In the beginning.....how to grow wings
Hey freelance kids!
So I have always had the creative eye of the tiger. Some people think this is something that one is born with. Whether its true or not I don't know however training and educating yourself doesn't hurt. I decided before I could even remember that I wanted to dance. My sister told me about a time when I was two or three that I ran on stage at her ballet recital. I also went to my very first dress up day at school as ballerina so I think it was safe to say that I always had the bug. I didn't start my training until I was 18 at Lewisham College. Lewisham definitely raised me. Still to this day it was the best dancing and years of my life. I fought, stretched, sweated every single day to prove that I could achieve my dreams of being a professional dancer. I would stay after class to stretch and would often be the last person to leave at 9pm at night. From there I got into my dream school: London Contemporary Dance School. Once I was there I realised it was everything other than my dream. My dad had passed away two thirds into my first year and the school just didn't agree with me. Still to this day I have trouble picking up material quickly and wasn't the strongest, most dynamic or flexible. I ended my three years with a 2.1, a heart filled anger and undying will and passion to prove everyone wrong and so I did what they don't teach you at school. Use your wits.
Three years on I dance for 5 different dance companies as well as write for a magazine and model. It's safe to say that anyone who doubted me should think again about doubting a girl on a mission. Here's some tips every graduate needs to know to get you on your way to becoming a bad bitch.
1. NEVER GIVE UP: this is the most important tip. If you want something go and get it. No one is gonna hand it to you and it may not always be easy but if you want it bad enough you will hang in there and find a way
2. Figure out what you're good at and do it quickly: the quicker you figure your shit out, the quicker you can make money from it which can ultimately lead you to what you wanna do if the thing that you're good at isn't what you want. Money isn't everything but it helps.
3. Find your tribe: find the people that get you and stick with them especially if they're making movements. Align yourself with them.
4. Do your research: if you wanna work for a company research the people that they work with, their shows and their style that way when you turn up to the audition you're prepared. You never know what you may be asked and that can be the difference between getting the job and staying unemployed
5. Audition Audition Audition. Oh yeah did I say audition? Go to as many auditions as you can but be wise. Audition for the projects or companies that interest you. Don't do any that doesn't because you're wasting time that you could be training or auditioning for other things. This is called opportunity cost. Weigh up your options so you're making the best decisions with your resources
6. Believe. There is no point in any of this if you don't believe that you can do it. Don't listen to any dickhead that tells you that its not possible. They probably saying that to you because some other dickhead told them the same. If I had listened to people then I wouldn't be where I am now. So now is the time to believe that you have what it takes to achieve what you want. Bet on yourself. It's not cheese. It is fact.
7. Network. Don't lick ass but make sure you're in the loop. Just chat to people, ask questions and keep up to date with whats going on in your field. Social media is great for this kind of stuff. You will be surprised how much work and coverage you can get just by chatting to the right person or being at the right event.
8. Be intelligent. Ultimately this is basis of all of these tips. Talent can get you far but if you have a degree like everyone else what separates you from anyone else? Use your wits and figure out what you have to stand out from the crowd.
9. Trust- trust that in time it will happen. Not everyone's journey's are the same. Celebrate your friends and even your enemies achieving greatness and trust that your time is coming. It's hard but again its the way forward. Don't be bitter just be better.