Professionalism and pride
I feel sad. A client, Apple, asked me one time, how does one become a professional dancer? And i replied, if you get paid to perform, you’re professionally dancing already therefore, you are a professional dancer right??
But i beg to disagree! Being a professional is different from just dancing and getting paid to do it. A professional cares what other people think of them, a professional knows that you don’t use people just to get ahead in your career, and most of all, a professional practices humility!
All the best dancers started out as beginners. We should not think that we are the best, because there will always be someone better than us. I have encountered a lot of aspiring dancers who forgot to be grateful to their teachers, and that is very sad. Once you start thinking you have nothing more to learn, that is the end of you.
I had an encounter with an international dancer, and she put on a lot of airs and demanded a lot. I was surprised and discussed it with a friend. So, my friend goes, “Would i ever get to where she is now in her career? You know so i can throw my weight around and feel superior ” Hahaha! I hope i never get to be like that dancer. If you are exceptionally good, it does not matter if you are not acknowledged the way you want it! You are good and other people will see that without your demanding for their attention. Neither talent nor fame gives you the right to throw your weight around!
” If you are exceptionally good, it does not matter if you are not acknowledged the way you want it! You are good and other people will see that without your demanding for their attention. Neither talent nor fame gives you the right to throw your weight around!”
How true! How true!
Humility and professionalism… these exactly are what I like in you, my dear teacher Jill
You said it so well. I wouldn’t have enjoyed dancing if the mood in the class was competitive. I like it that in the studio, all of us are appreciated based on our unique strengths. Keep on dancing and teaching!! =)
thanks for this post, jill
it’s really good to be reminded that one should never really stop learning.
hmmm..i wonder who that international dancer is..hahaha!
kiddin aside..thank’s for this post ms jill..i now know when and how does one become a professional dancer. I’m very lucky to have met a true professional bellydance instructress.
I am so blessed that I had a Chance meeting a humble famous professional dancer Like You.