Interdisciplinary Genres for Dancers

They say, 'The only thing worse than a jazz dancer doing ballet is a ballet dancer doing jazz.' But as dancers, we all have our preferences. Yet, it's the journey of exploring different styles that truly enriches us, both personally and professionally. It's about pushing our boundaries, opening up new horizons, and enhancing our skills.

As a student dancer, I was far stronger in most styles of jazz class, and I loved tap, even though it was not my best dance genre.  I really did not like ballet at all. My body is not built like a typical ballet dancer, and the movements did not come naturally to me. However, I had a rigorous ballet teacher in college and learned so much from her. Even though I was not headed off to the New York City Ballet, what I learned in ballet strengthened my Jazz dancing. 

The opposite is true as well. If a ballet dancer takes jazz, tap, or improv, their ballet will be strengthened. This is true for all dance styles. 

If you're aiming for a career in professional dancing or teaching, versatility is key. Having experience in a variety of dance genres can significantly boost your marketability in the industry. 

Let's take it a step further. How about singing and acting to add to and create a "Triple Threat"? As a dancer in auditions, you may be asked to perform more than the style you are auditioning for. This shows the directors and choreographers that you are diverse in your dance education, not just a "One Trick Pony."

If you want to teach dance in a studio, you are more likely to get hired if you can teach more styles of dance, even if it is simply being able to sub another class if needed. 

On a community note, experience in different dance styles also teaches us to respect and appreciate our fellow dancers in all dance forms! It's a shared journey of growth and learning, and it's this mutual respect that makes our dance community so special. We should always be there to cheer each other on to success!

I would love to hear about your experience with different dance styles, even if it's funny! Your stories are valuable and can inspire others. By sharing your experiences, you're contributing to our collective learning and growth. Reply to this email and share your story with me. 

Happy Dancing!