Dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was always just something that I did, and so it became something that I often talked about. Though I wouldn't trade my dancing experiences for the world, there are definitely some questions and comments that I got sick of responding to. Here are a few examples.
1. Do you play any REAL sports?
Okay, look. I know there's no ball being kicked around or goals being scored, but to me, spending fifteen or more hours a week doing something that is incredibly physically demanding is a sport. If dancing was easy, it would be called football!
2. So you must be really flexible, huh?
Tool alert! This is not a good flirting technique. I dance because I love it, not because I'm trying to impress boys. So please stop sexualizing it. I'm flexible enough to kick you in the face.
3. You're a dancer? Can you show us some moves?
Please don't ever ask me to dance at a party. I will panic and forget all sense of rhythm, and the result will be an assortment of flailing limbs and awkward head bobbing.
4. Can I try on your toe shoes?
First of all, they're pointe shoes. Second, no. They're mine. Back off.
5. How does that not hurt your feet?
It does, I'm just used to it. It's like asking a runner how their legs don't get tired. Blisters are just a part of the lifestyle at this point.
6. Don't all dancers have eating disorders?
This is a stereotype. Obviously it can happen, but saying that all dancers have eating disorders is a problematic generalization. Don't make assumptions that can be hurtful like that.
7. Is your life like "Black Swan"?
Yes I am absolutely insane and have chronic hallucinations all the time. This is real life people, not Hollywood.
8. Will you teach me some ballet?
This kind of thing takes years of training. We work our butts off so we can do this stuff; you'e not going to be able to learn it in just a few minutes of me telling you what to do.
If you're a dancer and people are still continuing to ask you these things, hang in there. They will never understand. If you're not a dancer and you tend to ask these questions, just stop. Dancers are just like regular people... in tutus.
