Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of sharing my journey from chronic illness to returning to dance with some wonderful people. dance magazine Dear readers. During this “Begin Again” series, I improved my technical training, overcame an injury, created audition materials, signed with an agent, and made progress in auditioning for major companies and productions. After 23 columns, it’s safe to say that I’m starting rather than starting from scratch.
So from now on, I’m going to call this column “Dancer Diary” and focus on my life as a dancer in New York. The content doesn’t change much. I will share the hurdles I am facing and work through them with the help of experts. But I felt like it was time to recognize my growth. I am so grateful to have made it this far on this amazing journey.
On the maiden voyage of our new Dancer Diary column, we talk about social media and how you can use it to support your dance career.
I was told that social media is an extension of my resume and that casting directors look at my profile as part of their decision-making process. But what exactly are they looking for? What is the specific number of followers? A clip of my work? Just a general vibe check? How do we know if what we’re putting out into the world is helping us or harming us? To get answers to the questions that trouble us. We spoke to social media expert (actor, author, director, and life coach) Whitney Ueland.
As co-chairman of the junior division of the Hollywood Radio & Television Association, an organization made up of Hollywood executives, Ueland has special insight into what decision makers are looking for. “They told me there was a time in the industry when follower counts were considered important,” she says. “But now they realize that doesn’t necessarily translate into bringing in an audience. Just because someone follows you online doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll come and buy tickets to your show. They don’t necessarily buy it. So the numbers don’t really matter.”
Wow, that’s a relief! I don’t know about you, but I have my hands full with auditions, classes, voice training, acting classes, teaching, and writing. The thought of growing followers, focusing on vanity metrics, and keeping up with ever-changing social media trends makes you sweat. I just want to dance.
what teeth What is the purpose of social media if not to gain a large number of followers? Uhland says she likes to look at it as a networking tool. “This is an opportunity to expand your community and get your work seen in front of people who support you,” she says. For example, when an unexpected event happened in 2021 and Ms. Uhland no longer had an agent, she was looking for her work as an actor on social media, and she said she was doing so without an agent. Announced. A casting director saw her announcement and started rooting for her. “She ended up sending me a bunch of auditions and I ended up booking one,” Uhland says.
What on earth makes people root for someone on social media? Ueland said the biggest hurdle for performers is usually trying to appear online as a product rather than a human being. “Casting directors and choreographers can see your perfect pirouettes in the audition room,” she says. “What they don’t necessarily see in the audition room is you, your story, and your authenticity. Think about you [profile] As a block party where people can come and see you. ”
That doesn’t mean you can’t post polished videos and photos of your work. That means they shouldn’t be the only ones exposed. For example, Uland recommends showing the process you go through to get the perfect headshot or reel you post. “It seems risky to put anything less than perfect on the internet, but in reality, those are the things that connect you with people and make them fall in love with you,” she says.
Here are Uland’s tips for a successful post:
- Please tell the story.
“Write down your goals and ideas for how to take people on that journey. Then start posting about it!”
- Follow our three-pillar submission guide.
“Think of three pillars about yourself that you would like to convey to others. One of them could be related to your career, and the other two could be things you are passionate about. Yes. For example, if you love nature, do community service, and love dancing, these are the three things you can post. You don’t have to be strict, but make sure you’re not just posting dance content. It’s a good way to do that.”
- Think of yourself as a party host.
“Remember, the people who come to your page want to meet you and engage with your work. We see it as a place where we are valued, not a place where people come to spend time with us. We have great parties going on and seeing it that way makes the process more enjoyable. Not only that, but the content is also powerful.”
Thank you to everyone who chose to visit us. my I’ve been to the party over the past two years and have had the pleasure of sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of pursuing dance professionally. I feel so supported and valued because of all of you. I want to do the same for you.
Click here for the full conversation with Uhland and a video blog of a not-so-glamorous day in my life. dance magazineYouTube channel.