Career planning: networking know-how
(Peradotto, Nicole. Pointe 10.2 (Apr 2009): 54, 56.
Who is the author?
Nicole Peradotto; arts writer at the time for Pointe Magazine and former newspaper writer.
Publisher?
Pointe magazine; international trade publication for ballet: news of company debuts, competitions, rising stars. Also reviews, company profiles, events, auditions, online store, blogs and higher education.
When was it written?
April 2009
Where?
New York
Intended audience?
Ballet dancers and aspiring students. Aimed at both professional dancers now and also students starting their careers.
Intention?
We know from the opening caption that this article is going to be very 'pro' networking 'Using everything you've got- and tapping everyone you know- is the key to building a career'. Peradotto (2009). Incorporating her own views with the thoughts and experiences of industry professionals, Peradotto intends to show the reader the benefits of networking within this career and how it can help aid your success.
Writers own position?
Nicole Peradotto is a former newspaper writer but has been a longtime arts writer for Pointe Magazine. Being the arts writer for such an established magazine like Pointe shows us the expertise and knowledge surrounding these subjects. Although she is not a performer herself, this article demonstrates her experienced ability to put together well the thoughts and opinions of those established professionals.
Assumptions?
Nicole Peradotto creates her own assumptions with the help of professional dancers, choreographers and directors. This I find to very useful as we hear opinions and share experiences with different people who are in different fields.
Style of writing?
The text is a newspaper article and so the style is quite informal. It is precise and so easy to read for all. This allows you to read the text quickly and still be able to gauge full understanding. When reading a newspaper article, audiences don't wont to be challenged too much in terms of language as it is light reading and not too intricate. A lot of input has been given by industry professionals so the piece feels very honest and not just the opinions of the writer herself.
The author and references she uses feel networking is such a vital part of the performance industry and that it contributes to the success of careers. Communication in the form of face to face interaction is a big theme in this article: socialising in class, introducing yourself to choreographers, teachers, students etc. However this article shows us the importance of social networking and how the internet and technologies play a big part in our communication and development. Without a lot of these technologies, it would be virtually impossible to contact our sources, not to mention broadcasting ourselves.
Writers own position?
Nicole Peradotto is a former newspaper writer but has been a longtime arts writer for Pointe Magazine. Being the arts writer for such an established magazine like Pointe shows us the expertise and knowledge surrounding these subjects. Although she is not a performer herself, this article demonstrates her experienced ability to put together well the thoughts and opinions of those established professionals.
Assumptions?
Nicole Peradotto creates her own assumptions with the help of professional dancers, choreographers and directors. This I find to very useful as we hear opinions and share experiences with different people who are in different fields.
Samantha Klanac- Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Drew Jacoby- Freelance dancer
Christopher Wheeldon- The Wheeldon Company
Dwight Rhoden- Co artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Elizabeth McGrath- Demi soloist Ballet West
- The more people you can create relationships with, the better this puzzle of an industry fits together says Samantha Klanac.
- Talent is a key factor but stretching beyond that itself can help you achieve so much more
- Some say networking in any profession is almost as valuable as talent itself in terms of creating opportunities: Drew Jacoby (freelance dancer) emailed top choreographer Christopher Wheeldon with her CV and link to her website. Impressed with what he saw, Wheeldon invited Jacoby to class. Jacoby persisted with Wheeldon for months, several emails were unanswered, but one day her phone rang and she was offered a job with his company.
- Jacoby talks about being open from the beginning in order to open those connections. Exposing yourself to build genuine relationships.
- Use every source possible; teachers, older students who are now professionals, class members. Create repores with these people; chat over coffee outside of the environment, introduce yourself to choreographers of masterclasses.
- Be confident and up front about the opportunities you are seeking
- Remember all these sources will have their own networks which could work in you favour e.g recommendations, job opportunities.
- Keep in touch with past sources; could lead to teaching work or helping with audition process's etc.
- Constantly update these people of your situation, just to remind them that you are there and looking for work: director Dwight Rhoden explained how when he needed 3 spots filled quickly, he approached those dancers who had been keeping regular contact with him e.g emailing, inviting him to performances, asking to come to company class ' Being able to network that way is productive because the director sees you and see your interest'
- Social network- keep people updated- Facebook, MySpace, twitter, email, website
- It should be a natural process so that people see the real you!
Style of writing?
The text is a newspaper article and so the style is quite informal. It is precise and so easy to read for all. This allows you to read the text quickly and still be able to gauge full understanding. When reading a newspaper article, audiences don't wont to be challenged too much in terms of language as it is light reading and not too intricate. A lot of input has been given by industry professionals so the piece feels very honest and not just the opinions of the writer herself.
The author and references she uses feel networking is such a vital part of the performance industry and that it contributes to the success of careers. Communication in the form of face to face interaction is a big theme in this article: socialising in class, introducing yourself to choreographers, teachers, students etc. However this article shows us the importance of social networking and how the internet and technologies play a big part in our communication and development. Without a lot of these technologies, it would be virtually impossible to contact our sources, not to mention broadcasting ourselves.
Hi Mel,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you've got settled in since the first campus session- I think we were all a bit unsettled after the huge summer break! Did you manage to get to the other one today?
Good idea to follow this method with your lit reviews and break down the info..when you come to put it all together at the end and compare all the different literature, you'll be able to find the exact bit you want to make comparisons. I like to babble on about my lit when I first get it and then pick out bits I realise interested me most later. It's probably a long-winded way of doing it, but that's just typical of me!
Interesting to find out the methods that work best for each of us!
Clare