"The Unattainable Economics of Dancing" by Andy Horwitz

Liz Santoro and Cecilia Eliceche in Heather Kravas "A Quartet"
photo by Jenny May Peterson

I read this piece a few months back and was reminded of it this past weekend. Note to self, if an article or idea leaves an impression on you, you should bookmark it and re-read it again later. It feels like an entirely different me that read the same piece not too long ago.

Anyway, this piece discusses the all to well known reality of how hard it is to make it as a professional dancer in New York City. The staggering cost of life in the city, crippling student loan debt, too few paying projects, dance companies with little funding, an over saturated scene, administrative jobs that are still paying $15/hr (if you're "lucky") and a closed minded/incestuous "downtown" scene are just some of the problems we face.

It had me thinking of not only the problems I face as an artist but what my contributions are doing to the community itself. Every time I take a low to non paying job, am I possibly advancing my career with a new opportunity or continuing this practice of non-paid labor the norm? Do I continue to support the same 5 individuals who are currently being funded, supported, uplifted, and produced by the same community that shuns others not raised by their hands? Do I continue to take their classes and watching their performances knowing that the same can't be said for them for others not in the clique?

Do I continue starve for the sake of dance?

Everyone should read this article as it asks us to think about the roles we play in the community; good and bad.

My heart breaks....

The Unattainable Economics of Dancing"

Article: NYC Ballet: The price dancer's pay to pursue their dreams

Found this article about the sacrifices ballet dancers have made to get to the top.
Enjoy!
shape.com

Sexism in Dance?

The Jasmin Vardimon Company.
photo by Ben Harries

As a nation we are well supplied with choreographers. Matthew Bourne, Akram Khan, Wayne McGregor, Liam Scarlett, Christopher Wheeldon… the list goes on. All are highly acclaimed, players on the world stage, their services booked for years ahead. So why are their female colleagues struggling for visibility? Why, when British dance was founded by women like Ninette de Valois and Marie Rambert, and has always employed more women than men, are there no high-profile women choreographers?

Read the full article here: Sexism in Dance

The Guardian has an interesting article regarding the lack of high profile female choreographers, particularly in Great Britain. 

Do you think the same holds true for us here in the US? Are male choreographers more regarded, more funded, more praised for their work compared to female choreographers?

Hmm...well...

Food For Thought

Dancers from Trey McIntyre Project

I am increasingly trying to figure out new ways to support myself with Dance. Previously, I didn't like mixing dance and money together; Art should be about the "creation" and "process" not the profit right?
Well, times have changed. If I want to continue to be an Artist I have to figure out how to support myself financially so I don't have to continue with 10 side jobs.
How do you support yourself financially as an Artist?
I found this article today.
Great read!
Why Hewlett-Packard is hiring dancers

Rainy day

I can't with this rain. I love rain by the way, I really do. But traveling by mass transit all day in the rain is no fun. Shoulda worn this today..

With these….

and with this attitude..

Here is a little pick me up for this rainy day. And I promise I will have a better attitude next rainy day. Also, one of my favorite dancers/choreographers/teachers/humans, Nicole Wolcott, is teaching at DNA this week Tuesday, Oct 2nd and Thursday Oct. 4th from 11-1pm. 

"By using our curiosity and a sense of humor in this rigorous investigation of artistic technique, we will cultivate the JOD and grow as artists. Come play"

For more info check out her website Nicole Wolcott

Dance Problems