Dance
We have been very lucky to speak to Gerard Charles, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), about dance as a sport and how to get involved. At the end of this article there’s a video featuring Gerard and some of the top male dancers talking about how they got started in dance….many by accident!
Is dance a sport?
There is definitely a sports element to dance in that there is agility, strength, stamina and coordination required. Dancers are also constantly setting higher standards and expecting more of themselves and there are many star performers to look up to.
In sports we often admire the effort we see in an athlete, but the highest performing dancer must look totally at ease.
Both have rules to follow and teamwork, but unlike many sports dance has no scores, nor world records to break - but there are demands and rewards beyond what can be measured. Not only do you get the satisfaction of physical achievement but you also challenge your mind and can express yourself.
How do you find the best dance school or teacher for you?
Look for a qualified teacher. An organisation like the Royal Academy of Dance qualifies their teachers to meet certain professional standards and the age appropriate instruction of dancers.
Our teachers are also required to follow a strict code of conduct and keep their skills and knowledge up to date through a programme of regular learning and training. If you go to the RAD website, you can find your nearest RAD teacher on our map at www.royalacademyofdance.org/findateacher. Once you have located a teacher that interests you, you should arrange to watch a class, or take a trial class to see if the experience is right for you.
What if only certain styles of dance interest you?
Dance, like good food, comes in many different styles, and there is certainly something to suit everyone’s taste.
Find the form that appeals to you and dig in. Much of what you learn in one dance style should be skills that will be useful in another.
As with food, your taste may change as you grow older, so when you feel comfortable with what you are learning it can be interesting to add new dance experiences.
In today’s connected world, great dance ideas are quickly being borrowed and adapted and exciting new styles can develop.
Already enjoying dance? What could be the options for you?
The joy of dancing can lead to a fulfilling career as a dancer, and there are closely related opportunities to become a dance teacher, choreographer, designer, coach or physical therapist.
There are also so many other professions that the experiences you gain from dance can lead to. Successful dancers are self-motivated, learn how to process information quickly, problem solve, to be creative and to work well in a team. All these have set former dancers on the road to successful careers in many areas including medicine, business, creative fields, finance and law.
How did the top male dancers get started?
Ever wondered how the top male dancers started out? What made them try dance? Watch the following video to hear them discussing their careers – it’s amazing how many of them started dance classes by accident!
With thanks to the Royal Academy of Dance for the information and use of videos in this article.
