We Decide Who We Are | Sean Murphy | TEDxYouth@PickeringValley

Summary

The speaker, a former professional dancer, shares his journey of defying the odds to become a ballet dancer at 18, despite conventional wisdom suggesting it was too late. He discusses the unique physical demands of dance, the importance of overcoming gravity to achieve the illusion of flight, and his experiences performing worldwide. After suffering career-ending injuries, he turned to teaching, inspiring young dancers with his passion and perseverance, emphasizing the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving one's dreams.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The speaker is a dance instructor who teaches children how to use their bodies effectively in dance, emphasizing the unique muscle engagement in dancing.
• 🕺 Dance is described as both an art form and a sport, requiring discipline and training to overcome the limitations imposed by gravity.
• 🚀 The instructor teaches techniques like squatting to enable dancers to jump high and appear as if they are flying, despite the constant pull of gravity.
• 🤔 The speaker faced skepticism about starting dance training at the age of eighteen, but through dedication and hard work, he became a professional dancer.
• 🏆 After four years of intense training, the speaker joined the American Ballet Theatre, one of the top ballet companies in the world.
• 🎭 The speaker's passion for performing arts and stage presence led him to ballet, which combined his love for athletics and being on stage.
• 🌏 As a professional dancer, the speaker had the opportunity to travel the world and perform in prestigious theaters.
• 🤕 The speaker suffered multiple injuries, including ankle injuries that required surgery, which eventually led to the end of his dancing career.
• 💡 Despite his injuries, the speaker's passion for dance remains, and he continues to teach and inspire young dancers.
• 👶 The speaker started teaching dance to children around the ages of nine to ten and shares his experiences and techniques with them.
• 🔄 The speaker had to overcome personal adversities, such as his parents' separation and his mother's passing, which shaped his resilience and determination.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker's teaching in dance?

The speaker primarily teaches kids how to use specific muscles in their bodies that are unique to dancers, enabling them to perform jumps and appear as if they are flying.

How long does it generally take for students to truly apply the techniques taught by the speaker?

It generally takes about 7 to 8 years for students to really listen, work, and apply themselves to the techniques taught.

Why is the art of dance described as both an art form and a sport?

Dance is described as both an art form and a sport because it involves the use of muscles in ways that are not common in other sports or activities, requiring both artistic expression and physical exertion.

What is the significance of gravity in the context of dance as mentioned by the speaker?

Gravity is significant in dance because it constantly pulls dancers back to the ground, and dancers must learn to overcome this force to achieve the illusion of defying gravity, like appearing to fly or float.

At what age did the speaker start dancing, and what challenges did they face?

The speaker started dancing at the age of eighteen and faced the challenge of being told that it was too late to become a professional dancer at that age.

How long did it take the speaker to join one of the top ballet companies in the world?

It took the speaker four years of intensive training to join the American Ballet Theatre in New York.

What was the speaker's daily training schedule like during their time as a dancer?

The speaker's daily training schedule involved training from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 at night, almost every single day.

How did the speaker's passion for performing and athletics come together in ballet?

The speaker found that ballet combined their love for athletics and performing, as it required physical strength and agility as well as the ability to entertain on stage.

What injuries did the speaker experience during their dancing career?

The speaker experienced several ankle injuries, requiring surgery, and a career-ending injury involving a torn hamstring and another muscle.

How did the speaker continue to be involved in dance after their performing career ended?

The speaker continued to be involved in dance by teaching ballet to kids, despite having to explain their physical limitations due to past injuries.

What was the speaker's approach to overcoming adversity and difficulties in their life?

The speaker's approach to overcoming adversity involved self-reliance, determination, and a strong work ethic, as demonstrated by their journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a professional dancer.