While still in the professional dance scene as an instructor and dancer, I am beginning to see that dance as we knew it is now changing; it seems to be evolving into more of a gymnastic and dance fushion; now it seems those who pay for tickets to see dance want to be mostly entertained and wowed. What they want to wow them is a death defying routine, or movement that looks inhuman. There is a place for that kind of dance or “artistry” , but I think we are beginning to see a decline in traditional dance that breeds so much artistry you don’t need the “tricks.”I personally was never taught gymnastics in order to be a good dancer, yet I find it great for strength building. I was taught the fundamentals of how to be a strong dancer. Strong back in the day meant, poise, grace, correct alignment in the back and legs, feet that were not sickled, agility….are we still looking for those things in dance? Or, do we ask the question now, ” can that dancer put her bottom on her head? Can that dancer flip without his or her hands touching the ground? I’m not going to lie; those techniques used in dance are amazing, but are we now saying that is what it means to be technical and anything else is lacking or boring? I truly think those that come from traditional ballet, modern, or jazz should not fear but continue to present their art with confidence. If the art of “old” was in fact one that would bring chills to your arms when a dancer would grace the stage with content derived or inspired by the dancer that would perform, and if classical dance is truly different and special in comparison to this type of new age dance genre then we must continue to share its classics and represent it well. This new dance fushion that we currently see can be a beautiful type of art within its own category. However, we must remember that art moves; art grips the heart; it is not merely an entertainment platform. Art tells stories; art has shape, content, and is thought provoking; it is felt.
-GL
Faith, Family, Dance, and Lemonade 