Governments should provide grants for local dance companies

Dance companies that receive government grants often play a significant role in their communities by providing access to high-quality dance performances and education.

They also have education and outreach initiatives that aim to inspire and engage people with dance.

In addition, these dance companies can also help to boost local economies by attracting tourists, providing employment opportunities, and generating revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and other activities.

Overall, the contribution of these dance companies to their communities goes beyond just providing entertainment; they also help to enrich cultural life, promote education, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

 

One person

So in 2007, I just wrote my final exams and the world seemed to be full of possibilities. I was certain of one thing at the time… I wanted to dance. And being based in a then ‘small town’, I was not sure of all my options. Most of my friends and colleagues I danced with had done one of two things: either switched to ‘more lucrative endeavors’ or moved to Lagos. Yes Lagos, I remember that at the time, it seemed like the only place in the world I knew where my dreams stood a chance at succeeding, so I convinced my mum that I’d like to visit an aunt of mine for a while she said it was cool.

I had it all worked out, I would see Pastor Segs. of Spirit Of David GDC which I was and still am a part of and tell him i was looking for dance work, then I would enroll in SPAN and learn those things I’d seen on TV. Considering I just concluded a degree in foreign languages I would stop by the French embassy for some part time work. Yes, I was at that stage in my life when one believed everything was possible if you wanted it enough.

So I went for Spirit of David rehearsals, joined the technical team for Celebrity takes 2: Season 1, stated classes at SPAN and Sarah had agreed to put in a word for me at the French Embassy and everything seemed to be on track. It seemed everyone was in Lagos and also looked like every one was succeeding and moving ahead as well. Being me I asked my usual ‘how did you’ questions and wondered why my 'small town’ didn’t operate the same way. A lot of the people I met there in Lagos once lived in Uyo but I was told the systems and organizations needed where not yet available in my state to accommodate the kind of operations I was interested it.

First of all, as much as I enjoyed Lagos, being there was a little frustrating. To be anywhere on time you had to give yourself, literally at least a two hour head start in a bus if you didn’t have a car or a taxi if you had extra cash to spend, then you get dropped on some crowded high way which you probably have to cross like you were playing a video game. Now comparing that to Uyo where every point is at most 10minutes away on a bike if you didn’t drive, wind in your face till you got dropped by the very door you want get to. To say the least, as enlightening as that week was I wished the best options that made the different aspects of the dance community work in Lagos could be lifted and planted in Uyo.

Then I got a call from my mum “Edima, NYSC list is out and I think your name is on it” I can never forget that sentence because it set the course of my life in a different direction. I had a decision to make. Would I go and mobilize for service… or not? She argued that it would be just one year, and besides there was a one in hundred chance that I could be posted to Lagos and I would never know unless I checked. Remember I was at a stage i believed everything was possible so I packed some of my things and went back to Uyo.

I got to town and went to school and lo and behold I was posted to Katsina State. Katsina is in the North, It is a Sharia state, killings and riots at the time were rampant in the North. I am a Christian female, who wanted to dance and had a reputation for long red hair. In some communities I feared I would probably be stoned. Then I realized, for some reason almost everyone from my school was sent to the north that year. I was not the only one upset, in fact I didn’t even look upset, some people were crying, others raining curses on the government and some guys were planning to destroy school property as a result of their posting (like it was the schools fault). Then we got a message that the then Dean of Student Affairs wanted a word with all of us who were just posted.

Now I do not remember a word from that meeting, all i know was that when he was done we all were looking forward to leaving for service. I in particular thought 'what was the worst that could happen’. We had approximately 10 days to get our things together and arrive at camp.

I remember thinking on my flight to Lagos (because I had to get back to Lagos to sort some things before moving to Katsina) One person convinced hundreds of us to dare an adventure to a zone were we all knew at least one person who died serving in. I also played that thought beside the reality that another 'one person’ who dared all odds and also convinced hundreds round the country to dance with him in the name of God. Another 'one person’ who convinced the world to go to war for different reasons, and 'one person’ who made so much noise that changed the core identity of my entire state, Akwa Ibom. 'One person’ inspired carnivals in Nigeria which is now a multi billion Naira industry, 'One person’ redefined modeling and pageantry in Nigeria.

A lot of 'one persons’ were on my mind all of that 45 minutes. And the both the power and weight of responsibility of who they were and who they became. Considering the world, all the people in it and the possibilities if more stood up to one cause.

All of a sudden wanting to dance seemed too small a cause but a starting point of one. I was heading to a land where no one knew me or what I could do. So I decided I would use my service year to develop a cause and a plan to see it through. As I landed in Lagos I made up my mind, that I would leave for Katsina and when I was done serving I would return to Uyo with the new vision I would develop and only visit Lagos and other 'big towns’. Because I for one, am 'One Person’

Stand by your kids when they sharpen their talents.

I see them every day. Young talented people who feel frustrated because the people around them do not understand how much they want to dance. The truth is, you can't police and cage them, especially after they cross a particular age. They sneak, lie.. and do things you will not be proud of to get here. When I send them back, they just go where questions will not be asked.

I know every parent wants the best for their children or wards, and I tell these kids same when they come to me. But you need to know that by banning them you make the following things happen

1. You create a distance between them and you.

1. You create an opportunity for secrets

3. The child develops resentment for you gradually

4. Since they eventually find a way to dance, they can't tell you what goes on where they dance

5. You are not involved in that part of their life and when things go wrong (and they almost always eventually do) the kids blame you. When they go right you regret why you were not with them from the beginning.

In truth, the love to dance sometimes is a phase they may grow out off after getting involved for a while but i have realized that those with parental consent are usually the most productive.

Personally I recommend the following if you have a young person you are responsible for who wants to dance.

1. Identify where you would be comfortable with them gong to. Introduce yourself and your ward to the person and people in charge and request updates of his or her growth and activities.

2. Stop by unannounced once in a while and confirm activities that go on there. By doing this the chances of your greatest fears are slim and your child or ward will figure out quickly if really he/she wants to dance because the lure of mystery is gone.

3. Complain directly to the person in charge once you are not comfortable with a situation or condition. That way you get an explanation for procedures taken.

By being involved, both you and your ward get the best options available and the abuse that usually comes with neglect is avoided.

If dancing is just a phase, you would both enjoy that period of his/her life and if it is not, you have equipped him/her with skills needed to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. #danceworktour #honesthustle #Dancemoms #danceparent #career #training #growth #LEdima #Passion #family #famous #star #DanceWorka

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The Clarificaton Series: 4 False dance myths

 

In the age of industrialization and commercialized entertainment, performing arts have increased in value but for some reason that level of attention has not been showered on dancer.

Dance as a profession has been undervalued and misunderstood even by practicing dancers. Considering that our cultures record dance as an activity practiced in different forms and levels for leisure, as a profession most people think that the only options available in dance is dancing, thus when drawing budgets or planning dance related activities the figures put aside for dancers are relatively low for the following false reasons:

1.      Dancers are young; therefor do not need money.
First of all most people start their dance careers relatively young. In fact in a performing company or dance team/crew the performing dancers will most likely be the youngest of them. But these people are coordinated, directed and choreographed by people a lot older who, most of the time look really young themselves because of the physical activities they are involved in.

2.      Because they are young, they do not have responsibilities so they do not need to be paid a lot.
I know a lot of dancers who are married with children, rent their own places, pay school fees, class and workshop fees… their needs are alarming. Because of all the physical activity they are involved in, as they get older some take supplements. Also the medical bills they incur in the case of an injury are equally alarming.

3.      Dance is a hobby and not a real job so dancers are dancing for fun and do not expect to be paid.
Honestly yes, most people get into dance because they love it. This is the same with 50% of the jobs in the world. The most popular word in dance is passion. But the true performers train, rehearse, develop concepts, design costumes, hire or create props… so much is put into a performance people carelessly push aside as a hobby. These artistes evolve as they grow in the industry. It becomes more than just a hobby and their growth should be patronized and appreciated as such.

4.      It doesn’t take much to dance.

Now this idea could not be more wrong. The level of dancing needed to practice dance professionally is a lot more than boogieing in the club. The true dance artistes invest time and money in developing their craft. A craft I must add that is extremely tasking physically, mentally and emotionally.

We, dance practitioners and the rest of the world need to realize that there is a group of people who use dance to earn a living and learn to respect that art form in the following ways:

1.      Respect dance and its practitioners

2.      If practicing, undergo the necessary process to present it at its best

3.      Pay not for the end product but for the process and procedures to get there

4.      Promote and refer to the dance practitioners in credits and for performances and projects

Ps: Information here is mostly inspired by the perception of dance in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State.