins and respectful dialogue. In my work with Studio Bee, I am looking forward to working with dance organizations personally, on setting up regular systems for dialogue and communication where all sides feel heard, valued, and able to develop a system for growth. I also want to make sure dancers are equipped with the tools they need to feel confident in voicing their thoughts in a way they’re proud of. If you’re into that idea, follow along :).
When I look into the eyes of a young aspiring dancer and tell them “I am a professional ballet dancer”, I want to feel nothing but pride and encouragement, without guilt for possibly steering them towards an unhealthy profession. I think my fellow dancers will agree in wanting to work towards that.
