Not totally unlike a hit Broadway musical or Glee club, I occasionally narrate my life through song. So in the words of Michael Jackson, "This is it."
It is easy to explain why a cruise ship is an appealing job for a dancer. It offers job security with a regular pay cheque, the chance to perform every night and, of course, a free ride to see the world. It is rare to be a dancer and feel your job is secure, let alone pay your bills purely by performing. The industry seems to get cliquier and castings are quickly becoming a mumbled rumour. Cruise ships guarantee performance experience and the chance to work with some exquisite worldwide talent.
But this does not even scratch the surface of the opportunities available onboard. Cruise ships really are a floating city full of activities and opportunities. And they are bursting with all the clichés: The scenery is breath-taking, the food is to die for, the wine is superb, the cocktails are cheap and the entertainment is upbeat and electrifying.
At first glance, there is no doubt this is a dream job. But there is of course the stuff that doesn’t appear in the contract. The choreography is at times questionable and outdated, dancing in heels in rough weather is embarrassing and definitely takes a toll on your body, and cruise ships in general seem to be a magnet for people with awkward to non-existent social skills. Sure, I understood that life onboard living, working and socializing with your fellow cast members would prove challenging at times but nobody tells you that living on a cruise ship is like signing up to a reality TV program. It is like living under a microscope. Relationships among crew members begin, flourish and then end. And there are also the stereotypical passengers to amuse us: wearing double-denim and bum bags, they seem determined to switch off and have a vacation with zero thinking and planning required. Life onboard is an addictive dramatic combination of Big Brother meets Glee; the relationships, the drama, the laughter, the crew who bring you discounted alcohol and secret room service for a handy cash tip.
This is an extract from a feature by Megan Dal Santo on her experience as a dancer on a cruise ship in the Feb/Mar issue of Dance Australia. OUT NOW!