As a doctor, dance saved me from burnout. Here’s how I hope the arts can be supported more

REDEFINING A “BAD DAY”

However, this experience also opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the arts scene.

In the midst of working on this choreography project, a nearby dance studio abruptly announced its impending closure on social media.

In the last few months, several dance studios in Singapore have also closed, including Pearl’s Hill Studio and Sirene Studio. Others have downsized or moved to a more affordable but inaccessible location. 

Working for the first time as a provider of arts education rather than a recipient, it dawned on me in a new, stark way that to eke out a living in the arts scene is not easy at all.

In healthcare, a bad day is one characterised by too many patients in overcrowded clinics and hospitals. 

In contrast, a bad day at a dance studio is defined by insufficient sign-ups or cancelled classes, or other operational difficulties including hikes in rental costs.

In healthcare, if I put in 100 per cent in my work and simply perform my duties as required, my salary is all but guaranteed. I may get extra thanks, compliments or even, at times, an award. 

In dance, even if I were to put in 200 per cent, pushing myself to go the extra mile in all that I do, I still may not get a return proportionate to my effort. What’s more, what I produce may not even be well-received, subject to the tastes and preferences of individuals. 

A bad day working in healthcare means I need to get more rest, to prepare for tomorrow. A bad day for a dance studio means that there might be no tomorrow for the studio at all.

This doesn’t just apply to activities relating to dance and body movement; it includes other forms of art such as visual art and music.