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What it takes to be a touring dancer - by a Rambert dancer - Pieter Symonds
Posted by: Pieter on 30 October 2008
The average dancer is a talented, hardworking, creative creature who has spent over half their lives sculpting their body and mind to perform the whims and fancies of the choreographer and company. They have to be strong, versatile, and fearless (whilst always retaining a sense of humour).
They have to know their body inside out, rip it apart and throw it around at a second's notice. They have to have the ability to blend in with the group or come out and shine. But the most important attribute a dancer should possess is the ability to MOAN (a near prerequisite for the job). No stage, studio or situation is ever quite right - too hot/too cold, sticky floors/slippery floors, lights too bright, costume too tight, music too fast - I could continue for hours (all in a loving way of course)! But nothing quite gets us going like touring (a not unsignificant part of the job, I'm sure you'll agree).
I could divulge some of the awful digs and theatres I've experienced (although it might not be appropriate to name them!), but I'll tell you about just one experience I'll never forget, back in 2004, when I first joined Rambert. I was sleeping in a double bed with another new girl (we'd barely spoken three words to each other prior to our co-habitation), and the third occupier of the tiny room, in no more than a few metres square, with suitcases cramping any empty space. Of course it was advertised as a spacious loft, with gorgeous view, easily sleeping a whole family with room to spare for the neighbours if they felt like coming... but sorry, I digress. Back to the third occupant of the room, my poor, suffering colleague, stricken down with the flu and coughing through the night, our noses practically touching across what should have been a divide between the beds. This close proximity was almost made bearable by the heat it created to ward off the icy cold draught streaming in through the window. There were tears, and they weren't just mine. We went on to endure more together, in another town, a whole other experience. Maybe one day we'll be able to laugh, although we no longer stay together!
Now, at the ripe old age of 31 and with 12 entertaining and enlightening years of touring under my belt, I think I have it figured out. Oh yes, we moan, but give us a few simple pleasures and we sit there quiet and still, speechless! I'll tell you about them next time.
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