Task 1D - Flickr

So I think I have talked about quite a lot in previous Blogs about how important first impressions are to a potential employer and within the performing arts world frequently when applying for jobs you are asked to attach some photos. First and foremost is usually your headshot and then they may ask for a few full length dance or commercial photos. 


I have a Network Dance account which has a version of my CV and some photos which people can look at and allows employers to look at.

http://www.networkdance.com/Rohanne-Compson-Bradford

I have made a Flickr account which has a stream of a few photos of me dancing and a headshot so feel free to have a look.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/104937699@N03/

As performers we use photography to advertise ourselves so of course we want to make sure that we look our best in our dance action shots and headshots which we publish online or send to people. This is the first thing people see is a still photo taken of you before they even see your movement style but in this day and age that is how employers may make the first cut when applying for a job. I personally feel that this can be a bit harsh that you are initially judged on a photo before people have to see you move in person as although a photo can show a lot about you I don't think it can show off a true ability that can only be seen through a live or video viewing. Although if someone does see a photo a can tell straight away that for example they are looking for someone who is has brunette hair and not blond hair then I suppose it can be useful and save people spending money to audition for something that they weren't suitable for to begin with.

Task 1b - Reader 1

Okay so I have started off a little bit baffled but after taking a bit of time and re-reading I am starting to get a bit of a grasp around Reader 1 and the concept of Web 2.0. As a regular user of social media sites such as facebook, twitter and instagram I have to admit I can take for granted the easy access I have to communication on a social and professional scale. Until I looked through reader 1 have been very oblivious to the process of how communications have developed over time as to me this is something I have just done automatically without really considering how beneficial it has been to my life. 

Something that has really bought to light some of the major advances from Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 is O'Reilly's "meme" map as shown below.

Web 2.0 has acted as a big step for many people in terms of the social and professional aspects of their lives. It has enabled people to not only convey information but it allows discussion and debate and allowed the internet to be a platform for opinions and information to be accessed globally with just the touch of a button. 

Web 2.0 for example is aiding me as a BAPP student greatly as it allows collaboration, critique and comments on my blog which is helping me to grow as a professional and learn as a student, also allowing editing to ensure what is written comes across as intended. Without Web 2.0, courses such as BAPP would not be able to run as efficiently as the distance learning aspect of it relies heavily on social media in order to be able to communicate and guide our learning. For me as a dancer it has aided me greatly, it has allowed me immediate access to sites such as youtube where I can watch, learn and discuss about other dancers, choreographers and companies all over the world which can help me research into possible employment and study and learn new skills.

There are also some negative aspects to Web 2.0. Understandably in this country there is freedom of speech, but such freedom to say whatever someone wants to such a wide audience can sometime cause offense. There is regularly cases on the news where people in the media such as well known MP's who have a wide circle of followers may say something accidentally which they think is just a casual comment on twitter and it can offend thousands of people and could possibly jeopardize their careers. Ethical consideration is something that everyone using social media must be aware of. The statistics shown in reader 1 say that there is over 1 billion users on Facebook, 800 million users on YouTube and 500 million users on Twitter. The vast of people using these types of sites makes it very easy for anyone to see what you have posted so you must be aware of how vast your possible audience when posting things. Also from a professional point of view you have to be wary when applying for jobs that possible employers may look on your Facebook or other sites and you don't want the most recent photo on your wall to be the one of you last saturday night looking a bit worse for wears to say the least because that maybe be detrimental to the impressions someone ma get of you.

I, like many people in Britain, rely heavily on Web 2.0 and social media in day to day life and I think it has come to the point for many where we couldn't imagine our lives without it. People may disagree but I do not think that is detrimental at all, in fact I think it is a huge advantage to our lives socially and professionally if used in the right way and not abused. Although there are flaws in the system Web 2.0 is always developing and I think it can only get better. I would love to hear everyones comments!

Task 1a - Continued

Eventually I have worked out, after many attempts, how to fill in the "About Me" section on my profile. They really should make that more simple! So after reviewing comments on my CV blog post and having a look at other peoples blogs I attempted to make a more personal about me section than the one that is on my CV. and if you have a look to your right you may see the finished product. >>>

This also made my think whether what I had on my CV was also too formal and detached. When I possible employer is reading a CV I tried to imagine what they are looking for. The most immediate things that I though of were experience and qualifications which is most likely the first thing they look at, but then I went deeper to think that they are also look for someone who has a good personality and good to work with. I am not sure whether I am going in the right direction with this so I would appreciate people opinions on this but I have altered my person profile section of my CV to try and develop this concept and hopefully it will make me come across as a more personable dancer. I am aiming to keep the formal tone of a CV including all the important aspects but also try and show a bit more about me as a person through my description. I have also taken out parts which after reading through I have decided aren't as important.

This is my original personal profile for comparison;

I graduated from Elmhurst School for Dance in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet under the direction of Desmond Kelly, and have strong classical ballet technique with experience and further training in Jazz, Tap, Flamenco and Contemporary (Graham, Cunningham). I also previously studied at The Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow. I have worked with choreographers such as; David Bintley, André de Villiers, Julian Moss, Gabriel Copeli.

And this is my altered on;

I am a Scottish born dancer trained at The Dance School of Scotland and Elmhurst School for Dance in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. I have a very strong base of classical ballet technique however I would describe myself as a versatile dancer with experience in Jazz, Tap, Flamenco, Pas de Deux and Contemporary. I have worked with a variety of choreographers learning their repertoire although I also enjoy being part of the creative process and choreography my own works.

So how does that sound? I have still tried to keep it short so that it isn't too much to read as I understand that most employers don't want to read massive long essays for CV's but hopefully it makes me come across a bit more likeable and is a good summary of my skills and interests. I hope this improves my CV.

Please help!

Task 1a - CV

As daunting as it is your CV is the first thing a potential employer looks at so of course there is a big pressure to ensure that shows you off and that you come across as employable. In my CV I have tried to make it easy and simple so it only covers one sheet of A4 so that the reader feels like it is not too much to read and the most important aspects come through. Here is an example of my CV without some of the most personal parts.

Rohanne Compson-Bradford

Dob - 30/05/1993

Age - 20

Nationality - British

Personal Profile

I graduated from Elmhurst School for Dance in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet under the direction of Desmond Kelly, and have strong classical ballet technique with experience and further training in Jazz, Tap, Flamenco and Contemporary (Graham, Cunningham). I also previously studied at The Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow. I have worked with choreographers such as; David Bintley, André de Villiers, Julian Moss, Gabriel Copeli.

Experience

2013 

Mardi Gras at Sadler's Wells - Julie Young

Flash Mob - Breast Cancer Campaign

Dance Teaching Assistant - Julie Young School for Dance

Music Video (Flex) - Shon B (Yo Majesty)

Clothing Line Model - Restyle Clothing

2012 

‘La Fille Mal Gardee’ Ribbon Dance - Sir Frederick Ashton

‘Les Rendezvous’ - Sir Frederick Ashton

‘The Frug’ - Bob Fosse recreated by Michelle Blair

Make-up and Dance Shoot - Laura Mumby

2011 

‘Pineapple Poll’ -John Cranko

‘Aspirations’ - Samira Saidi

Qualifications

2009-2012 

Elmhurst School for Dance National Diploma in Professional Dance

A Level’s - Maths, English, Dance, General Studies

RAD - Advanced 2

Benesh Qualification

2005-2009 

Knightswood Secondary School (incorporating The Dance School of Scotland)

Standard Grades - Maths, English, Chemistry, Geography, French, Music

RAD-Intermediate>Adv1 - Distinction

Skills

Benesh Notation

Horse Riding

Working with children

Choreography

Okay so there it is...it's not quite the same format and stuff of my actual CV but please I would appreciate help and any advice for improving it because obviously I want the best CV I can get! Look forward to hearing your comments!

Thanks