Brent Street, dance and competition

Wed, 5 July 2006, 11:06 pm

Not 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

Thread (4 posts)

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Neville TalbotWed, 5 July 2006, 11:06 pm

Walter PlingeThu, 6 July 2006, 08:35 am

BS Dance and Competition

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.

LogosThu, 6 July 2006, 03:49 pm

Speaking from ignorance

Despite nearly forty years in this carzy business I admit I know very little about dance training and schools but it seems to e from the tone of the everincreasing thread about Brent Street that comps seem to mean more than actually preparing for a professional career and I don't believe the way comps seem to be run that they help that preparation. I am also concerned about he fascination for Music Theatre training. There is so little professional music theatre in this country and no home grown, or very little, why are we overwhelming an already overpopulated industry. Even going to the states or the UK isnt going to help a lot as they similarly are overproducing grads. I mean realistically how many of these bright young kids that graduate are going to acheive a real career in the world of professional performin arts. It used to be that graduating from NIDA pretty much meant you would work. Does it now? Have I wandered off topic in this ramble Probably.

Janine MenzFri, 7 July 2006, 07:47 am

Healthy Competition

I have been involved with the competition scene nationally and I respect your comments Logos. Some comps are badly run however, competitions is about building confidence, friendships, co ordination, teamwork, passion, goals, hardwork etc etc. I look at it more of a personal development tool. My children also did competitions for many years, they had singing and dance lessons during the week and were so motivated and determined in setting their goals. They had a focus, they hardly watched tv or sat on the computer for hours or played hand held computer games. Neither did they hang out after school going to malls and getting into drugs and alcohol. For our family 'the competitive dance school' was a bonus. They are both studying musical theatre at present and would love to perform but if that is not an option because of an oversaturated industry they will still focus on employment within the performing arts industry in another area, who knows. Dance is now a curriculum subject at school along with other arts subjects. Competition between high schools is an exciting representation for school students. Healthy competition is character building. At present qualified experienced dance teachers are hard to find You have some very valid points but there will always be parts for the professional performer, the studio dance teacher, the choreographer, the high school teacher, arts administration etc. Its a bit like studying for years to become a lawyer then becoming an actor and vice versa. People change their minds and focus in another direction but in the MT industry its all about the fun getting there. As for the overproduction of grads, the determined will go places and the others will drop out. My children would not change a thing in their lives. They loved the dance classes and competition/eisteddfods.

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