3 Dance 'DOs' for 2021
Bethan Cooper's takeaway from the Wales Wide Training Programme's Series of Talks from Inspirational Speakers!
Early in 2021 I attended the Wales Wide Training Programme’s Inspirational Speakers Talks*
and wow - what perfect timing for it! With theatres not looking to open any time soon and
the dance studio feeling further away than ever... it was brilliant to be reminded of the power of dance.
Having spoken to other dancers, I know I’m not the only one feeling that lockdown has been
harder this time around. Those summer days of exercising in the sunshine seem a long time
ago and it has been that little bit harder to find motivation after the Christmas slump. Which
is why I was thrilled when I found out that Tracey Brown, on behalf of the Wales Wide
Training Programme, had organised an Inspirational Speakers series. Amongst the
speakers, we had a mixture of community and professional dance practitioners, performers,
educators, and choreographers, all bringing positive messages of hope for the dance sector
and its future. As a dancer in need of some inspiration, I found comfort in these messages
and wanted to share some of the main points I took away from these talks…
1. Don’t let someone’s opinion stop you doing you.
I was struck by how many of these successful Dance Artists had been knocked in some way
during the beginnings of their dance journey, many of them facing insults, put-downs and
some pretty damning statements. However, if you look at any of them now, you will only see
their achievements, their success… their confidence. We must remember, dance is
subjective. As dancers/humans, we can get hung up on that one bit of feedback that makes
us feel worthless (and let’s face it, was that really feedback - can you really do anything
useful with an insult??). If any of these Artists had listened to those comments the dance
sector would look very different today. We are the next generation of Artists who could be
leading the next era of change in the dance industry, so we cannot let unhelpful feedback
stop us from progressing in our artform.
2. Don’t compare.
It’s a cliché… but it’s now even more relevant. It can be overwhelming seeing some of the
brilliant things people are getting up to during their time in lockdown. How many of us started
last March thinking we might learn a new language? Gain a new skill? Finally finish that
jigsaw puzzle (cough cough, Bethan). I’ve seen quite a few quotes along the lines of “If you
don’t achieve your goals now, you never lacked time... you lacked discipline”. There are
many reasons why that statement is damaging, and whilst for some it might be that kick up
the pen-ôl you needed, for others it might just be a kick when you’re already down. Take
every day as it comes, and celebrate the small stuff… any tick on the to-do list is an
achievement (even if some days that tick is for showering – treat yourself!).
3. Stay hopeful, and keep exploring!
Although some days it’s easy to forget, the theatres WILL one day reopen, the Arts scene
will thrive (as it always does after times of turbulence and unrest) and we must be there
ready for it. Take opportunities to develop your practice. Do that class you’ve been dying to
try. Have a go at that style you’re worried isn’t “you”. Find a new hobby, see if it can
influence the way you move. Have a go at some crazy improv in the privacy of your home. If
you find you don’t enjoy it, at least you tried… and hey at least you’ll be prepared if you’re
asked to improvise or try out a different discipline in an audition.
The Wales Wide Training Programme has been a great support to many dance Artists,
especially this past year, so if you’re based in Wales’ dance sector – be sure to get on their
mailing list and keep an eye out for their next event.
For now, I shall leave you with some links to opportunities highlighted by some of the
speakers during the talks:
Kerry Nicholls Dance Opportunities – Mentoring Opportunities, The Coaching Circle
(currently aimed at Established Artists but launching soon for Early Career Artists)
http://www.kerrynicholls.com/experience-knd/
Stopgap’s Teacher Training Programme – Seedbed, and their Inclusive Dance Syllabus IRIS
https://www.stopgapdance.com/train-with-us/teacher-training/inclusive-teacher-and-iris-
*Speakers included
Wayne McGregor, CBE, Director and Choreographer
Tom Hobden (Choreographer and Educator)
Kerry Nicholls (Director Kerry Nicholls Dance)
Dr Sharon Watson, DL. CEO and Principal, Northern School of Contemporary Dance