After reading several blogs talking about social media it really made me question my experience.
As a recent graduate social media has been my main way to stay connected to the industry. I was never really one to promote myself on social media. I never felt good enough to post any of my work! However, looking back I think this was generally because social media can promote unrealistic expectations, and you start to question your own talent.
During my last year of dance school it was instilled into me how important it was to promote myself, to the extent of creating an Instagram account solely for the purpose of uploading material that would show me as an industry professional, and is likely to be viewed by audition panels who look me up.
Initially I was reluctant to do this, questioning why my dance merit couldn’t speak for itself when I walked into an audition room and that be enough?
However, since graduating I have slowly started to realise that social media is one, and sadly due to the circumstances the only, way of still advertising myself as an industry professional, and being seen and connected to other professionals. I am still not convinced whether this is a good thing, as I believe that social media doesn’t fully represent a person.
I am more than my singing and dance videos; I am a person with an individual personality, and I am a great believer that this side of somebody shows more in person and can/ should make all the difference when being offered a job. Unfortunately, I think that that social media can have a massive impact now on whether you are offered a job, and your individuality can be lost through what you believe are expectations that should be met. The amount of followers you have, or the quality/ style of your videos, or even potentially the amount of material you have on your accounts can all contribute towards a job.
Surely our talent in the room on the day should speak for itself?
Alternatively, I do see social media as a necessary evil at the moment, as this is the one way I can stay connected, seeing what agents are doing, if there are any online castings and taking online classes through Instagram.
I also believe that our industry has suffered a lot through Covid and social media has acted as a platform where we, as professionals, can band together and support each other, so I do recognise that this is a positive of it.
It is my hope that once Covid is over, and our industry is back up and running, and I strongly believe it WILL be up and running, that social media will be used more to make a positive impact on our industry rather than be detrimental to it. More diverse opportunities offered, more accessible materials such as classes for everyone and also a more positive supportive network for us as performers, celebrating each other’s work. We have all already been through so much we should celebrate our art and passion!
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