TEACHING SPORTSMANSHIP IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

If you have ever been to a audition for live theatre or dance, you know it can be cut throat.   Recently, my daughter and her friend auditioned for a scholarship at the Tremaine Dance Convention.   On the way home,  her friend lamented how one dancer cut her way to the front and danced not only in her assigned group but in another as well.     If you are an experienced dancer or performer this ploy is nothing new to you (and making your way to the front is something you sometimes have to do to be seen if the choreographer/director doesn't say "switch lines)."   However,  I thought this comment provided a teaching moment to discuss good sportsmanship.

BE RESPECTFUL:  If you do have to find your way to the front, don't push.  Subtly, find a spot and make sure other performers still have their space.   You can also show respect by playing fair, being on time, prepared, positive, willing,  wearing the appropriate clothes, bringing the appropriate shoes and performance/audition materials, and being trustworthy.  Exhibiting respect will show your teachers or the creative team that you can be trusted to handle the part for which you are hoping.  

ALLOW OTHERS TO HAVE A TURN:  You may want to be noticed and show the creative team you should be their number one pick, but it is important to show that you are a team player and not ego driven.  John Wooden once said, "The true test of a person's character is what they do when no one is watching."  Just because you are not up front demonstrating your skills, your behavior in the wings or on the side of the studio (when you're not seen) will be noted.

VALUE YOUR FELLOW PERFORMERS:  Practice building relationships with other performers.  Everyone has differing strengths, personalities, and talents.  Value them.   Think about how great an audition, show, or dance feels when you are supported and valued by others.  If people feel valued and like they have an opportunity to bring something to the table,  cohesion, positive morale, and good feelings abound.  When you value others, winning feelings and good rehearsal/ performance outcomes occur.  Kobe Bryant once said, "I'll do whatever it takes to win a game, whether it's sitting on the bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to  teammate or hitting the game winning shot."  What positive team building things can you do to have a winning class, rehearsal or performance?

BE OPTIMISTIC:  People like to work with performers who have positive outlooks.  Even if you don't get what you want, look at is as a chance to learn, grow, and improve.   Be open to self-reflection and outside suggestions/constructive criticism.   If you hit a stumbling block, figure out how to make it a stepping stone and keep moving forward to achieve your dreams.