I have been in the field of dance since the age of thirteen and have spent most of my life either, studying, performing, teaching, choreographing or helping dancers. Most dancers at some point have to take life-altering decisions that require a lot of dedication and commitment but this is often not foreseen by the dancers themselves or their families. I will endeavour to share my insights and experience.
The most common question that fogs the mind of a dancer is when is it the time to take that plunge and dedicate your entire life to dancing. Q
More than well-planned decision, dancing is a career that comes out of love and creativity. There is always a way to “dance,” be it performing on stage or using dancer’s skills to create beauty and movement in society.
When we think of dance we think of great flexible bodies moving gracefully to a rhythm.
Very often aspiring dancers are caught in a web of questions before they take to dancing. I am going to attempt to clear a few things that may be a concern for most of them.
Am I too fat, too tall, too short or too old to dance?
Llook at the queen of Bollywood choreography — Saroj Khan ji, — she is not young and has a large body frame too but once she is on the dance floor, one can’t ever keep one’s eyes off her genius like abilities. Her expressive eyes and her perfect rhythm are not hindered by her frame or age. If she can do it, so can you.
What will happen to my dance career once I’m old?
Growing old has nothing to do with your dance. It is meant for all, not just the young. Take example of award-winning dancers like Pandit Birju Maharaj and Astad Deboo. Even at their age, they are still going strong; in fact stronger than before. Remember dance is all about practise. As long as you practise, you will never be too old to dance.
Will I cease to be a dancer if I stop dancing?
Once a dancer always a dancer. One may have to stop dancing due to some health reasons or some other personal commitments, but the love in their hearts will always remain. For dance enthusiasts, dance is their first love, and like they say “your first love can never be forgotten.” So even if you do stop dancing for any reason, you still will remain a dancer within.
Will I be known as someone who quit dance if I stop dancing?
That’s not true at all. Stopping something does not mean quitting. It will be when you do not dance ever even at social gatherings and family functions. That is quitting. Stopping due to workload, health or family problems is not called quitting. If you are a dance lover you will never quit dance.
After having spent years preparing and training and working as a dancer, how do you cope with transition? What do I do after my career is over?
I would say keep dancing. If not at dance competitions and shows, then keep it going at social parties and functions. Remember you are never too old to dance and never too old to help. Go ahead and help friends and family members set up dance shows at local events like church function, marriages etc.
Dance as a medium of art needs positive people; people who can enthuse life into a profession. If you are a lover of dance then let questions not bog your mind. Just go ahead and dance.
It will bring in the positivity and enthusiasm that is needed to continue to dance and you will never stop it even when you are on a break. Dancing is a high and a positive one at that. You will never be able to stay away from it even when on a sabbatical.