16 Apr Directors Dialogue: A Discussion with our Patron Kenneth Tindall

Dance in a Time of Covid

Kenneth Tindall is the Artistic Director of Digital and Resident Choreographer of Northern Ballet. He is also a freelance Choreographer and our Patron here at Moorland Ballet Academy. A few weeks ago, Kenneth spent some time talking to our students via Zoom. The main topic of the discussion centred around how the creative industries have adapted throughout the pandemic and how students can take the lessons learned over the past year into their future career. Here is what he had to say:

“Staying creative amongst the challenges of the past year have been one of the biggest tests we have faced in the creative industry. They say that adversity is creativities best friend, and this has never been more pertinent. Over the last twelve months, I have channelled all my creative energy in learning how to create and capture full-length film and have furthered my skills in editing, using a camera and learning how to direct for film vs stage productions. This has been a time of adaptation for everyone.

My biggest lesson and the lesson I want to pass on to the students at Moorland is that we can’t just concentrate on one thing in life, we can’t just focus on becoming a ballet dancer. We have to focus on multiple things because as the last year has shown us, what are we going to do if this continues? We need to find a way to use the talent we have and take those attributes into our future life post-pandemic.

It is essentially big-picture thinking. The students at Moorland have big careers in front of them. However, what happens after dance? What happens alongside it? The education students get at Moorland will open many pathways in the dance world, which won’t necessarily all end with becoming a professional dancer that doesn’t mean pursuing them is less important. Not only do the Moorland directors prepare you for life in the dance industry, but they also help you to focus on who you are as a human being and what you can contribute to the bigger picture.

There are so many pathways into excellent and rewarding careers through dance. These include teaching, choreography, digital performance, marketing, camera work; the list is endless. The dance world is made up of so many elements that you can be part of.

When I started my training at Central in London my eyes were opened to the many different roles within a ballet company and how many parts went in to making the final product. It makes you a better dancer/performer when you know what goes into making and producing shows. It is my belief that it is going to take creative people with energy and imagination to get us out of the current situation.

There has been no better time than now to revitalise our amazing industry. We have been dancing for thousands of years. As long as there has been humankind, we have danced, and we will never stop.”

After the meeting, our directors were filled with positivity about the attitude and approach our students had to these conversations. “Having regular access to experienced professionals like Kenny allows our students to have a direct line to what is currently happening in our industry. The finger is on the pulse directly, the enthusiasm to prevail against whatever odds are placed in line, shows the sheer power of the creative industry and how a positive mindset is paramount to success.”