Workshops, Open Classes, Master Classes
I have heard quite a few of you say that you don't know "what is out there" or that you don't know where to start. Workshops and master classes can help you find out what is going on in the dance world and are a great way to see if a style suits you. They are also a helpful way to maintain and acquire new skills, as well as to meet new people and make connections --> The dance scene is very small and my advice is to make friends where ever you go! Seriously, you never know where and when you will meet someone again. And ain't it just nice to be nice?
I would also like you to understand how else workshops and classes can help you. When I held an audition for a project 2 years ago, I was drawn to the people whom I had seen before, perhaps (vaguely) knew from taking open class, and auditions. In other words I looked at them before I looked at anyone else. Why? Because, they were a little more familiar to me than the rest, and made me feel like I had already some sort of relationship with them. In the end I did end up hiring one of the people I already knew.
A couple of years ago I really wanted to work with a certain choreographer. I took company class with him and at the end of the class he told me that if I wanted to work with him, I would need to come over for a few weeks and work with his company (unpaid). He said he liked to build a relationship over time before he actually employed someone. He did occasionally hold big auditions but that did not seem to be his preferred way of recruiting.
There are also choreographers/directors who don't audition as they only like to work with people they know. They prefer to work with people with whom they already have a connection. Some of last years graduates invested in a relationship with company/choreographer and got jobs at the end of it, in some cases they still had to audition, but building the relationship really paid off. You have to realize that,
it is up to you to initiate and invest in that relationship!
- Get into the habit of taking one workshop, master or open class whenever you have a break.
- Always bring an up to date CV and photo with you when you audition take a masterclass or workshop.
Networking Sites
Have you ever typed your name into a search engine and seen what has come up? Chances are that you are a member of a social networking site and that your profile on this site has come up. Networking sites can be a great way of staying in touch and meeting new people. However when joining these sites you must keep in mind that unless you have set up your page to be private, anyone can view your page.
Have you ever typed your name into a search engine and seen what has come up? Chances are that you are a member of a social networking site and that your profile on this site has come up. Networking sites can be a great way of staying in touch and meeting new people. However when joining these sites you must keep in mind that unless you have set up your page to be private, anyone can view your page.
This also includes future employers. Depending on your settings they can read through your profile and browse through your photos. You have to ask yourself; what do you want potential employers to know about you? You also want to think about what messages and status updates you post. Again, what do you want people to know?
Besides the social networking sites there are also the business networking sites, such as Home4Dance run by Warren Adams (ex Rambert Student) and Uk Dancers Pro. On these sites you can create a profile, which then can be read by people who are looking to recruit.
Facebook (type in dance and see what comes up!)
Websites and Blogs
Websites and blogs can help you market yourself. You can put all your information (cv, photo's, videos) in one place and it is accessible to everyone. It is important to keep them up to date though. Here are some links that can help you on your way.
Website
How to make a free website and blog:
Website creation tutorial for beginners:
Blogs
Check out:
Watch a tutorial on how to make a Blog on Blogger its only 2 minutes long!
The tutorial only takes 2 minutes! Have a look and give it a go!!!
Showreel/DVD
Although used much less in the contemporary dance world, showreels and DVD's can also assist when promoting your self. There are simple computer programs, which will allow you to edit and cut your own footage. You will find lots of advise, information and tips on how to get started.
It will take some time but it will be worth it!
And Finally.....
That's right! Let the everybody know that you are out there and that they need you in order to present their work in the best possible way.
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