A Community Divided Can't Thrive

Why Is the Dance World So Adversarial?

Something I’ve noticed (and maybe you have, too) is how hostile our industry has become.

We’re in a field rooted in connection, creativity, and community. Yet, so often, what plays out between studios, teachers, and even entire dance communities looks more like a turf war than anything remotely collaborative.

There’s a lot of public preaching about kindness and mental health. There’s also a lot of people forgetting to practice what they post. The irony isn’t lost on me: people demanding not to be judged are often the first to judge others-- for how they teach, run their studios, structure pay, market their classes, or mentor their students.

While there are many in our community who do lead with kindness, openness, and a people-first perspective (and their example is proof that this work can be done with both heart and backbone) the unfortunate reality is that social media is littered with vague posts, personal jabs wrapped in moral high-grounding, and professional disagreements aired out for clicks. Honest conversation has been replaced with passive aggression or flat-out callouts. In the process, humanity is getting lost.

Let’s talk about competition for a moment.

I run my studio with a collaboration over competition mindset. That’s a core value for me, but I also see the value in competition when it’s done well-- students gain performance experience, build confidence, and learn from feedback. For educators and studio owners, competitions can be a place to connect and inspire. They should be opportunities to model professionalism, respect, and camaraderie.

But that’s not always what happens.

There are teachers venting online about being underpaid or undervalued-- some with truly legitimate concerns, others without having taken the basic step of having a direct, professional conversation with their employer. Some make assumptions about what a studio owner should be able to pay without understanding the realities of running a business. Some feel entitled to rates and roles they may not have earned yet through experience, consistency, or impact.

Then, there are some studio owners who may not deserve the benefit of the doubt-- those who don’t pay fairly, don’t communicate, and don’t consider the effect of their choices on the people they hire. The teachers are right to feel frustrated. There's clear lack of honest, direct dialogue (and an apparent lack of emotional maturity) on all sides is what's driving the wedge deeper.

Here’s what I’ve observed too much of:

• People making assumptions before asking questions

• Professionals burning bridges instead of building them

• Individuals prioritizing their ego over collective growth

The arts are supposed to unite us, not divide us.

If you’re in the dance world-- whether you’re teaching, owning, managing, or still training-- here’s something to sit with:

You can advocate for yourself without burning everything down.

You can disagree without tearing someone apart.

You can have boundaries and standards without being hostile.

You can speak your truth without being reckless.

You can be kind without being a doormat.

There’s a version of this industry where we hold each other accountable and root for each other. Where we model respect, communication, and professionalism even when we disagree. That’s the version I want to live in. I hope you do, too.

Let’s Talk About It

I know this might be uncomfortable. Growth usually is.

This isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. It’s about raising the bar, not just in how we train dancers, but in how we treat each other as professionals in this field.

And for the record—I’m not perfect either. I’ve made assumptions. I've made mistakes. I’ve said the wrong thing. I’ve learned some lessons the (really) hard way; but I endeavor to lead with integrity, stay open, and learn from every experience.

So I’m opening the floor:

Have you experienced tension or judgment in your corner of the dance world?

Have you seen collaboration work in a way that made everything better?

What would it look like if we all led with curiosity instead of assumptions?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with someone who might need it, or send me a message if you want to talk more. This conversation matters—and I’m here for it.

Let’s build something better, together.