Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Change might be inevitable. Sometimes, it's even predictable, but managing the transition and adjusting to it emotionally can be challenging.
Dancers retire anywhere from age 20 to 45, says Terrence S. Orr, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's artistic director.
4 comments:
It's so interesting to see people able to plan for a career even though they know they won't do it forever. I was once told something similar about stage management, in that people aren't often doing it forever, and move onto things like producing or directing, some enter fields outside of theatre, some have families, etc. Considering how much training dance takes, and what a toll it takes on your body, I am impressed by both the dedication and foresight that the dancers who were interviewed had, in that they were devoted to dance and able to consider other careers and be successful in life after dancing.
This is a really pleasant and positive take on the what would you do if you couldn't do what you love question. For the dancers interviewed, that had clearly defined alternative passions, the transition to different careers was probably less difficult than it could have been. I like their take on it, that although they have to retire from dance so early, they have time for three or four extra lives. I can imagine though that these people are probably the exception- that giving up the passion you have likely pursued your whole life, being used to feeling extraordinary and talented in your field might be difficult. Especially going through law school and starting as one of several thousand clerks, or going to college again and being the same as everyone else. I don't mean to be really depressing but that's where my brain, at least, goes when it considers not being able to pursue what I would love to do. These people are very strong for tackling it head on.
I believe in following your passion. I have been around dancers most of my life and can see the ones who need to pursue it for a career. It isn't an option for them. Dancing is their life. Dancers know that dancing isn't forever but it doesn't matter to them because it has to be for now. A lot of the dancers I know plan to have their own studio some day or to teach in a studio. They realize that a chosen few make it as a star but many can still make a living at dancing as a teacher. Luckily this is good enough for most and they are able to share their love of dance with others. I think it is smart having another career to fall back on since a career in dance is not always a consistent one. I applaud those that follow their dream no matter where it ultimately takes them.
I appreciate the idea of looking into a dancer's life as their career comes to a close. The emphasis normally comes from dancers in their prime or as their just starting out. I think it's important to consider other career options outside your major because not all of one's talents lie in one place. Also, the skills and concepts you learned from being a dancer could translate very well into other career paths, like using the discipline you would learn in dance training and apply it to developing good study skills as a history professor.
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