Welcome to another installment of Romance Writers Weekly, the blog hop where we give you a glimpse into our world as writers. You’ll read about everything from our creative processes, to our favourite recipes.
This week, I asked “if you weren’t a writer, what other creative career would you most want to try?” Did you catch J.J. Devine‘s surprising answer?
For me, this is an easy question. Though I grew up in a creative industry (music) and hold a degree in theater (I worked as an actress for a few years), I know that, if my body had cooperated, I probably would have been a dancer before anything else.
I’ve been dancing, off and on, since I was a little girl. Mostly in my living room, mind you, but I don’t believe that you have to do something professionally to enjoy it. That said, I would have loved to have been a professional dancer. I grew up idolizing people like Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Gregory Hines, Tony Basil, Paula Abdul, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. I’d often clear out the living room furniture and spend hours trying to recreate the routines I saw on television, from ballet to music videos.
I studied dance for a short time, but quickly realized that it wasn’t something I could pursue as a career. It didn’t stop me from learning all that I could about the artform. Eventually, I was able to parlay my love for dance into work as a choreographer in musical theater. Even now, I incorporate my dance vocabulary into my daily WriteFit workout sessions. (The portable ballet barre in my living room is one of the best things I ever purchased!) I simply adore dance, it is woven into the fabric of my soul. Still, Melanie Moore can show you, in 38 seconds, more than I could ever tell you.
My current faves include dancers Misty Copeland, Alex Wong, Eliana Girard, Melanie Moore (above), and choreographers Mia Michaels, Yanis Marshall and Sonya Tayeh. I watch So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) almost obsessively, often moved to tears by the talent and strength of the contestants and the beauty of the choreo. If you want to fall in love with dance, this is the show to watch.
So, there you have it. I’m a dancer at heart. If you haven’t already, jump to the beginning of the hop and see what career Elizabeth Janette might have chosen, if she hadn’t become a writer. Til next time!
oooo Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse!! I used to be all about Balanchine even though he was clearly demented. I had the joy of seeing Mikhail Baryshnikov dance in Toronto and darn-near cried with joy. I can see you as a dancer. LOVE your music. xox
Ehehe, Balanchine definitely had issues. As did Martha Graham, but they were both geniuses. Twyla Tharp is another fave. =) Thanks! oxo
I think I’ve been fascinated by dancers since the first time I watched White Christmas and saw Danny Kaye and Vera Allen dancing together.
I *love* that film! I watch it every holiday season, at least two or three times. =)
We’ll have to Skype while watching SYTYCD. I LOVE that show. Alex Wong is from Vancouver originally – we were heartbroken when he tore his Achille’s during his season. Loved watching reliving those routines again.
Yes, let’s do it! =) Alex is ahhhhhmazing. My heart broke too, but what a career he’s carved out for himself since then.
Now I can’t get “Singing in the Rain” out of my head!! Wouldn’t it be great to dance like Sabra & Alex – it’s almsot like flying!
Yes, indeed! I used to rent a local studio for 3-hour blocks, take my CDs with me, and just dance dance dance. I was shocked when Sabra admitted she didn’t start dance until she was 16. Incredible! =)
I love dancing, and faithfully watch SYTYCD each week. I would kill to have a ballet barre at home. I might exercise more if I did! Love both video clips. Awesome post.
What do you think of this season’s Stage vs. Street format? I think it’s pretty cool, and they needed to do something to shake things up for casual viewers. I’m pretty happy with this year’s judging panel too. So far. 😉
I love to dance, even though I’m not very talented at it. I mean, I can boogey but not like the ballroom dancing styles.
When it comes to ballroom, I have two left feet. I get by in some Latin style, but the rest of it confounds me. And it’s so rigid. =)