Sources of information

These are my most frequently used sources of information:

Web 2.0-

Social networking and Job sites-Social networking sites such as ‘network dance’ are great especially when they are purpose built. They allow us to manage all of our job hunting/networking tasks in one place.

·        Dance Europe – Jobs and Auditions

                     http://www.danceeurope.net/site/jobs.shtml

·        Networkdance.net- allows you to have all your media in one place as well as links to your CV, and youtube videos if you have them

·        Ballet Companies.Com – Auditions

         http://www.balletcompanies.com/Countries/Auditions.shtml

·        Dancers international – Auditions

                    http://www.dancers.in/coming_auditions.php

·        Dance.net – Auditions

                    http://www.dance.net/danceauditions.html

Email/Blackberry- Allows us to send pictures, videos, files on the move especially with my Blackberry. It also allows me to keep in touch with any contacts on the move via the blackberry instant messenger (BBM)

Written Word Ads

·        The Stage news paper

                    

·        Dance Europe Magazine

                    

·        Dancing Times Magazine

                    

·        Point Magazine

                    

·        Pineapple Studios Bulletin boards

                    

·        Dance Studio Bulletin boards

A lot of companies still prefer the traditional approach of job hunting by putting their ads on paper. Just because it’s not on the internet certainly doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time.

                 

                                                      

Word of Mouth

·        Go to Open classes and be noticed by other dancers, choreographers, guest teachers, etc.

·        Meet with friends in the business (who work where you want to work)

If you have friends in the business it is important to meet with them and socialise with them in person, this can get you valuable information about jobs or auditions.

Teachers and Choreographers

It is important to keep in touch with any choreographer you meet along the way and it is also a good idea to return to your college roots and ask your teachers about work, they all have contacts (and probably a bit of influence) themselves and it is in their best interest to try and pull some strings for you!

I think if I had to go without one of these sources I would probably be lost as they all seem to work off of each other. But these days the source that I use the most is definitely the social networking sites especially Networkdance.net. The reason for this is it makes it easier for you to keep track of all your info and media but it is more convenient for the employers too and you can make a point of telling them that to make you sound more considerate to them!