An Open Letter to the Dance World

Dear Dancers, Choreographers and those who consider themselves artists in the form of Movement,
I'm disappointed with the current trend that I'm seeing in the dance world. I feel that I have always been one to support free thinking and the pursuit of the 'new'. I've prided myself on the fact that one of my favorite choreographers is Merce Cunningham. I love watching Lamentation by Martha Graham. Most mainstream ammature dancers would most likely shy away from these expressions on eccentricity, but I can support those who strive to make their feelings known through avant garde means...even if that is the lack of feeling. However, I cannot support someone creating something 'out of the box' purely for shock value or for the extreme reaction that it will receive. In my opinion, this defeats the purpose of creating thought provoking art.
Case in point is this dance created by Wade Robson for So You Think You Can Dance. Begin watching at about 1:50

Until I saw this dance, I could pretty much get on board with anything created by Wade. I was a huge fan of quirky style and movement ability. He has an eye for nuance and is one of the best when it comes to thinking outside of the box. However, as I sat in stunned silence when this dance was over, I couldn't help but think that it was supposed to be a joke. Is he secretly laughing at us? I'm over it Wade. I'm done with it Mia. In your quest to be different and unexpected, you are beginning to become predictable. I've seen your dances before. I'm not interested in the same tired danced anymore.
And now a word on dance plagiarism. I tend to do a lot of my dance research on youtube. I love to see what's out there and whats popular. I teach kids who are going to competitions and they need something that is going to impress tables of judges. However, I feel like I end up seeing the same dance over and over again. The same solo, the same group dance. Not that the choreography is the same, but similar patterns in the creation of the dance, the same elements being executed in almost identical ways. Why is this happening? I'm not interesting in seeing a second rate regurgitation of someone else's original idea. I want to see true visionaries and you are never too young to expose your own ideas.
Where would this world be without thinkers? Where would we be with the Thomas Jeffersons of the world or the Ray Charles' of the world or the Any Worhols? Those with staying are the ones who reinvent, who create from the their heart, who evolve.
Don't stop reaching within your soul and putting a piece of yourself on the dance floor.
-Meghan