I initially saved this blog post title when the dance world sadly experienced a grown, professional, popular woman sit and savagely mock a young boy for doing ballet.
The world was more mortified that this woman could do this on a public platform to a young boy rather than be mortified that this young boy was in fact, a future King.
I was infuriated by what people think is appropriate to say and do and equally as mad at how quickly the tone changes when forced to apologise. However, we can not judge a person's sincerity or the true state of a person's heart.
The thing that really enamoured my heart was how dancers and dance lovers, young, old, different races and religion, we all jumped up and defended this young boy and shed a very important light on the fact that Men Dance. It fills me with the biggest pride and delight when humanity stands up, supports and just loves humanity - its what we are supposed to do.
The reason I birthed this blog is because I wanted a platform to inspire people who are dancers or dance lovers. I wanted a beautiful escape from a sometimes very difficult reality where only inspiration and love for our artform can be enjoyed on my space.
In the 5! years I have had this blog I have endured some of the most challenging personal times, sometimes reflected in how little I have posted in a year. I like to think I have maintained a positive and inspiring space throughout it all.
Back to how I love to see us dance soldiers rallying around in support. I have seen it time and time again where we have jumped up to defend various topics in our dance world and where humanity has simply provided a virtual hug to a stranger very much in need. We are all to aware of the terrible difficulties the dance world faces, what dancers continuously go through and what us dance lovers ,who aren't dancing, go through too.
I have had to take a step back and limit my constant exposure on social media at present due to the anxiety surrounding the Coronavirus. The reason why I have mentioned this topic is the fact I saw some of the most beautiful support yet again by our dance world.
Some dancers are in the habit and rely on 1-3 or even 4 dance classes a week, sadly due to social restrictions some schools have had to close for a period.
There are teachers who have rallied together and have live streamed classes for dancers to have the opportunity to still take classes at home, on different days as well, which helps people who might still have to work in this time.
I thought I would finish off my blog post with an idea I got, partly from a phone conversation with my sister the other day, partly while typing this post.
Why don't you reach out to a dance friend or a dance stranger online you have befriended and ask them where they take dance class. Then go online or email the dance school and ask if you can buy a gift card/voucher for one dance class that you know your friend takes.
That way the dance school is supported because as an independent business they might run at a loss if they need to close unexpectedly. They might still run at a loss though if students decide to limit their class attendance and this money will make a difference at that moment.
Your dance friend also has a gift you know they received and they can use it when things might be difficult for them or they can re-gift it to someone they know, who might be in need in their area.
For fellow dance lovers, who for various reasons aren't in class, show your support by gifting them a gift card/voucher for an online, independent, dance business in their town/country. They might really need that dance t-shirt, leg warmers or would like some new dance shoes they can put on and admire. Independent businesses will need our support too.
Let me know what's really shown you dancers supporting dancers/dance lovers recently and if you do decide to gift on any of my suggestions, let me know by blog comment. Kindness makes me really happy!
If you decide you really can't financially or practically do anything to help, that too is ok, say prayers if your religion or belief asks of it, I am a Christian so I'm praying, or be positive in any way feels right to you.
Dancers and dance lovers you are loved, keep dancing and this season shall pass xx
No comments:
Post a Comment