I decided that rather than just posting comments on other people's blogs I would write a quick overview of what I have been finding out about everyone!
What has interested me the most is how similar all of our Sources are, obviously some differences have arisen between those students who are more performance based and those who are dedicated to teaching however one source nearly all of us have written about is our invaluable web 2.0. I wonder if there are other students who remember the days of 'snail mail' as the only way to send out your CV? I always used to dread writing the covering letter as one paragraph on a blank page looked awful, however when we email out our CV and photograph a simple paragraph for an email is more than acceptable, rather than a ramble on about unimportant information to fill a page of A4! +georgie bird states,
Over time, the top five sources obviously adapt and change due to trend and reliability'
I find this statement to be a brilliant example of this. Imagine if I was still using 'snail mail' to send out my CV and photograph because that's what I had always done and been told to do. At college I was taught that email was an impersonal way of contacting people. Moving with the times and Keeping up to date is critical in this industry, not only in the way we connect with people but also in keeping ahead of the trends. Music, videos, events and trends change almost daily which is why I listed the media as such a valuable source of information to me.
Another source of information I listed was our Bapp blogs, learning from each other and at times critiquing each other is so valuable to this course. A perfect example of this is +ANASTASIA Hadjigeorgiou who has listed LinkdIn as one of her most valuable sources of information, she only learnt about LinkdIn from a fellow pupils blog and yet it has become invaluable to her. How brilliant that our student Network is providing such invaluable information to each other.
One source that I hadn't given a huge amount of thought to was my Mobile Phone, however many students have listed the trusty mobile as a valuable source to them. This has made me think somewhat as I would be completely lost without mine, not only can I access the Internet remotely but I have direct access to Youtube, Facebook, my email account, my phone book, 'The Stage' and of course the trusty Googlemaps. +Bobbie Pingram lists 'Apple' as one of his most valuable sources of information. Although I am not a dedicated brand ambassador to any company it is interesting to see that Bobbie gains so much from one brand it has become completely invaluable to him.
It is probably not worthy of my top five most valuable sources however the Blogger spellcheck has proven itself to be invaluable to my Bapp learning!
The Internet
As we have previously discussed the importance of web 2.0 I have to list the Internet as possibly my most important source. I use the Internet to promote, connect, search, research, purchase, share and learn. When I think about how much I use the Internet I wonder how I managed to find auditions when I first graduated and the Internet was not used so much and definitely couldn't be used on my phone! Now if my trusty A-Z of London is failing me, whilst I look for the unusual audition location, I can always use the Internet from my phone to find my way! Promote; I use websites such as Dance cast and Spotlight, to promote myself as a dancer. With these websites I have a personal on line profile that employers can view. When I receive a casting through one of these websites I know my information has already been viewed so the employer should know more about you than with some open auditions. Whilst using these websites it is important to ensure your profile is always up to date and professional. Connect; It is important to remain connected with employers, colleagues and friends. I don't like to view these connections as contrived in anyway, I stay in contact with people I get on with and my friendship is never built from a thought that this person might be able help me. Websites such a Facebook are ideal for staying in contact with people. When working abroad and on Cruise ships Facebook has allowed me to maintain my connections. The other benefit of a website like Facebook is that when working all over the world I have managed to stay connected with friends from different countries. Search; Search engines such a google are of paramount importance when looking for information. Many times I have been in the infamous audition queue and overheard or been told about companies. Being able to search for these companies to gain information is very important to me. Research; The Internet is brilliant for researching information. As professionals we are constantly searching for that nugget of wisdom that will set us apart from the rest. As a performer I like to research companies I am auditioning for or might audition for, character breakdowns for castings, story lines, songs, monologues and shows. As a student I research subjects and topics we cover on the course. Of Course websites such as wikipedia and youtube are probably most valuable for my research, but as always we must remain 'Net Savy' when researching and remember not everything we read may have true value or substantial evidence behind it. Purchase; This may seem an unusual statement but when preparing for an audition or show I often use the Internet to purchase things I will require. For example backing tracks, sheet music, appropriate clothing and dance shoes. Preparation is key to success and even if an audition has been sprung on you last minute sheet music can be bought and downloaded immediately from the Internet. Share; As a dancers I use the Internet to share my profile's, videos, pictures and vocal clips. Sharing is an important part of promoting yourself as a performer. As students posting are blogs we are also ahring our views and opinions on the topics we cover. Learn; I use the Internet in many ways, the result of researching and searching is often learning. The Internet can and does enrich my learning experiences. I think this is most easily demonstrated with the way we Bapp students have chosen to study.
Face to Face
I feel often face to face connections can be forgotten but are often more valuable than any other form of networking. When we speak to people face to face we are often more open and free to give honest opinions. I tell my friends face to face things I would never post on the Internet, for example if a friend asks me how I enjoyed working with a company I had not had the best experience with, I would not want to share that on the Internet for fear of recrimination, however face to face I could give my honest opinion. Face to face connections are also important as a greater percentage of our communications are non-verbal. I believe when speaking to an employer they only get a true sense of who you are when they meet you face to face. In the same way that a sales person would show a customer what they are selling I think it's important a potential employer gets to meet me.
Literature
Although a greater amount of my research is done on line there are some publications I would not do with out. Each week I receive 'The Stage' Newspaper, I know many of my friends have saved the annual £100 and opted for the one off payment of £1.99 for the audition app, but I believe the newspaper holds more information. I still check the website, but each week when I receive the newspaper I am kept up to date with the latest reviews, shows, auditions and general 'goings on' of the industry. Another publication I could not do without is my annual 'Contacts' book. Contacts is a book that lists contact information for many companies, casting directors, photographers, colleges, teachers, agencies and agents. Contacts is released annually and has become my industry version of the bible. I could not do without Contacts it is a truely valuable resource.
The Media
Keeping up to date with the goings on of the world is absolutely critical to the entertainments industry. Everytime a big event happens it influences choreographers, directors and writers to create new works. When we look at the big events from the last year it is easy to see that the world around us changes what people want to see at the theatre.
For example;
12th February 2012, Whitney Houston dies, 5th December 2012 The Bodyguard opens on London's Westend.
3rd July 2012; Chariots Of Fire opens in the Westend, 27th July 2012, London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony takes place.
I think keeping up to date with The Media is critical when keeping up to date with the entertainments industry.
Bapp Blogs
As a student studying as a distance learners I would be lost without the Bapp blogs. With a course like this it is easy to feel you have grabbed the wrong end of the stick and it is so easy to pop online and see that you are approaching things the same way as others. I use the Bapp blogs to reassure myself but also to discuss the issues and topics that are covered in the course in the same way that students studying directly at a university may discuss their work over a coffee. It is also a great way of sharing information that others may find useful, many students have added videos or pieces of literature and news articles which have been of interest or opened a new angle of looking at our topics.
I found reader three, 'The networked professional' quite difficult to understand initially. Ideas surrounding Networking are not something I have ever thought about previously. Through the reader I have found that networking is an important part of any professional practise, however I have never given it any serious thought. I do not believe I use or participate in my Professional Networks fully, in gaining an understanding of how others use them I am beginning to see where I can improve and learn from more established practitioners.
The reader looks at five concepts of Professional Networking, understanding and finding the ways I use these concepts has been both engaging and eye opening.
Cooperation
Cooperation can be defined as the process of working or acting together for a mutually beneficial outcome. We see cooperation all around us, organisms form food chains and Eco systems, people form families, tribes, cities and nations. What do we gain from being involved with these cooperative formations? I believe as human beings we tend to naturally cooperate. The need to be involved and help others seems part of our genetic make up. Looking through history humans have always formed communities, these communities make us stronger and able to help each other. Cooperating and sharing information for the good of the group is part of our daily lives.
Mathematicians have developed a set of ideas known as Game theory (the will and way to win) as a means to tackle problems including, sociology, economics, international relations and biology. Robert Axelrod was a particularly influential researcher in this field. Axelrod looked at the patterns that emerged from playing the computer game, 'prisoners dilema'. Axelrod suggests through his research that the most successful strategy during the game was a simple 'Tit for Tat' approach (Axelrod, R 1984). The 'Tit for Tat' strategy starts with the players cooperating with each other and then simply doing what the other players do to you in return. This 'Tit for Tat' theory interests me as it seems slightly contrived, surely to get the most from our networks we should be a positive contributing member and not constantly looking over our shoulder waiting for someone to stab us in the back? However there have been times within the entertainments industry when I wish I hadn't been so open as people have happily used my contacts and assistance and then never returned the favour.
From a dance perspective I can most easily explain cooperation by looking at pas de deux. During any pas de deux or partner work two bodies must work together to form the choreography. The male dancer may be lifting the female dancer, but the female dancer must hold her muscles and use her elevation to assist the male lifting her. Both partners must have the same understanding of the music so their timing is completely unison. When a lift does not work well, who's fault is it? Does either partner blame the other or do they work together to perfect the lift? In cooperating the dancers both mutually benefit from dancing and performing together.
Personally I believe there are times when I cooperate and times when I go my own way. When working I am an active member of the team, cooperating and working together to create great performances for each and every person involved. However when in times of seeking work i think I take more of a 'Tit for Tat' approach, I will always help my friends and colleagues where I can, however having been burnt in the past I do not share information and contacts with people that I feel will abuse my kindness. The entertainments Industry is a small world and sometimes recommending the wrong person can reflect badly on you. Affiliation
The field of Social phsycology has developed the concept of affiliation to explain how people enjoy and benefit from close relationships with other humans. The main principle of affiliation is homoeostasis (O'Connor and Rosenblood, 1996). Homoeostasis suggests that our need for affiliation differs from person to person, some people require high levels of social interaction and others require much lower levels. Individuals may need to maintain their own privacy levels, Hofstede (1980) suggests that this balance of affiliation and personal privacy levels may differ between cultures. It seems that our need to affiliate alters at different stages of our lives. This is most easily explained in the reader from the following extract;
Extract from Crisp, J and Turner, R (2007), pages 266-268
'The tendency to affiliate is something people have from early on in their lives. Larson, Csikszentmihalyi and Grief (1982) found that adolescents spent about 75 percent of their waking time with other people. Such sociability appears to yield benefits. Teenagers were happier, more alert, and more excited when in the company of others than when alone. In contrast, a lack of affiliation may have a lasting negative impact. In research among children raised in orphanages a lack of social and physical contact adversely affected the ability of the brain and of the hormonal system to cope with stress (Gunnar, 200)'
I believe that humans have a natural need to affiliate and form strong bonds with others. Many of my friends and colleagues require differing levels of affiliation. Personally I enjoy company but also enjoy being by myself, this has never been an issue for me, however when working on one particular cruise ship contract other members of my team did not understand my need for time by myself as they enjoyed spending their free time together as a group. I am by no means a loner and very much enjoy time with my friends and colleagues but I do have to balance that with my personal 'time out'.
Relating affiliation to professional networking now seems like a natural development. Our colleagues have the same interests as us as they are working in the same field. This mutual ground and a natural, innate need for affiliation helps us to expand our current networks. Having this common ground with other practitioners allows us to share and develop our understanding and learning.
Social Constructionism
Social Constructionism is an interesting set of ideas that look to explain how meanings about the world are made. Social Constructionism suggests that humans construct understanding of the world through their experiences of it. This is an interesting concept as a performer because we constantly look to understand the industry we work in. Many performers have gone to college and been trained by practitioners who are more experienced, however it is only as you experience auditions and employment that you begin to form a personal understanding. When we engage in networks with fellow performers we try and understand our 'world', the 'world' of the entertainments industry. This may be as simple as understanding an audition. Many dancers and singers will head to a coffee shop after an audition and talk through with friends and colleagues what has happened. Either a successful audition or unsuccessful, there seems to be a need to gain understanding of what the company were looking for and how and why they structured the audition in the way they did. With our professional Networks it seems the more we put in the more we can get out. Putting your opinion or thoughts across to other members of your Network may seem daunting initially but it contributing we may also gain from other people's knowledge as they may gain from yours.
Connectivism
Connectivism is the theory that seems to most relate to me as a student on the Bapp course. The theory of Connectivism is about, 'learning influenced ideas about the organisation of learning and information' (Reader three) In professional Networks Connectivism shows how the network can both learn and provide the means for learning.
During the Bapp course all participants are expected to blog their ideas on each topic. Each pupil posts their response to the theories set out in the course and also read and comment on other pupils blogs. The Course leaders are providing us with the means to learn, but our personal level of engagement with our student network allows us to contribute to others learning and also learn from our fellow pupils. I feel this is a modern way of learning compared to the way I was taught at school. During my time at secondary school I feel I was given information and made to 'learn' it parrot fashion. I may have had the information to pass my exams but I would question if I had a true understanding of the topics. Personally when I started this course I was very worried about my ability to learn. Having not continuously studied since leaving college I felt that my ability to 'learn' would have deteriorated. I have since discovered that learning never ceases as we constantly learn from others around us as they learn from us. As it states in Reader three, Extract form Siemens, G (2009)
'Learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations they are the same.'
Another quote from the reader that relates to my personal learning experience is ;
'Many learners will move into a variety of different, possibly unrelated fields over the course of their lifetime.'
I never could have believed that I would enrol on a course of education at twenty seven years old. I thought my studies at Stella Mann college were the end of my learning experiences. Now I see that my time at Stella Mann was just the beginning of my education, Bapp won't be the end for me either as I hope to go on to many new learning experiences.
Communities of Practise
Social Science has developed the idea of Communities of Practise as a means to explain the learning process as a process of engagement in social relationships. This suggests that often our greater learning comes from informal situations rather than more formal teacher/pupil situations. Communities of Practise are formed in many professional and social situations however they may vary greatly and change over time. Sustained engagement with our communities of practise allows social learning to be developed within and between the members. Personally I think that my greatest Community of practise is with my fellow performers who are also my close friends. In this professional network our interactions are far more relaxed and informal than other networks I engage with. I can trust my friends as they can trust me and the information shared is genuine and whole hearted. Information such as how members are finding different companies they work for is shared socially without fear of recrimination.
Looking at the course reader I have been drawn to look at these ideas personally and what they mean to me. Anyone reading this blog may not agree with my thinking but until gaining an understanding of Networking it has not been a tool I have been conscious of. As I develop as a practitioner I am sure my ideas will change and advance however I do feel my initial feelings will still have value. Looking at other people's blogs I see that often as performers we share the same frustrations, gaining a fuller understanding of the tools available mean we can maximise our personal learning experiences and also learn from each other.
I have always disliked the term 'Networking'. It has always seemed to be used by fellow performers who viewed going out to parties and sitting with a glass of Chardonnay as networking. As with every other topic covered in the Bapp course so far I realise my perception is very wrong and I use my personal networks on a daily basis.
To start this topic I will begin by looking at my current networks;
Friends
I feel that my friends category can be broken down further. I have friends that are performers and friends who are not. Both fit into my network in a different way, Performers, Friends who are performers can often pass on valuable information about the companies they work for, which companies are auditioning at the moment, which companies their friends are working for, how they found their current job, and what websites they are using to search for jobs. Non performing friends, Friends who are not performers can often pass on information about work programmes they are doing, companies they know who are hiring for 'temp' work, what qualifications they have required for various employments, what websites they use to search for 'normal' jobs.
Socialising
Whilst socialising we can often make new friends and contacts. Socialising seems like a bit of a cop out, however I realise that we make connections with those who are like minded to ourselves.
Auditions
Whilst attending auditions I often get chatting to the person I'm stood near in the queue. In this situation our common ground will often be performing and many times I have shared information with my fellow auditionees.
Classes
During dance classes or singing classes you are again integrating with fellow performers. Sharing information and opinions on the entertainments industry and the companies that work within it. The teachers that take the classes often share information and opportunities that may be arising.
Agencies
The agencies I am on the books of, keep me up to date with the goings on within the industry and any casting opportunities or auditions that are going on.
Social Networks
Social Networks are a great way of keeping up to date with what is going on in the industry. The social networks I use is Facebook. Facebook keeps me up to date my performer friends and what they are doing and who they are working for. I also keep contact with previous employers and have 'liked' many business pages. Social networks are a great way of sharing knowledge. I feel that Facebook may be one of my most important sources of information. In the past I have gained employment through keeping up to date with previous employers.
Websites
There are many websites I use to keep up to date with auditions and casting opportunities; Dance Cast, (www.dancecastuk.com) is a website that updates any casting information or employment opportunities that arise. I have to pay £10 a month to receive the information however I feel it is a valuable resource and worth the fee. Spotlight,(www.spotlight.com) Spotlight is a website that allows access to your online profile to many casting directors. Employers also post audition opportunities to the 'Spotlight Link' which gets emailed to all performers that have subscribed. Spotlight costs me around £100 per year, however it is a website that is viewed as essential within the entertainments industry. Entsweb,(www.entsweb.ltd.uk) Entsweb is a free website that employers can post employment opportunities too. Often there are less posts than the paid websites and you do not get the jobs emailed to you, however again it is a valuable resource when seeking employment. Youtube, (www.youtube.com) Many performers use youtube to upload their showreels so they can then forward the link on to employers via email. I have not used youtube for this purpose, however I have found people who have recorded shows that I have been in, have sent me the link to use for my showreel.
I feel that all these networks are a valuable resource to me and the others that use them. Many times I have been able to put friends into contact with people I know that can help them and likewise friends have done the same for me. Looking at this task I don't feel I personally use my Networks to their full capacity as previously I have not consciously been aware of these Networks, although I have used them. In my opinion my most valuable Networks are Facebook and the casting websites I use. Facebook often allows us to keep up to date with contacts we may not have phone numbers for but have worked for or with. The way I could use these networks more, would be to get my showreel online. The websites such as Dance Cast and Spotlight where I have an active online profile should also have my Showreel on them. Also If I uploaded my Showreel to Youtube I could then use it, as many of my friends do, by sharing the link via email.
Moving forward from this task I would like to set up a page on facebook for me as a dancer, using my showreel, photographs and CV I could create a page that I could then share with members of my professional networks. I would love to create a website for myself as I know many experiences practitioners have, although at this moment in time I do not have the resources or understanding to create one. If I created a 'page' on facebook maybe I could gain an idea of how valuable a website would be and maybe look at having one made for me?
My ideal network would be a network where everyone could share information and opinions on places, companies and people they have worked for freely without fear of repercussions. Their is a lot to be said for sharing experiences and there have been many times when I wish people had given me an honest opinion.
The next step for me is to get my showreel finished! Then I can use my Networks in the same way that many of my fellow performers do.
What in your daily practice gets you really enthusiastic to learn more? Who do you admire who also works with what makes you enthusiastic?
I have always loved to sing from a really young age, however the technique and restrictions of lessons have at some times hampered my feelings of enjoyment. Whilst at College singing lessons were often in large groups and I never felt truly confident with my voice to get the most from the class. Since leaving college I worked consistently as a Singer/Dancer however since 2009 my contracts have more often been solely dance contracts. Once I finished my last contract in 2011 for Carnival Cruise Lines I decided to take some time at home to be with my sister in the final stages of her pregnancy and to meet my new niece. During this time at home I wanted to find a singing teacher so I could gain some real technique and a better understanding of my voice and how to care for it whilst on a contract. Finding a singing tutor was not an easy task as I really wanted someone who would understand me and where I am at this moment in time. I was armed with a list of numbers, however the first lady I spoke to just seemed to understand what I was saying and what I required. I booked in my first lesson and have never looked back.
Ali Sharpe (www.alisharpe.co.uk) has a passion for singing like no other person I have ever worked with. Her enthusiasm is contagious and my weekly singing lessons are often the highlight of my week. When there are times I don't understand, Ali will adapt and find a new way of teaching. I have never learnt so quickly as I have from her and I am finding that I am finally getting to grips with my audition nerves as a result of my lessons. Ali is a passionate, hard working, kind, creative person who understands the frustration performers often feel as a result of auditions or lack of them! I think her mission statement on her website (www.alisharpe.co.uk) says everything;
'I aim to help people realise their musical potential by the development of their
voice. Apart from the sheer joy of it, singing can create greater
self-confidence and a more positive approach to life. Whether you are aiming to
win a national TV talent contest, get the lead parts in your local operatic
company, or just want to have fun, I can help'
Singing makes me feel enthusiastic. Through music you can often convey how you are feeling more freely than with words. Working with Ali has reignited my passion for singing and opened up a world of knowledge and information. I look forward to my weekly lessons as I learn something new each time. I admire Ali's passion for singing but I also admire her as a person and as a teacher. She is a very kind hearted person, which allows her pupils to open up to her and try out new things.
What gets you angry or makes you sad? Who do you admire who shares your feelings or has found a way to work around the sadness or anger?
I often feel frustrated by the entertainments industry. Constantly being told you are, to fat, to thin, to tall, to short, to blonde, not blonde enough........ could test the patience of a saint! Many times you are invited to an audition by companies who have viewed your CV, with all your details on it, and then told you are, 'too short for this contract but we'll bear you in mind from the future'. Companies often don't seem to understand that nearly everyone at the audition has had to pay for a bus ticket or train ticket and missed a day of work to attend. Now I know to get jobs you must attend auditions and I accept that, however when a company knows all your details it is frustrating beyond belief to be deemed, 'too short!' In an audition situation, 'we'll put you on our books' is the most frustrating statement of all! You know that after being at the audition all day, working really hard and showing the company everything you have to offer, that one statement means you will never hear from this company again!
Someone who shares my annoyance of the statement, 'we'll put you on our books' is my best friend Lisette Foster. Many times we've shared a post audition coffee and talked about the frustrations of the day. However I now feel that Lisette has moved on from this.
In 2010 I watched Lisette perform in a contemporary show, 'A Modern Romance' by Sebastian Rex dance company, at the Blue Elephant Theatre in Camberwell. I have never seen Lisette look more beautiful or happy (except for her wedding day in 2009). As a contemporary dancer she seemed to comfortable in her own skin and watching her dance really brought a tear to my eye. I feel that Lisette has moved on from the frustrations of auditions and the way performers are viewed and has reached a point in her career where she makes decisions that work for her. Lisette makes decisions that suit her life, family and career, she never worries what others think.
I admire Lisette because she is my best friend and a truly wonderful person but I also admire her as a dancer. We have been friends since 2001 when we started at Stella Mann College together and in all the years I have seen Lisette dance she has never been a better performer than she is now. Lisette shared my frustration and anger about the industry and the way dancers are treated, but she has now moved on and it truly shows in her work.
Here is the review of Modern Romance published in, 'The Stage'
Published Thursday 20 May 2010 at 11:26 by Barbara Lewis
Boy meets girl in innocence, then worldly forces intervene. It’s the oldest of stories, but, under Sebastian Rex’s direction, his Modern Romance takes the form of a stylish and gracefully surprising, sometimes perverse dance.
Between Christopher Hall as Kasin and Lisette Foster as Kasina, the chemistry is perfect until the arrival of F (Kate Chisholm), who pulls their invisible strings.
Matthew Crouzieres and Jo Sadler-Lovett as the Pink and Orange Fairies respectively inject hoodie, mean street brutality and vitality, while the fluid dance moves include Kasina treading lightly on Kasin and Kasin hooking a tender foot around his partner’s neck.
Part two, Sellebrity, continues the modern romance theme, but a radical transition takes us from the abstraction of movement to shrill, hysterical female fans gushing words.
Once the audience adjusts to the high pitch it’s hilarious and a cheeky complement to the first half that makes for a satisfying, entertaining whole, while the sympathy flow retains attention - at first victim, the ensnared pop star (Ido Gonen) is ultimately a collaborator.
What do you love about what you do? Who do you admire who also seems to love this or is an example of what you love?
The thing I love most about my job is delivering consistent high quality performances. Dancing gives me the biggest buzz I could ever imagine and I love seeing an audience enjoy themselves. In the current climate many people are having to cut back on nights out and entertainment. When people do decide to go out for the evening they expect to get what they are paying for.
I currently work freelance for Material World (www.tashaleaper.co.uk) . Material World is a Maddonna tribute show by Tasha Leaper. Tasha is an outstanding performer who is absolutely professional in every way. I have never performed or watched a Material World show when Tasha has not given one hundred percent, even when she is unwell the audience would never tell. I admire Tasha because she is not only a consummate professional but she also balances her home life with her two baby girls.
What do you feel you don't understand? Who do you admire who does seem to understand it or who has found a way of making not understanding interesting or beautiful, or has asked the same questions as you?
There are times when I feel I don't understand the entertainments industry as a whole. Performers seem to be pigeon holed and set into brackets they can't break free from. For example, petite dancers are often viewed as more dynamic and punchier than taller dancers where as taller dancers are viewed as more flexible and better show girls, this may not always be the case. Surely as performers versatility should be our main focus? Shouldn't we stop pigeon holing people and learning about what they can achieve? Why can't a shorter dancer be considered flexible? Or a tall dancer be a great, dynamic, commercial dancer? A performer may not have bags of natural talent but may work so hard that they become a great technician, if they are viewed as not 'naturally talented' they can often be overlooked.
As a child I was often overlooked for performances and competitions as i was not 'naturally talented', I worked so hard to become a technical strong dancer but could not break out of the pigeon hole I had been put in by certain companies I danced with. My dance teacher continued to remind me that if I headed back to the barre I would get there in the end. When I turned fourteen I started looking into vocational training and was absolutely determined to succeed. My first few knock backs seemed hard at the time but I moved on from them. At this time I was given Darcey Bussell's autobiography, 'A Dancer's Life' and I really connected with her story.
Darcey Bussell (www.darceybussell.com) was not a 'natural dancer' she also didn't have the background you would expect from a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, however she worked so hard that her talent could not be ignored. In her book she describes how she didn't always understand the industry or the way it worked but truly believed that not understanding it could work to your advantage. Some people may know the 'right people' or be in the 'right place at the right time' others may have to do things differently, neither is wrong or right, we all have to make our own way. Sometimes perhaps not understanding is what can keep us persevering? For example if you knew that in the audition you are attending they were only needing to cast two girls you may feel like there is no point in attending, however as a performer you always have to believe that today will be the day. Not every dancer will end up with a career like Darcey Bussells however maybe reading about how hard they had to work and the adversity they had to fight against can help us all keep believing?
Moving Forward
Moving forward from this task I feel there are some questions I need to ask myself. Where is my career heading? What am I hoping to achieve in the future? How can I use the information I have received to help others starting out in the industry? I don't have the answers to these questions at the moment but I am determined to explore them and look at all my options. I have learnt so much since starting the course that I feel as I progress these lines of enquiry will open up all sorts of new doors for me.
My Journal writing experience has been really eye opening to me. I am trying to fit so many things into such a small amount of time that stopping and writing my day down has made me realise a few things.
Firstly, I never say no! I am so determined to please people that if I'm asked to do an extra shift, a quick errand, or any other task I always say, 'Yes!' This is not helping me at times, I really need to take a moment and decide if I can fulfill this request? Do i have time? It is not a bad thing to sometimes say no!
Secondly, I don't take time to digest information. During my day to day life I never seem to allow anytime to digest information I have recieved. I attended training day at work a few weeks ago. Part of the day consisted of a lecture from a lifestyle coach who said that as human beings we should all allow thirty minutes per day to ourselves. These thirty minutes should be spent doing something you enjoy and makes you relaxed and ready for the day. I never do this! Taking some time out will not only allow the digestion of information but also a little reflection.
Thirdly, putting it off until tomorrow! I am a terrible procrastinator and this really needs to stop! As Thomas Jefferson said, 'Never put off tomorrow what you can do today.'
I really feel that through my journal I am learning these lessons about myself and can adapt and use them in my day to day life. As a task I think journal writing is enriching my learning experience and allowing me to put my thoughts in order.
Positive Outcomes
Somedays I have been quite suprised at how positive my experiences have been. Last Thursday, for example after writing about an audition I attended I wrote,
'The dance side of the audition was great, once I got into it and lost my inhibitions I really enjoyed myself. My singing also went well, though I do find I am really hard on myself when it comes to singing. I got great feedback in my interview and feel really positive - fingers crossed!'
Learning through reflection is not always about what you did wrong, it can also be about what you did right.
Whilst exploring ways of writing my journal I have looked elsewhere at other methods of capturing and reflecting on the day. The Overview of tasks states,
'You may need to find your own way to 'puzzle through' . This is part of your professional development - it is important to find the ways that you best think and 'puzzle through' ideas.
I agree with the idea stated here. As human beings we all take information in at different rates and can work through in different ways. For example I could sit and read for hours at a time but I need to digest the information before I then sit down to write. A good cup of tea is always in order!
So how do you write a journal?
I think the idea of 'writing a journal' can be greatly expanded on. Here are my views on the methods we have been asked to try;
Description - This has been the most natural way for me to write. Description allows me to state what I have done during the day and when and where the events took place.
Initial Reflection - I often write quite emotionally about the events of the day, how did it make me feel? What were my thoughts? How did I react?
List - I love lists! In my day to day life I have millions of lists! I list things I need to do, things I need to afford, Christmas presents I need to buy, Christmas presents I want! My lists are endless! I often think I need to compile a list of all my lists! This was such a natural way for me to write, I particularly liked to use a list to summarise what I had learnt that day.
Evaluation - Looking at what has worked and what has not been so successful is a great way to reflect. Basic evaluation can give your day great meaning and even when things are maybe not going to plan you can see through evaluation that not everything you did was necessarily wrong.
Graphs, Charts and Diagrams - Definately a harder method for me! However when I recorded my day in graph format I was suprised at my productivity levels. Graphs are a great way of finding out how much time you are wasting!
Here are my activity graphs for the weekend 17th and 18th November;
As you can see from my graphs, I could have fitted in far more studies if I hadn't slept! Maybe I am turning into a student!
What if? - I found this way of writing quite poetic. It was particularly interesting to write this way after a recent audition. 'What if I get this job? The location is perfect for me, the job is a great, the shows are great, the money is good, I would be so happy being able to at least speak to my boyfriend everyday, I will be able to see my family, I won't miss to much of my niece growing up' As lovely as it is to write in this way, it didn't suit me so well because I don't like the idea of tempting fate. I like to look at life as what happened and how it affects me.
Another View - This was the most challenging way to write for me. I chose to approach this by looking at a situation from another persons point of view. How did I make that person feel? What was their point of view on the same situation? I think this way of writing is really important for reflection as it makes the writer 'step outside' of their comfort zone and see a different view of the same day.
My general day to day writing became a hybrid of a few ideas, Description, initial reflection, list and evaluation. I would often describe what happened, how it made me feel, list what I had learnt and then evaluate the day. For example
Sunday 4th November (First day of rehearsals for a Christmas show)
I started today with the usual trepidation of starting with a new company and also the excitement of spending a whole day dancing. After introducing everyone involved with the show we started hammering through the choreography. I find it easier to learn choreography to music I already know, I was picking everything up well.
The Rock and Roll medley was a personal highlight because I always enjoy partner work and my love of, 'Strictly Come Dancing' seems to keep my increasingly tired brain active! However we broke for lunch around one o'clock and resumed at two. My brain and ability to absorb choreography seemed to have completely lapsed. A complex tap routine to 'Candyman' from Willy Wonker was eluding me completely!
We ended the day re-running what we had learnt and discussing how the next few weeks would progress. After driving home and filling my family in on the events of the day I took a moment to think things through. Here are my notes from the day;
*Preperation - I should have spent more time with the CD on getting to grips with the music and my solo songs so I started the day with more confidence. (I had just listened to the CD in the car)
*Concentration - I find my concentration wavers after lunch. What can I do to keep my concentration level up? In the past I have used a homeopathic concentration spray, I think I need to find it!
*Warm up/Cool down - at this stage in my career I should be more disciplined with myself especially as at the moment I have a back injury
Journal Entries using web 2.0
Now the idea of compiling a journal has become part of my life I have realised that recording our thoughts and ideas are all around us. This may not take the format of sitting down with a book and writing. It may be a facebook status telling friends what we have done or achieved that day, it may be a photograph that captures what the day intails or it may be a video. The idea of a video particularly struck me as we see this use so often in TV. For example in the reality TV shows, 'Big Brother' and 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' the contestants use the 'Diary Room' to record their views of the day. Here are a few rules for the 'Big Brother Diary Room'
THE DIARY ROOM The Diary Room is provided for you and your fellow Housemates to share your experiences with Big Brother. As it is an important part of life in the Big Brother House, it is compulsory for all Housemates to come to the Diary Room when specifically requested to do so by Big Brother. You are also free to come and talk to Big Brother in the Diary Room, at any time.
The Diary Room is a confidential room where you will make your nominations, you can vent your frustrations and share your concerns and your feelings, safe in the knowledge that they will not be overheard by the other Housemates. For this reason, Big Brother will expect you to keep all conversations in the Diary Room confidential. When Big Brother does ask you to pass on information to other Housemates written instructions may be provided for you to read aloud.
Source; /www.bigbrotherwebsite.net/house-rules/
I decided that I would try this method of recording my day, here is my video diary 16/11/12;
Although it is an interesting way of capturing the day I didn't find recording my video as helpful as writing. There is something about writing the words down and formulating your thoughts on paper that give you a basis to reflect and see the day and what you have learnt more clearly.
My initial thoughts on writing a journal were that I had never written a journal before. Looking back though I have realised that it is not true.
When I was about ten years old I struggled (as many little sisters do!) to hold my temper with my older sister. My Mom suggested I kept a diary and wrote down what had happened that had made me so angry and how I could stop myself getting to that point in future. Although I'm sure my entries were probably not that mature or very kindly written, it was a basis for looking at what I had done that day and how I would deal with these situations in the future. Although I would still describe myself as quite a fiery person, I definately do not have the temper I used too.
I have found the easiest way to write in my journal has been the description/reflection method, however I have often made bullet points on what I have learnt from the day. For example:
Sunday 4th November
After writing about my first day of rehearsals for a Christmas show, here were my bullet points on how to move forward to the next day of rehearsals.
*Preperation - I should have spent more time with the CD on getting to grips with the music and my solo songs then I would have started the day feeling more confident. (I had only listened to the rehearsal CD's in the car)
*Concentration - I find my concentration wavers after lunch. What can I do to keep my concentration level up? In the past I have used a homeopathic concentration spray that has really worked. I think I need to find it for next week!
*Warm up/Cool down - At this stage in my career I should be more disciplined with myself, especially as at the moment I have a back injury.
Another day that was interesting was yesterday. I had been working on my blog in the morning and had read the reader on reflective practise. During my lunch break before work I had the BBC news on and saw an interesting article on a secondary school. The school had discovered a mural that dated back to just after the second world war and had been meticulously uncovered. The mural was originally designed to encourage children to participate in art. This item had stuck in my head and I even wrote about it in my journal last night. It has captured my imagination because I really feel it has a strong connection to reflective practise. The teachers had a decision to make, paint over it or uncover it. In deciding to uncover the mural they can look back on why it was put there and what it meant to the children learning at the time. In thinking about this, those teachers can look at their own practise and draw comparisons with the past. Maybe they can learn something from looking back to when the mural was painted?
Starting my journal is a very interesting task as at the moment I feel like I am leading a very hectic life. I have my life as a performer where I am rehearsing at the weekend for a Christmas show and often performing as a backing dancer for a Madonna Tribute. I have my life in the week where I work full time as a superviser at a large pub in The New Forest. Somewhere in between these two things I am also studying for my Ba Hons, keep up with my singing lessons, sustaining my fitness at the gym and seeing family and friends! I think journal writing is an excellent way to keep my thoughts together and help me sustain what currently feels like a pretty crazy life!
I have never really kept a diary or journal so it has been interesting seeing how best to approach this task. Over the next few days I will be blogging impotant items that have arisen from my journal....Watch this space!
Paula commented on my flickr photographs and asked me to share a few thoughts on my work that is featured there.
My work has been very varied, I started working in hotels and resorts in Tenerife and then Greece. These were both similar jobs and it has always interested me how different nationalities react to shows. For example German audiences are always far more engaged with a show than Russians for example. I think this is because the theatre industry is still thriving in Germany, much more than in the UK.
In Tenerife I worked for 'Park Club Europe'. Their were four Dancers that performed in the shows with members of the entertainments team that ran all the activities during the days. The performance team didn't have to do any daytime activities however we did have to work the same hours. Our days were taken up rehearsing, choreographing and assisting with costumes. 'Park Club Europe' had it's own show lounge with purpose built stage. It was a relaxed atmosphere and guests sat at tables rather than traditional theatre seating. The only time we had any problems was when it rained as our dressing room was outside the venue and in Tenerife when it rains it pours!
My next contract was at Sani Resort. The production team consisted of four female dancers, two male dancers and one male singer. We had three venues where we performed, an amphitheatre, show bar and theatre. I loved performing in the amphitheatre, there is something really magical about performing outdoors however the forty degree heat sometimes made the other airconditioned venues more appealing! The show bar had relaxed table seating and the guests had waitress service for drinks during the shows. The final venue was the theatre which was more formal with rows of seats, Guests were more attentive to the shows as they had no other distractions!
From working in these resorts I then went on to a predominantly British Cruise liner. This ship was lovely because the audiences knew who we were and would always congratulate us after shows.
The theatre was more like an amphitheatre because the stage was a dance floor and the seating was raked up from there. This was the first time I performed with a live band and I really feel live music brings a new dimension to performance. One of our shows was 'Back To The Barracks,' it showed World War 2 through the music and dance. It featured items like Churchill's speeches and the bomb sirens. I loved this show because it was so patriotic and emotional to perform. Most of our audience had lived through the war and often would be in tears by the finale, which was of course 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The audience were invited to join us wearing their red white and blue and given union flags to wave. The finale of this show was always a personal highlight and I often had a few tears in my eyes by the end. It never ceases to amaze me how much music can release emotions we try so hard to bottle up.
From the ships I went on the work at Butlins for two years. I performed in the 'Centre Stage' venue which was a large 2,000 seater lounge with bars, gift shops and food vendours along the sides. Guests were sat at tables and all our shows were shown on large screens in case they couldn't get a good view of the stage. The shows at Butlins were aimed at a much younger audience and often featured other artists such as break dancers, african gymnasts, x factor finalists and once a performing dog! The performances at Butlins were always well recieved and often we would be greeted at the stage door like celebrities!
My next adventure was onboard Carnival Cruise lines 'Paradise' liner. The shows were perfomed in a large, eloborately decorated theatre. Our performances had a strong American theme running through them, finishing our Country Show with, 'I'm Proud To Be An American' always had the audience cheering! I enjoyed working for Carnival, however our schedule was very demanding. Performing two shows a night, six days a week took it's toll on my body and mind and when I came home after seven months I was in much need of a rest!
Looking back at these contracts I see them with slightly different eyes than at the time. All the audiences I've performed too have been on Holiday so have always been in a good mood to start the evening.
The resorts always have a calm air to them. Often the theatres are out doors and I really feel this helps people be at ease. Some guests may not attend the theatre so it's nice to be able to give them an opportunity to see something different.
At Butlins people are often just there for a weeekend so feel they need to make the most of their time away. This always make them more engaged in the shows and I really feel the shows themselves were created with the audiences in mind. Often members of the audience would send gifts to the backstage for us as a token of their appreciation. We would often volunteer to do extra photoshoots for our regular visitors and bring autograph books backstage for the whole cast to sign. We really were given the celebrity treatment at times!
Cruise ships always hold a special place in my heart though. The audiences see you around the vessel, often helpig out with activities such as bingo,so the guests really get to know you. Hearing feedback about the shows and the memories these shows evoke has always been an important part of my job. I know how music makes and performing makes me feel. It is always amazing to hear how that has made someone else feel and sometimes makes you realise that your job is worthwhile and meaningful.
My initial thoughts on the reader where how overwhelming it all seems. As time has passed and I have absorbed more of the information I am beginning to see it all in a different light. The idea of collaboration is actually one which we use every day. Facebook has more than 400 million active users, fifty percent of active users log onto facebook every day and an average user shares seventy pieces of content every month so actually web 2.0 has become part of our every day lives. We rarely even log onto a computer to update status's and share photos, most of us do this remotely by the facebook app on our mobile phones.
When we look back at web 1.0 where the creator shares with the reader it all seems a bit old fashioned. As technology advances and we can access the internet more and more remotely web 2.0 in it's current form will evolve quickly and advance. It does pose the question, 'What will web 3.0 be and how will we look back on web 2.0 in it's current form?'
The part of the reader that particularly caught my imagination was the idea that web 2.0 can be described as 'Remix Culture'. Originating from the hip hop world the idea of 'Remix Culture' means that material can be re used and re arranged. This is an explanation that I can more easily understand. This idea also suggests that there is never a final point as ideas can freely evolve.
The only idea that I struggle with is that this is relatively unregulated. Democratisation encourages the user to take control of production and the access others have to data. Obviously users must act within the terms and conditions of the website but where are the lines drawn when people post prejudice opinions? How do we as the reader understand the difference between fact and opinion?
Having digested all this information my final opinions are more about myself and the way I should be using web 2.0. Professionally I am not using web 2.0 to it's full potential. I mean of course it's nice to share pictures of cute cats and my little niece but these posts don't benefit me professionally. Why am I not using these tools to their full capacity? Why have I not used web 2.0 to put my show reel, head shots and Cv out there? I think sometimes we accept technology and the way it develops but don't question the way it works or how we can use it ourselves.
I decided aged eight I was going to be a professional dancer and have never changed my mind since that day. I was fortunate enough to gain a place at Stella Mann College London aged sixteen where i trained for three years and gained my National Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Since graduating my career as a dancer has taken me to many wierd and wonderful places. My career started in Tenerife where I worked at Park Club Europe in their professional team. After Tenerife I went to Greece to perform at Sani Resort with choreographer Tracey Kimberly. I learnt a lot working with Tracey and she encouraged me to look for cruise jobs. My career then took me to MV Boudicca working for Mirage productions. Having worked at sea for seven months I was ready for some time on land. I worked for Butlins Minehead in their Show team and worked with many fantastic choreographers including Gary Lloyd and Carole Todd. I stayed at Butlins for two years and enjoyed every minute of my time there.
After a few months at home 2010 took me back to Greece to work with Tracey again. Once home I started doing some freelance work with 'Material World' a Maddona tribute act which I absolutely love.
Last year took me to America onboard the Carnival Paradise where i performed for seven months. 2012 has been a slower year for me as I have had some time out to meet my new baby niece and have some much needed time at home. I have continued to work freelance for 'Material World' and will be starting rehearsals soon for a Christmas show in Bournemouth.
I am now at a point in my career where I am starting to look to the time when I will no longer be performing. I hope one day to work for the arts council promoting dance and performing arts to children and young people who may not have previously had the oportunity. Gaining my BA Honours in Professional Practise will help me achieve this goal.
As with most dancers and performers I have my 'real' life as a dancer and the life that others think is my 'real' life where I have a 'proper job!' At the moment this 'Proper job' is as a waitress and superviser at a local pub. As the pub is a managed house run by a large UK company they like to take members of staff on training days. On Tuesday my training day was at Thorpe Park. I have to say I went with a slightly bad attitude and the thought of, 'I hope i get to go on some rides!' However the day turned out to be really interesting, with talks from various people about the importance of the industry and the people that work within it. My bad attitude was quickly turned around and I have to say it made me look at what I do in a new light. It is only when we take a step back from the day in and day out and look in at our lives that sometimes you realise, I can improve and I can make changes that will have an effect on me and the people around me. I guess a little bit of 'refelction' at times can achieve great things. I would also like to add that I did manage to get on some rollercoasters!
Where to start? Looking around at others who have completed this task many have started with uploading their current CV. This seems like a really great place to start as you have a continual reference to go back too. I have never written a profile like this before, it's a great way for employers and other professionals to get an overview of who you are and what you do without searching through various posts and links to find out.
So here it is, my CV with all my professional credits, as you can see my 'Stage name' in Mimi-Lou.
So the first thing I have to say is I am the absolute queen of procrastination! The way I tend to work is to soak up as much information as possible and then get on with the tasks. Setting up my blog has been my first challenge and now I am reading through everyones elses. I think my worst personality trait is always believing that i'm going to make a mistake! I truly believe this is quite a common trait in dancers!
So first things first, who is Michelle and why is she doing the course?
I'm 27 years old and a professional Dancer/Singer. I graduated from Stella Mann college aged 19 and have worked across the world ever since. My job has taken me to America, europe, the Baltics and Somerset!! I now find i'm at a stage where I would like to expand my knowledge of the industry and look towards another stage in my life. I am extremely tentative about the course as I haven't really picked up a pen since I left college!
Onwards and upwards! I look forward to talking to everyone about our various posts and have allocated two complete days to the first tasks next week.
