The other day after a concert, I overheard someone describe me a as a “super fan.” Of course, I don’t believe it was remotely intended as slight. However, if I am being honest, it did get under my skin a little.
Coincidentally, shortly afterwards, I was having a discussion with someone who felt I should be more critical of the performances and artists I spotlight. I explained that I am not a critic, nor qualified to be one (or want to be one!) More importantly, my goal is to celebrate and showcase the performing arts and artists primarily here in Vancouver, but also across Canada and wherever my travels take me.
It’s a tough life as an artist and the last thing anyone needs is another person sharing most likely an unhelpful and unneeded criticism—there are no shortage of others willing ready to just that. Do I overdo using descriptors like “amazing,” “fabulous,” and “incredible”? Maybe. Do I love, much less like, everything I see? Absolutely not.
If I find a performance problematic for whatever reason, I will often try to highlight a particular aspect of a performance without commenting on the overall experience. It might be a specific performer or moment during the performance that stood out. However, I will never give praise that is not genuine and will always opt to focus on the positive whenever possible.
The reason for this is that I have such admiration for anyone who has likely been training since childhood, continually honing their craft, and willing to get up on stage again and again despite potentially their own insecurities, personal well-being and often for less-than-stellar compensation. In addition, for even the smallest arts organization, producing any performance is costly, time-consuming and financially risky. Every performance, even if far from perfect, is in some way a small miracle reflecting years of practice, passion and perseverance for those on stage and behind the scenes.
All this in itself is worthy of at least some praise and support no matter the final outcome.
So, back to my rather silly issue. I appreciate I am absolutely over-thinking this, To be honest, sometimes I wonder if I am just making a fool out of myself and even making a difference—hence my sensitivity to being called a super fan versus an advocate or supporter. At the end of the day, I truly hope my social media spotlights, board and committee work, and fundraising efforts are impactful (even if only in the slightest measure.) But, if all that comes of this is I’m known as a super fan of the performing arts—I suppose there are worse things!
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