Brent Street, dance and competition
Wed, 5 July 2006, 11:06 pmNeville Talbot4 posts in thread
Brent Street, dance and competition
Wed, 5 July 2006, 11:06 pmNot been on for a while and about to head off on a tour, so thought I'd get my fix for the next few weeks and set something in motion for a change, instead of stirring someone else's pot.
Reading the Brent St thread...
I've been amused, bemused, and shocked by some of the posts, but as one person pointed out, we're probably dealing with younger people who are inclined to 'say what they think'!
But I want to ask all the dancers, or people who've been involved with dance- what is the thing with competition?
My training is mostly in music, and have had a successful career around the world with this over the last 10+ years, and I've never understood the fascination and fervour that dance in particular seems to have for the competitions?
I also wonder whether this raw competitiveness is in some way responsible for the fact that dance suffers greatly as an artform in australia compared to other art forms- I'm thinking in terms of funding, respect from govt etc.
I spent 8 years on funding bodies so am aware firsthand of how few chances there are for professional dancers, and for how difficult it is to have any kind of meaningful, long career for most dancers (especially outside of the pro ballet scene or I presume the 'music video' scene)
It is virtually impossible for young independant dancers to create new or innovative work, and actually get paid a decent sum for it.
My percussion group did a large project with 5 dancers and a well-established and respected choreographer over the summer, and I had many discussions with them about the same things. I for one am passionate about all artists being paid well for what they do in recognition of the stupid amount of work it takes to become any good.
So my questions are-
Does competitiveness get in the way of dancers as an 'industry' banding together for a greater representative strength?
Does the dancing world suffer from the fact that quite a small percentage of dancers have long professional careers, and few stay in the industry after retiring quite young? Does this relative lack of 'old hands' (sorry!) subtract from the knowledge, and pool of experience for the industry? (this of course mostly due to the simple physical nature of the job)
Would a strong united industry make a difference to all dancers- young beginners, and those perhaps in the twilight?
Would the older mature minds temper the obvious aggresiveness and in some cases arrogance demonstrated in the Brent St forum (on both sides)?
Where are the people in this country who are working towards the 'brave new world' and providing leadership- off the dance floor- to young people passionate about this artform?
This forum may also be quite relevant in some ways to other artforms (such as theatre and music!) All welcome!
Looking forward to your answers.
Neville
BS Dance and Competition
Thu, 6 July 2006, 08:35 amWalter Plinge
I am from South Australia and from personal experience in the dance industry this state does not provide any incentives for dancers or anywhere for up and coming dancers to perform. We have a number of dance schools that enter local competition and it is the only opportunity for the kids to excel especially from a young age.
Competition is healthy and a great way for youngsters to work hard at their ability. Its the whole atmosphere of the comp itself together with the build up from learning routines, costumes extra practices etc. My children started very early in comps and comps have been their life. They are in their 20's still dancing and have BA's in MT
When you look at MT performers many have been through the competition circle. Cameron Mitchel did comps in Adelaide and was a spectacular performer and obviously learnt his craft from the best. Rhonda Burchmore did competitions as did David Atkins, Todd McKinney etc etc its a great learning experience and opportunity to see whats out there and how you compare
Yes its true that very few dancers continue on to careers in dance. We dont have enough work for dancers in Aust apart from the few companies and the odd musical and I think this is where competition plays an important part and gives dance students something where they can show their talent.
However, from knowing people associated with Brent Street it is like any other dance school, you will always get people who knock you, thats life.
Whatever is going on there at the moment has obviously caused problems, I suppose its like any other family with problems. Some people have been hurt and are bitter, both young and more mature.
It is a shame that anger is vented on a forum but maybe thats the only way some can get their point across.
Really, if you dont like the school get out, however as for students getting what they paid for and teachers getting paid thats something for the respective Government departments to look at and assess.