Dancer Blogaphobia?

In my journey into the blogosphere I have spent a significant amount of time searching for established dancers and choreographers who have a compelling blog. So far no luck. There are a few dancers out there that have attempted to blog but seem to give up fairly quickly. Approximately five posts is the average life-span of a dancer’s blogs.

I understand that a dancer’s life is hectic, but seriously no one? It’s just mind boggling to me. Why dancers are completely absent in the blogosphere?

Here are a couple of the reasons that came to my mind:

I’d Rather be Dancing

Trust me when I say that I understand that. Given the choice between taking a class or writing a blog post, I wouldn’t fault any dancer who picks the class over writing the blog post. Actually, I would expect it. Keeping up on your craft is of the utmost importance. However, there are hours in the day where taking a class is just not an option. How a person chooses to spend that time is completely up to each individual–no judgment here.

Outside of landing a triple pirouette, part of dancer’s training is time management. At a young age, dancers learn to balance school, homework, classes, rehearsals, competitions and performances. It is an art form in its own right and (most) dancers just have it in their bones. So if you think there is no time in the day to possibly write a blog, you aren’t giving yourself enough credit. Like I said, no judgment but no excuses either.

It’s Uncomfortable and Unfamiliar

What I admire about the dancers in my life is their inhibition and willingness to make themselves completely vulnerable. They lay their heart out on the line and it pays off. I’m an advocate for trying new things and putting yourself in uncomfortable situations because that is how you grow. But if you’re going to do, really go for it. Everyone knows that when you hesitate before you leap, that is when you fall on your face. Set yourself up for success and go for it.

Here’s the catch with this though–blogging is not for everyone.  Not all dancers are bloggers. If it isn’t your thing, move on to another challenge. There are certainly plenty of other ones out there and the world doesn’t stop and start with social media.

Blogging Won’t Help Me Pay the Bills

I hate to say this but I don’t know if ROI on a dance blog is significant. I say this mainly because dance blogs are few and far apart. You might be thinking if there is no proof of ROI on blogging, why would I even write a blog?

Well, in my opinion, ROI is not the sole purpose of social media. Yes, it’s a plus but it’s not everything. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is since diving into the social media world is that a large percentage of those who actively participate do so from a “pay it forward” point of view. Blogging is a great way to pass along the information you’ve gained with others. So, what is your area of expertise? Is it dance history, new trends, best classes in town, ballet? No matter what, you have something interesting to say and we’re all waiting to hear it.

So, what is it dancers? Why haven’t you joined the blogosphere? What is this blogaphobia all about?