In It Together

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We may live in the era of “every man for himself,” but in that very same world, we are all connected. Often, we try to ignore that fact. However, denying that connection can only lead to exclusion and feeling that our own worth is being threatened. That turns into possessiveness, insecurity…I don’t need to continue. 

            Those feelings also squelch creativity. Rather than feeling free to choreograph and perform from an honest place in your heart, you can feel obligated to have a gimmick in order to stand out; it’s sort of like dancing while looking over your shoulder. Instead of dancing because you love it, you end up dancing just to be better and more noticeable than someone else.

            Networking is a good thing. It offers support for your weaknesses and lets you contribute your strengths to someone who needs it. It’s not based on advertising or trying to outshine anyone else. Actually, its purpose is to help you become more prolific in your art.

            One of the advantages of networking is that you can meet people who are doing the same thing as you but perhaps with a different slant. It helps you find your particular niche, and it does NOT take away from your ability to stand out. It makes your presence known, and it can skyrocket you out of oblivion and into the eyes of someone who is looking for a dancer or choreographer with your unique and individual abilities. 

            Networking is a little bit like having an agent; you become aware of opportunities that you didn’t even know existed. Many dancers are successful freelancers, but you can bet they are networking to get as much awareness as possible. Directors are always looking for new talent, and dancers are always looking for new opportunities. EVERYONE is looking for a way to expand their vision and artistry, and no one can do it alone. It takes an expanded family who speaks the same language to lift each other up and cheer each other on. It also allows dancers to commiserate during rough patches with those who truly understand and can give advice.

            All this to say, don’t think of networking as belonging to a useless club that drains your time. Networking will keep your art alive and allow you to

            Dance on.

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Published by danceon0207

I have been a ballet dancer since I was eight years old. I danced professionally for thirty years with the Washington Ballet and then the Asaph Dance Ensemble. I now own and direct the Northern Virginia Dance Academy and direct the Asaph Dance Ensemble. I began writing in 2006 with the first edition of Breathing Life into Dance-One Teacher's Perspective. I then began a series of children's books based on situations that everyone experiences not only in a ballet studio, but also in life. We are never too old to learn something new nor teach what we'e learned to someone else!

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