Communicating with others has enabled me to feel attached and associated to the industry. Due to job's being out of the country I work "away" frequently and this always concerns me, as I feel disconnected and a little lost when I return. However going for a few drinks with a friend of mine in the business keeps me connected to the "performing world". Going to auditions I feel is a great way to meet people for new contacts and you can be providing with information which can lead to many opportunities.
One of my past Jazz teachers always said that each contract you do you should try and "soak up as much information as possible and treat it like you are back at school". This method has developed my understanding of the industry, actually my last contract I started writing down all that I learnt which increased my understanding and knowledge of professional working. I always find that each year I become more confident which encourages me to start up discussions. Self-belief then pushes me to have opinions that are beneficial and I find others will participate, so all information is flowing within a network. Yes sometimes you may be given incorrect information however I believe that any discussion or network will have its positives and benefits. We are all travelling along the same paths and at the dead end we are hoping there will be a job. Some people will be secretive for their own benefit, but I don't personally do this as I always believe if you are generous then people will be in reverse.
The Internet has influenced me to constantly view accommodating websites which has lead to successful employment. After reading blogs and talking to other’s I believe I can confidently say the Internet is a fabulous tool and we would be restricted without this resource. I don’t just use the Internet for research and exploration I use it to connect with work colleagues and even my agent. I have made a list below of my main sites that have enthused me further into my career.
Facebook- Interacting with a close network of people. I develop my relationships and gain new ideas and knowledge.
YouTube- I gain inspiration by watching video’s.
E-mail- Having e-mail usage on my blackberry phone has been heaven it makes life so much effortless.
Blogging- I am new to blogging however without this brilliant source I feel I would of struggled with this course.
Dancers pro- A fantastic website for auditions and contacts. Very easy to use, popular with performers and you can normally trust the information.
Hayley states in one of her blogs “I think this day and age the Internet is such a big part of society and it got me thinking of other sources of information I may use or may use more of if the Internet didn’t exist or wasn’t as accessible as it was today” This question got me thinking, the Worldwide Web is a vast library of data and the fact is most of us would struggle and we would be limited if it wasn’t for this valuable source. I use the Internet for education and entertainment!
Agent
I have had an agent since leaving Performing Arts College. I am going to justify my negatives and positives in this analysis as I do have mixed views and thoughts. Having an agent makes me feel more professional and in a weird way qualified at what I do. I have had many auditions due to my agent having useful contacts and information.
I have a very comfortable and good relationship with my agent which I feel works best for me.When I was less experienced I was under the impression that "you work for the agent" and its easy to treat them like they are your boss,however I now understand that actually "they work for you". Sometimes I find it hard to say "no" as there are always auditions that I don't fit the criteria for, however I always feel I need to attend so he knows I am motivated and willing.
An agent should always have access to extra information that you can't get hold of. There professional network is bigger than ours and they are more associated to the industry. If I want Auditions,numbers for
casting directors, cheap theatre tickets my first point of call is always my agent. Also my agent watches all my shows and tells me his opinions which I feel is very helpful and (normally) encouraging.
Another major positive for me which Ross mentioned "This has now helped me greatly as now I often attend auditions that are private and have a lot less people at, as they are not open to everyone and mainly the people who are there have agents themselves." I do agree with Ross as I hate auditions that are like a cattle-market. Everybody can be seen properly and its a smoother process.
Events
I adore going to shows as this was what inspired me to perform in the first place! Cery's quoted that"I also enjoy watching dance performances as it re-energises me, gives me inspiration and new ideas that I can then take back and develop in my class or choreography" I absolutely feel the same. Sometimes I watch a show and I can't sleep for a week due to so many ideas running through my head. Watching a show inspires me to work harder and aim higher, basically gives me a boost.
Buying a show programme can inspire as you can see the paths of other performers which I feel can be stimulating. Also at events there is the possibility of networking. Influential and important people go to the theatre so watching a show gives me pleasure but also hopeful contacts.
Teachers and Choreographers
It is important to make a good impression on all teachers and choreographers as they can offer you work and help you in your career. I am always very genuine and if I have a connection on a personal level then the networking is more intense but I always keep it professional.
Amanda Black mentioned in a blog that "I would also say that you have to be careful when forming relationships to set out the guidelines, and have a mutual understanding of where you are both coming from" I do agree with this as sometimes work and pleasure does not mix however I have loads of friends who are choreographers and it has only progressed me further and brought success. I learn from teachers and choreographers all the time which is brilliant as they are normally experienced and have been in the business along time.
References
Dunning R (2010) Sources of Information, http://rossdunning.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed 30/12/10
Cery's Dixie (2010) Sources of Information, http://cerysdixie.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed 30/12/10
Hayley Bence (2010) Sources of information, http://hayleyjaynebence.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed (30/12/10)
Amanda Black (2010) Sources of information, http://00amandablack.blogspot.com/Web Accessed (30/12/10)
Hi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteIt's so true that communicating with other dancers keeps you associated and in the loop of our industry. I too feel that when I take a contract abroad it makes it ten times harder coming back to the UK - you almost feel like you are starting from scratch, but maintaining contact with a few people keeps you in the loop. The experience you've had and the knowledge you've learnt whilst being abroad does give you the confidence to come back to the UK .. Through BAPP I can now see the benefits of technology in our Industry, I knew it was there but now I really understand what we can do to benefit our profession.