As it is nearly the May bank holiday & it’s coming up to the half-way point in our year, I have tried to become more efficient with my time. I’ve decided to work smarter & not harder. Here with the help of my own personal AI I have the whole internet (up until 2021) as a resource. So I created Waggle Dance Co’s first blog assisted by Chat GPT.
Career Development & Making Moves In The Dance World
In the ever-evolving world of dance, career development & making strategic moves are crucial for aspiring dancers & established professionals alike. Just as dance itself is a constant exploration of movement & expression, advancing in this competitive industry requires careful planning, continuous learning & the ability to adapt to change. In this blog, we will explore key aspects of career development in the dance world & how making the right moves can set dancers on a successful pathway.
Set Clear Goals
The first step in any career development journey is to set clear & achievable goals. Take the time to envision where you want to be in the future. Identify the steps necessary to get there.
Define your artistic aspirations, such as joining a renowned company, becoming a choreographer, or teaching dance. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, & time-bound (SMART) goals will provide direction to help you stay focused.
My goal this year was to get support. I found that support with Dance Services. They have connected me to a Dance Producer & I have started working alongside Moving Art Management.
Invest in Education & Training
To thrive in our dance industry, continuous learning is essential. Seek out reputable dance organisations such as Dancer’s Career Development and One Dance UK, search for workshops/ masterclasses to expand your skill set. GET. A. MENTOR.
Cultivating a diverse range of skills will make you a well-rounded, up to date & versatile dancer, increasing your opportunities for career advancement.
Network & Collaborate
Networking is an invaluable tool for career development in any industry, & the dance world is no exception. It is difficult to put yourself out there, I have found WFH has been a huge benefit for me these last few months but as dancers I find, we work well together!
So get out if you can & attend dance festivals, conferences, industry events to connect with fellow dancers, choreographers, & professionals.
Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations. Building a strong network can lead to exciting performance opportunities, mentorships, & exposure to new artistic perspectives.
The Moving Ahead Programme has been such a worthwhile investment for me. I would highly recommend sharing your story.
Embrace Technology & Social Media
In today's digital age, leveraging technology & social media platforms is crucial for career development. It is also a massive time saver. When I looked at the last time I had a chance to write a Waggle Dance Co blog I was absolutely mortified.
Make sure you are up - to date with creating a professional online presence through websites (*check*) or social media channels dedicated to showcasing your talent & achievements. (*Makes note: Jess to do this next*).
Utilise platforms like YouTube, Instagram, & TikTok to share performance snippets, choreography videos or dance-related content. Engage with your audience.
Embody Resilience & Adaptability
The dance world is known for its competitiveness & ever-changing landscape. To navigate this dynamic environment, it is essential to develop resilience & adaptability.
Embrace constructive criticism, learn from setbacks, use them as stepping stones for growth. Remain open to exploring different dance styles, genres, & performance formats, as versatility can open new doors.
Cultivating a growth mindset of lifelong learning can make running a business easier to digest. It is okay to make some mistakes or get things wrong - if you are learning you are moving. Keep it up. You never know where the next opportunity might take you. How exciting!
Conclusion
In the dance world, career development & making moves are vital for success. By setting clear goals, investing in education, networking, embracing technology, & embodying resilience, dancers can push themselves forwards.
Remember, the future starts now. It is up to each individual to seize the opportunities, take calculated risks, & continuously evolve as an artist. After participating in another DCD Evolve workshop this week, we had the privilege of guest speaker Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE Founder/ Artistic Director of Boy Blue & Producer/ Composer & all round legend.
He lives by the mantra “Evolve or die” & I was contemplating how this affected my life, my work & my 101+ list of things to do.
As a founder myself I believe that with determination, passion, & strategic planning, dancers can make their mark in the industry.
So please go ask for help, be inspired & embark on a fulfilling & rewarding dance career journey.
What a game changer - nice one Chat GPT & Thank you.
