dance happens.

For my very first dance happens. blog post, I discussed an article I had read regarding dance movies. It was a top-ten list of what was supposed to be the best of the dance movie genre, and I had some issues with it.

Now, one year later, another source has developed a comprehensive list of outstanding dance on film. Though not a top-ten list, it truly is a wonderful compilation of titles, with dancers and choreographers who should be watched. I think it is a great reference for anyone who loves dance movies, or who may be looking for performances to share with friends or students. I am proud to say many of these movies make my personal top-ten list as well!

As dance happens. celebrates one year, I think I’ll kick back and celebrate by watching one of these great films!

Dance Movie Marathon- click here!

I wouldn’t call myself the wheeling-and-dealing type. I am not a master of strategrey. I like to spend my time working on projects, being engrossed in a task from beginning to end, and I rarely enjoy scouting out the next big thing. Hopefully, it will just drop into my lap or knock on my door or drop me an e-mail saying “Hey, what you’re doing is neat! Can I give you money for it?”

this plan doesn’t work

So, every one in a while, I have to get out there. I try to present the best image of myself, what I am capable of, what I hope to achieve. I am punctual and thorough and I try to be articulate. Yet, somehow, I always end up sitting, waiting, wishing…

Jobs in the performing arts can be scarce in my neck of the woods, and there is strong competition between schools and conservatories to get (and keep) clients. Networking is high art, as one has to navigate all of the known and unknown relations between studios, studio owners, companies and theaters. Developing affiliation with one person may ostracize you from another. I navigate this chess board with the only plan I think could truly work: be me, be honest, be good at what I do.

I thought this plan was working until I recently met the fate of my previous paragraph yet again. I am sitting, waiting, wishing on an opportunity that may never come. A week of back and forth e-mails detailing class outlines, scheduling and salary requirements has left me holding the phone- literally. I am a slave to my phone’s notification sounds, jumping at every beep and chime, hoping for news. I would much rather be dancing or preparing my lesson plans for this gig, but I am stuck in limbo.

What am I supposed to do?

How do I negotiate my way out of a rut of silence?

I read a great article about how to put your best self forward while searching for a dance teaching job. Thank you Kiner Enterprises Inc! Five easy steps to ensuring success.  Seems easy right?

But I don’t think I have ever seen anyone win a chess match in 5 moves.…

When you are beyond the five easy steps, when you have been all you could have been, when all the questions have been answered, when the e-mails replied to, there are only a few things you can do:

sit

wait

wish

As a dancer, artist, or freelancer, you don’t own the chess board. They do.

So maybe the best choice for action is to go get engrossed again. Get back in the studio and work on what is inspiring and let the time fly past.  At least that way, when it’s my move, I will be ready.