A Working Class Dancer- When should you dance for free?

For a dancer anywhere in the world, there are certain places and opportunities that come along in your career that may sound like a dream come true, only to find out there is little or no compensation. It is dramatically important to ask the choreographer or director contacting you about the compensation before committing to a project. Not balancing your dancers happiness to work with you will lead to resentment, and  them feeling like their time is not respected.

Fair or not, most dancers, like many other artists will inevitable work for free or very little pay in their careers. When you are first starting out, an unpaid apprenticeship or placement in a company with a distinguished choreographer can give you valuable experience and knowledge that could lead you to other jobs; projects with friends that can offer a rehearsal cup of coffee could lead you to creative fulfillment; a voluntary gig at a well-known venue could enhance your resume. All of these are still great gains to your career, the key word to keep in mind is balance, because we all still have bills to pay at the end of the day.

All of the Chace Dance Company dancers have other work outlets where they receive their main income, usually through teaching or managing their own dance studios. This gives all of them a window of a regular salary, and still an oppertunity to be creatively challenged through  company rehearsals. Since this company is still so young and in its planting phase, CDC offers a rotating rehearsal stipend between dancers, a long with endorsements of clothing from TamTam Dancewear, and free classes and workshops. “South Africa is a country with so many more important issues to deal with, there is just no funding available for arts.. Or they invest it in youth dance programs, but where do these dancers go for work there after? Leading company’s to fend for themselves.” It is extremely hard to survive as a dance company in a third world country. Dancers have to work all day every day just to make enough money to survive, and we can’t help but love what we do and only want to do it more. It’s hard to find people with that obsession and passion for their craft, and all dancers have that intanse drive in them.

Having a side job whether it is teaching, waitressing, or secretary work, gives dancers the chance to work on projects and come together as artists. But always make sure when doing so, that the project benefits you as a dancer and a person in some other amazing way as mentioned above. You end up building such great relationships when working together in a creative environment.

If you are interested in becoming a company donor to help keep our talented dance company alive in South Africa. Please see our donations tab on the website on how you can donate. Or simply contact the artist director at TamraLChace@gmail.com

Rookie Error’s: First Year Mistakes in a Company

Mistakes to avoid when you’re a first year dancer in a company… 

As a professional dancer it makes most directors cringe when members pull out their cell phones to sms or update social media in the middle of a class, or even worse, a rehearsal. I comes across very disrespectful to your teacher, choreographer, or director, even if you are not in the scene being danced. 

Something like checking your phone in the studio may not seem like a big deal, but all small mistakes add up to one consequence. If you are not careful you could even offend other dancers that are in the middle of working on their section. The transition from a start studio student to a professional company dancer can be difficult to navigate, but don’t start off your new year by sending unprofessional first impressions that will jeopardize your success.

1. Disrespecting other dancers.  Showing respect for veteran company dancers begins the moment you walk through that studio door. It is important to keep professional work space. It is a good idea to arrive early on your first day, and once you get to the center work kindly give the older company dancers to dance in front and first when going across the floor.

These unwritten rules don’t mean you can neer interact with dancers above your year rank by any means. But it is best to feel out the situation and allow them to acknowledge you first. It is always okay to go to them for advice,  but timing is important. Wait for a break or until rehearsals are finished to approach them. Most dancers would be flattered and more than willing to help you with anything.  You can’t let intimidation stop you from asking questions.

2. Throwing away small roles. Most dancers dread being stuck in the back holding a flower basket or waving a rose back and forth while another dancers their heart out in the center. These small parts may seem unimportant, but there isn’t a moment when you are not being watched by someone in the audience, someone is ALWAYS watching you. This is a oppertunity for young dancers to prove their professionalism, dedication, and artistic maturity. Every dancer has to put their time in and perform roles you don’t want to do, but give that small role 110% and people will notice.

Spend as much time possible preparing for your role in the show as if you were a soloist. Make up a name, background, storyline, or whatever you need  to create your character. Don’t try to steal the spotlight, still know where the audience’s focus should be.

3. Not presenting your best self, All Season Long. New company dancers often start the year looking fresh and professional. But as the season grinds on and the schedule becomes more demanding, it can be easy to slack off. You don’t have to wear a leotard and tights every rehearsal, but dress in a way that flatters you as a dancer.

Making a lasting impression isn’t just about your appearance; but also your mental preparation.  Research what your company is working on, find videos, read interviews. You should walk into the studio with background information on what you are presenting to the world, if you don’t you already a step behind from the others. Quick learners often get thrown into new roles over those who fumble through steps, survival of the fittest.

4. Slacking off in class, or not taking class at all. The way you work and present yourself in classes sends a message to others on your work ethic. Taking class is a way to show your technique and your desire to grow. Arrive early to warm up, watch closely as others dance, and examine your own technical weaknesses. All of this behavior plays a huge role in the future of your career. A lot of dancers get lost because they don’t rely on self-motivation to further or better themselves with classes. You can go months without anything being said to you in a company, no compliments, no corrections, but they are always watching.

5. Be Aware of social media. It is so tempting to want to share everything about your new job or about being in an amazing company. But unless the company has specifically asked you to take pictures, tweet, or post updates about what you are working on, talking about it online can cause tension with your co-workers or director. It can even go as far as getting you fired! Many professional dance companies have adopted social media policies that prevent dancers from sharing certain information. Be sure to understand the guidelines your company has set.