3b Professional Networking

Having read the professional networking section of the Reader several times, I found it difficult to understand. I therefore decided that it would be easier for me if I broke it down into manageable sections which I could easily digest.

Cooperation

Cooperation is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as 'to assist someone or comply with their requests', I think most people would agree that this is a fairly accurate definition of the word.  In the Reader, however, we are introduced to the notion of cooperation being closely associated with the Game theory and defined as 'the will and way to win'.  This concept is further endorsed by Robert Axelrod, cited in the Reader, who has researched extensively into human behaviour, networking and cooperation.  His theory, asserting that cooperation is based solely on reciprocity, seems selfish and manipulative to me.  The Reader cites the game 'The Prisoners' Dilemma' as researched evidence into the psychology of human nature. In this game, one player succeeds at another's expense with participants cooperating until they reach a certain point and then defecting in order to win. In the game, the object is to win as many coins as possible. Playing the game, I tried the following strategies:

Compete - when I competed I won the game, but I didn't get that many coins
Cooperation - we both got the same amount of coins. Although we got more coins than when I competed, the game was a draw.
Strategically - to win the game and get the most coins, you should cooperate for as long as possible and then - right at the last minute - compete to win the game.  Therefore, one player succeeds at another's expense.

This theory is reinforced by Axelrod, who poses the question: 'in real life would people only co-operate if they were going to gain from it'?  Initially, I strongly disagreed with this theory. However, as I reflected I realised, as Axelrod believed, that it is part of our human nature to compet -, a survival of the fittest mechanism. I believe this is especially true in the entertainment business, where jobs are scarce and friendships can be fickle. 

Whilst at College, I shared a flat with two musical theatre students. Although we were close friends, I can recall numerous occasions where an audition came up and they kept this secret from me to ensure they had a better chance of success. Although the friendship remained, I was left hurt at their actions.

Axelrod's theory made me question myself: would I act in a similar way for personal or professional gain? I'd rather not tell you my answer!! I must admit that there have been times where, although I have collaborated and cooperated with certain individuals during events, I have ditched them as soon as I got what I wanted.  There have been choreographers and colleagues that I have befriended and co-operated with for the sake of the performance, but only until the final curtain came down.

However, having examined the concept of cooperation I can also see that there are times when true relationships are forged following on from initial cooperation. These friendships are founded by an inner respect for each other and a true wish to help each other.

Affiliation

As human beings we have a social need to affiliate with other human beings.  Our personalities are all different and we are drawn to, and respond, to certain characters in others that often mirror our own belief system.  We can all be accused of networking by affiliation - it is human nature to attach yourself to people who you admire or who share the same life experiences as you.  I have close affiliations with people from my old dance school, as we shared some of the most significant moments in our dancing lives and have formed strong, lasting bonds.  Some of these friends now form a large part of my professional network as they are teachers, choreographers and dance agents which can be a distinct advantage to me as a performer.

Crisp, J. & Turner, R (2007), believe that our upbringing and culture influence our desire to affiliate.  I believe I am a sociable person, I like to fit in and to belong. Perhaps this comes from being part of a large family as I am used to feeling involved and this in-turn feeds my desire to affiliate and socialise with others.

There are, however, those people who affiliate with others just to see what they can get from them and, sadly, in this industry there are many prepared to do this.

Connectivism

My main sources of connection are the internet and my iPhone.  I recently had my phone stolen and I was devastated. I realised how much I depend on it - I felt like I'd lost a friend and became disconnected from the outside world.

Undertaking the BAPP course shows how advanced the use of technology in teaching has become. This course can be accessed from anywhere in the world, as long as the student has access to the internet.  We are learning through blogs, YouTube, Wiki's and interaction with each other. We are taking control of our own learning, moving away from the traditional educational methods.  Personally, I do believe that there is still a place for a 'teacher' in the traditional sense, as some students may not be capable of being self-directed and autonomous and may feel threatened by the use of new technology.  It can be difficult for me at times to feel connected and I wonder whether I would feel more comfortable in a classroom being afforded face to face teaching as the responsibility for my learning would then be shared.  But we are, as Laura Weir in her blog points out 'Students of connectivism',  and this, it seems, is the future.

3a Networking

I find it's always useful for me to start a task with a definition and I thought the following definition was particularly apt for a professional artist. Networking is defined in the BusinessDictionary.com as 'creating...a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit'.
 
One of the main sources of networking for me is through my computer as this gives me online access to prospective employers through a variety of mediums.  I have a Facebook account that I use for social networking, but it is also an excellent networking tool as I am able to view dance agencies and companies that advertise castings and auditions on their Facebook pages.  I am also able to check out the companies by viewing information about them, and then - if I'm interested - private message my details directly to them.

I have my show reel on YouTube which is useful as I can send emails with links to this, making me immediately visible to employers; I can also private message my show reel links on Facebook.

I now have this blog, which is my newest networking tool and can be accessed by other professionals.

I am registered on 'Spotlight', which is well known throughout the industry as the main professional casting agency for actors, singers and dancers.  Spotlight promotes their clients  through an individual web page that contains a C.V., professional photographs, and even voice and dance clips. Employers can view the profiles of clients and express an interest in them. Equally, it allows me as a client to view current auditions and put myself forward via a networking link for any I think I am suitable for.

I have also joined 'Dancers Pro' and 'Singers Pro'. These are companies who charge a monthly subscription fee and, in return, they promote me as a performer. On these website, I have a profile page which includes my C.V., photographs, show reels, singing clips etc. It is quite expensive, but has proved to be invaluable as I have been offered contracts through both companies, and enjoyed a variety of work because of these websites.

My phone is proving to be a surprisingly valuable networking asset. I have managed to link my phone to the Dancers Pro and Singers Pro websites and I now receive instant alerts when new adverts come up that match my profile. Because of this, I am ahead of the game and can register my interest immediately.

I have an agent who contacts me by email, informing me of any auditions she thinks I might be suitable for.  I have recently changed my agent as my previous agent charged 12.5% commission for all work, including those contracts I had found myself. I really didn't think this was fair as the last 4 contracts I had I'd found myself through successful networking.  My new agent only takes commission on work she gets me, which I feel is a much better - and fairer - arrangement.

My most successful networking by far is through the contacts I have made in my career.  My last three contracts have come from recommendations by a choreographer I worked with on one of my first dancing jobs.  I do believe that if you work hard and don't let people down you get a reputation for being someone who is reliable and hardworking and you reap the rewards.  I am also very fortunate in having built good relationships with my past employers, some of whom have offered me further contracts. I always find recommendations extremely flattering and I am glad that I managed to make an impression on those people I have worked with in the past.

During my career I have made strong and lasting relationships with some of the people I have worked with and we often contact each other when we see auditions and castings which we feel would be suitable for one another.  I have been very fortunate in having met some wonderful, kind people who have become lifelong friends.

I admire those professionals who are relentless in their pursuit of work; I wish I could have their drive and determination.  I send out my C.V.'s and do try to regularly update my contact details on my web pages, but I think I am lazy when it comes to actively pursuing companies that I'd like to work with. Whilst working on the ship,  there were a couple of dancers who spent their spare time emailing employers and if they didn't get a reply they just kept emailing until they did.  If I hadn't heard after a couple of emails I would have given up assuming that they weren't interested and concerned that they'd consider me a nuisance. One dancer in particular was relentless in his pursuit of work - he had even worked out the best days and times to email companies! It certainly seemed to work for him though, his calendar was always full.

Throughout module one, we have been asked to reflect back on our current practice and to move forward from where we are. Schon asks us to reflect on our ongoing experience and learn from it.  I realise that in order to progress I need to change some of the ways I use my networking tools:

I spend a great deal of time reading other students' blogs, but I have lacked the confidence to comment, fearing scrutiny and criticism. On reflection I realise that this is a pre-requisite of the course and I aim in future to actively engage with my fellow bloggers by commenting on those blogs that I feel I could constructively contribute to.

I need to become more assertive in my pursuit of work and, reflecting back, see that the dancer who vigorously and relentlessly pursued employment was deemed as passionate by employers rather than a nuisance. I'm still not convinced that multiple emails would work for me, but in hindsight perhaps I do give up too easily and I will try to be more proactive in the future and aim to contact prospective employers regularly.

I have thought about having a separate Facebook account as this seems to be something that a lot of fellow bloggers recommend, but, on reflection, I like that people can see the real me, including my hobbies and interests. However, I can see both sides of the argument and this is something I will consider further.

I read in Kelly Everitt's blog that she found that the casting agency 'StarNow' was a particularly good agency for those dancers looking for teaching positions.  As I am hoping to find teaching work, I intend to look at this site and see if it is worth me subscribing too.

I have found this task quite revealing. It has made me look at the effectiveness of my current networking strategies and emphasised the importance of keeping up to date with all that is available to us in order to market ourselves in the best way possible.

Please feel free to comment.  

Betty x

   

2d Inquiry

What in your daily practise gets you really enthusiastic to find out more about?

I have just started a contract as a dance captain, this is a new role for me and I am really enjoying the challenge.  I'm particularly enjoying working with the children. Each evening I plan out the warm up sessions for the team and try to rise to the challenge of making them innovative and exciting, as well as ensuring that the routines correctly stretch and warm the muscles preparing the team for the show.  I've enjoyed selecting the music and working out little routines.  I'm finding that working with children is such a positive and rewarding experience and I find their enthusiasm infectious.  Feedback from children is usually instant and honest and I like that.  I am doing this course to hopefully make me employable as a dance teacher and this experience has reaffirmed my belief that I'm on the right path with the BAPP course.

Who do you admire who also works with what makes you feel enthusiastic?

This is really easy for me. I admire my old dance teacher Miss Caroline Wright, Principal of Centrepointe Dance School and College: http://www.centre-pointe.co.uk 


Miss Wright had a massive influence on me.  I first met her when I auditioned for an associate place with Northern Ballet. I wasn't the best dancer in the room, not by a long shot: I had rubbish turn-out, rubbish feet and I was competing against some amazing dancers, but she said after that she saw something in me that reminded her of herself at my age.  To this day I am so grateful for her decision to choose me.  She is a strict and hard task master and extremely determined to get the best from every pupil. She expects respect and gets it, working relentlessly and always perfecting, correcting, challenging and encouraging. She is always honest, yet never judgmental.  

Miss Wright started a small dance school in an empty room above a motorbike shop in a rough area of Manchester. She had trained at Royal Ballet herself and had been a ballet dancer. She began teaching associate classes in her spare time and soon realised that she had a natural aptitude for it so she took the brave decision to turn her back on her performing career and dedicate her time to teaching young dancers. However, her vision was not only to have a school that offered lessons in all the major dance disciplines, but also a vocational dance college. Four years ago she realised her ambition. I admire Miss Wright and hope that, if I can show the same ambition and belief as her, I may one day emulate her success and help teach the dancers of tomorrow.  

What gets you angry or makes you sad?

I get frustrated with some of the arrogant, self-obsessed and false people that you meet in this industry.  Although I realise that the industry is seen as a 'cut-throat' profession and people are encouraged to have a 'dog eat dog' mentality in order to survive, I believe that we are all professionals who have trained so hard to get where we are. Due to these shared life experiences, we should have a mutual respect for each other knowing that we share some of those experiences and have an awareness of the self sacrifices each other has had to make to be where we are.  I've attended countless auditions where dancers will physically push you out of the way to get to the front, without any shame.  Surely we should all be given the same chance and then be judged on our talent and our suitability for the role? 

Who do you admire who shares your feelings or has found a way to work around the sadness or anger?

As I previously mentioned, my old dance teacher Miss Caroline Wright is someone who shared her passion for dance with me. She lives and breathes dancing.  Whilst establishing her dance school she was treated so badly by other dance professionals who accused her, unjustly, of poaching pupils from their dance schools.  This was totally unfounded; it was her absolute passion for dance and her exciting innovative teaching methods that attracted pupils. With great dignity, she ignored the accusations and allegations and put the matter in the hands of lawyers. The story even made the local T.V. and needless to say she came out of it with her head held high and all allegations dropped.  Six years on and her dance  school has gone from strength to strength, she now has a College alongside her school that rivals even the major London dance establishments. Royal Ballet have chosen to run their associate programme at her school and it is recognised for its amazing dance training.

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?

'Then come the lights shining on you from above. You are a performer. You forget all
you've learnt, the process of technique, the fear, the pain, you even forget who you are, you become one with the music, the lights, indeed one with the dance' - Shirley MacLaine.

I just love to dance, plain and simple, I feel I was born to be a dancer.  A quote by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche sums it up perfectly 'We should consider everyday lost on which we have not danced at least once'.

When I dance I feel complete, whole.  I dance purely for selfish reasons and hope that the audience can see and feel the passion I have.  I am basically a shy person but, when I'm on the stage, I feel liberated, confident and alive.  Martha Graham once said 'The body says what the words cannot'. I love this quote as dance to me is my own private language.  Hans Bos also puts it beautifully: 'Whilst I dance, I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life, I can only be joyful and whole, this is why I dance'.

I admire great dancers, who feel as I do, the following quotes express my own thoughts:

'If I could have said it, I shouldn't have had to dance it' - Anna Pavlova
'Dance is music made visible' - George Balanchine
'The body says what words cannot' - Martha Graham
'If I could tell you what it meant, there would be no point in dancing it' - Isadora Duncan

What do you feel you don't understand? Who do you admire who does seem to understand it or has found a way of making not understanding it interesting or beautiful, or has asked the same questions as you?

I don't understand why as dancers/performers we seem to have such a low profile in the public eye.  Everyday, it seems to me that another so-called reality 'star' has got a starring role in a panto or even West End, without any training. This feels insulting and  humiliating and I wonder why the public are so fickle.  A Premier League football team wouldn't put an untrained footballer onto the pitch and expect the team to rally round and support them. Is it fair that dance professionals have to? I understand that it is entertainment and the so-called 'celebrities' draw in the crowds, but at what cost to those of us in the industry who are just trying to get a break and trying to earn a living?  

I am fortunate to be employed in panto by a Company who has chosen not to use celebrities. They have instead chosen to use talented actors, singers and dancers for their show.  They held auditions and chose the best people for the roles, rather than those who have recently been on 'Big Brother'. The pay is excellent because they aren't having to pay celebrity wages.  I admire their courage. 
 
I read, with great interest, Michelle's blog and completely agree with her ideas: as artists we are treated badly. A few months ago I attended an audition for a West End show and it cost me £50 to travel from Manchester to London. I was thrilled to get recalled several times throughout the day and I gave it my absolute all. At the end of the day, we were cut down to a final 6. The choreographer thanked us all for coming and we left.  I never heard from them again. I asked for feedback from my agent and was told that they didn't give feedback. Had I instead applied for a job at McDonalds, I would have at least been given feedback. I was one of the lucky ones - at least I got the opportunity to perform. One girl in particular had traveled overnight from Scotland, sang 16 bars and was immediately cut. With all that money and time wasted, it must have been a very depressing journey home.  I appreciate that it is how it works in the industry, but it seems - at times - frustrating and unjust.

Carrying out this task has given me plenty to consider with regards to my inquiry, but, I am still not sure what direction to take. I am, however, looking forward to exploring further some of the issues I have raised in this task. 






  

2c Reflective Theory

Please follow the link below to find my writing task for 2c Reflective Theory. Feel free to share any comments.


https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-MK96Kq-QcwZVZDcmtGR1EyS3c


Betty x

2B Journal Writing Experience

I purposefully held back from starting this task as I have just started a new contract as Dance Captain for 'Sleeping Beauty' the Pantomime in Durham.  I have never been a Dance Captain before and I see writing in my journal as the perfect opportunity to capture the experience.  When I was initially offered the role, my immediate reaction was to politely decline, because my self-doubt crept in.  I have never seen myself as a natural leader. I am always comfortable letting others take the lead and organise me and I did not believe that I had the natural organisational/teaching skills that the role demanded.  However, starting this course has forced me to identify my development needs, it has also increased my confidence and I realise I need to move out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges.  I put into practice what I had already learnt on this course so far, and reflected on particular events in the past where I had taken on positions of responsibility and succeeded. This new found thought process influenced my decision and changed my previous misconceptions and I realised that, in order to progress in my career and develop personally, I needed this challenge and so I accepted the role.

My main objectives when I embarked on my journal writing were not only to record my experiences, but also to reflect and evaluate each event.  I wanted to make sure that I was totally honest and that I wrote how I really felt, not how I thought I should feel.  I wanted a place where I am able to 'let it all out'. 

Finding the perfect writing style was important to me and I began experimenting with various styles outlined in the Reader, but, I found very quickly that my journal writing just did not fit into any particular category.  I persevered, but kept deviating from the style, for example writing a list left me frustrated that I was unable to put down emotions and feelings. I ended up just writing lists of words with no links to what had actually caused me to feel that particular way.  I felt that in order to 'clear my mind'  I needed to write full accounts of how I actually felt at each particular moment. 

I have found that the main reward of journal writing is that, by writing it down, it somehow became permanent and 'concrete' to me. I was interested to read an article by Ron Klug (2002) who observed that by writing things down in a journal the words are outside of us.

Looking back at one of my first journal entries - day one of rehearsals - my train was delayed by two hours and I was forced to walk into a room full of people, all of whom I've never met before. They were already half way through script reading and lists and graphs just couldn't have captured that moment - the sheer humiliation and embarassment - it would have needed 'description, initial reflection, what if and another view!!!!.  Sticking to a particular style just felt too restrictive.  I will keep on experimenting with different styles and maybe use different elements from each category.

I found I preferred to record events in my journal as they happened, getting a snapshot of the moment. However, sometimes this just isn't possible so I have found a formula to use for reflection at the end of the day.  I have typed it up and glued it on the front page of my journal and it acts as an aide memoire for the days I am too exhausted and drained to complete a full record of my experience.

.  What were the major events that happened to me today?
.  What was different about my day?
.  How did I feel?
.  What were the best and worst things about today?
.  What went well and what can I learn from this?
.  What didn't go well and what can I learn from this?

I found this quote by Ron Klug (2002) particularly uplifting:

"A journal is a tool for self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, a training ground for the writer and a good friend and confidant."

Klug, Ron (2002) How to Keep a Spiritual Journal

Starting out on BAPP

Virtual Classroom...

I feel like I really missed out not being able to attend the 'Campus Sessions 1', but, due to work commitments, it just wasn't possible.  I know I would have benefited greatly from meeting Rosemary and my fellow students on the program. It can feel quite isolating being on an open learning course and I would have relished the company and support.

I really appreciated Rosemary’s blog on the session and decided that, although I wasn't able to be there in person, I would set up a virtual classroom and attempt some of the exercises.

I read through the articles, made notes on the authors and visualized how I would have tackled the feedback session. Reading the articles helped me in my construction of my Web 2.0 technologies blog.

I decided to tackle one of the exercises recommended by Rosemary and write down the definitions I would have given:-

- Web 2.0 – the new-look internet where surfers can interact and share information with other web users.

- Blog – An online diary which logs events, activities and thoughts.

- Wiki – Website where users can add, edit, or remove information.

- Plagiarism – Using somebody else’s work and claiming it as your own.

- Learning – Absorption and retention of knowledge or a skill.

- Communication – Giving and receiving information either face to face or through any medium.

- Collaboration – Working with others in order to achieve the same goal.

- Convergence – The coming together of more than one idea to form a common concept.

- Knowledge – Information known to a person or community.

I then considered the various communication methods outlined in the blog and how I use most of them in my everyday life.

I enjoyed watching the video feedback sessions from fellow BAPP students. I was impressed with how much they achieved - I’m sure I couldn't have come up with so much in such a short time. It was helpful to hear how they felt new technological tools could help in their professional development.  It was also so nice to be able to put names to faces.

On reflection I believe this was a positive learning experience for me, as it increased my awareness of communication methods and increased my confidence in tackling self-directed learning. Hopefully, I will get to meet everyone soon.

Betty x

Task 2a - Becoming Reflective

Secretly, I’ve always wanted to keep a journal.  A big, red, leather bound one with a lock and a key, that I could hide away. A journal that held my innermost thoughts, my deepest secrets and wanton longings.  Reality is that my life isn't that exciting and that’s probably why I never have. ‘Had Nando’s, watched X Factor, had a glass of wine and went to bed’ is hardly ground-breaking journalism.  So now I have an excuse, the justification.  My new status as BAPP journal writer will, I hope, be a release, somewhere I can keep a private record of my thoughts and events that are unique to me. A chance for me to explore new ideas and feelings in a style and language that is personal to me and in a way I feel comfortable with.  

Reflection to me is a process of thinking constructively about both positive and negative experiences and identifying what was good or bad and most importantly, what I can learn from it.  Keeping a journal hopefully will give me direct benefits. It will provide me with a snapshot of where I am and what I’m doing, enabling me to self-review and develop, both professionally and personally, by analysing my own experiences.

Boud, cited in the Reader, advocated the use of prose, images, sketches, poems and even colour and form as devices to express ways of reflecting on an experience. I intend to embrace all these methods. I’m also going to take the 9 day challenge recommended in the Reader i.e. trying a different way to write using methods like lists, graphs, charts etc., and experiment with different styles. I will write accounts, make notes and try any way to make a record of each experience and hopefully find the 'perfect recipe' that works for me. It is important that it doesn't become a chore, that I find a style that I’m comfortable with.

So I’m off now on a journey of self-discovery, with the first stop being Selfridges to buy that journal. Watch this space….

Task 1b...

‘Never before in the history of the planet have so many people on their own had the ability to find so much information about so many things and about so many people.’ Thomas Friedman (2006)

I approached task 1b with fear and trepidation. I have always considered myself to be computer illiterate and just the title Professional Communication Technologies had me reaching for the dictionary.  This to me was my first major challenge.  I decided to instigate the power of positive thinking, focus and start at the very beginning.  

Ironically, I went onto the Google web page and typed in 'Web 2.0' and I discovered that the phrase 'Web 2.0' was coined by Dale Dougherty whilst at a brainstorming session to describe the new web environment after the dot-com bubble crash.  As I researched further, I was surprised and secretly relieved to discover that Web 2.0 was already a big part of my life.  I frequently use Facebook and twitter to communicate with my friends. I put videos on YouTube, research on Wikipedia and here I am writing my own blog and 'Googling' Web 2.0, phew.

So with my new found knowledge of Web 2.0 and the ability to recognise its use as a valuable social media networking agent, I decided to look at how it had evolved from the original Web 1.0. I went back to Google, entered 'Web 1.0' and was immediately transported back in time to my teenage years, with examples like My Space, Ask Jeeves, Britannica Online and a variety of static sites that allowed the viewer to view pre-determined material.  Web 1.0 displayed information but didn't allow two-way interaction; it simply told you what you wanted to know.  Reading through ‘Reader 1’ I see that Web 1.0 is described as being like a newspaper or T.V. It didn't offer instant communication or explanation, only the creator could express thoughts and feelings.  So I can see now how Web 1.0 has evolved into Web 2.0, it really is an enhancement of Web 1.0.  Dr. James Hogg from the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality described Web 2.0 as two ‘A’ words: “Anytime. Anywhere.”  I take this to mean what the web is right now. When I log onto the internet I get the same thing no matter where I access it, its 24 hours, and 7 days interaction.  So Web 2.0 - simply put - is the second generation of web-based communities.

Tim O’Reilly cited in the ‘Reader 1’ describes Web 2.0 as a series of platforms, without a hard boundary. As a performer it is easy for me to understand the concept of a ‘platform’ as a stage, a performance, a place where for that moment you can share your ideas, opinions and emotions and they are valued and listened too. Web 2.0 for me is an enabler allowing the user to communicate. It is a place where you can express yourself and, for that moment, you have your own platform.

So what does Web 2.0 mean to me personally? 

As a performer, working predominantly unsociable hours and spending months away from family and friends, Web 2.0 has enabled me to feel included, and involved. Web-based technologies allowed me to see my newly-born twin nephews’ first moments after they were born, despite being on the other side of the world. It enabled me to be involved in the planning of my best friend’s 21^st party whilst being docked in the Amazon.  I have been able to participate and share in the excitement of my brother’s wedding blogs and shared family holiday snaps. Its enabled me to keep friends and family close. 'Skyping' my mum, seeing her face and hearing her voice whilst being in the middle of a force 8 gale in the Bay of Biscay, kept me sane.  It has simply helped me keep in touch with my ‘real world’.

Professionally, Web 2.0 has enabled me to interact with prospective employers by sites such as Facebook that advertise auditions. I have used YouTube to promote my show reel, knowing that it can be accessed from anywhere in the world at any time. One of the best contracts I ever had was cast purely by me submitting my show reel. Web 2.0 has given me control of the information I deliver. I can add information and data to the site at any time - day or night.

Academically, Web 2.0 has given me the opportunity to access this course whilst continuing my career. I can interact with my fellow students, communicate with tutors, collect information, research and download data all at the press of a key from wherever I am in the world.  However, I do realise that there are limitations to this technology. Lorenzo, in his article ‘Ensuring the Net Generation is Net Savvy’, poses the question "Do we know what we are doing, whether the information is valid?" and warns "information is not just created by experts – it is created and co-created by amateurs". Lorenzo then recognises that, for the student, sorting valid information from mis-information is a constant and ongoing challenge. So just how credible is the information we obtain from Web 2.0. Wikipedia is a good example of the type of site Lorenzo warns us about, anyone can edit and add information.  Wikipedia itself states there is no easy way to see which information or article was added by which editor.

I believe that the responsibility lies with me to be ‘Net Savvy’ to protect my credibility by taking educated risks, looking and evaluating the content of the information supplied by looking at the structure, the dates, the references given and using my own judgement to reach a conclusion on its authenticity.

So as I end this blog, I feel I have gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of what Web 2.0 actually is and what this new technology can offer me, both in my personal life and in my professional life. I am intrigued and excited to delve deeper into the new tools and technologies available that will further enhance my career.  As I end my first ‘academic’ blog I feel empowered, and encouraged by the experience. 

References:

Dale Dougherty (2004) (O’Reilly Media Company conference)

Charles Dziuban and George Lorenzo (2006) ‘Ensuring the Net Generation is Net Savvy’
Thomas Friedman (2006) ‘The World is Flat’

Dr. James Hogg cited in ‘If someone asked you to explain Web 2.0 would you have an answer’ by Ashley Pinder (2009)

Tim O’Reilly cited in Reader 1

Betty Wells Showreel

I believe a showreel is now very important in this industry. There have been several occasions where I have been unable to attend auditions and having a showreel has enabled the employer to view my dance styles and image. One of the best contracts I ever had was cast purely from my showreel. 

Here is the showreel I made myself using iMovie. It took a long time and a lot of work but I'm pleased with the final piece. It was great to learn how to use new tools and develop my computer skills.

I decided to keep it short and therefore interesting to watch. Many employers do not have time to watch a full 10 minutes and I wanted to leave them wanting more rather than being bored.

I chose to include all aspects of dance to demonstrate my versatility. I also feel it is important for employers to see how a dancer interprets different styles of music. I made sure my singing styles were contrasting, although I still feel it's missing an upbeat rocky / pop song. 

I would really appreciate any comments or criticism. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks...Betty x  

Betty Wells' photostream Task 1d...

Betty Wells' photostream on Flickr.

A few pictures from previous contracts and productions...

Link to My Flickr Profile...http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettywells/

Task 1a...

I have decided to upload my professional C.V. This is the C.V that I send out to prospective employers, and hand out at auditions. I have also uploaded my informal C.V, which formed part of my personal statement for this course.

I think my informal C.V gives a holistic insight into 'Betty Wells the person'. However, I appreciate that employers are really interested in whether your credentials match their brief and simply do not have the time to read long drawn out C.V’s.

I am interested to see what other bloggers feel about the contrasting styles and would value any feedback. Betty x  

Betty Wells C.V

Date of Birth:  24^th December 1990
Age:  21

Contact Number: 07789226712
Email:  bettywells@mail.com

Height:   5ft7ins  168cms

Build: Slim   

Hair:   Blonde     

Eyes:   Blue      

Nationality: British

           

Training:
Bird College - National Diploma in Musical Theatre

2007-2010  - scholarship place

Royal Ballet School – mid/senior associate 2004-2006

Northern Ballet Theatre – mid/senior associate 2002-      2007

Vocal Range: Belter/Soprano

Dance:

- Ballet                        - Contact         - Jazz                            - Contemporary
- Jazz Pas de Deux     - Tap               - Ballet Pas de Deux      - Basic Gymnastics

Performance Experience

Viking Cruise Liners           Lead Vocalist                          11/09/2012-15/10/2012

Aladdin                              Singer/Dancer       Dubai             1/06/2012-2/7/2012

Main Feature Productions

        

All Our Yesterdays          Singer/Dancer       U.K. Tour      18/2/2012-22/5/2012

Timeless Theatre Productions

           

Fred Olsen Cruises

Black Watch Cruise Ship                Lead Vocalist//Dancer    5/2011 – 11/2011

Boudicca Cruise Ship                       Singer/Dancer                8/2010 – 4/2011

Mirage Production Company                  

Crazy For You                                            Tessie                               12/2009
Studio Theatre, Sidcup                                                        

John Frieda Hair Show                            Model                                12/2009                                                  WellaStudios, London

Harrods Christmas Parade                   Lead Dancer                    11/2009                                             Knightsbridge

Noitamina                                                  Ensemble/ Dancer          07/2009          

Orchard Theatre, Dartford

                                                                                                   

Harrods Christmas Parade                  Masquerade Dancer       11/2008                       

Harrods, Knightsbridge   

                                   

Legends, Icons and Idols                       Lead Dancer                    07/2008                        

Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Jack and the Beanstalk                          Ensemble                        12/2006                                                     Channel Theatre Productions, Buxton Opera House                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                 

 Aladdin                                                        Ensemble                       12/2005                    

Channel Theatre Productions, Buxton Opera House                                                                                         

                                                                                                         
Cinderella                                                    Ensemble                       12/2004                    

Channel Theatre Productions, Buxton Opera House                                                              

                                                                                                                                   

Robin Hood                                                  Ensemble                       03/2003                    

Pele Productions, Lowry Theatre, Manchester            

                                                                                                              

 Snow White                                                Ensemble                       12/2003                    

Channel Theatre Productions, Buxton Opera House                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                              

Dick Whittington                                         Ensemble                       12/2002                    

Channel Theatre Productions, Buxton Opera House         

I have decided to post for my informal C.V. a copy of my Personal statement, which I believe gives a much better insight into 'Betty Wells the person', my experiences and my aspirations.

Informal C.V.

My  name is Betty Wells, I am 21 and I was born on Christmas Eve, 1990.  I am from Stockport, near Manchester.   

Martha Graham once said that ‘Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery’, I totally agree with this statement as every day I discover challenges and new avenues to explore in my dancing career.

I can’t remember a time when I did not dance and I cannot imagine living my life without dance in it.  Since the age of two, the regimes and disciplines of dance have controlled my world.  It has become my discipline, my means of expression and my release.  It has given me the most exciting moments and also the lowest.  I have always known that my career would be in dance, I simply do not know what else I could do.

I am totally committed to my art. My younger life consisted of dance training every night, every weekend, shows, competitions, dance exams and training.  Once a fortnight I was allowed out of school to train with the Royal Ballet and every Saturday I got up at 5.a.m to drive to Leeds to train with Northern Ballet Associates. I missed sleepovers, parties and social events, but I didn't care as long as I was dancing.  It shaped my childhood memories and my childhood relationships.

I am totally passionate about dancing, I believe the sacrifices I have made to study dance prove my complete dedication to the art.

Academically I passed with distinction most of the major ballet/tap/modern exams and attained my R.A.D. Advanced 1 ballet qualification.  At 16 I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship to study at Bird College in London for a Higher Award Diploma in Musical Theatre. Leaving home at such a young age to live in London was daunting for a naive 16 year old, but the desire to learn about dance was greater than the fear and I spent three memorable years studying all the major dance disciplines.  I danced every day with a very busy schedule and although I had a scholarship I needed to work part-time in order to pay for accommodation, this meant having to be self-motivated and self-disciplined and my life became a balancing act. However, on reflection I am confident that these struggles will allow me to manage my time effectively and take on the demands of an open learning course alongside a dance contract. 

The National Diploma course helped me explore the mind-set of other dancers and I studied in depth such artists as Martha Graham and found an excitement in looking at choreographers and dancers that shared the same passion for dance.   Embarking on this open learning course will give me a fresh opportunity to broaden my knowledge base and enrich my personal development.

I qualified from Bird College in July, 2010, frustratingly missing out on a distinction by a couple of marks. This was a learning curve and I realised that with just a little more effort I could have achieved a distinction - a mistake I won’t make again.  I finished the course in July and was fortunate to immediately be offered a contract with Fred Olsen as a Singer/Dancer, I completed two 6 month contracts for them and it felt such an amazing achievement being paid to do something I love to do.

I am applying for this course as I see it as an extension to my dancing career; I would like to eventually teach.  As a student I attended Centrepointe Dance School in Manchester and I frequently taught dance to younger students. My teacher commented, even then, that she felt I had a gift for teaching and I have never forgotten this, always knowing that in the future I would like to teach. 

Whilst at College I was offered the opportunity to help out at an international dance summer school as a volunteer. I immediately accepted and again thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was in charge of over 30 foreign students, most of who did not speak English, but dance, I believe, breaks down barriers and I soon found I had no problems with communication and felt a strong bond through dance with these eager youngsters.  Mata Hari once wrote ‘The dance is a poem of which movement is a word’.

I was recently on a U.K. tour with Timeless Theatre Productions as a Singer/Dancer. Part of this role involved teaching children from the local dance school a short routine to perform in the show. I really  enjoyed this part of the role and felt I was able to connect with these young dancers. I am excited by their energy and enthusiasm and I find such a reward in channeling the energy they have into the dance and in seeing their sense of pride and accomplishment.  Helping these children has reinforced my desire to teach and I now believe the next step in my career is to embark on this open learning program in order to get my BA Honours Degree in Professional Practice.

I am not afraid of the workload and look forward to exploring different aspects of dance and also discovering more about myself by reflective practice.  I feel I have the right qualities needed to embark on this course as I am self-motivated, hardworking, dedicated and self-disciplined.  I am looking forward to building on the foundations I have already laid down in my dancing career.