Tuesday 12 November 2013

What I did for love

Whilst driving last week I was listening to Elaine Paige on Sunday http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wqwz and 'What I did for love' from the musical 'A chorus line' came on. 

Although I have seen A chorus Line as a child and love all the music I had assumed that 'What I did for love' was simply another love song.  When Elaine Paige played the song she also played introduction, 'but if today were the day that you had to stop dancing how would you feel?'.  This leads into the song which I have to say is a personal favourite and has now brought a new meaning to me.  It represents how I feel at this moment in  my life.  I am in my final two months of my last ever performing contract and as much as I am ready for a career change there is a part of me that is scared.  All I have ever known is dance and performing, all I have ever wanted to do is dance.  Who am I if I am no longer a dancer?  When I fill out forms what will my occupation be? There are some perks, presumably my car insurance will be cheaper and I won't have to live my life in six month stints but will I feel the same if I am not performing?

I believe that these questions and worries are shared by many transitional dancers.  Starting a new part of your life can be scary and worrying.  This drives my inquiry forward.  Hopefully my inquiry will give me clarification and help other transitioning performers and working performers.

Below is the link to a you tube video of 'What I did for love'.  It is not the best quality but contains the lead up scene to the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWGMNJEMZlw

Below is a link to a brief synopsis of the musical

http://www.theatre-musical.com/chorusline/synopsis.html

4 comments:

  1. Aww Mimi,Your blog brought a tear to my eye too, I feel exactly the same, I've danced since I was 2, it's been my whole life. But, life is about taking risks and you can always go back, sometimes being away from something helps you to see clearer and discover the way forward. You will always be a dancer even if you don't perform anymore and the passion you have inside you, you will pass on to others. I love that song too xx

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    1. Thanks Betty, I don't know how helpful this blog will be for my research but it has really helped me. Sometimes writing things down is really helpful x

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  2. Hi Mimi,
    It looks like it's your turn this week to have the car-based inspiration!
    As Betty says, you never stop being a dancer :) It's just that now you can do it whenever you feel you want to and not 5 nights a week with two matinees!
    The next step will see you take all your skills in a new direction, and your inquiry will not only help you move into your next career but help others who are feeling the same way - how awesome! :)
    S

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    1. Thanks Sarah, I think it's a case of onwards and upwards and BAPP has really helped me with this. I look forward to my next step now and after a good interview this week hopefully I will have some work coming in for January! xx

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