Audio Visual

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RiGlp7XMz24

So after numerous attempts of memorising and shortening my script, my first YouTube upload is completed! The video crams in my initial thoughts on starting on the BAPP arts programme, what I currently do aside from the course itself, and what I intend to do once the course is completed.

From watching my uploaded video, I can see various elements that I would like to redo, such as reducing the length so that it was the proposed 45second clip, and alter some sentence structure. However, I have decided to keep my first upload for a little while as it will remind me of my development.

YouTube is a fantastic source of marketing as it allows audiences from the globe to view, and share their comment on the topic. However, it shouldn't be missused. There is great recognition with the term 'internet trolls' who post inflammatory, negative comments via social media. With this is mind, privacy settings are a major importance of Web 2.0 to protect oneself and their company, brand, name etc. Due to this, my YouTube upload can only be accessed by the link.

Please comment on your thoughts and views on how I could improve for my next video!
Criticism improves ones development. 

Imagery

So just recently I have created a Flickr account for the purposes of building up my portfolio as a dance practitioner. I wanted to have a new account so that I could keep my social and work/study life separate. Below is the link and screen shot of my profile, which has images of my dancing journey as well as video footage of performances and classes that I have participated in.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/144280605@N06

The use of web 2.0 can be a positive way of visually marketing ones self, especially in this case, through Instagram and Flickr. It is easily accessible from individuals that wish to know a little more about someone, and their journey. It is also an enjoyable, user friendly way to connect, share and network with others. Marketing oneself in a more relaxed way which is less formal, does not seem like the idea of 'work'. Social media can allow someone to promote themselves in a positive way, which is free, simple, and not time consuming. It can also be used to show your personality and who you are. Contacting someone from their information on a business card or finding their e-mail address on a website does not give the consumer much insight into someones story. Whereas, an Instagram account or Flickr account is less formal and can show what we do in our spare time, or behind the scenes footage of a performance and rehearsal footage etc. It shows the process as opposed to the product which is a wonderful experience to see.

For me personally, one of my favorite past times is to flicker through the accounts of well established dancers and view their videos of choreography, performances and concept videos. Not only do I enjoy it because dance is a huge part of my life, but having the opportunity to watch another persons growth and creativity through the art of movement in just a few easy clicks, inspires me.

Please follow and I shall follow back, or comment below with your Flickr accounts. 

Professional communication technologies

Throughout BAPP arts, readers are given to us students as a method to stimulate ideas and to expand creativity when practicing a worked based learning course.

What is Reader 1?

Reader 1 is an introduction to the use of technology, more specifically, the use of Web 2.0, along with detail into its key principles and how it can be used as a method of assisting work based practice. Literature is also given as an additional aid into supporting us in our development in understanding the importance of technology, especially in our generation, where the use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram would be classed as a necessity to a wide proportion of society.

What is Web 2.0?

The reader states that the idea of defining such a broad topic is proven difficult with various practitioners and literature all stating differently the principles and concepts of Web 2. However, generically, the term Web 2.0 refers to the use of social networking sites as a community in itself, as opposed to web 1.0 which consisted of the basic use of a creator and a consumer of the creators ideas with no interjection. 

Web 2.0 is relation to my development?

From my experience in working in the industry, a lot of auditions and jobs go on line appearing on social media such as Instagram and Facebook groups, which allow us to respond with comments straight away, and the ability to tag a friend so that they are then instantly notified with an opportunity. Furthermore, creating choreography, teaching and putting the footage on social media builds up a sense of recognition, as the dance industry is a small knitted one, with people being familiar with one another because of class footage on you tube, or concept videos that are liked and shared with another friend. If a video is posted to ones profile with a lot of positive feedback, it inspires people to come and take your next class, and gradually as time progresses, there is a significant increase in the participants attending class on a weekly basis.  

Just recently, i have been looking around the internet to find a good portfolio photographer, and that has consisted of me looking through dancers Facebook's and Instagram accounts to see their portfolio pictures which has finally helped me to come to the conclusion of whom I wish to have take my own. If we were without web 2.0 in this instance, web 1.0 would only limit me to view the photographers website which would consist of their best photos which portray them in the best light possible. However, having the ability to view someone else's and to comment there and then, gives me and the consumer in a wider picture the ability to have an open mind and to not be misled by what the creator wants us to see. we have access and a greater input in today's technology.

Theorists

When researching into web 2.0, I looked at the insight given by leading theorists involved in the topic of technological development through the use of web 2.0. Explained below (briefly), outlines the theorists perceptions for the development of web 2.0.

Theorists	Argument
Tim O’Reilly	Promotes creativity and interaction between users and creators.
Ullrich et al	Users have the ability to make data easily accessible without relying on a governing body.
Bruns	Our participation enables us to become both the creator and consumer.
Valtysson	There is no definite division between the creator and the consumer which encourages people to participate.

In my view, I believe that through the use of web 2.0, working connections and networking are easily done because we are able to connect with others of a similar interest in terms of work through a few clicks on our smart hand held devices or laptops. Not only can we edit information almost instantly as the creator but we can also instantly critique others work too, in a safe and user friendly environment. However, a lot of us rely more than we should on the use of social networking and use it as a way to connect with our friends and families instead of interacting face to face because it is easier and more convenient to fit around busy lifestyles. In my opinion, although the use of web 2.0 is extremely good for networking, eventually, people will forget the art of conversation, and rely too heavily on social networking and technological development for interacting with each other on a day to day basis. 

Curriculum Vitae's

*For the purposes of this task I have removed personal information such as my address, contact number, and references.

Professional Profile Research

For an individual such as myself, employment in the dance industry is vastly reliant upon contracts, as opposed to a job fixed on a yearly salary with a pension and a lump sum. Due to this, it is important to have back- ups whilst auditioning for performance work, and to do this, the first step is two have two CV’s. An artistic one and another CV relating to other attributes for work during the times when we are not performing, to get us by with money to live off, and for taking class and  travel to and from auditions. For me, I have my artistic CV which I plan to adapt once I have had my professional portfolio photos taken, and I have a CV which is based for teaching, coaching, and fitness and health.

Before re-doing my previous CV’s to give them an update and change in appearance, I researched into some online templates to give me some idea of how to make them attractive for the reader. For my artistic CV, I wanted it to be simple and straight to the point, but still including relevant information, such as my head shot, performance history and personal characteristics etc. as with the commercial industry, from previous experience, there are hundreds of auditionees, and because of that the choreographer etc. will want to be able to easily navigate what they want to find straight away.

‘…They lack neatness, focus, impact, and precision. Important information is often absent or hard to find, while unnecessary details clutter the page.’ (wolfram.org, 2016)

With this in mind, this particular CV stood out to me;

All information is segregated into relevant parts, with no waffle and even though the CV itself is three pages long due to the amount of credits this individual has, each section is easy to read and simple to navigate. I also like the idea of her portfolio pictures at the bottom of her CV to show her different roles that she can perform. Over time as I gain more credits and have my dance portfolio taken, I would like to add this feature.

Alicebenson.com [online]. Available from:

http://www.alicebenson.com/cv.html

[Accessed 08.10.16]

Wolfram.org [online]. Available from:

http://wolfram.org/writing/ydr/3.html

[Accessed 08.10.16]

Teaching Week 1

Prior to the second session of online talks regarding BAPP Arts, as I had stated in my previous blog, I was quite nervous and apprehensive of the course as it was completely new to me, the idea of being self managed in terms of work load and being completely independent when learning, just hoping that you've understood everything correctly before the next online session with your tutor! However, after the second session, which was conducted via Adobe connect (another new experience), I felt more at ease as it seemed every student was in the same exact boat, and it was also OK to feel that way, which assured me even more. From the online session on the 27th September, we discussed various subjects such as the Clinton and Trump debate, films of our generation and the understanding of narratives, which surprisingly to me, can all be related to the understanding of work based practice. For example, two variations concerning a certain prospect, need to both be understand in order to make ones argument/opinion more creditable, which is a factor evident in the arts. In various productions of contemporary ballets (which a student was explaining via Adobe Connect), there are hidden meanings behind the narrative, music and movement which are open for deliberation and difference in prospectives, which is what the choreographers desires. When the audiences method of thinking is challenged, the piece itself, in my opinion becomes more creditable, as it is not just merely about technique and the idea of being entertained, but it brings a sense of meaning and definition which is portrayed through narrative initially. Away from productions and pieces, we also discussed our differences in genres. Although I have studied and have had years experience in both ballet and contemporary, my chosen field for professional work is commercial, which when discussed with another student is similar in many ways to ballet and contemporary. Sometimes in auditions, away from technical factors and dance ability, it goes down to image and connections, I.e who you know. Which sometimes may seem unfair, however, this course itself requires us to network in our chosen industry which will help me tremendously. Aside from work and study, the idea that we are all out auditioning, teaching and performing in similar fields helps to inspire me which is a huge factor in the arts.