I love teaching open classes. I especially love teaching them in the summer. In the summer, I meet so many new dancers from different studios and cities, and get to re-connect with former students from various places that I've taught. It's very rewarding and am always so happy to see when people keep up with their training.
Truth be told, I am always on my students about keeping up with their training. At the end of the year at Sheridan College, I usually give a short talk. In this talk I tell them, take a couple weeks off, then get right back at it. If they are close to Toronto, they have many options for drop in classes in which some studios even offer a student discount. Even if you are living somewhere where there isn't an option to take class, you can always do something on your own.There is always a way. Other than being injured, there is really no excuse for not keeping your dance skills sharp.
At one point this past year, when having a discussion about this very thing, somebody refered to me as "The Dance Class Nazi." I thought, "Hmmm...am I really the dance class Nazi?" Let's explore that shall we.
Here's the thing, I have never understood dancers who don't train and keep their skills sharp. Something seems to happen with a lot of dancers where in when they finish at their studio or college, they don't keep up with their training. As a dancer, we are not only artists, but also athletes, and it's important to keep our facility, (our body), in shape, strong, and technically aware. If we don't, we are more susceptible to injury, and the older we get, the quicker we become out of shape. I've had this discussion with many dancers and they often tell me, "well, I've been doing yoga" or, "I haven't been to class, but I've been going to the gym." Now both of these things are great compliments to your dance training. I do both yoga and the gym and love it and I tell my students to do the same. But make no mistake, they are NOT a replacement for dance class. If they were, your average gym person or yoga enthusiast would also be dancers. I also hear many people who make reference to really good dancers who indeed work, and don't train. Well truthfully, a good dancer is more often than not still going to be a good dancer, even if they don't go to class. However, they will not be a great dancer, but more likely a mediocre version of their former great self. I know...it sounds harsh, but it's true. Now for some people...that works. I guess for my personal self, I always want to strive to be the best I can be.
Another thing that tends to happen when we don't train is that we lose our ability to pick up and execute choreography quickly and with intention. Dance is a vocabulary, a language, and when we don't speak it, we lose our fluency. I can not tell you how many wonderfully talented dancers, (dancers that I love and were excited to see), basically crashed and burned in the calls for Wizard Of Oz this past season. When it came time to perform in groups, many dancers didn't have a clue. One reason I'm almost sure of, is that unfortunately, dancers in this country don't have enough audition opportunities so nerves take over. But also, it's because although you may be talented, you haven't taken class in a year so your pick up skills are weak. I don't know how many times I've heard " Well if I just had another chance" or "I could get it in rehearsal if they just gave me time." Well unfortunately, if someone hasn't worked with you, they are not going to know that. They want to see what they are going to get at that moment, right in front of them. It's not personal, they don't hate you, it's just what they want. I heard a lot of the same grumblings after the Cats auditions. But the truth of the matter is, Cats is a very specific show, and one where many of the characters are required to have strong technique and nice lines. If you haven't been to class...chances are that's not going to be you. Now there are always extenuating circumstances to these situations. Rarely is it black and white. Things like height, vocal ability, ethnicity, who you know, past experience...all these things do come in to play. But if you perform well and with confidence in your initial dance call, you're more than half way there.
Even if you are a singer first, it's in your best interest to take classes when you can. One shining example of this is a young actor by the name of Lucas Meeuse. When he entered Sheridan college, he was a beginner dancer in the lowest level, and could not kick past ninety degrees. Through a lot of hard work and training, Lucas now can take a dance class of an intermediate/advanced level and hold his own quite well. The same goes for Tess Benger. Here's a young actor who has for the most part, played leading roles since she graduated from Sheridan. Again when she entered the college she had minimal dance training yet now through a lot of hard work, can fit in well taking classes of an intermediate/advanced level. What both of these artists have done in a short time has been quite incredible and has just made them that much more employable in the world of muscal theatre.
I'm the first to admit that there have been times in my life where I wasn't taking class as often as I should due to finances or work. But if I didn't have the money, I always had the ability to give myself a ballet barre or do a good solid jazz warm up. It's all possible, it just depends on your own self discipline.
So instead of grumbling about why you may have not booked the gig, take that energy and put it to good use. Go take a dance class. If you have no money, give yourself a class or go to Zumba at your gym. At the very least you'll be putting movement together and doing something of value for yourself. Also, if you haven't been to class in a while, don't beat yourself up about it, just go. Everyday is a new beginning with new opportunities. That in itself is exciting!
So I guess it's true...I am "The Dance Class Nazi." See you in class...Hopefully!
Stephen Findlay
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