Re: Becoming a performing artist

Posted by dancer007 on August 21, 2007 at 15:36:44:

 In Reply to: Becoming a performing artist posted by Gaya on August 20, 2007 at 08:02:16:

 Never let anyone tell you that age is a barrier. Including yourself! You can accomplish whatever you can dream. Many dance giants began later in life (Rukmini Devi Arundale around 30!)

I am only beginning as a performing artist but so far what I have discovered is that it takes foremost a deep seated desire within yourself so much that no obstacle will dissuade you from your decision to become the dancer you want to become. It is the desire, the love, the passion that will see you through.

I know two dancers who are also doctors. My advice would be to see the pursuits as complimentary and to intertwine them...maybe focus your medical work on dance injuries & healing, proper alignment & nutrition for dancers, etc...Why not? Especially as dancers get older it is of upmost importance to maintain a healthy functional dancing body. How many dancers drop out from some basic knee injury from bad alignment? How many dancers would LOVE to have thier doctor also be a dancer?

I maintain a job & two styles of dance and am performing regularly in both. It requires daily practice & gauging that daily practice by how my body feels that day. Careful listening of the body is crucial to avoid fatique. Quality over quantity is a good pricipal for regular practice. Overtraining and burnout are a result of ignoring the body's signals.

I know medical students are driven to fatigue by the system of education. Remember that you can practice dance visually when your body is too fatiqued. I often play the music of my items & go through the choreographies visually in the evening. This helps tremendously. Also, abhinaya can be practiced daily without draining you too much. Practice what feels weak, don't overdo & be creative about how to practice.

Love for the art and a clear vision of what you want to accomplish will guide your ship through any waters you choose to sail. Take heart; it is all possible.

Good luck.

Follow Ups:

All rights reserved.