The NFL’s Shift to Dance
With the pandemic soon ending and things getting relatively back to normal, dance and movement are getting back into the swing of things as well. Throughout the pandemic there has been social changes in many organizations and businesses, the NFL is as well making some changes to how they deal with diversity and inclusivity.
Another Change in Washington
Dance has promoted change in many areas of business, commerce, education, entertainment, and art in general. Most recently dance has made its way deeper into the NFL. As of today, the Washington Football Team will be changing pace by trying out 36 dancers to replace the cheerleading squad that is currently at every home game. Anyone can try out, including the cheerleaders from previous seasons, but according to Petra Pope, senior advisor focused on game-day entertainment,
“My desire is to create a team that is all of that — inclusive, diverse, coed, athletic — to set the gold standard in the NFL. We’re looking for that super athlete that can dance, perform tricks and stunts and manipulate whatever props that will create a really great show.”
Art is The Answer
Opportunities are opening for dancers on a bigger stage and in a more mainstream way more than ever now. The arts are necessary for the culture to drive forward and this is an example of just that. There has been a dynamic shift in the way dance and performance is now viewed in the public eye, and it was a long time coming. Dance and movement is used as a form of expression, not exploitation, and exploitation is the leading reason for the change in the program at Washington.
Not The First, But Not the Last
Washington is not the first team to change with the times—New Orleans, Seattle, and Los Angeles have all switched their cheerleading programs into co-ed dance programs to be more inclusive and exciting.
Moving Forward
Pope is hoping to create a dance team that reflects where we are in time. Not simply 2021, but culturally—reflecting what the country looks like and is. According to Pope the new outfits for the dancers will be a tad more “fashion forward” than previous uniforms worn by the cheerleaders.
There is a positive shift in the way art is perceived, and every form of art, whether it is a form of athletic dance, ballet, or sculpture, the public is respectfully changing the way it is perceived. At Dansations WNY, we offer a variety of dance classes and clinics, including acrobatic instruction. We work with dancers from 18 months to 18 years of age. Our professional instructors know how to move and inspire movement in a time when dance and movement is needed most. Give us a call today or fill out your information here and we will contact you with more info on how we can get your child moving.