Ballet Nights: The NEW Dance Show That Redefines the Experience for Everyone
Jamiel Devernay-Laurence, Dance Entrepreneur, Artistic Director and Compère of Ballet Nights
The Essence of a ChangeMaker- Entrepreneur
In a recent post, Richard Branson reflected on this question: Are entrepreneurs born or made? To him, everyone is born an entrepreneur, but only some people do something about it. What is the difference between someone who has a great idea and an entrepreneur? The entrepreneur has given it a go!
He went on telling the story of his first failure when he was at school as he wanted to sell Christmas trees to make money only to discover that the tiny plants he had planted behind his house to grow during the summer had almost all be eaten by rabbits.
Did he let this bad experience stop him? Absolutely not. It made him start thinking - what could he do where he could stay actively involved in it every day and make a difference to people’s lives?
He realised the student community didn’t have a voice. They cared deeply about the issues of their time (from the Vietnam War to the war on drugs, they were always out protesting), but no one was producing material for them. And so the idea of Student Magazine was born. This first venture went a lot better, and from that sprang Virgin Records.
More than 50 years on, the Virgin Group has more than 40 companies and 60,000+ employees around the world. But if it wasn't for those first few failures, the future successes would never have happened!
This example of ‘hero’s journey’ from one of the most famous entrepreneurs on the planet is one we have all seen in successful entrepreneurs and one any new change-maker can learn from. The current landscape of global challenges, encompasses significant social issues and demands a fundamental redefinition of how businesses and industries operate.
It also requires to see the failures and shortcomings of the past as opportunities to learn and innovate. This epitomizes human ingenuity, as we possess the freedom to rebound, inherent creativity, and the capacity to drive the change we envision in the face of challenges.
The Dance Industry: A hierarchical System with a lot of Traditions
A new actor on the London scene, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence embodies many qualities of the modern Change-Maker Entrepreneur. The 12 years he spent as a Soloist at the Scottish Ballet between 2009 and 2021 taught him a lot about the dance industry and its inner workings - both positives and negatives. With Ballet Nights, he is capitalising on his own lived experience to breath new life in an industry that has been quite set in its ways for over a hundred years.
The dance industry, like many other entertainment sectors, operates with its own set of traditions and structures. Over the years, a hierarchical system has developed, wherein certain individuals or groups hold more prestige and influence than others. Big headline names, often established and celebrated figures in the dance world, play a crucial role in this hierarchy. Their prominence is not only based on their talent but also on their ability to draw audiences, generate revenue, and create a ripple effect that can elevate the status of others within the dance community.
This hierarchical system, though is not without its challenges.The focus on big headline names can indeed cast a shadow on the countless talented dancers who may not receive the same level of recognition. Many skilled and dedicated dancers might find themselves relegated to background roles or ensemble parts, without their names prominently displayed on show posters or recognized for their contributions. These dancers often spend years honing their craft, undergoing rigorous training, and dedicating themselves to their art, sometimes for meager compensation.
For many dancers, the harsh reality of the industry can lead to questions about their future and what comes next. The transient nature of dance careers, coupled with the fierce competition and limited opportunities for advancement, can leave dancers uncertain about their long-term prospects. It's not uncommon for dancers to face financial instability, job insecurity, and the constant pressure to prove themselves in a field where success is often elusive.
Despite these challenges, many dancers continue to pursue their passion out of love for the art form and a deep-seated commitment to their craft. While the hierarchy and emphasis on big names can be discouraging for those in the shadows, it's important to recognize and appreciate the dedication, artistry, and resilience of all dancers, regardless of their level of fame or recognition.
Jamiel Devernay-Laurence: Creating New Experiences + New Opportunities
Jamiel Devernay-Laurence's approach to challenging the status quo in the dance industry through his artistic direction for Ballet Nights is a testament to his innovative spirit and determination to redefine traditional practices.
By leveraging his extensive experience within the industry as a Dancer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Venue Director, and award-winning Filmmaker, Devernay-Laurence is paving the way for a new, elevated experience that benefits not only the dancers but also the public and all stakeholders involved, including his management team and other dance companies as he is looking at creating benefits for all as part of the process.
Breaking away from how things have always been done requires courage, vision, and a deep understanding of the inner workings of an industry. Devernay-Laurence's willingness to challenge norms and experiment with new approaches is not only refreshing but also essential for driving growth and transformation within the dance community. His efforts to offer a fresh perspective and innovative solutions demonstrate a commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and enhancing the overall dance experience for everyone.
What makes Ballet Nights different?
UP CLOSE - The new dance show features a set of various short performances up close, enhancing the interaction between the dancers and the audience, both during the show but also by offering the opportunity to meet the dancers backstage after the show.
EXCITING, UNUSUAL VENUES - Performances take place at innovative London venues in the UK with plans for diverse future locations to elevate the experience. Past shows took place at the Lanterns Studio Theatre or Ministry of Sound, a flagship night club with legendary dancefloor and sound system. Future shows have already been announced and will go to new, unexpected venues in London including the Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square, normally a concert hall home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
MIX OF ESTABLISHED & RISING STARS - It showcases a mix of world-class renowned dancers with sold out dance shows and emerging talents who are not well-known yet for a diverse and engaging lineup. Some emerging talents have already been noticed after their initial appearance with Ballet Nights, such as Jordan James Bridge, skyrocketing new opportunities for their career.
MIX OF DANCE GENRES - Each show offers a unique programme with different dance genres from Classical Ballet, to Neo Classical & Contemporary Dance. It also includes various themes, including a ‘mystery performance’ which the audience only discovers on the night, or ‘What’s Next’ featuring a new generation of dance talents.
IT GOES BEYOND - It pushes boundaries by blending genres like offering a performance incorporating live dance, music, and opera - all at the same time, or incorporating interactive elements like a cocktail created by the dancers on stage that can then be enjoyed by the public at the interval.
A CELEBRATION OF ALL DANCERS - It celebrates and introduces each dancer through the compère intros, fostering a closer connection and appreciation for all the performers, the highlights of their journey so far and the performance they are delivering on the day.
INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS - It collaborates with other dance companies to showcase their dancers, raising awareness and supporting the broader dance community, ultimately creating more opportunities for everyone through peer support. Ballet Nights has also revived dance columns in some newspapers creating space for more coverage.
CREATIVE SPIRIT - It embraces continuous innovation, considering international expansion or the integration of new technologies such as AI, AR, and VR into shows in the future. Ballet Nights have already announced they would bring the concept abroad, outside of the UK, for the first time this September, in Malaysia and Australia.
A NEW PROGRAMME, EVERY TIME - Every single show features a new programme, showcasing a rotation of diverse dancers and talents for a fresh experience each time.
PLATFORMING NEW WORKS - It prioritizes offering an elevated experience for all involved, encouraging new ideas and contributions to enhance the overall show quality and engagement. Some dancers have been able to bring new choreography to the Ballet Nights stage for the very first time, showcasing their most recent and innovative work.
Where to see Ballet Nights next?
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Podcast: Up Close with Jamiel Devernay-Laurence
By capitalising on his unique insights and expertise, Devernay-Laurence is creating a ripple effect that extends beyond his own endeavours, inspiring others to rethink their approaches and embrace change.
His willingness to disrupt the status quo and introduce new ideas is not only shaping the future of the dance industry but also setting a precedent for how innovation and creativity can lead to a more vibrant and dynamic landscape as an example for any industry in need of renewal.
The goal?
• Paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable environment
• Fostering a more collaborative and diversified approach
• Creating new resources and opportunities that can benefit everyone involved