Jack Webb

I am a Dancer, apparently.

Published Wednesday, 17 December, 2008 | Comments

After writing my last blog I began to feel a really intense desire to be a Dancer. Of course I always want to be a Dancer, but then at times I forget that I do, then get reminded that I really want it and it becomes the most imporant thing in my life.

I've been back in Scotland for over two months now and I've been working to make things happen for myself again because when I was in Paris there was little chance of doing anything, so it actually gave me alot of energy and inspiration to go for it.

Then last night after writing an entry and reading the interesting blog from the EvilImp and Theo Clinkard's response to it, I began to feel quite unsatisfied with dance and what I'm doing.

So now i'm beginning to question what I'm doing, what I'm doing wrong, what I'm doing right, what do I actually want to do? And how can I make it happen?

I'm also becoming increasingly frustrated with opportunities in Scotland. Don't get me wrong, I feel very supported in terms of creating work and there are opportunties to dance, Dance Base and Dance House are both wonderful places with wonderful people, but in terms of actually being a Dancer in a company or something, there's not much.

The companies that work here are generally working on a project basis which is fine, but tend to work with the same Dancers again and again, which I also understand because it's important to build up a trusting relationship with Dancers who can deliver your work.

Infact today I spoke to two people who are both deeply unsatisfied with their situation, both male funnily enough. The situation is that they're not dancing enough, not enough opportunity and things to do.

I think it is a balance of not enough opportunity but also it's about finding the opportutnies and creating them too.

Sometimes I feel like I want and need to do everything. I want to experience being in many companies, I want to experience making my own work, I want to experience dancing work by major Choreographers but most of it's not just a want but it's definately a need and I think it's important to experience these things.

Also I was thinking it is a shame because so many Dancers never get the chance to do what they would love. For example there are so many Dancers who want to be in such and such's Company but being good enough or even getting into it is impossible, and so they're left never being able to dance in something that truly fulfils them.

I have the same lack of satisfaction, but only because of a fear to not take the things I really want (which by the way, is going to end in 2009!!) so I don't feel like I've actually tested myself completely yet and attempted to get what I would like to do.

So tonight I've started to cook up a plan. I want to make things happen for myself and others. Watch this space and if I fail, then at least I tried.

Dance is a wonderful thing, so let's make it happen.

:)

  • theo clinkard

    Hey Jack.

    In my experience many choreographers respond to a letter. If you liked their show write to them rather than wait for an audition or vacancy. I know you're not really asking for advice as such (and I don't want to assert anything where its not wanted Mr. Evil Imp if your reading) but people ask me about this kind of thing now I've been around a block of sorts- how to get to the place you want to be. I got a 3 page letter response from Fin Walker before I worked with her and she didn't know me from adam. Often there is a workshop coming up and a chance to meet outside of a nasty audition scenario (if you can even get an invite to that).

    I've got so much more from my own initiated projects to be honest but maybe thats about where I am right now.

    Happy plan cooking and bring on a revived 2009 by letting the inspirational people know what you think of them and see what happens! put the good energy out into the world!

    best wishes Theo.

  • Jack

    Hey there Theo.

    Thank You for your comment, it's so nice to be able to communicate like this so easily and honestly.

    Yes, I've written letters a few times with good results actually, and I agree that this kind of thing is much more interesting than an audition.

    If I'm honest, there are so many people who I have not approached simply because I've been spending the past 2 years building my experience and courage.

    Now I'm at the point where I have more than enough and I need more and I feel the desire greatly, otherwise I will never develop any further, I don't think.

    So, 2009 is going to be great, it's so wonderful to find the courage to acheive what you want, isn't it?

    Thanks again for the comment and keep in touch and keep commenting!

    :)

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