From Boardroom to Barre

Sometimes it's difficult to be in a industry so isolated from from the world. We sit in studios and theaters all day which naturally leads people to make assumptions about what kind of people dancers are. Butler Ballet is quite the breaker of the mold. Not only do most dancers take perquisite academics in various fields of study, but in addition many dance majors have other minors or even double majors. I am a current Junior BFA dance major with a minor in Strategic Communication, this means that on top of "twirling around all day" I'm over in Jordan Hall and the Fairbanks center most likely in full ballet gear with multiple bags by my desk.

With the minor I've taken several courses on Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, and various writing seminars these not only broaden my academic horizon but have really opened my eyes to all that is considered communications. Although balancing the two can be a bit of a struggle at times, and this summer in particular has been the ultimate balancing act. This summer I was fortunate enough to be offered a paid internship with an Event and Conference Planning Agency based out of Boston. However, as any dancer knows it is extremely important to stay in shape particularly over the summer as many of us are on our way to summer programs or back to school programs. Working with a 40 hour week can be quite difficult when trying to fit in ballet classes and gym workouts. But there is truly nothing better than taking a ballet class after a long stressful day and getting to chance to unwind with a slow tempo plié. So sure enough Jose Mateo Ballet Theater is only one short train stop away from my office and at 5pm each day I transform from the blazer wearing intern to the Trina in birkenstocks and a bun. What most people don't realize is that the industry is changing, dancers are just working on stage or in the studio but they're innovators, making their own businesses or working in out in business related fields. Being able to do both of the things I am most passionate about not only at school but during the summer as well has been a wonderful learning experience.

This post was written by Delaney Waldron, a member of the class of 2016, pictured left. 

Open Class for a Ballet Dancer

     Moving into my Junior year at Butler, I've found myself falling into a pretty standard routine for my supplementary training. Generally, when I'm at school, I find the curriculum to be extremely stimulating. There's enough variety between the ballet classes to explore several ways of moving, and enough other forms of dance presented to us to diversify our education. While the program does offer many important aspects of dance, it does not offer everything. It is important for the modern day dancer, ballet or otherwise, to explore several different ways of moving. That's why whenever I have the opportunity, I force myself to take open class.

Photo by: Allie Martin Photography

    If you're lucky enough, you live close to a major city that offers all kinds of dance. Your breaks can be filled with West African dance, Gaga improvisation classes, hip hop, or even Irish step dance. If not, it is important that you make the time to visit a major city (Chicago is only a bus ride away, and cheaper to fly out of than Indianapolis Airport) to explore these options. Taking open class is a skill that many ballet dancers lack. We get comfortable doing our style our way with our teachers.  If you only move one way, you're only marketable to a few companies. And if that's what you want then fine, but good luck trying to find a job!  

    Many students enter Butler with the idea that after their four years, they'll get a contract with a ballet company and that will be the end of it. Frankly that's not always the case. You have to be ready to open your mind to other ideas, such as freelance work. Most freelance work requires you to do things you've never done before. A lot of projects and directors involved with freelance work will watch open classes at places like Broadway Dance Center. You taking class may be an audition for someone you don't even know is watching. You have to always be on your A game and willing to try and go for anything.

   This is a scary thing for many "Trina's" but I'm telling you, it's a necessary part of the business. If you've gotta dance, you've gotta work and go that extra mile. You may never get to be in a professional ballet company after you graduate, but you also may do work that no one else you've ever danced with has the opportunity to do. Lots of traveling companies are project based, allowing you to see parts of the world you've never seen before. Opening yourself to new ideas is what college is all about!  So go the distance and take lots of open classes when you can!  Chances are you might find a way of moving that you never thought you'd enjoy. 

This post was written by Niklas Nelson, a member of the class of 2017 (pictured above).