I just wanted to take a moment to go on record about my tendency to go through phases of taking up ridiculous new hobbies and then dropping them a month or so later. I am very aware that I do this and I feel no shame. From uni-cycling, to playing instruments, to my current fad of pole dancing, I do rather like to throw myself into random activities from time to time.
Is it sometimes a waste of money? Yes! When I get into something, I go full force and try and do it to the best of my ability… even if only for a short time. I will invest in the best equipment, but let it be known I will always find the best price going because I’m a bargain hunting bitch! If you ever want expensive goods for half the price, I’ll find it for you!
But is it a waste of time? Absolutely not! As a creative person I love to be working towards something new and in down times between projects my brain needs to be working on something. In an ideal world this would be a new show but sometimes you have to wait for an idea to hit, so in this time I occupy myself with whatever fad I happen to stumble across. This helps to keep me focused and keep my creative juices flowing. It’s rare that I ever actually master any of these skills properly, but you never know when something might take.
Through my work with exist I’ve had to learn to be multi-skilled and take on tasks beyond just performing. This is just another aspect of that. I’m always trying to learn new things and better myself. I don't have to be the best or even good at these things, but for me it’s important that I’m always trying and growing and branching out into other creative areas.
So don't be surprised if I’ve taken up a seemingly strange new hobby because this has become fairly normal for me. And don't think less of me when I drop it just a few months later, because I don't see this as a failure. At this point I will have discovered the next show to work on and this short-term obsession will have served it’s purpose. Anything that can be sold on, will be. Anything that might come in useful will be stored away. Anything I feel can be developed will live on and become more than just a funny five minutes.
I would encourage everyone to allow themselves to go through phases. Don't stand on the sidelines wondering what it would be like to try that out for size… just do it. You don't have to be good at it but you can learn so much just by trying.
Dan x