How to Network

This is THE NUMBER ONE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR ME, but in my three years at Uni has also been my biggest lesson. Coming back from Malta to Edge Hill I saw this so much in the first day I walked back through the doors to the art centre.

People I associated with or knew but wouldn't message were chatting to me, asking questions, talking about works their in and giving advice. Suddenly your in the real world and all everyone wants is a face they know.

1. My best advice first and foremost is on the back of how I decided to walk into my final year. Don't try too hard and be confident in who you are. If you walk around trying to impress everyone it could not be more repulsing. But you know who you are your skills and just open up and speak as you would your friend- anybody. We are all people. Ask questions but don't jump down someones' throat- REMEMBER YOU DONT NEED TO BE BEST FRIENDS TO BE RESPECTED AS A PERSON AND/OR AN ARTIST. I will say that again.

REMEMBER YOU DONT NEED TO BE BEST FRIENDS TO BE RESPECTED AS A PERSON AND/OR AN ARTIST

2. There is a fine line of when you begin to network. We are all always works in progress and will never be perfect. But n my opinion wait until you are at a high standard- otherwise you could be held to a stigma of being less tha you now are.

2.5 Always attend classes- you will be showing your development in front of other dancers who may be your competition or help and industry professionals of all times.

3. Do not dismess anyone thinking they wont help you. Everyone has their own skill and something you know nothing about. We all know and can teach something new to someone. Just because someone isn't the director means you treat them with any less respect- this should go without saying and be a human basic BUT know as well this person may have a bigger say than you think. You can get wonders by being kind, people are always watching or making marks of you

3.5 No one wants to work for someone difficult or un-kind. No matter how good you are you can be replaced so be GRATEFUL for every day or opportunity you get working.

4. Do your research. If you are walking into a Humfry audition, know Humfry- the origins why and what impact she had. Never be just a mover but have something to contribute or you will just be a spectator. You may not even discuss anything but it can show on your body.

5. Be passionaite. If you aren;t it will show., I only want people to work with me that want to. Have energy and don't be or looked dragged.

6. BE BRAVE. Put yourself forward for an opptontunity. Sit/stand at the front. If asked for volunteers volunteer. Its the only way you appear a lot in a section, and who knows what everything can lead to.

6.5 still be mindful of others- dont ever overstep your line-this links to 3-3.5.

7. Take a chance, create new original stuff that reflects you. Don't replicate everything you see all the time or move how everyone else is. Find how you shine and work that- the right work will come along. And no one wants to see the same thing all the time.

8. Treat every oppotunity like it will make your career- give 100%. Only then will you ever be as good as you can be and enjoy it

9. NEVER rely on anyone else. You cannot piggy back off others success. Of course you can ask for help or advice but do YOUR work. No one is going to class with you? That's even better GO YOURSELF and force yourself to make a new friend.

10. Believe in yourself. This will carry you where you thought you never could. YOU ARE AMAZING, YOU WERE MADE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE. WORK HARD AND FIND YOUR PLACE.

Go sparkle.