Making Art vs Fame Seeking.

I have Malcom McLaren to thank for the title of this topic as well as this discussion.
http://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_mclaren_authentic_creativity_vs_karaoke_culture.html

As we have all seen in dance, there are some people who get into it because they want to be famous. They have this vision that they can make a fortune doing something they love.
Why not?  We've been taught to do the things we love and make money doing it, because that is the path to fulfillment.

However the fame that comes from being a dancer, does eventually peter out and like many other "celebrities".  Still wanted by the people who have admired you and yet, usurped by the "next best thing".
It's also true for regular celebrities too...  Singers and Bands who were "the shit" at one point haven't been heard from in years... Spawning the VH1 TV show or news articles on "Where are they now?"

For all of us... Whether it's acting, music, sports or any other art form.  We all got into it because of something that we love.  Some got famous... others, out of the lime light and are rocking their respective arts in places that are not so famous.
You can always find these not-so-famous folks in places like, community theater, pubs, community ball fields and other sporting places.  But, you can also find the formerly famous in these places too.

I am reminded that the Detroit Red Wings allegedly found formerly famous player Joe Kocur playing hockey on a beer league team, before bringing him back to play in the NHL and then consequently win the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in decades.
Why was he in the Beer League anyway?  The only answer that I can fathom, is that he was there because he loved hockey and wanted to keep playing, even though the big league was done with him.  Love and a willingness to keep himself submersed it something he is passionate about.

For me, personally, I don't teach and perform dance because I want to get famous.  I do it because I want to make art, because I love it, because I feel as though I will suffocate if I am not dancing.
Fame is the farthest thing from my mind... 
To say that I have not ever considered fame as an outcome, would be a big fat lie.
The concept of fame has crossed my mind.  Wouldn't it be cool to travel the world and meet people everywhere I go?  Wouldn't it be awesome to have left a footprint on the dance community that my name is on everyone's lips?

Why yes, it would be cool.  But, then I think with the practical side of my brain. Traveling the world and leaving such a foot print has some costs that ought to be considered.  Every time a bag is packed and I would be off somewhere. That is a period of time without my family and friends. Away from my goofy dogs and cats.  Away from the dance community I really do love being a part of....  so busy planning, plotting and trying so hard to meet the demands of that fame.  To be constantly forced to create things for the consumption of the masses.

I have come to learn that I am much happier staying home and creating things that I enjoy.  Sharing my creations with the community and the audiences that are around our community.  I have come to learn that this simple thing, this non-wishing for fame, has given me such a sense of satisfaction and rewards me in return.

No, I much prefer being the artistic, rule breaking punk, that you all know...Yes, I find much more satisfaction in creating art just for the purpose of creating art.