the arts are not the highest paid industry so you need to have a passion for whatever job you choose in this field. Also a good deal of self-discipline and motivation
What is your job?
I'm Co-Director of the Creative Learning Department of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance.
What does your job involve?
The Creative Learning Department of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance supports the work of the main company and also initiates and runs creative dance residencies and projects with a diverse range of participants, both in the UK and internationally. My job is great mix of practical delivery in the studio together with the development and management of our projects. I am one of two directors of the Creative Learning Department and together we formulate the strategy and business plan for the work, with important input from Wayne.
How did you get to this point in your career?
When I left college I did a little bit of performing but soon realised I wasn’t dealing with the rejection at auditions very well. I started to work part time in the finance office at The Place while doing a bit of teaching dance. Wayne McGregor was resident artist at The Place so I would often see him around and when I heard he was looking for an administrative assistant I decided to apply. I have worked for the company in a variety of guises, part-time and full-time, but finally found my true vocation when Wayne asked me to formalise the education work we were doing into a department.
What training did you do and where?
I did a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance at The Place.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
I love all the projects we do, especially the difficult site-specific ones involving hundreds of people. One of my proudest moments was last summer when a group of students with learning difficulties, who we had been working with over a period of two years, travelled up from Ipswich and performed onstage in the Piazza at Covent Garden in front of thousands of people. Two years earlier when they participated in their first project with us they were unable to perform their section without guidance from one of our dancers but with this project they were up there on their own, completely confident in their performance. It was great to see the progress they had made.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
As we all know, the arts are not the highest paid industry so you need to have a passion for whatever job you choose in this field. Also a good deal of self-discipline and motivation as, in my experience, a lot of on-the-job learning is involved rather than formal training.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
It’s Wayne McGregor. He has “brought me up” in my professional career. I am highly influenced by his vision and approach and feel lucky to work alongside him.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
I've always danced from the age of two and just love it, so it was never a conscious decision. I feel really privileged to still be working in a field that I'm so passionate about.
What do your family and friends think of the work you do?
My husband is a musician so is really supportive, although it can be quite difficult juggling schedules with our two young daughters. I never talk about it with my parents although I think they are pleased that my (expensive) training has come in useful!
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Start networking early. Never underestimate the power of being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. Research different companies and organisations, getting work experience where possible, so after trying lots of things you can really know where you want to go in your career.
Creative inspirations
My first ballet teacher – Margaret Dixon
She was a very old school, strict ballet teacher but taught me a lot about discipline and the pursuit of excellence.
My junior school teacher – Elizabeth Vincent
She encouraged everyone in her class to express themselves creatively through poetry, art, music and dance. We used to have sessions in the hall where each class member was allowed five minutes to either play some music, read a poem they liked or, in my case, do a 5-minute dance improvisation to some 70s progressive rock music!
My parents
They have always supported me through my creative endeavours, ferrying me to ballet classes every night and supporting me through college. They also fed me creatively by encouraging me to read, visit the theatre, listen to different types of music and watch old films.
Wayne McGregor
I have worked for Wayne for over 12 years and he still continues to inspire me with his innovative perspective. I gained my passion for dance education through him.
The Wizard of Oz
I was obsessed by this film from an early age and it led to an ongoing love of Hollywood musicals, especially those starring Judy Garland, Danny Kaye and Gene Kelly.
Stephen Sondheim
Something else my parents introduced me to at a young age. I love his off key, cynical take on the musical, his wide-ranging subject matter and genius lyrics.
Contemporary fiction
My favourite book changes all the time depending on my mood but I love the works of Jonathan Safran Foer, Patrick Gale, John Irving, and Lynne Reid Banks amongst others.
Travelling
I'm lucky enough to get to travel a lot in my work and I love arriving in a new place and meeting people with a different cultural background to myself.
London
Although I love traveling, as I get older I realise how much I love the city, especially its culture and creativity. I feel very privileged to have such wonderful galleries, museums and theatres on my doorstep – just wish I had a bit more time to visit them all!
Dancers
I'm constantly inspired by dancers of all kinds - their dedication, creativity, physical skill and also triumph in the face of adversity. On the one hand they have the best job in the world but it’s a hard, short career for bad pay.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.