The #1 Flaw in Television Dance Competitions
comes from watching dancers perform.
Art is an expression. Competition is an Opinion. Art encourages creativity; Competition perpetuates a winner vs. loser mentality. Art embraces freedom of expression, Competition enforces rules and expectations.
What are we teaching young, talented dancers/artists ultimately, if we focus so much on who’s 1st place, and who’s not, who won, and who lost? I expect this type of mentality and approach when it comes to sports, but when it comes to art; I have a difficult time embracing this concept.
It’s such a shame to watch so many talented dancers be eliminated, or lose in these competitions, when their skill-level, technique, and clear passion for dance is so strong. You might say, “Well, it’s all in good fun, competitions aren’t to be taken so seriously”.
Maybe it’s just me, but when I dance, it’s an expression of the innermost, deepest parts of myself, my thoughts, my emotions, my experiences. My audience, by watching me, hopefully gets to feel some of that, or have some sort of physical reaction to the performance. Whether it is a smile, laughter, remembrance of a painful experience, being perplexed, sheer enjoyment, sheer pleasure, or simply an escape from the grind of everyday life. I’m not looking to be given a score, on a scale of 1 to 10, nor am I interested in being compared to the dancer next to me. I’m simply expressing myself. It is something to be observed and respected. And if you don’t get it, or you don’t like it, that’s fine. That doesn’t affect the validity of ones talent or creativity. That’s what makes it art. It just is.
Related Posts
The “America’s Best Dance Studio Contest 2010” New Logo and Pre-Launch are here!
The America’s Best Dance Studio Contest 2010 Pre-Launch Promo Video Premiere is Here!!
“America’s Best Dance Studio Contest 2010”
“The Professional Dancer’s Survival Kit”
Announcement! Kiner Enterprises Inc. Partners with C. Thomas Coaching to Bring a New Online Learning Center to the Dance World!
The America’s Best Dance Studio Contest Video Series *Special Feature* – The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory in NYC
Related Posts
About The Author
Ashani C Mfuko
Ashani Mfuko is a Social Media Strategist, Digital Marketing Specialist, Award-Winning Blogger, and Professional Dancer. Ashani works with small businesses, corporations, & non-profit organizations as a Social Media Strategist and Digital Marketing Specialist. She creates results-driven, innovative social media strategies that are proven to increase your revenue and catapult your brand to expert status in your niche! She has an extensive track record of creating and implementing successful social media strategies for her clients. She is also the Host and Executive Producer of the “Inside New York City Dance” television show on MNN, and is a proud wife and new mom. Ashani has been featured in Dance Magazine, as a “Media Maven”, as well as in Dance Mogul magazine, Inside Woman magazine, & Dance Studio Life magazine, in addition to various dance blogs online. She is the author and creator of the, “Finance Your Dance: How To Turn Your Passion Into Profit“ e-book and workshop, and her dance blog won the Reader’s Choice, “Top Dance Business Blog” of the year award, two years in a row. She is a leader in the field of social media and digital marketing, and is highly sought after as a dance performer and dance teacher in the New York City dance community. Ashani is on staff at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and teaches Advanced Jazz classes for their Jazz & Contemporary program & Ballet program.
The piece in the above video is true art at its best!! This is the type of creativity that should be observed, respected, and enjoyed! Kudos to Wade Robson!
Interesting comment about dance as an art form vs a competitive “sport” form.
I’m updating a dramatic dance screenplay about this time of great change when questions like these come into play.
Here’s to the joy of dancing in all its popular forms and to the art of dancing in forms such as contemporary ballet!
Namaste. Peace.
Thanks for your comment Melanie! Your screenplay sounds pretty interesting too! Be sure to send me an update on that as it progresses. Take care!
I feel that the exposure of the varied types of dance to the
American public far outweighs the hazards of competition.
Yes, exposure to the world of dance for mainstream America is fantastic! I’d just love to see some dance television shows that highlight the work and talent of professional dancers/dance companies, that doesn’t involve a competition, and that allows dancers to be paid to do what they love on tv, and get exposure, while also benefitting financially. That would be the best of both worlds! 🙂