Dancers And Their Superstitions

Superstitions have long held a place in the world of performing arts, and dancers are no exception. From the seemingly mundane to the downright peculiar, dancers' superstitions are a fascinating aspect of their world. These beliefs are often passed down through generations, creating a tapestry of rituals and practices that contribute to the unique fabric of the dance community. If you're like me and wondered what the most common superstitions are within the ballet world and where they all come from, you've come to the right place!

Lucky Charms and Talismans

As hard as we may work on our technique and performance, sometimes it feels like there is no rhyme or reason why one day we achieve the perfect pirouette and the next day we don't, despite putting in the same effort and approaching it the same way. So of course, when we finally land that impossible jump, many dancers like to give credit to something around them that they believe brought them luck. This object will then be brought along the next time the dancer feels nervous or the need for that extra sprinkle of fairy dust to help things go smoothly. It could be a small rock, some jewellery or even just a lucky pair of briefs! The item in question usually has a special meaning to the dancer and is often worn or tucked away in costumes or dance bags. These talismans serve as tangible reminders of hope and positive energy, offering dancers a sense of comfort and confidence as they take the stage.

Ritualistic Preparations

Dancers can be meticulous in their preparations before a performance, and certain superstitions surround these rituals. From specific warm-up routines to the way they put on their costumes or apply makeup, each step is often performed with unwavering consistency. A good friend of mine likes to hold her arms in first position, partly because she once dislocated her shoulder and she finds it comforting to feel that her shoulders are sitting nicely in place, partly because such a basic and simple position grounds her. These routines not only serve as physical preparation but also provide a sense of familiarity and order, calming the mind and allowing dancers to enter a focused and centered state. Superstitious or not, these rituals offer dancers a sense of control and familiarity in the face of the unpredictable nature of live performances.

Verbal Superstitions

Dancers have a plethora of verbal superstitions that range from the lighthearted to the downright peculiar. For instance, most dancers will avoid saying "good luck" before a performance, as it is believed to bring the opposite. Instead, they opt for the following phrases which are intended to counteract the jinx of explicitly wishing for good luck.

Merde:

Originating from the ballet world, "Merde" is a phrase commonly used by dancers to wish each other good luck. The term itself might seem unusual, as "merde" translates to "shit" in French. However, in the dance context, it carries a completely different meaning. The phrase has its roots in the superstition that wishing someone the opposite of what you want will bring them good fortune. By uttering "merde," dancers symbolically hope for a performance that is the complete opposite – a successful ad celebrated show. It has become a longstanding tradition that you will almost certainly hear backstage in the wings before a performance.

Break a Leg:

"Break a Leg" is perhaps one of the most well-known phrases used across performing arts, including dance. While it may sound counterintuitive to wish someone harm before a performance, the phrase has its origins in the theater world. There are several theories regarding its origin, with one popular belief dating back to the 1500s. In those times, the audience would stomp their feet in appreciation, creating a thunderous applause known as "breaking a leg." Wishing someone to "break a leg" before a show was a way of wishing them a resounding applause and success. Over time, this phrase made its way into the dance community, symbolizing a desire for an exceptional performance and enthusiastic audience response.

Toitoi:

The term "Toitoi" is widely used in the performing arts community in New Zealand, including the dance scene. It is an expression of encouragement and good luck. The origin of "Toitoi" can be traced back to Māori culture, where it holds a significant place. "Toi" means "to succeed" or "to triumph" in Māori, and the repetition of "toitoi" emphasizes the wish for repeated success. By saying "Toitoi," dancers convey their hopes for a stellar performance and a successful outcome, embracing the spirit of perseverance and triumph.

Chookas:

In the Australian dance community, the term "Chookas" is a common phrase used to wish dancers good luck. The word "Chookas" itself is derived from the Australian slang term for a chicken, "chook." This unique phrase is believed to have originated from the early days of vaudeville theater, where live chickens were sometimes brought backstage for good luck. The sound of the chickens clucking was said to create a positive energy and bring good fortune to the performers. Over time, the word "chook" transformed into "chookas," which dancers now use to wish each other a successful and captivating performance.

In Bocca Al Lupo:

Additionally, another phrase that dancers sometimes use to wish each other luck is "In bocca al lupo," which translates to "In the mouth of the wolf" in Italian. Originating from the world of opera and theater, this phrase is believed to have its roots in ancient Roman culture. In Roman mythology, the wolf was considered a symbol of good luck and protection. By saying "In bocca al lupo," dancers invoke the power of the wolf to guard them from any misfortune or obstacles during their performance. The traditional response to this phrase is "Crepi il lupo," meaning "May the wolf die," signifying the defeat of any negative forces. This exchange embodies the spirit of resilience and the belief that dancers can overcome any challenges that come their way, ultimately delivering a remarkable performance.

Opening Night Traditions

Opening nights hold a special significance in the world of dance, and dancers often embrace specific traditions to ensure a successful performance. Some dancers like to give small gifts, like leaving small chocolates on the dressing table of fellow performers as a gesture of support and well-wishes. Others might engage in group activities like a pre-show circle, where dancers join hands, creating a bond of unity and shared energy. In a ballet company, the ballet master or ballet mistress will typically drop by your changing room to say one of the superstitious phrases previously mentioned and leave either a few chocolates on everyone's desks or a post-it note with an encouraging message. This is also the case when a dancer performs a particular role for the first time, even if the show has been up and running for a while. These traditions foster a sense of community and solidarity among dancers, while also instilling a belief in the power of collective positive energy.

Dancers' superstitions offer a fascinating glimpse into their world, where tradition, belief, and the pursuit of excellence converge. While some superstitions may appear peculiar to outsiders, they hold deep meaning and provide dancers with a sense of control, confidence, and connection. From lucky charms and talismans to ritualistic preparations, verbal superstitions, and opening night traditions, these beliefs reflect the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment that dancers bring to their craft. Whether rooted in ancient folklore, passed down through generations, or created within the dance community, these longstanding superstitions offer comfort in an unpredictable world.

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