Yeah, I got hooked on Jennifer Lopez's new MTV reality show, Dancelife. Being a dancer myself I sighed with relief that finally someone was going to show us the 'real' side to a dancer's life. Living from paycheck to paycheck, family support or lack thereof, keeping faith in your heart and soul that, YES, you will make it...just hang in there. And we couldn't leave out the juicy gossip about who was hating on who, which dancer was better than the others and who really had the passion for it sans the fame and fortune. All of the above, true. Although the show lacked ‘real’ life moments it did a decent job in trying. Kudos to Jennifer for showcasing the struggles.
But this isn't a review but more of a personal observation. Shifting from dancing into acting and then into music has been a blessing. I am thankful for dance because it has eased my way into other artistic endeavors and assisted in creating a smooth transition. But there are many that ‘make it’ as actors/writers/producers, and discredit the past dance life as a "oh yeah, I use to be a dancer', almost trivial, as if not an important foundation, a plus, a step in the right direction.
It is a gift to be able to express yourself through your body. Our bodies ARE our poetry in motion. When I hear, “Oh, you're a dancer,” people look at you differently, their eyes change, their perception shifts, you are in a different light. I take great pride in what I do and recognize that it is a gift to be shared. Not a gift to have but one to give.
I've suffered minor injuries compared to the average dancer. But the internal emotional injuries of constantly being looked at by family, friends, even complete strangers as if you've just done lost your mind stays with you forever. “How are you going to make money?” or “When are you going to get a real job?” is a favorite. But when you discover what you're passionate about the universe provides. Do not despair because God is always there. The ‘others’ just haven't discovered what they're passionate about. Not yet.
Dance has carried me to where I am and shaped me into whom I've become. Because of dance I've had vast opportunities as a choreographer, model, actress, clothing designer, etc. Because of dance I am confident, something that no other art form can provide for me. When I cannot write what I feel, or speak my emotions, I dance.
To dance is human, to dance is divine.
