R-E-S-P-E-C-T - What does it mean to me?

Respect is a term often coined in the dance world. Respect for ourselves, directors, choreographers and collaborators is expected and often demanded. But what does respect really mean in terms of our practice? And are we subconsciously disrespecting ourselves through our training and reactions to other people’s perceptions of our industry? 

 

Dancers are taught from a very young age to be self-aware; to be able to identify technical and behavioural flaws, to understand the importance of spatial awareness both in class and on stage, and, later on, to curate a style or ‘brand’ that they can market in the professional dance world. This, in theory, is a positive thing that equips dancers with transferable skills that will aid them in other areas of employment and in general life. However, often teachers and industry leaders have branded dangerous and extreme behaviours (such as excessively cross-training and restrictive dieting) as self-respect, warping the concept and damaging young dancers. Hence, I feel we have a culture that has confused self-deprecation with self-respect, which is reflected in the way we discuss our work with others and how we project it onto the outside world. 

 

Lacking self-respect, as everyone knows, is extraordinarily destructive. It is impossible to create whilst constantly doubting and criticising not only the work, but also the artist making it. Furthermore, this feeling of inadequacy can be projected onto students or other artists through teaching and collaborating, creating a vicious cycle that can appear impossible to break, and fostering a negative atmosphere contradictory to that necessary for artistic progress. 

 

I also feel personally that the arts industry is hugely disrespected in society (a feeling unfortunately reinforced by the lack of funding given by the UK government). I would also like to highlight that although many people go to watch performances and films and stream music, many of those same people are not willing to campaign for more funding for local arts centres and touring companies. The arts in my opinion are seen as unimportant, and consequently, those that partake in them undeserving of respect, not only socially but also financially. 

 

By proxy, those of us who choose to pursue higher education in creative industries are often viewed as inferior to those who have chosen more academic paths. To be frank, I battled enormously with this feeling whilst applying for my BAPP at Middlesex, and I fear I will still be defending and explaining my eventual degree for years to come. 

 

In my opinion, we need to keep challenging our interpretation of what respect really means within the dance world and outside it. We also need to keep exposing the difficult sides of our industry, and the sheer amount of work, dedication and strong mental focus that is required to work as a professional artist. 

 

So perhaps for the moment respect in our practice is simply respect for ourselves and our art form by allowing it to take up space and be included in society, without apologising for its existence or difficulties.