I’ve often been asked or look at funny for not taking loads of workshops when I am at an event. If I am performing at an event then I usually do take at least one or two. The reason I don’t load up is because I want to be able to move! And because sometimes it’s exhausting to be “on” all the time. Dance events usually involve a lot of networking and unfortunately you have to be present to do so.
As much as I love dancing, I’m not typically doing it for 8 straight hours. In those cases where I have a day packed of dance, then I’m typically pretty sore by the end of it. Given that I like to put a lot of technique and my energy into my performances, being sore doesn’t leave a lot left for the stage. Depending on the size of the event, the number of workshops being offered, I try to pace myself. If i’m performing one of the days, then all my workshops would be on the other day, and vice versa. I love taking workshop and learning from new people but it can take a physical toll.
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Also, taking all of the workshops doesn’t leave a lot of downtime. You may think that the time between them during breaks is enough and when the shower is over, but it’s not. Unless I have enough time to run to my room and truly decompress and relax, I’m still running at full speed. It typically takes me 2-3 hours to fully wind down from that amazing dance high ( as well as being ravenous!). During the workshops, the breaks usually have a social component as well. Most of my friends are busy, gigging dancers so the breaks are a time when I get to see them in person and not through a computer screen.
Lastly, budget. As much as I would like to have an unlimited budget to do all the things, I have to be a business woman. I try to space out what I do so that I can attend all the events. So instead of taking all the workshops, I will take 2 or 3 but be able to do so at different events.
So PLEASE don’t ever be under the impression that I don’t want to take a workshop or that I have a low opinion of the instructors or the organizer. It’s just a question of time, money and energy.