Teacher Talk: Get Connected With Commercial Dance
Have you been to a live dance presentation in the past year? Probably because you are a part of the dance industry, your answer is yes. But what do you think a member of the general public would answer? More than likely it would be a “No.”
Now what if you asked the GQ public if they have seen all the numerous TV commercials that have dancing in them? Or what about, “Who did you vote for on “Dancing with the Stars”? I feel sure they would answer in a positive and informative manner to both questions.
A live dance presentation is usually presented in a concert setting. Sadly these types of events are not well known or supported by the general public. Audience attendance is low and funding for these productions is even lower. Performing companies are always struggling to survive and their company dancers usually have a second day job to pay their rent and necessities. Dance purists will say that concert dance is the only way to go for a meaningful dance experience. While I understand their thoughts and good intentions, in most cases concert dance does not pay enough to put food on a dancer’s table.
On the flip side, commercial dance is right in the face of the general public. It seems to be everywhere these days and, when done right, is great for the dance industry. There are TV shows with dance themes; there are music videos and computer sites that highlight dance; there are TV commercials that feature dancers of all shapes and sizes; there are miniature versions of Broadway shows that are full of song and dance on all cruise ships; there are rows of dance shows in cities that attract large tourist crowds and there are business conventions that showcase their products in a huge, industrial, dance-orientated presentation. The list goes on and on, and the financial benefits for dancers go right along with it.
I am sure that being able to achieve success as a participant in concert dance is the ultimate dream of many dancers. But, being the realist that I am, I know that those triumphs are few and far between. Therefore, being a commercial dancer is A-OK in my book. In many instances, it has served as the stepping stone to achieve ones often sought after goal. What’s wrong with that? Nothing
Any manner of dance exposure, even if properly disguised, that draws the positive attention of the general public gets an A+ rating from me. I will graciously welcome and accept all appropriate venues that help to encourage people to view and appreciate dance, first as enjoyment and then as a treasured art form. Even though commercial dance sometimes gets a bad rap, it is the exposed workhorse of the dance industry and should be appreciated and respected as such.
Encourage your graduating students to let commercial dance act for them in a positive way. It certainly can help in achieving their dance goal, whatever it might be. Commercial dance can be an important connection that cannot and should not be overlooked. I have had several students who got holiday and summer jobs dancing in theme parks. They got paid well and in years to come, the performing experience looked great on their résumé.
Scores of novice dancer professionals get hired through the cruise ship audition process. What a great opportunity to start off on the right foot! Many a time it will lead to a bigger and brighter future. We all know that timing is everything, but dancers have to be in the right place at the right time to have it work in their favor. One job or one person often can and often does lead to another fantastic break. So, if opportunity (aka commercial dance) comes a knockin’ at your students’ doors, advise them to think twice before they take a pass. Remember, commercial dance comes in many shapes, forms and sizes; just be sure they find the right fit for them. It can be just the big break that your dancers are looking for. Break A leg!