As the next season
for Ballethnic Dance Company draws near, I am filled with excitement,
exhaustion, and expectancy. Excitement, as I am going into my FIRST SEASON EVER
WITH A COMPANY AT 28 YEARS OLD (as an apprentice, but it's still LIT!);
exhaustion, as I have worked incredibly long hours this summer to give myself a
good start to living in Atlanta as a performer and teacher; and expectancy, as
I am really wondering what all is going to come about once September gets here.
As a dancer, traditionally, your time as a performer starts its sunset around
age 28 as you would be in the 11th-14th year of your professional career.
Whereas I could say I started at 16 years old performing with ClearVision Dance
Team (Chicago, IL) and making it so far as to be featured on MTV2's My Block: Chicago, I have only started
consistently performing as an adult since July 2017, thanks to Red Clay Dance,
South Chicago Dance Theatre, and J'Monet Dancers. In dancing with these
companies there has been so much that I have learned, especially when it comes
to the consistent regimen that I have to maintain in order to have the stamina
for performance. I also realize I am much more prepared to be a performer than
when I was 16 or even during my college days. My body has the strength to match
the flexibility (see my Instagram page for evidence, *sunglasses smile*), and I
have a greater understanding of the "pocket" moments of choreography.
On top of that, my life experiences as an adult have led to me taking more
ownership in my abilities and choices.
There are two people
that have been influential in my decision to take on the challenge of being a
"Late Bloomer" dancer: Dereque Withurs, 17-year Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater alum and master teacher (and my "dance dad"), and Maeghan
McHale, 12-year company member of Giordano Dance Chicago and winner of the 2018
Youth American Grand Prix Outstanding Choreographer Award. From Summer 2014
until my move to Atlanta, I had been under Mr. Dereque's thumb, soaking up all
of his knowledge on the technique of classical ballet, modern dance, and his
experiences in concert dance. It is amazing to watch him teach as, even at his
age of 62, he is far from needing an assistant to demonstrate any movement he
gives to his students. If you were to see him in person, his physique would not
only give the impression that he is a dancer, but you would still think that he
is dancing alongside those 1/3 his age--and probably ask him to be part of a
show or company you are part of! He actually has performed in the last few
years in works from Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and his own company, HAPPY Nia
Dance Theater. It is very hard for me to think of "having to retire"
from performing in a few years when the man who has primarily aided me in my
dance career is still kicking butt 30 years "past his prime".
I met Maeghan McHale
in March this year at an open classical ballet company class from Giordano
Dance Chicago. My first time seeing her however was at my first GDC concert in
April 2017, when the company celebrated her 10 years of dancing with the company,
and I was enamored with her speedy yet clean turns and ever-present-ness.
Following the class was a preview for the GDC Spring Concert in March, and
afterwards I had the chance to talk with her. I was dying to know what after 11
years in the company (now she's in her 12th season as full company member,
making her the company member with the most years as a performer; she spent one
year as a scholarship student, and the next year was her only year as a
performance apprentice before joining the first company--at 25 years old!) what
keeps her there--in GDC and on the stage in general. She stated, "I love
it. I TRULY love it. Not just because I've done it for so long, and DEFINITELY
not for the coin, but it makes sense for me to do it. It helps that, especially
this year, everyone who I'm working with are on the same page. It feels like we
all get why we're here, and everyone's individual reason for being here is
genuine. It shows in rehearsal and when we perform… I've learned to truly
listen to my body and respect it. When it tells me that my time has come to
step down, I'll go with it. But it hasn't yet, so why should I?!" Do you
see why I STAN for this woman so hard?
As the world
continues to change, art reflects that evolution as we reformat how accessible
and authentic we make dance for audiences and performers. As an example, in
1983 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater retired alumni were invited to perform
the legendary Revelations to celebrate
the 25th anniversary of the company. This tradition has continued since with
having then-42-year-old Matthew Rushing (recently celebrated his birthday on
August 5), veteran Ailey dancer and current rehearsal director for the main
company, performing "I Wanna Be Ready" at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in
Rogers, Texas--Alvin Ailey's hometown. His performance was made viewable on
digital platforms this year on March 30 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of
AAADT. Yes, as representation is a major concern within the dance community
today--be it race, physique, or age--every company has their reasons as to why
they employ who they employ and how the employee is utilized. That said, you
determine your the expiration date of your gift, so long as you nurture it and
own it.
Let's open the
conversation! How long do you wish to perform as a dancer? When do you think it is time to
stop performing and why? Is there someone you want to shout-out for their
longevity in the performing arts? Leave your thoughts in the comment section
below, or e-mail me your responses to this article at
averybrandon0812@gmail.com. Thank you for your time, and stay elevé-ted!
Follow Brandon Avery on social media!!
- Twitter: @nblvblbavery
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