How to Mentally Navigate Returning to Dance After a Summer Break
Returning to dance in the fall is always a challenge. Many of us spend the summer either taking a break from dancing or dancing significantly less than usual. Don’t get me wrong, rest is incredibly useful for dancers. It’s also important to spend time with friends and family and engage in other activities that bring dancers joy. Some may be fearful that they’ve lost a significant amount of their dance technique over the break or that their focus will be out of shape. No matter what type of nerves you’re feeling, there are small steps to take to ensure you’re mentally prepared to return to studio dancing.
Tips For Getting Into Dance After a Break
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
Returning to dance in the fall is always a challenge. Many of us spend the summer either taking a break from dancing or dancing significantly less than usual. Don’t get me wrong, rest is incredibly useful for dancers. It’s also important to spend time with friends and family and engage in other activities that bring dancers joy. Some may be fearful that they’ve lost a significant amount of their dance technique over the break or that their focus will be out of shape. No matter what type of nerves you’re feeling, there are small steps to take to ensure you’re mentally prepared to return to studio dancing.
Something that I find crucial when returning to dance is accepting the fact that my body will move differently after a break. It can be mentally challenging to reconcile with the fact that we’re not quite moving in the same way we were a few months ago. Our extensions might be a bit lower and our turn out may not be the same as it was before, and that’s okay! Accept the fact that your mobility is going to change slightly depending on your different levels of activity and inactivity. Feel free to cut yourself a little bit of slack for not quite meeting the expectations you set for yourself. Just because you find yourself in a different place than you were a few months ago, or even a year ago, doesn’t mean you won’t get back to where you were before. In fact, following a break from dance, I often find that my mind is more open and ready to absorb information. I can pick up choreography faster and learn how to do new moves more efficiently after my body and mind have taken time to heal and rest. Keeping this in mind can be helpful when transitioning back into dancing more regularly and rigorously.
Photo By Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash
A useful way I mentally adjust to getting back into dance, or starting any new routine, is journaling about my thoughts and feelings. According to the University of Rochester’s Medical Center, journaling is a helpful way to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression. For me, journaling holds all of these benefits because it helps me understand the root causes of my fears, identify unhelpful thought patterns, and give myself positive affirmations about moving forward. When I notice that I’m not quite meeting my performance goals in dance, it can feel quite discouraging. I begin to feel like I’m being lazy, a slacker, or just downright losing my skills and won’t be able to get them back. When I journal about how I’m feeling, I’m able to realize that while I may be feeling these emotions in the moment, they aren’t necessarily true. Through writing, I can see that I’m feeling the way I’m feeling because I took a break from dancing and am getting into the rhythm of a new routine. By coming to this realization, I can reassure myself that I will be able to get back on track with some time and effort. Suddenly, my situation doesn’t seem like an utter catastrophe, but rather a natural symptom of taking time off.
Another helpful way to use journaling to prepare yourself for getting back into dance is to set realistic goals for yourself. A significant part of goal setting that people often neglect is setting attainable goals or those that you’re capable of achieving. For example, if I were to return to dance after a three-month break, setting a goal for myself to perfectly execute triple pirouettes my first week of class isn’t attainable. Instead, I need to be honest with myself about what I am capable of achieving.
“Finally, one of the most useful things to remember when getting back into dance is that you aren’t alone.”
To create some structure in my life, before I get started on my day, I like to set three goals about what I hope to accomplish, big or small. This is a simple practice that dancers can do before each dance class. These goals can be anything from paying more attention to your épaulement during barre exercises to asking questions about certain steps you want more assistance with. Setting these goals allows me to have a more systematic approach to getting back into dance, which can make me feel like I’m making more of an effort to progress back to where I once was.
Photo By Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash
Finally, one of the most useful things to remember when getting back into dance is that you aren’t alone. Chances are most of your peers have also taken time off and may also be feeling insecure about getting back into dancing. The past year and a half of dancing through Zoom and/or taking time off is a universal experience for dancers, whether they’re beginners or professionals. Reach out to other dancers in your classes and connect with them about the challenges of returning to studio dancing. You can even create a plan to set goals together about what you hope to accomplish in the coming year and check in with each other regularly to see how you’re feeling.
Breaks are necessary for any field, they help us recharge and come back stronger. Regardless of how important they are, ending the break and returning to “regularly scheduled programming” can seem intimidating. But through journaling about your emotions, goal setting, and connecting with peers, getting back into dance can be a far less daunting feat than it seems on the surface.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Preparing for Your First Year in College Dance
For the first time in 18 years, I am moving away to a new city and dancing with people that I have never met before. I’m hundreds of miles away from my family and friends that have made me into who I am today and my beloved dance community that I have had around me for the last 8 years. While this is going to be a drastic change in my life, I know that I am not alone. I know that there are thousands of other dancers across the country and even the world that are experiencing the same uneasy feeling as me.
Name pronunciation: Nick-ole Bear-et | Pronouns: she/her
By Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Editor
For the first time in 18 years, I am moving away to a new city and dancing with people that I have never met before. I’m hundreds of miles away from my family and friends that have made me into who I am today and my beloved dance community that I have had around me for the last 8 years. While this is going to be a drastic change in my life, I know that I am not alone. I know that there are thousands of other dancers across the country and even the world that are experiencing the same uneasy feeling as me.
Life is full of changes that we are prepared for and some that we’re not. When it comes to moving away for college, that is one that we can control. As all of us college freshman are trying to adjust to this new change, it is important that we understand and acknowledge why we decided to pursue dance in the first place. Following your passion is the most important step in making a memorable year in college dance. To prepare myself for this change, I have spoken with multiple graduates from dance programs across the country and some other college freshman that are preparing for their first year in college dance, so here are some ways you can prepare.
Don’t compare yourself!
Knowing what you bring to the class is a big step to make sure that you are gaining what you need from that class. All those dancers are worrying about themselves, not you. Comparing yourself to other dancers doesn’t allow you to dance to the full ability that you know you have. They are here to dance for themselves, they aren’t watching to see if you messed up. Just because another dancer can do a cool trick doesn’t mean that you don’t bring amazing things to the table. Each dancer is unique in their own way and it is important in college dance and in the professional realm to know that.
Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes!
When switching to new teachers in college dance, it can be difficult to adjust to the new techniques they use and the pacingof the class itself. Be sure to give yourself some grace to get adjusted to the new teacher and new environment. Just know that everybody in the room is coming from different backgrounds that are going through the same things as you. As dancers we are conditioned to want to be perfect all the time, but we do need to realize it is human to make mistakes.
Be sure to have all the essentials in your bag
You never know what you may need in the class, so making sure you have everything is important. I know that forgetting a water bottle or a recovery tool can make or break a class for me, so making sure that my bag is stocked with everything I need is very imporrnat. This can help relieve a bit of the stress and allow piece of mind during a stressful transition.
Take some classes to get back into moving
Summer can be a long time to go without dance, so making sure that your stamina is up and your mind is ready for a new season of dance is very important. Summers for me are typically when I take a break from dance so I have been trying to find local drop in classes and classes at my old studio that I can take to get back into it before I leave for college. To help ease your mind try to see if you can take classes at your old studio to keep up that common routine before the big transition.
Have fun!
Don’t stress! Everyone that is in the class loves to dance. They know that this is a passion for them that they want to pursue so remember that you are around people that love dance just as much as you do. While change can be scary and bring stress, I know that dance is my outlet to make me feel better no matter what I am feeling. Doing what I love is worth it and doing what you love should be a top priority.
For me, this change is going to be a tough one. I have gotten accustomed to having my same group of people around me when dancing for many years and this transition feels scary. But, it is important to know that this change is going to be an incredibly exciting one. You are going to be one step closer to doing the thing you love for the rest of your life. Making connections that can last a lifetime and enhancing your craft for years to follow. Just know that you got this and to enjoy your first year! Doing the thing you love the most will make it all worth it.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
DWC Recovery Product Guide
After getting back into dance following a break, it’s typical for your body to need a little extra TLC (see Physical Therapist Colleen Bickel’s article on tips for physically returning to dance). Not to mention, many dancers are also gearing up for competition and convention season, which is always physically demanding. Taking time to rest and recover is often just as important as the dance training itself. This means rolling out and resting your sore muscles but also setting aside time to pamper yourself to feel mentally refreshed. Check out this list of our favorite recovery products at Dancewear Center to help provide yourself with some needed restoration in the coming dance year.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
As dancers are coming back from summer intensives/vacation and preparing for the new dance year, it is vital that we as dancers take care of our bodies properly. After getting back into dance following a break, it’s typical for your body to need a little extra TLC (see Physical Therapist Colleen Bickel’s article on tips for physically returning to dance). Taking time to rest and recover is often just as important as the dance training itself. This means rolling out and resting your sore muscles but also setting aside time to pamper yourself to feel mentally refreshed. Check out this list of our favorite recovery products at Dancewear Center to help provide yourself with some needed restoration in the coming dance year.
Bloch Resistance Bands
Using latex material, this resistance band is perfect for dancers recovering from an injury or for young dancers preparing for their pointe shoes. This product comes in three different colors that indicate different weights, mint green is light, teal blue is medium and royal blue is heavy. The weights can determine which band is best for your recovery process and can target specific areas that are in need of strengthening. Shop for this product in-store or online here!
Flexistretcher
The Flexistretcher is leading the dance world as one of the top training tools for strength and flexibility. Using elastic resistance technology, this product effectively and safely improves flexibility and strength by strengthening the muscles as you stretch. The loops are fully adjustable to fit all bodies and have rubber stoppers that allow the loop to always stay in place without falling off. Be sure to find this product in-store or online! Be sure to check out our How To Videos on the Flexistretcher as well!
Footsie Roller
Do you have tension in your feet that just won’t go away? The Footsie Roller is just the product for you! This roller is designed to relieve tension in the arches of the feet from long rehearsals or sudden injury. Being made of wood and silicone allow for the roller to alleviate knots and tiredness in the feet instantly. Lightweight and durable, this product is easy to throw in your dance bag and carry around wherever you need it!
Apolla Performance
Apolla Performance products are known to be top-notch for dancers around the country for recovery and performance use. Recently featured on Shark Tank, Apolla’s compression socks and legwarmers leave dancers’ feet and legs feeling and looking great. Apolla Performance products use shock absorption technology to help comfort the balls of the feet and squeeze the arch of the foot for maximum comfort and support in any style of dance. The Amp Shock, Performance Shock, Infinite Shock, and the K-Warmer are perfect to help dancers’ feet recover and get prepped for the new dance season! Be sure to check out our How To Video on using traction spray with Apollas!
FLX Infinity Ball
Unlike your regular tennis ball, the FLX Infinity Ball is strategically designed for dancers that need to roll out their sore muscles. While this product is small, it packs a lot of power and is built to handle intense pressure to ensure that knots and soreness in muscles are alleviated. The contoured shape is perfect to get a targeted deep-tissue massage to diminish pain and restore mobility. DWC carries this product in two different colors so be sure to get one in-store or online!
Tiger Balm
Tiger balm is a topical ointment that is aimed to help relieve sore muscles for dancers and hurt areas on the dancer’s body. This product is perfect for use after a rough class or rehearsal where the body needs a little love. You can keep this product in your dance bag for easy access after classes that leave muscles feeling sore. Shop for this product in-store at either Dancewear Center location!
We hope this Recovery Guide can help make the recovery process a little easier!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Physically Returning to Dance: Tips on Handling Load Tolerance and DOMS
It’s an exciting time of the year: the leaves are just starting to change colors, there is a crispness to the morning air, and most importantly, we are returning to the studio to dance!
While dancers usually stay very active in the summer, it’s not usually the same intensity or type of training as during the school year. You might have been swimming, hiking, biking, playing beach volleyball, etc. You might have been dancing but the daily dance classes and training were probably less intense or more intermittent. And the classes might have been virtual.
By Colleen Bickel, Local Physical Therapist and Dancer
It’s an exciting time of the year: the leaves are just starting to change colors, there is a crispness to the morning air, and most importantly, we are returning to the studio to dance!
While dancers usually stay very active in the summer, it’s not usually the same intensity or type of training as during the school year. You might have been swimming, hiking, biking, playing beach volleyball, etc. You might have been dancing but the daily dance classes and training were probably less intense or more intermittent. And the classes might have been virtual.
So, picture this. Imagine that you are a marathon runner. And in the training season, you run up to 50 miles a week. In the off-season, you run maybe 6 miles per week just to “stay in shape.” Do you think the first week back in your training season you should go directly to 50 miles?
It’s easy to say in that scenario, “absolutely not.” But, as dancers, we usually go from not dancing to a full schedule, giving 100% to every class. We do it because we are excited to return to the studio and we love to dance. We do it because we don’t want to appear lazy or disappoint our teachers. But this mentality does sometimes lead to injury.
In the world of Physical Therapy, we talk about “load tolerance of tissue” (tissue, in this case, includes muscle, bone, and connective tissue like tendons and ligaments). Basically, what kind of “loads” can your body handle and how quickly can you progress those loads. If you load too fast and don’t allow your body adequate time to rest and repair, then we end up with things like tendonitis, stress fractures, shin splints, or other “over-use” injuries. “Over-use” is pretty much “over-loaded” without adequate chance to rest and repair.
A less worrisome (but often not enjoyable) bodily experience after returning to dance is DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness). DOMS is intense muscle soreness that occurs 12-72 hours after an activity. If you are dancing every day, sometimes it’s hard to know what you are feeling sore from; is it today’s ballet class or hip hop 2 days ago?
So, what things should dancers do to mitigate DOMS and possible over-use injuries when returning to dance?
The two big categories for injuries and over-use are jumps and relevés. These are movements that our bodies need to slowly build up a tolerance for and we are likely not performing the same amount of them in our off-season. Ultimately, be thoughtful about the amount of repetitive loading that is occurring each day. How many relevés and how many jumps are you performing each day? You might need to limit this amount and then slowly increase it while also allowing enough time for recovery in between sessions.
When returning from a break, recommendations include:
Make sure you are adequately warmed up.
Be careful about overstretching before class. Focus on improving flexibility after class and perform a dynamic warm-up before class.
Don’t try to perform challenging movements when you are fatigued.
Limit the amount of relevés you are performing daily. Maybe you perform some relevés at barre during ballet but not every combination in the center. Maybe you perform relevés during pointe class but limit them in your ballet class prior. Remember it’s about the total number per day and your body’s ability to have time to recover before performing that activity again.
Limit the number of jumps you are performing daily. Possibly limit the height of your jumps as you slowly return to dance. Focus on building up your tolerance for jumping with smaller jumps and working on good alignment and mechanics.
“Be careful about overstretching before class. Focus on improving flexibility after class and perform a dynamic warm-up before class.”
The two big categories for DOMS are pliés/grandpliés and planks/push-ups. These movements utilize large muscles that will get sore! With DOMS, you should feel the soreness with movement or stretching but not with rest. The soreness should be in the muscle belly and not in a tendon, ligament, or joint.
If dealing with DOMS, recommendations include:
Perform light gentle movement. This could be walking, a light elliptical or bike cardio workout, or going through a dynamic warm-up. This maintains blood flow which nourishes the muscle to heal quickly and does not allow lactic acid to build up.
Research has shown that stretching and releases (ball rolling, foam roller, massage gun, massage session, etc) won’t affect it either way. Won’t make it better, won’t make it worse.
Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen. These interfere in the natural process of soreness, recovery, and adaptation.
Overall, make sure you are getting enough sleep and good nutrition. The body recovers while you are sleeping, so if you are not getting enough sleep, you are not recovering to the best of your abilities. If you are not getting adequate nutrition, your body does not have the basic building blocks it needs to recover.
DOMS should resolve with time. If the pain persists for weeks, if you are markedly worse AFTER class, or if the pain is sharp/burning/tingling/searing then you may be dealing with an injury and these factors should be respected. At this point, seeing a physical therapist may be a good idea.
Ultimately, you know your body better than anyone else! Let your teacher know if you need to limit movements and self-advocate for what you need! And just know that after a few weeks of slowly increasing your tolerance, you will be back in great shape and able to go 110%.
DWC Ambassador Kendall Hadley On The Mental Challenges Of Injury
Overcoming the physical and mental challenges of my injury was one of the hardest things I have gone through as a dancer.
In both 7th grade and my sophomore year of high school, I dislocated my knee during dance class. The first time I came out of a jump and landed poorly and sat out for four months. The second time my pointe shoe slid out from under me and I sat out for six months.
By Kendall Hadley, DWC Ambassador
Pronunciation: Can-doll Had-lee | Pronouns: she/her
Overcoming the physical and mental challenges of my injury was one of the hardest things I have gone through as a dancer.
In both 7th grade and my sophomore year of high school, I dislocated my knee during dance class. The first time I came out of a jump and landed poorly and sat out for four months. The second time my pointe shoe slid out from under me and I sat out for six months.
As a dancer I’ve become accustomed to relying on my body to perform as it needs to as long as I take care of it. My injuries were both sudden, unpredictable, and devastating. I could no longer count on my body the way I used to. I had to rely on crutches to walk, and others to be kind enough to help me with simple tasks such as opening the door. During this time I had to repair the physical and mental relationship of my body during the time of my injury, and long after my recovery.
While tedious, my physical recovery is essential to my healing, and it still benefits me today. Having back-to-back doctors and physical therapy appointments was time consuming, but I also learned more about my body in that time than I ever had before. Finding a physical therapist that was supportive as well as knowledgeable of my recovery process was extremely helpful in my recovery. It’s important that your physical therapist knows you are returning to dance, not just to recreational activity. Dance is a physically demanding sport that requires strength and endurance. I had to advocate for myself and explain the physical demands that were required for my sport were not simple. My physical therapist and I both worked to develop a routine that would help me return to my regular dance activity.
After months of hard work, rest, and truly listening to my body I was able to slowly return to taking class. After my second injury I encountered many more mental obstacles than physical. I no longer trusted my body. I was always psyching myself out from trying new movements, compared myself to others, and encountered anxiety within the classroom.
Anytime I was introduced to new movements I encountered anxiety. Fearing re-injury, I found I was holding myself back in dance and wasn’t pushing myself. This stunted my growth as a dancer. I had to learn to overcome these physical and mental obstacles overtime.
The things that really aided me on me journey to mental recovery:
-Go to your dance classes and take notes
I know it can be hard to watch your friends get to dance and not be able to join them, but this will help you learn by watching and remembering your terminology. It also shows that you genuinely want to be there and your instructors will see that.
-Know the difference between pain and discomfort
This requires an elevated awareness of your body that not many people possess. There is a difference between doing something your body isn’t used to and dancing through pain. Learn what is your body entering new territory and what is your body’s way of saying it needs a break.
-Take care of your body
Beyond the doctors appointments and dance classes, there is so much you can do to take care of your body. The little things like cold showers or warm baths make all the difference. Take time to ice your feet, warmup, roll out, stretch, meditate, and do everything your body needs to before hitting the dance floor.
-Be patient with yourself
Being a dancer you require a lot from your body. Understanding that your body needs the time to work up to what it once was is difficult. I have found that in some ways my injury has made me stronger as a dancer and I go into dance with an appreciation for my body and what it is allowing me to do. It may take some time before your body is dancing at the level it used to, but you may be a better dancer because of it.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
How has your identity affected you in the dance world?
I am Anna Ricketts, a sixteen-year-old dancer at Fidalgo Dance Works. I currently identify as a cisgender, omnisexual woman. If you don’t know what that means, it means that I am attracted to people of all genders and orientations. Fortunately, my dance studio is very accepting of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, I feel very loved and accepted there. Although I feel accepted at my studio, the journey to feeling careless about what others think about my orientation took a long time.
By Anna Ricketts (she/they), DWC Blog Contributor
I am Anna Ricketts, a sixteen-year-old dancer at Fidalgo Dance Works. I currently identify as a cisgender, omnisexual woman. If you don’t know what that means, it means that I am attracted to people of all genders and orientations. Fortunately, my dance studio is very accepting of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, I feel very loved and accepted there. Although I feel accepted at my studio, the journey to feeling careless about what others think about my orientation took a long time.
I never knew a lot about the LGBTQ+ community until middle school. I started attending GSA meetings and thinking to myself “Who am I?”. Figuring out my sexuality was not an easy task and it was extremely challenging mentally. I felt scared, alone, worthless, confused, and stressed. These mental challenges with exploring my identity and the troubles with everything else in life critically affected my dance life. This affected my dance life especially since I never really saw professional dancers on social media who were a part of the community. I felt that I was never going to be able to dance professionally in the future, which had been my only dream in life since I was very young. The mental turmoil made me want to quit dancing. It made me want to quit trying in life. However, as I grew older, figured out my sexuality, and found a place of peace in my mind, those thoughts and feelings went away. I stopped caring what other people thought about me and started thinking more about how I can start loving myself and giving back to myself.
Seeing more and more queer dancers on social media has also helped me gain confidence in my dancing. These dancers inspire me to continue growing and learning the art of dance. One important dancer to mention is Ashton Edwards. Ever since I read that they started dancing with PNB, I have been inspired. Seeing them dance onstage a few times has also been extremely inspiring. Another inspiration is Merce Cunningham. Merce Cunningham was a dancer and choreographer who helped shape modern dance into what it is today. He was a part of the LGBTQ+ community and was very inspiring to hundreds of people around the world. Having these inspirational dancers to look up to and having friends and family to support me helped with my journey extraordinarily. Growing up not knowing about many LGBTQ+ dancers made me feel alone. I want to change this for the future generations of dancers to come. I want to show them that it is okay to identify with the LGBTQ+ community. You can become a professional dancer and be a part of the community. You are worthy of acceptance and happiness.
If you are struggling with your identity just understand that you are not alone. There are so many other people around the world who struggle with figuring out their orientations. Having people who inspire you and help support you will make your journey less stressful and challenging. It is normal to feel confused, sad, and scared. Growing up not knowing about many LGBTQ+ dancers made me feel alone and frightened. I wanted to give up on everything including dance. Now that I have gotten through that really long path, I want to help change the future generations of queer dancers to come. I want to show them that it is okay to identify with the LGBTQ+ community. You can work in the dance/performing arts industry and be a part of the community. You are worthy of acceptance and happiness. The journey may be difficult, but I believe in you. There are people around you that believe in you and love you.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Thriving in Dance College
Becoming a good artist requires a lot of time and is a highly individual process. True art, in its various forms, comes from observing the world, coming to know yourself, and the synthesis between the two. There is no substitute for the hours of training, studying, and absorbing that need to be done in order to hone your craft and distinguish your voice as an individual.
By Hannah Emory, DWC Blog Contributor
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.
- Make Good Art, Neil Gaiman -
Why dance college?
Becoming a good artist requires a lot of time and is a highly individual process. True art, in its various forms, comes from observing the world, coming to know yourself, and the synthesis between the two. There is no substitute for the hours of training, studying, and absorbing that need to be done in order to hone your craft and distinguish your voice as an individual.
This can be done in an independent way, seeking opportunities as they come along and pursuing your individual goals outside of any formal education. However, dance college can be an environment that is conducive to incubating the artistic process and providing a higher concentration of resources, learning opportunities, and collaborative relationships than one might find independently.
Given, academic institutions have their own challenges in addition to their benefits; not one of them is perfect or will guarantee you the career you envision. Dance college requires a lot of hard work, and not all of it will necessarily be in-line with your individual goals. But it can all lead you places you never would have imagined otherwise.
So, if you want to attend dance college, or have already been accepted into a program, there are certain things that I and my peers propose will help you make the experience richer and more self-explorational. College is a significant commitment of financial resources and, even more precious, a great investment of time and energy. It’s crucial to make the most of it! I hope you find this advice helpful in either starting or continuing your education. It’s a long journey, but it’s worth every step!
Advice for thriving in dance college:
Hannah Emory (@hannah.emory):
Remember, just because you’re different, it doesn’t make you a bad dancer technically or a bad artist aesthetically. You will encounter all kinds of stylistic and training differences while in college, but I encourage you to think of it all as tools in your toolbox, not a statement about what you should be. Especially in contemporary dance, teachers are those who have forged their own path in a discipline full of variety. Think of dance as a language where each mover has their own dialect - there is no right or wrong, just difference, and that’s what makes this artform so wonderful. There are structures you can learn and styles you can emulate, but you have your own unique way of dancing that should be celebrated. Explore it, express it, enjoy it and don’t allow anyone to tell you you’re not legitimate - not even yourself!
Controversially, I encourage you to prioritize your bodily wellbeing and training time over academics. In college, there’s always going to be tests to study for, papers to research, and rubrics to fulfill. But what can never be replaced is your bodily health, mental wellbeing, and this chance to absorb as much as you can about how to actually dance. Everything you will encounter as an academic subject in your course is important fuel for your dance journey, but it’s my opinion that pursuing academics should not take over your ability to dance well and feel great while doing it. If you’re struggling with the academic side of your program, please speak to your course directors and advisors, but don’t lose the joy of dancing in the midst of academic expectations. Grades are for the academy and for now; dancing is for you and for your whole life.
Spend your extra time in the studio to create your own work.
If you are able to book studios out as a student, that’s an invaluable resource! This is your opportunity to begin experimenting and making your own work. You can develop a regular improv practice, make solos, and collaborate with your friends to get well-versed in your choreographic process.
**Bonus points for filming and posting what you make on social media, especially if your goal is to be a performer or choreographer. An easily accessible catalog of your work on Instagram or Youtube gets your name out there to people you may have never met otherwise.**
Educate yourself on and take advantage of the resources your college has on offer beyond the studio space - everything from cameras to sound equipment to students in other courses who may want to work with you on projects. There’s so many opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and experimentation during this time in your life, with the tools you need and people to create with, all in one place.
Alice Gavigan (@alice_gavigan): What’s great about full time training and college is that you get to be truly immersed in dance and you get to study and practice what you love. In this environment, naturally, you want to do your best and go above and beyond what you’ve been asked to do. But, in my experience, this can lead to burnout and unnecessary stress. What helped me was establishing a routine for the week and having time separate from training and assignments. For example, I set aside one evening a week to do some fun self-care and fully relax. Balancing my personal life with my dance training has really helped me to preserve my mental health.
Marcela Pridavkova (@marcela_marar + @ulyogasoc):
During college, stay yourself. You will meet lots of new people with different skill sets and training. You might start comparing yourself to these people, but remember everybody has different strengths and there is something in you that other people will look up to.
Explore and adapt your own style, get to know your best skills and make the most of them, and be aware of your weaknesses and try to work on them.
Do not try to fix everything at once. Instead, set small goals for yourself and do not punish yourself if you don’t achieve the exact result you expected.
Work the best you can but be kind to yourself and others. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
There will be challenging moments when you will feel like giving up. But stay strong, we have all been there, and it’s hard to be a dancer!
Don’t forget to enjoy it! College years are great, even with all struggles along the way, and you will make some great memories.
Sources:
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
DWC How To's: Sewing Your Pointe Shoes
Sewing pointe shoes can be one of the most complicated processes for dancers, but it doesn’t need to be!. There are various ways that teachers want their students to sew them and many ways that dancers prefer their own pointe shoes to be sewn. While there isn’t a correct way to sew your shoes, there are many tips and tricks that can be helpful to know in order to sew your shoes efficiently and effectively. Read on to learn some tricks from DWC Staff Member Emma Neilson!
By Emma Neilson DWC Social Media Manager, & Nicole Barrett DWC Blog Editor
Sewing pointe shoes can be one of the most complicated processes for dancers, but it doesn’t need to be! There are various ways that teachers want their students to sew them and many ways that dancers prefer their own pointe shoes to be sewn. While there isn’t a correct way to sew your shoes, there are many tips and tricks that can be helpful to know in order to sew your shoes efficiently and effectively. Read on to learn some tricks from DWC Staff Member Emma Neilson!
Materials needed to sew pointe shoes:
Stitch kit (needle and thread)
Sharpie or pen (to label the left and right shoe)
A lighter
Scissors
Pointe shoes
Ribbon
Elastic
Optional: Thimble
Here are the beginning steps on how to sew your pointe shoes!:
Take about a wingspan worth of thread to make sure you don’t run out and cut it off the spool.
Take your needle and put the thread through the eye of the needle. Pull the thread taut and make sure that both ends of the thread are the same length and knot the end.
Take your ribbons first and cut them into four even pieces to put on your shoes. Be sure to burn the edges with your lighter so that the ends don’t fray. Repeat the same with your elastics.
Line up your ribbons and elastics together on the side seam of the shoe. A general guideline is to place them at the highest point of the arch of your foot. (This is personal preference, so be sure to find where you like your ribbons and elastics on your shoes best!)
Take your needle and thread and start sewing them down. Some dancers prefer sewing the canvas or inner lining of the shoe only, but you can sew all the way through the fabric if you would prefer. You can also sew the ribbons and elastics down by sewing a box around the end or whichever way would be most effective for you. This is all personal preference!
Once you are finished with your stitching, create a knot at the end so that the stitching doesn’t come undone. Cut off the access thread with scissors.
Next you are going to take the other end of your elastic that you just sewed down and cross the end to the other side of the shoe. When both of them are sewn they should make an x-shape. *This can also be done with one elastic along the back edge of the shoe to make a strap which is dancer or teacher preference!*
Cross the elastic to the back of the shoe and be sure that it is at an angle to line up with the curve of your ankle. (This can be done on the inside or outside of your shoe just be sure to check with your teacher to see which they would prefer).
Use the same method that you chose for the front part of the elastic and ribbons and sew the back elastics down.
Tie a knot at the end of your thread and repeat with the other set of ribbons and elastics.
Repeat on the other pointe shoe and you have a new set of sewn pointe shoes!
We hope that these tips and tricks helped you sew your pointe shoes! All of these products can be found at Dancewear Center in store or online!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
How Do You Cope?
During the month of May, mental health is brought to the entire country’s attention. Mental Health Awareness Month was put into effect in 1949 to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and to provide support for those going through those issues. We here at Dancewear Center believe that mental health is something that is very important to talk about and it is important to know that you are not alone in what you are feeling. Many people can feel stuck when they are experiencing bad mental health days and it is important to find ways to alleviate that. We got to speak with some of our staff and ambassadors about what they do to cope with their mental and physical health through hard times. Read on to learn more about how they take care of themselves during rough times.
DWC Staff and friends speak to their personal methods for coping with anxiety and stress
By Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Editor
Trigger Warning: eating disorders, mental health issues
During the month of May, mental health is brought to the entire country’s attention. Mental Health Awareness Month was put into effect in 1949 to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and to provide support for those going through those issues. We here at Dancewear Center believe that mental health is something that is very important to talk about and it is important to know that you are not alone in what you are feeling. Many people can feel stuck when they are experiencing bad mental health days and it is important to find ways to alleviate that. We got to speak with some of our staff and ambassadors about what they do to cope with their mental and physical health through hard times. Read on to learn more about how they take care of themselves during rough times.
Emma
When I'm going through a season of life where I'm dancing a lot, I find I have to prioritize my health above all else in order to perform at the highest level possible. For me personally, I find that my physical and mental health affect one another, and if one starts to suffer, the other soon follows suit. It's taken me a long time to find routines that I feel good about and that work for me, and a lot of it is trial and error. What works for one dancer won't necessarily work for another.
I have in the past struggled with several injuries. The thing that I have found to be one of the most helpful things in my routine is cross-training and weightlifting. I also try to implement yoga (I love hot yoga too!) and pilates regularly into my schedule as well. When I have performances coming up, I try to schedule physical therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture, and massage sessions around those.
To take care of myself after dance and working out, my favorite things are using my muscle gun, gua sha, and also ice baths for my feet and ankles after a lot of pointe work. I also try to roll out or stretch when I can- but some nights I'm just too tired too and that's okay! I'm also a big fan of different topicals and creams if I am struggling with pain. You can get my favorite Tiger Balm at DWC. ;)
Some daily habits that keep me on track include eating regularly throughout my days, even when I'm super busy and making sure I'm getting my vitamins, supplements, and water in. A big factor in my mental health is also sleep! I notice I start to feel worse when I'm not getting enough sleep, so I try to have good sleep hygiene and a night routine. This is definitely always a struggle for me, but the rest we get can have a huge impact, especially since as athletes we have to give our muscles enough time to rest and repair themselves. Now, you might be confused at this next one, but I notice a significant difference in my state of mind when I make my bed each morning and keep my space clean. A clean space is a happy space, and I can tell my mental health is declining if my space starts to get cluttered and dirty.
I also think as dancers we are notoriously awful at knowing when to say "no" or "I need a break". If you need a rest day- take it! If you need a mental health day, carve time out of your regular schedule to spend time with friends, family, or just yourself, or to do whatever you may need. You will ultimately be a better performer when you feel rested and whole as a person who has a life outside of the studio.
And as always, never be scared to reach out for help. I am a huge advocate for seeing therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and other health professionals. I think a common misconception is that something must be "wrong" when we seek out mental health services, but really, it can be useful when you are just needing someone to talk to, or need help building routines or gaining new coping skills.
Ethan
Routine! I have built an evening recovery routine for myself that I do every single day. It is comprised of stretching, foam rolling, and using a lacrosse ball. I have noticed that if I do this only one evening (or even occasionally) there is only a minimal amount of gain in terms of how loose and relaxed I can move the next day. But having done this every day I regularly feel closer to my best. Routine is also calming to me, it helps me unwind and focusing on a singular task is almost like meditation.
Nicole
Take breaks! Whether the specific issue you are dealing with is mental or physical, everybody needs a break. Knowing when you need to take a break or take a step back is key to making sure you are prioritizing yourself. I have been through some major injuries and mental health situations in my dance journey that have forced me to take a step back from the thing that I love. Although I hated this break at the time, I look back on it now and I am so grateful that it happened to me. This break not only let me heal my body, but I also regained my love and passion for dance that was being overshadowed by my injury and self doubt.
Just be sure to remember as you are dealing with these issues that you are not alone and it is okay to not be okay. Never be scared to reach out to somebody if you think you need help. Throughout my break in dance, I was consistently talking with a professional to help me navigate through my emotions. Remember that you got this and whatever you are going through does not define the dancer you are.
Kendall
As a dancer, my mental health is just as important as my physical health. I find I struggle with bring my anxieties into the studio. I like to journal my thoughts down before going into class, that way I can focus on enjoying the movement and making corrections. I also try to avoid imposter syndrome and comparison by looking at old videos and pictures so I can see how far I’ve come. I also look for my safe people and friends within the studio who I can go to with my struggles. It’s important to remember you aren’t alone in your struggles, a lot of dancers deal with the same issues.
Robbi
Some basic things that I do to take care of myself are going on walks, when I can, and listening to music that I really enjoy. I can get drained from a lot of social interaction, and as a freelance dance artist, it is important to rest my body and mind when I can. It is okay to not be everywhere all of the time. Doing things for myself that help me feel like I am not missing out on anything is very important in a culture that is designed to make people think they are not doing enough, when our minds are trying to keep track of more things than ever before. Use your dancer brain to realize that it is all a performance, and that there are always things behind the scenes of everyone's lives that are not being advertised.
I love to touch grass, smell flowers, and see other people in real life and not just online. It is a reminder that the body I dance in is not separate from the body that I experience the rest of my life in. Saving up energy so that I can show up for the things that really matter to me has been so helpful this year. It gives me more to say as a person and as an artist when the time comes. It is okay to let people miss you. It is in the missing that you remember not to take each other for granted. This can apply to your relationship with dance as well.
Lastly, remember that the party does not start until YOU walk in.
We hope that some of these tips can help you during hard times. Know that you are never alone and there is always someone to talk to when things get low. If you ever need any further help, please call the crisis hotline at 988.
About the Author
Sources:
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Living My Truth Out Loud: Embracing Human Expression
“Human expression on the most natural level is non-binary,” said Ashton Edwards, former Dancewear Center (DWC) Ambassador, in an interview for the DWC Blog. Ashton is a dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, and an exquisite one. I’ve been following them on Instagram since they partnered with the DWC ambassador program in 2020. They inspire me and give me hope because when I was growing up, queer dancers were invisible.
By Brittni Bryan, Former DWC Ambassador
“Human expression on the most natural level is non-binary”
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“Human expression on the most natural level is non-binary,” said Ashton Edwards, former Dancewear Center (DWC) Ambassador, in an interview for the DWC Blog. Ashton is a dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, and an exquisite one. I’ve been following them on Instagram since they partnered with the DWC Ambassador program in 2020. They inspire me and give me hope because when I was growing up, queer dancers were invisible.
In 2009, the year I graduated high school, Nigel Lythgoe of So You Think You Can Dance infamously and harshly critiqued a pair of same-sex ballroom auditionees saying, “I think you’d probably alienate a lot of our audience. We’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but they’ve never really done it in each other’s arm’s before. I’m certainly one of those people that really like to see guys be guys and girls be girls on stage,” Nigel said. I watched the episode when it originally aired, sitting in my first girlfriend’s basement bedroom. We weren’t dating yet. Neither of us were out yet, and in fact, I hadn’t even realized I was in love with her yet. But, I remember watching that episode with her and I remember being upset. That was the representation I got: a pair of ballroom dancers condemned for their sexuality on national television— their technique and talent mostly ignored. The focus was on the binary of traditional partnering pairs and how this pairing was abnormal in comparison.
In December of 2012, Washington state became one of the first three states in the US to legally recognize gay marriage through popular vote. I was living in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood at the time, finishing up my bachelor’s degree at Seattle University. I still wasn’t fully out, but my roommate and I walked to the Pike/Pine corridor where people celebrated this long fought for human right on the streets, the excitement frenzied and palpable. The next year, I started dancing for a local production company on Capitol Hill. It was a queer-run dinner theater that primarily found success in hosting 21st birthdays and bachelorette parties. I danced there on and off for four years. During that time, gay marriage was federally legalized in the United States. At some point, I choreographed a “romantic” lyrical/contemporary routine for myself and one of our male dancers. We needed an understudy but none of our other male dancers could execute the technique, so I suggested one of the other girls should understudy. Our owner and director, a gay man, agreed, saying it would be okay for a female to understudy the male part because it would be artistic, not sexual or romantic. But what if it was sexual and romantic, and why couldn’t it be? Just a few years later, the male-presenting dancer I originally partnered with began her transition from a male-presenting body to a female-presenting body. The whole time, I had been dancing with a woman anyway.
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It was not until 2019 that I saw anything in the dance world that validated my sexuality. Kiara Felder, 29, of Les Grands Ballet and formerly a principal with Atlanta Ballet, was interviewed by Dance Magazine for an article on Pride and dance. In a section called, “Could I Be a Ballet Dancer and Be a Lesbian”, Felder discusses the fractured relationship between her sexuality and her professional dance career. She describes how she stayed in the closet at the beginning of her career, “worried that she'd lose her scholarship at PNB [our very own Pacific Northwest Ballet] if the administration found out she was gay”. As she continued her career and moved to Atlanta, she found her community amongst some of the gay male dancers. However, she still struggled to find other queer women in dance. Her struggle, my struggle, and probably the struggle of many young, queer, female dancers, revolved around representation. Felder said, “Without representation, I started to feel this pressure and fear. "Could I be a ballet dancer and be lesbian?". Lesbian stereotypes focus on the masculinity of gay women: softball players, basketball players, soccer players, etc. Athletic gay women are stereotypically found in male-dominated sports, not in the feminine world of ballet. Except that we are. We’re here, and the outdated, binaried beliefs in dance are keeping us in the closet.
This brings us full circle back to Ashton in 2021. Ashton is breaking gender boundaries in the very same ballet company that Felder was afraid to come out in. They are the first biologically male dancer to study en pointe with Pacific Northwest Ballet and train in traditionally female roles. And they are only eighteen! Ashton is just at the beginning of their career, and I cannot wait to see how the dance community evolves as queer dancers continue to find themselves mirrored in dancers like Ashton or Kiara Felder or Alonso Guzman or Travis Wall or Ashley Yergens or Emma Portner or Nick Lazzarini or James Whiteside or Kyle Abraham or Mollee Gray and her partner Jeka Jane.
I finally came out in 2016, but sometimes I still feel uncomfortable being openly queer today. But then I see Ashton, living their truth out loud in one of the best ballet companies on the West Coast, and I see how much things have changed since I was eighteen. I’m excited to continue to see dance embrace non-binaried castings and non-binaried expressions because Ashton is right, human expression is not inherently binaried. We’ve just made it that way.
So, what can we do to help society accept dance as a non-binaried art form?
One way we can help is by normalizing same-sex partnering and supporting artists who choreograph duets between partners of the same sex, particularly ones with themes of intimacy or romance. Examples include Lauren Lovette’s pas de deux between Preston Chamberlee and Taylor Stanley in the ballet “Not Our Fate,” Justin Peck’s same sex pairing in “The Times Are Racing,” and Joshua Beamish’s work in “Saudade”. When audiences only see romantic duets performed between a man and a woman, it perpetuates the dominant idea that heterosexual love is the only kind of love acceptable to see onstage and offstage. Additionally, when queer dancers only see heterosexuality portrayed onstage, it can make them feel underrepresented and like their experiences aren’t worth depicting. But artists have the opportunity to help change this by creating work that challenges the norm. Choreographers in particular, can help by actively choreographing duets that aren’t performed by man-woman pairings to challenge the norm of heterosexual romance in dance.
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In dance classes, we can aid in normalizing the use of non-binaried language in our teaching. Oftentimes, teachers use language that defaults to heterosexuality as the “norm”. However, this is damaging because when people assume the sexuality of someone they are denying the existence of other identities, reinforcing the normalized identity as the “correct” way to identify, and erasing the ability for young people to see alternate identities as valid. People often assume someone is straight until they “come out”, but this is not the case. We can challenge ourselves to not assume the sexuality of others by being more inclusive with our language. For example, in 2014, I started saying “guy or girl” to describe the idea of being flirtatious in jazz styling instead of just “guy”. Seemingly small changes like this can help many of us start to retrain our brains to think in ways that aren’t dominated by heterosexuality.
So, when you see artists in your community creating works that confront heteronormativity, support them in any way you can, whether that be buying tickets to their shows, sharing their work with others, or finding ways to collaborate. If you are an artist, particularly a heterosexual artist, challenge yourself to create work that promotes diverse identities in an effort to continue to break down the barriers of society’s obsession with the gender binary and allow for a deeper exploration into the human experience through art.
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