Permissive Abuse On Dancing Bodies

 Injury prevention workshops will not be effective if choreographers and directors continue placing dancers in situations where they are over worked and under valued.

I know. I jumped right in.

The sudden push for bodily health recognition within dance companies seems like a great idea. At first glance it is nothing more than an initiative that seeks to help dancers stay healthy inside of the studio and on the stage. But are these programs an answer to the actual issue? I came across, for example, what is known as Youth American Grand Prix's "conditioning challenge". This is yet another conversation the larger dance world is attempting to have. However, I am not sure that this particular conversation, at large, yields tangible results. 

The concerns about dancer health and safe dancing environments cannot properly be rectified without getting to the root of the issue. The sustainability of dancers' body safety is an issue that needs to be platformed inside of companies, studios and training programs. Having knowledge on how to care for our bodies mean nothing when we are unable to implement them when needed. Dancers know exercises. Dance teachers are well-capable of assigning and demonstrating proper exercises that are necessary to maintain, build up and strengthen dancing bodies on every level. While there is a difference of safety within an organization versus individual endeavors, the bottom line is the root. What are the foundational hazards when it comes to body safety, injury prevention and healthy body habits in dance?

There must be an address of improper treatment from teachers/directors/choreographers. Professional dancers should be able to use their judgement when working and caring for their bodies. The main problem is that there is, at times, an abusive dynamic within the workplace. Whatever dancing level you find ourself on at the time of reading this, follow your protocol because there are indeed levels. Professionally, dancers should be given the liberty, without fear of retaliation, to care for their bodies in all competence and awareness. When that liberty is looked down upon it causes bigger issues.

I am very passionate about this (what else about dance am I not passionate about? lol) because I've endured dancing with a company that fostered an over-working environment. While injuries can occur, they should not be the order of a dance season. People were being injured left and right. I, myself, had begun to experience an injury and I am one of those well-informed, detail-oriented dancers. You cannot over work dancers, fail to provide suitable conditions and then bring in physical therapists as preventative or attending informants while dancers are being cared for improperly. That is not a system that will ever catch up to itself. 

Dancers indeed have a responsibility to their bodies but as employees, we are often before the minds of harsh leadership. The two must work together. Artists and leadership. Harsh and improper treatment from the front of the room only adds negativity for bodies to work in. 

Let's do better.