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Why does one start a life in dance? Through movement, dancers have found their most honest and joyful means of expression. We know that the complexity, insularity, and difficulty of a dancer's life present challenges. Perhaps the greatest of those challenges is retaining one's contact with, and interest in, the many different worlds outside of the dance milieu. Once they rediscover some of those other activities, most dancers reveal interests complementary to their performing selves. In many ways, those qualities are their greatest asset. The richer the person, the more there will be to express.
I really only want to dance! In a perfect world, being able only to dance would be ideal. However, long, poorly paid rehearsal periods followed by one or two performances are often closer to reality. Teaching jobs are scarce and choreographic opportunities rare. It is possible to achieve the desire "only to dance", but one has to live in body and mind, as well as spirit! In discussion with a career counselor, most dancers do find an interest to develop and perhaps study that may have been forgotten or never explored.
Curiosity about anything leads an artist to deeper levels of understanding and commitment, finally benefiting them as a person able to express a more interesting self through dance. How is this practical? Once other interests are discovered or rediscovered, one helpful method is career counseling, which can help in shaping possible flexible parallel careers, and which can be developed with the unique needs of the life of a dancer in mind.
What are those needs?
- Flexibility: a job or position that can be taken up and put away at will.
- Financial viability: the choice must be worth the investment of time and (if necessary) training.
- A benefit to self-esteem: whatever one chooses to do, it hopefully will enhance one's view of oneself.
- Possibly an interest which could develop and grow over the long term.
I'm not by nature entrepreneurial. What can I do? You're in luck! Even ten years ago, "jobs" were long-term and full-time. Society has recognized the importance of flexibility and part-time work. Once you have identified your areas of interest, you'll probably find a way to make this new approach work, given the new environment.
The conclusion? To regain or retain the passion and commitment so vital to a life in dance, don't be too hard on yourself! Poverty and jobs that are demeaning or ill paid are not an option. Career counseling is available at most universities for their students and is free for members of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC). The DTRC can also help with networking possibilities or to put you in touch with other dancers who have found new and interesting ways to make a living while dancing.
The goal! To be a dancer and to release the joy of this art we all love.
TIPS!
- Are you computer literate? In today's world, this is a necessity! For Toronto's dance professionals, Dance Umbrella of Ontario at The Dance Plant and Dancer Transition Resource Centre has computers available for use.
- Dancer Transition Resource Centre also has grants available for computer training anywhere in Canada, for members only.
Article originally contributed by Joysanne Sidimus
LINKS:
Cultural Careers Council Ontario
See ~ Get Mentored!
www.workinculture.on.ca
Cultural Human Resource Council
www.culturalhrc.ca
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
www.dtrc.ca
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
RESOURCES:
Dancer's World '91: Changes, Challenges and Realities Conference. The Dancer Transition Centre & The Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists: Toronto, 1991. — Available at DUO Library
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