Behind every success story there is a support team.
Prepare yourselves whilst I shamelessly quote the movie "Fame!", the most famous inspirational dance movie out there.
“There are some things success is not. It's not fame. It's not money or power. Success is waking up in the morning so excited about what you have to do that you literally fly out the door. It's getting to work with people you love. Success is connecting with the world and making people feel. It's finding a way to bind together who have nothing in common but a dream. It's falling asleep at night knowing you did the best job you could. Success is joy and freedom and friendship. And success is love.” - Written by Allison Burnett and beautifully presented by the actress Kay Panabaker.
This beautiful analogy on what success means from an artists stand point was composed before the era of social media. Social media now seems to be the most important deciding factor on whether a business can make it or break it. Its the worlds most important tool to connect people and really demonstrate to the world your own personal success.
I've categorized everyone on social media into two groups. The people who are motivated solely on promoting themselves, who approach social media to fulfill their own vanity. Then, the people who use social media as it was truly intended: to rouse conversation, share positivity or perhaps a good recommendation to support businesses etc. I do believe it's possible to fall into the two categories, but I think it's rare we get to question the ethics of social media which links to the motivation behind posts.
Let me present you an example. On first look Maria Khoreva (marachok), the star of Mariinsky and one of the most followed ballet dancers on social media presents herself as displaying her extraordinary lines and flawless ballet aesthetic, but on second glance most of her posts share her tips and give advice. She approaches her followers as friends often starting her posts off with "hey guys" and asking for their thoughts on her ideas. It's clear after taking the time to read her points of view that she's gotten to the top, not just for her aesthetic, but her maturity, humbleness, often humorous light hearted approach, and sheer determination. Which happens to be the stuff they often overlook at ballet school, and that's exactly why I like to follow her. I feel uplifted because it comes across to me the motivation behind the post is something that brings me inspiration. She's motivated by sharing what helped her get to where she is, and it pretty much puts my chosen quote above into evidence.
Her approach to sharing, I believe, comes from her selfless attitude and ability to connect with people to help her. It's fair to say Khoreva hasn't achieved everything by herself, but when you spend most of your time on social media it's easy to feel isolated and cut off from true human connection.
Recently I've been amazed at the advancement on social media within the dance world to recognise the benefits of mental health support. I got inspired by this myself and I looked into my own personal circle of what actually is available to me and my colleagues in terms of support from our Theatre. There wasn't anything set up, despite the funding and people there available. I took it by myself to link the people that could create workshops for us and got in touch with a sports psychologist to have a support network set up. I truly believe that dancers physical health should be approached equally to their mental health in achieving the most "successful dancer" but it seems we have a long way to go.
I felt truly uplifted to kick things off and I cant recommend it enough to look at what's available to you, don't ever be shy or ashamed to ask for help and you will be surprised what you will receive in return. I'll be sure to share what I learn and I can't wait to write about it all here for you guys!
Peace out!
Reflective arabesque by Alex Fine.
Hi Emily, I completely agree with your post. When I was working on a cruise ship in North Europe 2 years ago, I had the opportunity to watch Paquita at the Mariinsky Theatre and Khoreva was playing lead. She was exceptional (despite having a fall on stage), and I have been following her on Instagram ever since. I love her how she shares advice, tips and exercises, and although I wouldn't consider myself a Ballet dancer, I still watch her videos and take in her information. She has inspired me, so I am happy to hear she has inspired you too, not just as a dancer but like you have said in your previous post - she's a giver. I have recently started to believe people should be more open to sharing (whether this be on social media or not), because only then can we achieve the best for ourselves. Physical and mental health should definitely be approached equally, it is amazing that you making connections with people who can help you and your colleagues in this time. Thank you for much for sharing x
ReplyDeleteHi Alice!
DeleteI’m so envious you got to see her live! When I watch my idols on stage I like to see the details outside of how they dance: how they breath, how they compose themselves, how they bow, how they approach and exit the stage. I believe those details can’t be taught but it is something innate about them that allows them to achieve greatness. So in this it’s clear that everyone can learn something from her. I am so amazed that she fell and I’m sure her re-composure after that was so interesting! I’m so happy you appreciate her and I can see some of my friends outside of dance also follow her. There’s something about her approach to social media which is so human, even though she appears pretty much like a super human 😃
I have always found it funny going to watch shows with my non-dancer friends/family, we notice completely different aspects. I love how in detail you observe a dancers' performance. I've feel like I notice the connection between the dancers on stage and not just their characters in relation to the story. I could tell she was valued within the company. She seemed so small on stage but I was blown away by her strength. When she fell (during fouettes), I could a sense her heartbreak, but she got straight back up and carried on. It was amazing, everyone was clapping her on and you could feel her gratitude at the end. I took a picture of her bowing at the end, I will have to figure out a way to send it to you! x
Deletehi emily, great post! I think that comparison, especially sparked through social media, can dampen the sense of success and fulfilment an artist can have throughout their career. However, I think using social media is a useful tool for self promotion/ exposure to new ideas and communities. I think that in a sense it provides a freedom of thought , expression, and experimentation. But it can do the opposite if one becomes caught up in comparison.
ReplyDeleteYes certainly! Thank you Katie for your valid comment. I wonder if the nature of social media brings out the need for comparison or it is already a human weakness that we tend to compare ourselves...
DeleteReally lovely post Emily I enjoyed this a lot. It's so refreshing to find honesty in social media and to find humbleness in someone considered a star. A lot of people around me still believe success comes from how much you earn, your ranking, your possessions and facilitations etc, and I have long since grown tired of that idea. There is so much more to life and meaning, purpose and fulfilment are what it is worth living for.
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to hear that when you took the initiative and started to reach out you were able to build a network for yourself and others, what an inspiring story. Social media undoubtedly has its positives and negatives and I hope more people will look beyond the varnish and the filters to use it as a way to really connect and unite people. I look forward to more of your blogs!