Dance Internet culture
Having Internet access is one of today's basic necessity, however, having Internet access and having an account on social media platforms are two different things. Whether one is a user of social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, is entirely based on one's personal preference as one of the requirements of being a dancer in a top dance company doesn't include an account on one of those platforms. However, to apply for an audition I would need to submit the required materials either on the company's website or via E-mail which would require access to the Internet.
"Web 2.0 as a tool of networking and communication encourages and enables participation."
Web 2.0 platforms doesn't just include social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and video-sharing platform like YouTube and Vimeo, it also includes blogs and E-mail but not the usual websites because they're categorised as a Web 1.0 platform where it just allows us to read the content.
Through the use of Web2.0 platforms, one is given the opportunity to understand another culture and broaden their horizons regarding their field of work. Personally, I use Web 2.0 platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to watch and learn from the various companies dancers around the world. I have found many amazing dancers via Instagram and also learn from them through observing their videos in particular. This has given me the opportunity to see how company dancers from all over the world move and how they use movements to communicate. I think this has helped me greatly, as being in this ever-growing industry one has to constantly improve themselves, plus being a fresh graduate, I need to find ways to improve and coach myself because I no longer have a teacher who's there to constantly correct me.
Apart from this method of usage, these platforms has also allowed me to understand that these amazing dancers are also human like any of us, except for the fact that THEY ARE TRULY AMAZING AT WHAT THEY DO which makes them look immortal. At times, I definitely feel demoralised but overall, I think seeing these stunning and mind-blowing dancers inspired me to work hard even if I won’t ever get the chance to be as amazing, I aim to be the best within my capability.
"How do we address the history that some people are more literate in web 2.0 and have therefore shaped its culture towards their own?"
Web 2.0 platforms are double-edged swords, and the usage of its various platforms is based on each individual’s preference. As mentioned I'm a user of Web 2.0 platforms and I believe if used correctly, these platforms can be of great benefits to us as dancers. This gives us the chance to promote ourselves as both dancers and people, and allow us to communicate to our followers, fans and loyal audience, allowing our audience to also know us as ‘normal people’. The combination of Internet and Web 2.0 platforms allows us to reach out to fellow dancers as well as dance audiences, across the globe without leaving the country we're based in. This is in a way a form of “online marketing” for dancers beyond what's already done by their company's marketing department.
This form of usage creates a culture for dancers to share their work in the studio such as rehearsals and self-practice, and as a result, allow dancers to gain more fans and also allow the dancers themselves to gain more awareness within the industry itself. Although there are many established and renown dance companies around the world, with this upcoming culture of dancers doing self-promotion rather than just relying on their companies allows more dancers to be discovered and also allow the fans of these dancers to know the latest news in regards to their performances in various theatres as "guesting" is now a common sight for famous dancers.
On top of this, dance competitions such as the famous Prix de Lausanne does daily live streams throughout the course the week, allowing dance audience from around the world to have access to the competition process. And, despite being established in 1973 it keeps up with the times and advancement of technology, and I can safely say that it's because it kept up with the times it allowed the competition to gain even more recognition around the world to not only those in the industry but also those who are just audiences and have an interest in dance. This shaped another aspect of the dance culture as it brings dance online.
This makes the dance world even more competitive as now there is a "virtual" dance world and a "realistic" dance world, and one who is famous and doing well on 'social media' doesn't necessarily get offered a contract from a dance company. The access to the Internet and these web 2.0 platforms could definitely aid a dancer in the development and shaping of one's career, especially for known dancers (who are usually covered on media, interviews and reviews). On the other hand, for fresh graduates or lesser-known dancers, being too focused on this online world might not necessarily be helpful since this can divert the attention away from the actual work in the studio and theatre. It can thus be both a form of support and distraction.
This form of usage creates a culture for dancers to share their work in the studio such as rehearsals and self-practice, and as a result, allow dancers to gain more fans and also allow the dancers themselves to gain more awareness within the industry itself. Although there are many established and renown dance companies around the world, with this upcoming culture of dancers doing self-promotion rather than just relying on their companies allows more dancers to be discovered and also allow the fans of these dancers to know the latest news in regards to their performances in various theatres as "guesting" is now a common sight for famous dancers.
On top of this, dance competitions such as the famous Prix de Lausanne does daily live streams throughout the course the week, allowing dance audience from around the world to have access to the competition process. And, despite being established in 1973 it keeps up with the times and advancement of technology, and I can safely say that it's because it kept up with the times it allowed the competition to gain even more recognition around the world to not only those in the industry but also those who are just audiences and have an interest in dance. This shaped another aspect of the dance culture as it brings dance online.
Being a "social media" media dancer versus receiving a contract from a dance company
To conclude, I believe that the dance world is also adapting and catching up with the advancement of technology and the access to Internet. How one apply for an audition or promote themselves today is different from before, and also with the access to Internet, the public and dance audience much more exposed to what's out there. However, on a personal level, if it's used wrongly it can cause damage to not just the reputation of the dancer but also the artistic and career development of the dancer.
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Mullen, J. (2007) E-mail Is Part of Web 2.0. Available at: https://www.clickz.com/e-mail-is-part-of-web-2-0/58406/ (Accessed: 03 March 2020).
Getting, B. (2007) Basic Definitions: Web 1.0, Web. 2.0, Web 3.0. Available at: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/Basic-Definitions-Web-1-0-Web-2-0-Web-3-0 (Accessed: 03 March 2020).
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