From Athletes to Artists – Let’s Share the Stage!

Written by Sheila Turner, Expert Contributor and Owner of From the Top Studio of Dance

There’s a funny little saying that, “If dance were any easier, it would be called football.” There’s another saying that goes, “Real men marry dance teachers.” But that’s a topic for another day.

So…is dance a sport or an art? It’s an age-old debate with solid points on both sides. All humor aside, anyone who’s never stepped on a 50-yard line can’t know if football is easier than dance.

This issue was recently in the spotlight when TV talk show host Lara Spencer rocked the dance world by mocking young Prince George’s love of ballet. Let’s be honest: If he were playing tennis, there’d be no story. It’s no secret that for many years, the dance community has fought an uphill battle to gain the respect it deserves. Spencer’s recent comment and subsequent apology ignited a much-needed discussion on freedom of choice and what it takes both physically and mentally to be a dancer.

For legendary dancer and choreographer Gene Kelly, it was, in his words, a personal “crusade” to show that dancers are athletes. As he said, “What could be more graceful than a football player throwing a pass? What is more excitingly beautiful than the swift movement of a double play? Every motion a good athlete makes is as beautiful as any a dancer makes.”

So, aside from the physical training of a dancer and an athlete, here's just two of the similarities:

1. You’re on a Team

Although many view dance as an individual practice, it’s more of a team sport. Your classmates are your dance family. They depend on you to be there. You all learn together, and grow individually and as a team as you support each other. Each member has individual strengths, but together, they create the perfect dynamic. Just as a coach designs plays based on player ability, dance teachers choreograph pieces that complement their students.

2. Equipment Matters

You wouldn’t send your football player on the field in a sweatshirt, sweatpants and running sneakers, right? Sports athletes needs the right gear, and so do dancers. Dance is a study of how the body moves to create art. Formfitting attire and proper shoes enable dance teachers to see each student’s lines, posture and alignment.

Dance often helps children and adults be better athletes on the field. Dance also offers healthy consistency as sports seasons come and go. Committed dance students quickly learn that regardless of how practices and performances result in what feels like a winning or losing season, they can always rely on the support of their dance family.

Now, if only “game day” for dancers had timeouts and replays… Just saying!

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