Thank You!
Posted By yaa on March 7, 2011
To all professional and semi professional sports cheerleaders and dancers, I say “Thank You” for all of the work you do!
As we approach the beginning of the 2011 – 2012 cheerleading and dance team audition season, women from all over the world will attempt to become a part of a professional squad. Likewise, there will be auditions for both major and minor league teams in the NFL, (football); NBA, (basketball); MLB, (baseball); MHL, (hockey); NASL, (soccer); and even MLL, (lacrosse). These auditions will test not only an individuals’ dance and performing skills but also the ability to speak well and their presentation proficiency. Even with all of that talent at stake, looks and body symmetry will always be a part of the judging criteria.
In order to endure weeks or months of auditions individuals will sacrifice their personal time, energy and well being. The financial compensation is never what people think it is nor what it should be. Nevertheless, as the phrase, “the simple love of performing”, continues to be the driving force behind each individual, I say “Thank You” for all that you do!
I have not only spent the last thirty years of my life as a performer, but I am also a true sports fan. Throughout the years dancing has enriched my life by allowing me to travel all over the world and share my experiences with others. My life has also been enhanced because it has afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with a diverse group of people. It has allowed me to perform in a variety of entertainment venues while giving me several opportunities to continue working and growing within the entertainment industry.
Dancing has allowed me to bring a variety of entertainment cultures to the forefront of my understanding and the understanding of other dancers. It brings out a dancer’s curiosity to explore entertainment in other cultures, and it connects to the past foundation of dancing with present entertainment history. Sports dancers are given the opportunity to perform for a mixture of audiences while guiding aspiring dancers to follow their dreams and strive for their individual goals. For that, I say “Thank You” for all that you do!
However, performers are definitely held to a higher standard than most organizational employees, in all that they do. Many performers are role models and are considered to be public figures, so they not only represent themselves, but they also continue to represent their organizations. They interact with impressionable children on a regular basis and their personal lives are displayed in a public form. Excessive partying and drinking will always be scrutinized, and smoking and hanging out in mixed or bad company will be talked about. Public cursing and wild behavior will definitely lead to an individual’s downfall, both personally and with their organization. Sometimes, the personal sacrifices can take there toll.
Performers are encouraged by their employers to set good examples. Most dancers sign detailed contracts about what is expected from them which provide them with a set of guidelines and examples of every possible scenario. During any situation, it is up to the dancer to think through the situation completely before acting. Performers are reminded that they are considered to be role models and are encouraged to think and act responsibly. They must be conscious of their actions at all times and take the high road most of the time no matter how difficult. Likewise, they must constantly live their lives through good examples and stay focused on their careers by working hard to attain their goals.
Most people forget that performers are everyday people who will definitely make mistakes. They will forget that they are recognizable individuals most of the time and will continue to hang with the wrong crowd. They will sometimes allow their wild personal lives to take control and will not realize that they are constantly being watched and talked about. As performers, we sometimes overlook the fact that our lives are being shared with the public. And for that loss of never ending privacy, I say “Thank You” for all that you do!
Dancers must deal with accountability by accepting responsibility for their own actions even when they might not want to. This is important in diffusing any possible situations that may result in bad publicity, and it is important in being able to focus and move forward. It is necessary in correcting any unfortunate personal issues that may arise. Likewise, it is important in building a stronger personal foundation to continue moving forward.
As a performer, you will be asked to give of your time and energy while continue to work well with others. Sometimes working well with others may require you to make hard decisions for the better. I n those instances, it is important to make sure that you deliberately want what is best for everyone and you make the right call. It will not be your job to make the popular choice, just the right choice. Likewise, you may not always do the right thing, but be willing to stand by your decisions, and never deliberately attempt to hurt anyone. Once you can acknowledge your mistakes, you will continue to become a better person each day and a continued asset to our industry. And for all of this, I say “Thank You” for being you!
Yaa O. Whitmore
“Professional In Life”