Double Edged Dreams
I think school dance teams are great. They provide a team membership learning experience and sometimes even a competitive encounter for dancers in search of that specific happening. There is no doubt, that a dancer’s knowledge base is broadened every time they have the opportunity to be part of a dance team or company.
For years, I was an avid supporter of dance students trying out for their school’s dance team. I signed application forms, wrote recommendation letters, and encouraged our students to try out for their school team. And, although I still feel similarly, I now have strong opinions regarding which students should audition.
After carefully weighing all the pros and cons, I have come to the conclusion that dancers who are prospective or actual members of their studio dance company should not audition for their school dance team…and vice versa. The prime reason is scheduling conflicts. There are far too many struggles that cause stress, friction and eventually animosity amongst the students.
Most studio teachers that I have spoken with agree that this has become just too much hassle to have to deal with on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. In addition to the pressure of dealing with students who are torn with what to do, the dance studio teacher must also deal with disgruntled parents of affected dancers on both sides of the issue.
For years, our studio was able to deal with all the school dance teams schedules, demands and events because we worked with the dance team teacher to avoid conflicts before they even happened. We shared schedules and tentative plans, including rehearsal and performance dates. It was fine for a few years; but that was then, and this is now. Things have changed and unfortunately for all involved it is just not working out.
Reality set in and I find that although I wish students could do both, I know they cannot. One dancer cannot dance and live up to the expectations of two teams. They must make a choice, and for them, sometimes not an easy one.
I respect the voices on both sides of the issue. The dancers in question are usually your better ones. They want to enjoy school and participate in school activities. They also want to excel in dance and know that they need to take studio classes in order to do so. They simply want to do it all.
I call the students who are on their studio dance team and their school dance team “double edged dancers.” Eventually someone (or the dancer herself) gets hurt no matter what decision they make. It is a no win situation. There is bound to be friction between them and their peers. Because they are over scheduled, they miss a lot of studio rehearsals. Studio schedules are made or changed to accommodate the demands of the school team. Rehearsals—and sometimes routines in general—suffer from the lack of cohesive energy and attendance.
Why should any group of youngsters, on either side of the coin, have to be put through that? Dance is an art form; it is not a contact sport with constant battling going on. It should be an enjoyable activity and passion for all those involved.
I still admire the tenacity of all teachers who are able to cope with conflicts and all the consequences they bring with them. Why? Because I know what it takes to do it and what it takes out of you at the same time. Now, after many years in the dance educator profession, I step back and wonder what those accommodating decisions actually accomplished.
Because I wanted my dancers to experience every path of dance that they could, I had “double edged dancers” in the company for years. And, although I had every good intention at the time, I cannot help but rethink my decision. Was it really fair to all the dancers all of the time, regardless of their allegiance? Second guessing is scary at times, but sometimes a necessary evil. Did I? Could I? Should I? Who knows? Do you? If so, e-mail me at daniebeck@danceruniverse.com. Thanks for chatting!