So like every other dancer, I decided to watch “Breaking
Pointe.” Yes, I just started, I’m
a little behind…
So during Episode 2 I heard that the dancers in this company
should know that, “they are special, but also, they're expendable.” (Oxymoron?...)
To quote comedian John Pinette, my immediate reaction was,
“Nay Nay!” What became even more
“Nay Nay,” was that in discussing this with other dancers, everyone seemed to
accept this and agree with it!!
It breaks my heart that our industry has convinced everyone
that they are easily replaced.
It is so difficult to get up every day and go to all of those auditions
feeling completely insignificant.
Here is the thing… Are some dancers expendable? Of course! But who are they?
The Diva Dancers, as I will be calling them. The dancers who arrive late, sludging (yes I just made up a
verb out of a noun) into class, the dancers who think they don’t have to
practice, the ones who grown during rehearsals, the ones who talk trash,
dancers who giggle when someone is injured, and anyone who takes it upon
themselves to criticize others and break them down, among other things that I’m
sure we could devote an ENTIRE blog to…
They are expendable.
I get it though. The goal of Ballet West is to push the dancers to achieve greatness and to never stop trying to improve somehow. So, if you think you can be replaced, you'll try harder. But what about being encouraged to be better, working in a supportive environment that inspires you to takes risks, and being rewarded for your hard work?
Your goal as a performer should be to become indispensable, irreplaceable. You become one of a kind through your
talent, work ethic, personality, behavior, etc. Are there 1,000 other dancers who fit your “body type” or
“type cast?” Yes! But NO ONE can replace you!
I am sorry to all of whom (probably most of us) who have been
taught that you are expendable.
You are not. It is ok to
stand up for yourself. To ask for
a break if you need one, demand that there is a convenient restroom, or stay
true to your personal moral code.
I know many of you are reading this thinking, “Um, Lyndell,
to get a job, I have to be willing to do anything.” Yes, that is what we have been taught, but you can get there
by being yourself. May it take a
little longer? Possibly, (I’m
still climbing up that ladder), BUT you won’t lose who you are along the way.
Do not be an expendable dancer and if someone makes you feel
worthless, it is ok to walk away.
To every dancer who has ever worked for me or who will in
the future, you could NEVER be replaced!
XO,
L
Well, expendable and replaceable are sort of different beasts.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is replaceable, but no one should be expendable. If one is a master or working towards mastery, they become very difficult to replace. In business (different situation, but works for the analogy) there are studies that state it costs about 33% more than an employee is making to replace them, due to training costs, domain knowledge, etc (so you can afford a bigger raise!?!).
Dancers and Musicians don't cost quite as much to replace, however, there is still a cost and if someone is "good enough" to jump in at a moments notice and be as good as who they replaced, they won't be cheap or readily available.
Standing up for oneself is great advice and usually benefits society as a whole or your entire group.
Take handicapped access - while some of the parking spaces can get a little excessive - having easily accessible walkways or ramps on corners helps many more people than just the handicapped. I know there are numerous times that moving gear has been way, way better because of handicapped access.
Designing software applications for people with poor sight or problems with memory often result in a better overall application for all users.
In your post, the example of demanding a bathroom that is accessible and clean benefits the entire production and all of the dancers.
Great post.
Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment! :)
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