The Party's Over Meet some dancers who have stopped dancing but not stopped being dancers.
The party's over! Dancers reach the end of their performing careers, yet need it be the end of their "party?" Not at all! Many dancers who have had prestigious, fulfilling performing lives have forged new careers for themselves with both feet still in the dance arena, completely involved in the art form they flourished in and loved.
Dancer plans to profile many of these women in upcoming issues among them a former New York City Ballet principal dancer who founded and directs her own fledgling classical ballet company; a former chorus gypsy who travels the world setting Broadway shows; in England a dancer who, at age 34, is currently running the European tour of Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake" completely in charge of all aspects from replacing dancers to checking out props, to dancing on stage if need be; an ABT soloist who has become a successful choreographer for smaller companies; and a former member of Ohio Ballet who has segued to singing leading roles on Broadway.
There are many more. Giving up the jazz shoes and the false eyelashes doesn't mean giving up the music, lights, and curtain going up. It may just mean moving off the stage to another part of the theater. Instead of standing in "B-plus" in the line of swans, or swiveling your hips and ruffling your skirts on a table top, or knocking off triple pirouettes to impress the director, you may be standing with clipboard in hand taking notes in the dark, or checking out a set piece that won't line up properly, or belting out the first act closing number the composer hopes will win the Tony.
The headiness of being a performer need not disappear leaving in its place a longing that is not easily dismissed. To make a successful transition within the theater - from dancer to whatever -- takes thought, planning, and luck. In reading about those who have accomplished this crossover with great success one can glean some ideas, store them in a mental notebook, and know there are many corners a dancer can visit in the darkened theater without entirely leaving the magical community of dance. Think about it! The party may be over, but it is surely not time to call it a day.