13 Things NOT to Say to a Dance Major
Start writing a post
Student Life

13 Things NOT to Say to a Dance Major

Just... don't.

26267
13 Things NOT to Say to a Dance Major
Julianna Raimondo

1. So like, you must be pretty flexible then.

Some men love to sexualize what we do and for some reason, our ability to do the splits gets their panties in a wad... chill, dude. If you're asking this question you're more than likely not going to benefit from our skills anyway because of how suggestive and creepy this comment is... bye.

2. Oh, so it's like "Dance Moms"!

Uh... absolutely not. You need to educate yourself if your only impression of dance is 12-year-olds in lingerie and staged parental drama. Don't diminish my entire education to a reality TV program where the biggest drama is Kendall not nailing her her triple pirouette.

3. Oh! I danced when I was four! And never did it again!

I appreciate your attempt to relate to me in some way, but the difference between you and I is that dance was simply a phase for you, and it's become my entire life... that's fine, but it's a tad insensitive to compare my life passion to your 5-minute childhood hobby.

4. Your classes must be so easy.

Yeah, you know, you're right... getting graded for how well you perform and master technique isn't subjective or draining, and writing analysis papers on multiple performances a semester isn't time-consuming at all! Also having to be physically and emotionally present for every class doesn't take a toll on you as an artist or a human being ever! Thanks for reminding me how easy my academic life is.

5. Can you give me a dance lesson?

Ah, another one the men love to use to have an "in," or so they think. Let's not pretend that you're actually interested in learning how to dance... maybe don't use my major as a pickup line because it's not gonna work... see number 1.

6. That's so nice that you don't have to go to the gym!

That would be nice if it were true... actually we are expected to do outside training for strength and endurance weekly. Sometimes it's even a grade. Yeah... it's a grade to go to the gym. Our bodies are our medium and we constantly have to be aware of how we are treating it, and just because we have physical classes doesn't mean we get a free pass to be potatoes otherwise.

7. Remember me when you're on Broadway!

Thanks for the support, but New York isn't the only place where I can be successful... also you're assuming I want to end up on Broadway, but that's simply not the only end goal.There are many, many paths a dancer can go down and Broadway isn't the golden star of success, the symbol that means "I made it!" I'm not just in this for the fame and the status.

8. So like, what do you do...?

I dance... next time, ask a better, more articulate question. It's not that I don't want to educate you but this question is just dense and judgmental.

9. You must have so much free time.

This misconception kills me. No, actually I don't have time to even think because of multiple weekday and weekend rehearsals outside of class time, general education credits, 0 credit master classes, tech weeks, show weekends, seeing shows we aren't even a part of, collaboration with other artists, Bachelor of Art degree requirements, meetings with professors, plus gym time, meals, a decent amount of sleep, and maybe a social life?

10. I didn't know you could major in something like that.

Something like what? A major that's just as mentally taxing as any other? A major where CREATIVITY and EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY is a requirement? All I hear when people say this is "I didn't know you could major in something that doesn't take hard work and will eventually earn you no money at all"

11. Good for you...

This... THIS. The sympathetic "Aw, she's pursuing her passion instead of choosing a real, substantial and smart career path." This is the nice way of congratulating me for choosing something I love instead of suffering through life to make money? Like everyone else does I guess? I don't understand. My choice in major isn't a resignation to a life on the poverty line and it isn't some bold statement I made in the face of a more "realistic choose." My choice is valid and realistic and completely stable, thank you very much.


12. So like...exotic dancing? Can you dance for me? Wait... there's not a pole involved?

I've said it once and I'll say it again: MY ART IS NOT SOME FETISH. My major doesn't consist of 20 girls in a room making ourselves look sexy for your benefit. Please just stop. It's not cute, it's not funny, and dance is so much more than your sexualized, perverted, and ignorant mindset.

13. So what do you do with that once you graduate?

You know, most of us don't know what EXACTLY what we'll be doing when we graduate. In fact, anyone in the majority of majors doesn't have a clue either. Let us live, let us figure it out, and don't ask us a question that assumes we won't actually maintain a stable lifestyle as an artist. There are viable options in the dance world as teachers, choreographers, and professional performers or technicians. Stop being ignorant, educate yourself, and above all STOP putting our major in a box because of your limited and narrow mindset.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

20167
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

947841
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

124376
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments