We are moving out of the age of the all-purpose artist and into the age of the unmistakable one

We are moving out of the age of the all-purpose artist

and into the age of the unmistakable one

I recently posted a submission notice looking for teachers and choreographers. I received a lot of fantastic reels and bios. I also read many (many)emails stating that they teach “contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern and tap” or a similar laundry list of styles and disciplines. I absolutely understand that many of us are trained in all of these styles and disciplines. Just because one CAN teach all of those classes, doesn’t mean that one SHOULD teach all of these classes. Reading a list of wildly varying teaching styles is the first sign that I am reading an inexperienced bio. This notice was for New York City creatives; we are in a major market. When booking teachers for guest teaching, high profile or high paying work, we are looking for teaching artists and creatives with a distinct voice and vocabulary. It is no longer enough to do everything; artists need to be known for something.

Notice your strengths, pay attention to your values and you will find your point of view.