Here is an insight to my most current and top 5 most important sources of information.
All of these sources of information are a brilliant way of networking, and these help me daily to pursue and continue my love in my professional practise.
The web:
Technology is so advanced in this day and age and it makes you wonder how we could have ever lived with out it. I was unfortunate enough to have 2 laptops break within a matter of a week and i felt as though my left arm had been taken off me. I rely so heavily on the Webb, for information sources and so much more. The web is an amazing way of networking. Facebook, blogging, email, youtube, twitter these are all amazing sources that i use regularly to promote myself as a dancer/ performer. If i put myself out there then i have more opportunity of being noticed and so i can apply for more work. There also are websites out there such as dancers pro and spotlight that i am on. Yes you have to pay for these but jobs are posted hourly that you can apply to. Casting directors look on to these pages and there are more than enough ways of you putting your information out there so you can be contacted. I have had many jobs through this form of networking. I over the years have also sent thousands of emails, to choreographers, company to show my interest in their work, this shows that i am interested i have put myself out there. I can email over cover letters CV'S and showreels. This is a very fast way of networking and things can get done instantly.
Agents:
I feel that agents are most help full in this business. Once you audition for them and they know you as a persona and your talents they can then showcase you and try to help you get work. Agents are there to advise you, help with the auditions try and get you private ones but also know you as a person and help you develop. Agents offer feedback and should help you improve to the best of your ability. I myself have an agent and she has on many occasions offered me work that i wouldn't have know was out there, but because of her contacts she is that extra step ahead. That's where cooperation comes hugely into play, we help one another.
Phones/Laptops:
My iphone is always by my side, its something that is taken every where with me. Its such a handy gadget and with technology today they are just getting better and quicker. I constantly get emails and updates off websites like spotlight and As my iphone is always with me i can respond there and then quick enough. We have such easy access to the internet to source quick information to help us and apps that we can download if we are lost. With Laptops its very easy to attach pictures and CV's. There is no way now a days that people can not get in contact the technologies out there allows us to always be able to get in contact with people. Facebook and twitter can be downloaded onto your phones, so searching for people couldn't be any easier.
Friends, Word of mouth:
I feel these 2 sources of information fit hand in glove. Whilst you are out and about you are personally and unawaringly networking. You don't always know who you are talking to, that person on the bus could be a film director, so that is why i always have my Witt's about me and act professionally at all times. I feel word of mouth is a great source of information. The amount of times have stood In a que at an audition for hours on end, and you strike up conversation with the person next to you, whilst talking you are both extracting information for your own personal benefit, they are advising you, helping you, and hopefully you are doing the same for them. Perfect example i went to the wicked audition at pineapple last week and i stood in a que for hours on end, which resulted in 5 of us become good friends, we now have added each another on facebook and speak, chat discuss other auditions. If it wasn't for us networking, talking making friends and using the social networking of facebook then this wouldn't have happened. But you can also hear information off colleagues and friends that wish to help and advise you at the same time.
Classes / or an environment related to your professional practice:
Attending classes i feel is an amazing opportunity to learn and enjoy yourself anyway. But whilst you are there it is also a great opportunity to network, with other students/ dancers meet new choreographers. Attending classes i feel keeps you in the industry loop, you get to learn new techniques and repertoire, try new ideas and styles and only build upon your knowledge. There is no harm in adding another string to you bow. For all you know a choreographer may spot you in a class and a Job opportunity may arise. In classes you can make new friends and then discuss ways that they network, you get to learn so much by being in this environment. But i also feel that other than classes attending shows/ performances is also very very interesting. You get to expand your knowledge, go and watch something and enjoy yourself. Seeing a musical if your musical theatre trained may be that bit of inspiration you needed, i know when i come out of a show it inspires me even more to work harder to be on that stage. Its all about being involved in the communaties of practise. being surrounded by the people in your professional practice can only have a positive effect on you as a person.
So there i have highlighted my top 5 sources of information. I hope they help you too, and inspire you to look further than the average. From looking at my sources i feel very happy with them because there are live and virtual sources, i feel i try all options to help myself. I don't just put all my eggs into one basket and expect jobs to come to me, even though i do all this on a daily basis i still have to keep trying harder and networking constantly to be the best at my profession.
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