Playing Tennis at a Chess Match

So this is year 3 of competing a ballet duet for the boy, and I think it’s the last. Why, you ask? Let me tell you -  I’ll try to keep it G-rated. Actually, the MPAA would probably rate it PG – since they started giving PG ratings based on things like “intensity,” I’m pretty sure that The Apple Dumpling Gang wouldn’t even get a G rating these days.

 I’m only in this for the art. I like beautiful things, and I like to be challenged.  This is exactly the opposite of what dance competitions reward – the judges go for engaging and accessible. There is essentially nothing wrong with this – if you’re looking for a nice steak, then I could put the best sushi roll in the world in front of you and you wouldn’t be into it.

 Basically, the ballet world has nothing to do with the competition dance world. I’ve had breakfast with people who followed their kids across the country to a summer intensive with a ballet company, and listened to them talk about how they might have to move to get in with a certain company etc. All of which sounded vaguely insane, since we were discussing 12 year-olds.

 In contrast, the competitive dance world is all about presentation. It’s about the dancers, and their relationship with the judges, and the audience. Think about when you went to see Giselle – you think the dancers cared what you thought? Not so much, right? Now think about the all singing, all dancing revue you saw? The dancers all exuded a “love me, love me” vibe all the way through, right?

 I think that ultimately, the ballet numbers don’t resonate with the judges because the judges are not really necessary – it’s not about them.

 But for the dancers, it’s like playing tennis at a chess match – no matter how well they play, it’s just not what the enterprise is about.

Beautiful anyway. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.