Case studies: Freelance dancer: John Ingram

John graduated with an MA in Dance Performance from Laban Dance Centre in London. He is currently employed as a freelance dance artist by a dance company and will be touring the work nationwide.

I studied an MA in Dance Performance, which was an intensive year of experiencing the life of a professional dancer. I trained under the supervision and tuition of dance education professionals, taking technique classes, creating work with professional choreographers and performing the pieces nationally and internationally.

My course was geared absolutely to my employment, to the point that it actually mirrors my current daily work schedule. I was extremely fortunate in getting my job; my employer attended the premiere performance of the course and invited me to audition for her company.

Following a successful audition, I now work as a freelance dance artist with a schedule that starts with a 10am warm-up class for one and half hours, a two-hour rehearsal/creative session and, following lunch, rehearsals until 6pm. I fully use the physical aspects of my MA each and every day. Although the academic side is less relevant it does give me a good understanding and analytical view of the creative processes and shapes me as a whole.

I enjoy dancing, especially in the context of a performance, and find working in this field both fulfilling and exhausting. As I had trained towards becoming a dancer I feel a greater sense of satisfaction in achieving this goal. I cannot deny that my job is challenging and exposing, which while being occasionally stressful is exciting. The short-term nature of the industry keeps it interesting (as long as you keep getting work!) as it offers varied and unpredictable working methods and conditions.

The most challenging aspect of my job is the scheduling and logistic side (which I found my MA gave me the necessary skills to manage effectively), but it is always necessary to keep abreast of auditions and constantly network with everyone you meet who could either help or employ you.

I found it is important to train to be as technically, creatively and theatrically versatile as possible. To stay employed, it is often necessary to do some projects that are not in line with your own personal style of art. This in turn encourages feelings of insecurity as well as confidence, many dancers have alternate careers or skills in order to survive in the ‘dry patches’ or just to take a break from time to time.

Although, it can be a tough industry to succeed in the rewards are fantastic; the sense of freedom and enjoyment gained from being paid to dance is without comparison. To dance you have to live and love it, and that is what I do each and every day.

AGCAS

Sourced by Saundre Hughes, AGCAS

Date: 

October 2009

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