To other people, dancers may seem like otherworldly creatures, with their odd habits and crazy abilities. But there are some general misconceptions about dancers. Here, Dance Informa sets them straight.
#1. We don’t eat.
As dancers, we are definitely conscious of what we put into our body. Although eating disorders are a cause for concern within some dance communities, the old stereotype of dancers living on “coffee and cigarettes” is a thing of the past. Most of us love to load up on big, healthy meals of veggies, protein and complex carbohydrates, and even enjoy the odd pig-out like a normal person!
#2. We’re dumb.
Just because we spend all day doing physical activity rather than sitting at a desk, don’t assume we’re not smart. In fact, being a good dancer requires intelligence as well as physical fitness. Dancing has been proven to be good for the brain in so many ways!
#3. Dance is just a hobby.
How many times have you had some ask you, “Yeah, but what’s your real job?”
#4. We’re naturally flexible.
Some of us were blessed with natural capacity, but most of us have to work for it, which is often a blessing in disguise because striving for goals makes us resilient and more grateful when we reach them.
#5. We are all tiny.
Any female dancer 5’7” or over will have had to respond to, “Aren’t you too tall to be a dancer?” at some point in their life. No, no we’re not. This is 2016.
#6. We have gross feet.
Okay, I know I may be in the minority on this one, but I’ve been doing ballet for 30 years, and my toes are actually pretty tidy. My career as a foot model could be just around the corner…
#7. We can tear up a club dance floor.
Alright, jazz and hip hop dancers most likely can, but don’t expect a ballet dancer to suddenly start freestyling on your next night out clubbing!
#8. Girls don’t lift boys.
In contemporary dance especially, yes they do! Partnering is partnering, and it’s not always about strength and size.
By Rain Francis of Dance Informa.
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