Boy Blue Entertainment - The Five & the Prophecy of Prana

Tonight was the press night of Boy Blue's latest work "The Five & the Prophecy of Prana" at the Barbican. My first experience of Boy Blue was for the Pied Piper. It was one of my first experiences of seeing 'hip hop' within a theatre context and I remembered the performance in a positive light and wondered whether tonight would live up my original experience. 

The Five & the Prophecy of Prana advert was a cartoon sketch and this perfectly set the tone for the night. The performance was created as a comic book with animation being an integral part of the performance. There was a direct interaction between what was being projected and the dancing on stage. In fact, all of the design elements were carefully working together with the music supporting the dancing, rather than just being something to dance to. 

The dancing was phenomenal! I am no 'hip hop' expert, but as a member of the general public the standard of dancing was exceptional. All of the dancers clearly were talented and could perform alone, but also in sections of tight unison proved their ability to deliver choreography with precision. The audience were clearly enjoying the performance with clapping after every section, as well as cheering whenever they were wowed. 

The weakest element for me was the voiceovers. At times they were effective, but especially in the first half the sections seemed to drag on and create a slow feel. However, in the second half the performance picked up and the show was over and I wasn't quite ready for it. 

Overall, Boy Blue Entertainment have managed to create a work that met my expectations and I would definitely recommend. 

Beyoncé 'cuts' her hair

Beyoncé shocked the world last week by posting a picture on Twitter of her new drastic hair cut. Beyoncé,  is famous for 'her' hair, which for years has been long and big. She is all about dancing with a wind machine blowing her locks so she stays flawless. So it is a drastic fashion statement to chop all of that hair off. However, the question that popped straight into my mind was "is this her natural hair?"

We all know that Beyoncé, very rarely shows off her natural hair. In fact, I am not actually sure what her natural hair looks like. She is a lover of the weave, which has become her statement look. So yes this new hair do would be considered drastic if she had cut off her hair and would have to wait 5 years to grow it back, but in a few weeks if she hates it she can just put in some weave and be back to her fabulous self.

Swan Lake Reloaded

You can tell from the advertising that Swan Lake Reloaded was no normally Swan Lake. It was virtually a year to the day since I had seen English National Ballet's Swan Lake and I was back The Coliseum to see Fredrik Rydman's version.

In this version the Swans are prostitues and Rothbart is their pimp. The performance mixed hip-hop and contemporary dance to create a fusion that worked at times but not at others. The contemporary elements wasn't anything spectacular, but the use of isolation was interesting and in true hip-hop style there was some nice tricks. It was interesting to see a headspin replacing the infamous 32 fouettes.

One aspect I throughly enjoyed was the music. There was elements of the traditional Tchaikovsky score and then mixed with electro sounds. The choreography complimented the music throughout and it was interesting to see choreography that really worked with the drama of the music.

Swan Lake reloaded may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who are open to seeing performance in its the general sense - go see! Definitely one of the most enjoyable performance I have seen in a while.

The royal baby is finally here - Prince George of Cambridge

It seems a life time ago when they announce that Kate was pregnant but finally the wait is over. As the country celebrates companies are quick to jump on the bandwagon. I can't believe how quickly press adverts where related to the royal baby theme. Everything must have been lined up, ready to be swapped the moment it was announced. No matter what the product or services a company supplies everyone is trying to connect it somehow to the happy couple and their newborn heir. 

A campaign that combines the royal baby with probably one of the biggest summer marketing campaigns come from one of the most powerful brands in the world - Coca Cola. 

Within hours the below image was released. 

What I like about this campaign is plays on the news, but is completely on brand. The whole summer has been focused on #shareacoke along with the personalised bottles in shops. I imagine you could pick up a Kate in store, even if they made the Wills bottle just for His Royal Highness. 

Well I am sure there will be much more to come as smaller companies catch up. And then there will be the memorabilia and merchandise. 

Mrs Carter Tour

As the whole world knows I tried my hardest but I wasn't fortunate enough to get tickets to the Mrs Carter Tour and I refuse to pay the hundreds of pounds being advertised on Ebay. Well Beyoncé kicked off her tour in Serbia and quickly caused controversy with the outfit above. Beyoncé is known for her outrageous outfits and there were numerous complaints after the Superbowl performance. This is probably the most in-your-face to date so was bound to cause a stir. I personally think it is going too far and just a ploy to get extra PR, which totally is not necessary. What a shame that Beyoncé felt she had to sink so low when you is the role model for so many young women. 

Fashion = calorie free

This weekend I went to the London Fashion Weekend, sponsored by Vodafone, at Somerset House. For the weekend the Somerset House is turned into a discount designer department store. Now I'm not a massive fashion fan but what I found interesting was the brands attracted to London Fashion Weekend. 

Firstly, the event was sponsored by Vodafone and there was a VIP lounge where all Vodafone users were able to get a Vodafone Red Nails Inc nail varnish. I was actually very jealous and wished for a moment I was a Vodafone user rather than O2, which has never offered me any advantages other than sitting in a waiting room for hours and then still getting no tickets for Beyonce. 

As well as Vodafone, the event was supported by Elle Magazine. This is obviously a clear match. Fashion event, fashion magazine. 

Then there was the promotions. There was two main food/beverage companies at the event. First, I received a muller light lemon yoghurt and a pocket mirror and next a mini diet coke. The key words to note are light and diet. This is a fashion event full of women who essentially don't want a calorie to enter their body.

Beyonce - Red Hot Tour Tickets

A few weeks ago, after having taken a break to be with her baby girl, Beyonce took to the Super Bowl stage and blew the world away. Yes there was a few dishy pictures that her estate tried to get removed, but it is undeniable that the performance was a success and beyonce had reminded everyone she is the Queen Bey! Then moments later it was announced that she would be performing a World Tour entitled The Mrs Carter Show, which included dates in Manchester, Birmingham and London. For what seemed like an eternity I watched the O2 priority moments ads and waited to book my tickets on Thursday 21 Feb. I tried for London, my other 02 Friend for Birmingham, but no luck for either of us.

So Round 2 on Saturday, this time we thought we would be more prepared. Try online, 1 ticket agent on the mobile, another on the landline. Sadly still nothing. It is rumoured that tickets sold out in minutes, which is phenomenal! At a starting price of £55 plus a rip off booking fee (I was quoted £7) it is no cheap night out, but 'people' bought then without hesitation. Or did they? Within minutes tickets were on eBay for thousands of pounds!!! An intelligent  individual on my Facebook pointed out that with VIP packages costing $595 paying £1000 is ridiculous, but I am sure somewhere someone will pay it leaving both Beyonce and the reseller making a pretty profit. And for me... I will look out for competition tickets or just watch the footage on YouTube and no doubt buy the DVD, which will come out afterwards.

Beyonce and Super Bowl

Now I don't know much about American sports and I won't pretend to understand what the Super Bowl is. However, I do now the fact I even know it exists means it is a massive deal. It is watched by viewers across the world and advertising space is sold at a small fortune. A key part of the Super Bowl is the half time performance. I can remember hearing about previous performances by Madonna and the infamous duet between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. However, this year the prestigious slot with given to the one, and only, Beyonce! 

In my eyes Beyonce can do little wrong, but this previous was incredible. Beyonce is a born performer. She works the stage, sings on point and dances better than any of her 'professional' ladies. There is no doubt that this woman is highly talented, but beyond this she is working hard to ensure she delivers the best. It was lovely to see her reunited with Michelle and Kelly, but it is clear that she was the star of Destiny Child and now she has clearly surpassed the other two. Both Michelle and Kelly can sing, there is no denying that. However, they don't possess that same electric energy. Beyonce said when she performs she is Sasha and Sasha is crazy. 

Just incase you didn't see the performance you can check it out here.

Changing image of Rihanna

This week Capital FM published the single and album covers of Rihanna and it was very evident that Rihanna's image has clearly changed.

Rihanna first came on the scene with Music of the Sun. She was a fresh young girl with the lovely bubbly typeface to go alongside. This image continued until Good Girl Gone Bad. The title of her album clearly shows that she had been portrayed as a 'good girl' in the media. However, that image was about to change and for the first time Rihanna achieved a UK Number 1 with the smash hit Umbrella. 

Through this stage of Rihanna is portrayed in a more sexual nature, but as a girl who is turned into a woman. This is a common transformation which was been seen by numerous artists from both genders (such as Britney Spears and Justin Bieber). This new sexier image is pretty constant until Rated R. It is at this album that Rihanna becomes a lot more edgy and symbolises Rihanna's change to a bad girl. The sexy image is pushed further with the racy single covers that contain scantly clad pictures of Rihanna.

This image of Rihanna is probably been consistent in the media until today. The album Loud actually focused on a more feminine image to go alongside her beautiful red hair. However, with singles such as S&M the bad girl image remained.

Rihanna recently released her latest album cover Unapologetic and it is clear that she is a bad girl for life and she is not going to apologise about it. Rihanna is a bad girl and proud!

Hip Hop Honey Part 2

Yes you would be right in thinking that the hot mess above is me! Untouchable is King Kash's latest release of his EP 'Worth The Wait'. 
After appearing in his last video H.O.T. I was lucky that Kash decided I was good enough to have a more leading role in Untouchable. Candy dreams of going to a performers college, but with huge fees and no support from her father she turns to adult recruitment to raise the money. However, in the alternative version Candy finds about a scholarship that would cover all the fees. The video portrays a message of hope and that things may you may feel you are faced with an impossible situation and that you are on a downward spiral but there is always an alternative and a way to turn your life around. 


Like the video, Untouchable has a positive message. The lyrics of the chorus go as follows:

"Watch me as I head to sky,

Just know that I'm winning the prize,

You can see by the look in my eyes, you can tell I'm untouchable. 

Built to win when I jump in the race

Cause no person is going to stand in my way,

You can see that I got what it takes, so you know I'm untouchable." 

The song is all about achieving and that anyone is capable of reaching their dreams. The song is so fitting for an artist who has a strong ambition is day by day making strides towards it. 

To find out more about King Kash click here.

One day women will rule the world

This week I was delighted when English National Ballet announced that their new Chief Executive was Karen Napier. With a strong history in the arts industry, working for Rambert Dance Company, English National Opera and the Southbank Centre Hayward Gallery, Karen had spent the last 4 years as Associate Dean, Advancement at London Business School. 

Having a female Chief Executive has filled me with joy. I still remember the day I asked Alistair Spalding how he felt about being a male Chief Exec with a workforce that was heavily female dominated. I'm not a feminist that is stating that every company should have a female Chief Exec, but it just alarms in that in the arts, where work forces are largely female, there is still a heavy male presence at the top. Name a few of the most influence London arts organisations and their Chief Executive or Managing Director.

Barbican - Sir Nicholas KenyonSadler's Wells - Alistair SpaldingTate Modern - Sir Nicholas SerotaRoyal Ballet - Kevin O’Hare

Male, male, male and male! 

Well I can't wait for February the 1st and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work at with Karen and hopefully picking up some tips for how to be a successful business woman. 

Soul Sister

Starring the previously unknown Emi Wokoma, Soul Sister tracks the life of Tina Turner (otherwise known as Anna Mae Bullock). The story focuses on her younger years when Anna Mae meets Ike Turner, marries him and becomes a singing sensation. I didn't know the story of Tina Turner and there are certainly lots of dark moments. Ike Turner is a bad husband who cheats and beats Tina. There are clear similarities between Soul Sister and Dreamgirls.

Emi Wokoma, although not looking like Tina, delivered an excellent performance and managed to capture the physical movements of Tina superbly. The awkward stiff-legged movement, the energy and lets not forget the hair! Emi was supported with a wonderful cast and 6-piece band who rocked the house. Although the story focused most on Tina's younger years with Ike, it was great to end the performance with a back-to-back review of Tina's greatest solo songs including What's Love Got To Do and Simply The Best.

A new season

Shiora Kase, Tamara Rojo & Yonah Acosta 

Yesterday I had the lovely opportunity to be apart of ENB's press launch. Tamara Rojo ex-Royal Ballet principal became the Artistic Director in August and yesterday she announced her vision for the company and the upcoming season. Over 200 people turned up at the Corinthia Hotel to hear Tamara's announcement. In addition to explaining her vision and the upcoming productions, the guests were treated to a pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty and having the opportunity to question Tamara directly. 

The launch went extremely well, so now my challenge is to sell tickets (and work out how to get to spend a night at the Corinthia hotel). 

2012 season includes: Emerging Dancer, My First Cinderella, Ecstasy and Death, and A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev. 

A Month as Marketing Manager

They say that "times flies when you are having fun" and it sure does! This month has been a whirlwind and I seriously do not know where the time has gone. It's crazy to think just over a month ago I walked into Jay Mews on my first day full of anxiety and anticipation. Marketing is something I have always been passionate about, but seemed like a dream career that I wouldn't be able to break into. Being business minded I love how results orientated marketing is. You can measure your success and tell if you are doing a job. My mission is simple - get bums on seats and the more bums the better. 

I was ecstatic when I was offered the job of Marketing Manager. Not only was I getting the chance to solely focus on marketing but it was with a touring company and a dance company. For me I don't think there could be a better combination (unless Kiss or MTV comes along).

So far the reality is still as great as the fantasy. The works hard and the commutes long but I love it! I think the most exciting thing is working for a company that has a brand. I'm not talking a logo that gets puts on everything but an actual brand personality. There are prescribed fonts, palette and templates for everything under the sun. Yes it is prescriptive and some would say restrictive, limiting or controlling, but at least it means there is a cohesive message coming from the organisation. It feels like working for any other business rather than an organisation, which is a refreshing change. So one month in and I am still as excited to get up in the morning as my first day. Here is to next month :)

Charelle - the Hip Hop Honey!

Yes, that's right my moment has finally come. I came to London to live the life, work in the creative industries and dreamt that I would get my three minutes of fame. Well, last November, which seems a lifetime ago now I went on set for King Kash's H.O.T. - King Kash is an unsigned rap/hip hop artist, who on Monday released his EP 'Worth The Wait', which features H.O.T. So on a cold morning I dragged myself to a warehouse in Bermondsey (for those of you are not from London. There is NOTHING glamorous about Bermondsey) and met with my good friend Lennisha who was going to join me to dance for the day. Arriving on set there was lots of children 'street' dancers and I wondered whether I was at the right place. Then it was revealed that there would be the children dancing, alongside shots of Kash with the more mature lady, Kash with the guys and Kash doing his thing and then the girls alone. It was a long day and the girls would be the last to be shoot. The day was long, I was cold and hungry and realised quickly that I am glad I gave up the dream of being a dancer when I left University. 

Then it was finally my moment. First all of the girls danced together and then the videographer decided she wanted us to dance alone. I wasn't prepared to dance alone and the thought of everyone looking at me made me nervous. Now normally I am not shy about dancing. Anyone who has ever seen me on a night out will know that you stick a Beyonce track and I am shocking out in the middle of the floor and I just don't care. However, with everyone looking at you on set it is scary. It is artificial. You are not having a great time with your girls on a Saturday night in a sweatbox. In fact, you are in a freezing warehouse with a videographer telling you to look this way, touch your hair, touch your body.  There are lights on you and a windmachine! Well, I can't lie that I didn't enjoy that bit. Seriously, if it was up to me I would have a windmachine follow me around 24/7! But other than that I found it a bit too much to cope with. But then something clicked I forgot about everything around me and for the last take I was just Charelle, dancing to a H.O.T. tune. 

The scariest thing about being in a video is the wait. I have spent the last 9 months thinking it will be the moment that I forgot everyone was watching that will be on the video. I was so scared it would be cringe-worthy and then I would have to go on set again to get my evidence that I was proud to show of me as a hip hop honey. Well, the video is here and I am happy to say I am happy with it. It is more like 3 seconds, than 3 minutes of fame but I can say I did it. I am a video girl!! Charelle is a hip hop honey! I will have my body on YouTube for the whole of eternity. So check out King Kash's H.O.T and remember, don't blink otherwise you will miss me.

Dance Means

As part of the Cultural Olympiad, last week was Big Dance 2012.

One of the many events taking part from the 7th - 15th July was Dance Means. Dance Means was an exhibition in Spa Green (opposite Sadlers Wells), which was curated by Hannah Anderson-Ricketts. Throughout the park there were quotes from individuals about what dance means to them. I was fortunate enough to have my words amongst other quotes. In addition to the quotes, there were stunning pictures by Irven Lewis. Whilst the photographs weren't the most striking I have ever seen, Lewis had carefully chosen the location of the photographs. Each photograph was taking in a truly stunning landscape.

My favourite quote of the exhibition was by Yolanda Mercy, who wrote that "Dance to me is a way of expressing my inner emotions without actually vocalising it". For me this truly summarises the beauty of dance. It is the universal art form. It allows a person to express themselves where words just don't exist.

Anyone can do social media marketing, right?

A few years ago Social Media Marketing didn't even exist. Facebook required a university email address, Twitter wasn't born and YouTube was for filming fanatics looking for a platform to exhibit their work. Now the world has changed if you don't have a Facebook you might as well not exist. Music stars are discovered and led to number 1 stardom by millions of YouTube views. Breaking news is now discovered through Twitter.

As a business you would be stupid to ignore social media as part of your marketing mix but you would also be an idiot to think anyone can be responsible for your social media. It is a complicated landscape with endless opportunities for your company, but importantly not all are suitable and more importantly than that not all will provide you with a return. Taking up every opportunity is not cost effective and it essential for companies to carefully access what platforms to be utilise and others to discard.

Check out this amazing image that Buddy Media displayed recently. Social media may be used my a twelve year but working your way through that diagram is strictly for an intelligent adult.

Breakin' Convention 2012

This year for the third year running I had the pleasure of working at Breakin' Convetion. Under the artistic direction of Jonzi D, Breakin' Convention is an international hip-hop dance theatre festival at Sadler's Wells. The three-day weekend is immense and a highlight of my dancing calendar. It is a jam-packed programme with the main show kicking off at 6pm each day and combining the best of UK and international hip-hop.  

What is I find the most exciting about the programme is the range of work. This year at one end there was Zoonation Youth Dance with a true piece of hip-hop dance theatre that was lyrical and emotional. Whilst at the other there was the breath taking Wagabond Crew from France. Now the French kill it when it comes to hip-hop. I remember back in 2010 watching Pro-Phenomen and being in awe of their sheer power and intensity. They were back this year and on form, but as the closing act of the final night Wagabond Crew proved why they are the current champions of the two most prestigious bboy events - Battle of the Year and Uk Bboy Championships. The Wagabond Crew for what seemed forever threw their bodies across the stage. Moments were breath-taking, some crowd pleasures, but also just solid technique Bboying. 


I also want to mention Storyboard P from Brooklyn, New York. He described his style as mutant. I am guessing this is because he moves his body unlike anything on this earth. Full of charisma, the incredible smooth Storyboard P glided through a range of movement to sweet and sometimes seductive sounds. Storyboard P took charge of the stage and without all of the speed, tricks and strength that is usually seen. Instead, Storyboard P used his body and expression to demand the attention. And all of this in the tightest trousers I have ever seen a 'hip-hop' male wear. 


This year the Breakin' Convention experience was taken to a new level with the final day being streamed live at breakinconvention.com, sadlerswells.com and thespace.org. This was all part of The Space initiative, which has been set up by the Arts Council of England to instigate the production of digitally recorded art. I am guessing with the overall intention being more people will be able to access the artistic products. With a mixture of live interviews, filming around the festivals and recording of the performances it was a crazy hectic day. I ran underneath Sadler's Wells stage too many times but for the final product it was definitely worth it. An amazing festival and a great live stream too and I am sure all of those who watched would agree to. 


If you didn't manage to see the festival don't worry because Breakin' Convention is currently on a UK tour. Check out the tour dates here. If you are not lucky enough to see a touring performance then you can still watch clips, when they become uploaded, on The Space website.

Arts administration: access for all?

So today marks my first anniversary working for Actors Touring Company. That's right I have worked for a whole year as a full-time arts administrator. It still hasn't quite sunk in because for a long time I thought getting my solid year of experience under my belt would never happen. This is because the market is beyond competitive and graduating in 2009, in the middle of the 'economic crisis', didn't help matters either. This landmark has made me take a moment to consider how I have got to this moment in time and how accessible the arts truly are. 

Nowadays it is standard practice for an individual to do an internship before gaining an entry-level job. The title entry-level job really annoys me since it is all lies. There is no job that a graduate can just enter having finished University with no experience. Well maybe there is but I haven't met a person my age in the arts that has managed to do so yet. The industry has become overrun with internships and everyone has an opinion on them. People feel that it is necessary to gain experience in an industry before you get a job. There are those who think they paid their dues in the beginning so they think everyone else should. However, in the never ending' economic crisis' that we have been in the industry have been seen to exploiting interns. Posts are being filled by interns rather than recruiting a new employee. I so often see full-time internships or 6-month part-time internships. The situation got so drastic that last year ArtsJobs took a stance and banned the advertising of internships. 

My issue with internships in the arts in particular is that it is limiting those who are able to work in the sector. Arts Council England are constantly saying their aim is to make the arts accessible and for everyone. Recent years has seen a focus on diversity and young people. The arts as a whole are trying to encourage more people to take part. However, really and truly, for there to be a diverse audience there needs to be diverse management. Internships is stopping the diversity. Instead, pursuing a career in arts management is for the privileged or the stupid (I class myself as the latter). To do an internship you have to either have saved prior, have someone financially supporting you or put yourself into debt, whilst often living in awful conditions. Now I understand the need for people to gain experience but this can be done through voluntary work that allows a person to have a job at the same time paying for them to live. 

The worse thing is internships are so competitive and it doesn't guarantee you getting a job afterwards. I had interned for two companies, had part time experience, volunteered numerous hours to the sector and it still took me 8 months to get a job. Even now over 18 months after graduating from my Masters in Arts Administration I know of numerous individuals who have been unable to secure jobs. This are highly intelligent individuals, with a relevant qualification, as well as the essential internships behind them. 

I am not naive and I am aware that for as long as the industry can get away with it legally internships will still be offered. However, people need to stop pretending they are giving people opportunities. Just be honest that it is free labour and is ensuring that the next generation of managers are the fortunate. 

Thank You

I have always been a fan of handwritten letters, postcards and cards. In the modern world it is a dying practice. I still love to send my friends birthday cards. There is nothing like getting a handwritten envelope amongst a pile of bills. I am also one of those people who takes the time to write a personalised message. You won't find a To ...., Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great one! Lots of Love, Charelle xxx. No I will write something that is personal and special between the two of us. 

Recently I read inc.com's blog about How to Write a Thank-You That Matters. René Shimada Siegel wrote that nowadays so few people take the time to say thank you. To receive a thank you email is rare and the handwritten thank you note is basically extinct. This means that it speaks volumes about the person who took the time to write a note. Now I will put my hands up and be honest. The only time I even think about sending a thank you note is when it is christmas or my birthday. I remember as a child being reminded that I would need to say thank you to everyone who had sent a present. That would mainly would be through a phone-call but for the odd person it would be a thank you note. However, as René explains writing a thank you note in a professional context can really make you stand out and be remembered for all of the right reason.


René spoke about a thank you note she remembered. From this I have created a five points to the perfect professional thank you. 

• The thank you

• Show appreciation for whatever the person did for you

• Include a compliment

• A brief reminder about what you do

• A stated desire to stay in touch with the individual

So now I am personally design and print a number of thank you cards. So next time I want to say thank you I can not only do so through a personalised manner, but also advertising my own skills at the same time. 

Wild Swans

Last night I went to see Wild Swans at Young Vic. Wild Swans is a worldwide bestseller memoir written by Yung Chan. It seemed the popularity of the book had translated to amazing audiences.  It was press night for Wild Swans and the house was full. As a co-production between Young Vic, American Repertory Theater and Actors Touring Company, this is the second half of the productions journey, which started its run in Boston and the American Repertory Theatre. Having met Yung Chan and heard so much about the show in the office I was excited to see what the final show live.

When we entered the performers were already on the stage bustling about in a very condensed stage that was covered in soil. There was a strong spell in the air, which made me instantly remember Shared Experience's A Passage To India.  I wondered if this would be the set for the entire night, but with each new act there was a scene change. I have to say it was the most remarkable scene changes I have even seen. Everything happens before the audience's eyes but with precision and seamless choreography. The scene changes were pieces of art in themselves and my favourite was when all of sudden the stage was covered in water. I hadn't noticed it entering so it felt magical.

I haven't read Wild Swans so I have no idea whether the adaptation by Alexandra Wood did the memoir justice. However, I was just shocked because everything I had read about the memoir had suggested it tracking three generations of women. Yet, throughout the play it felt that the male husband/father character was the main thread. Prehaps it was felt that story was the most compelling or it was the best way to have a coherent through-line. When adapting a memoir that many have told me is large enough to be used as a door stop, it is clear that considerable cuts will have to be made.

Overall, I enjoyed Wild Swans it was an interesting story that raised issues about class, capitalism and communism without appearing to force a particular stance. I am sure this will depend on who an audience member felt empathy for. However, at the heart it appeared to be about belief and standing up for what you believed no matter what. This is a theme that transcends both China's history and politics in general. It is a theme that effects every one of us as we go about our lives doing what is right. 

You are only as good as the people you know

Growing up I was taught to work hard and anything I wanted professionally could be mine. I truly believed my parents, family and teachers until I moved to London. Then I was introduced to networking and ever since I feel as if day in and day out it is being drilled into me - "you are only as good as the people you know". To get anywhere you have to network. However, it is easier said then done.

A few months back after a training session I picked up 'The Rules of Networking' by Rob Yeung. I found the book extremely useful because it started from the very beginning of starting initial conversations, to following up meeting people, keeping in touch and finally achieving your networking objective (whatever that may be). It was full of useful tips that you could put into practice easily. One that I remembered straight away was at events with drink to ensure I held it in my left hand. This allows your right hand, the hand most people shake hands with, to be free. At first as a right-handed person it seemed weird, but it is so logical once you think about it.

Networking is a subject that most don't want to talk about, although it doesn't seem like it is going to disappear soon. Only today I was reading 'The Science of Networking', which looked at the type of network a person should be aiming for. It is the the science, the artificial and the fake nature of networking which I believe what turns people off. No one wants to think they are part of someone's calculated plan in order to succeed in the professional life. Therefore, really and truly, to be successful at networking you need to appear to not be doing it at all.

Tax year and the average employee

The last few weeks I have been stressed to say the least. I imagine it is shared by thousands of other people working in finance. For most April may symbolise a month of rain, but it also means the new tax year. A new tax year has never really meant much to me other than making sure I had as much of my savings in an ISA. You got to make sure you keep every penny of your interest! However, this year I learnt that a new tax year meant a new tax code. The average Joe Bloggs is now allowed £8,105 before tax instead of £7,470. It would be nicer if it was £10,000 but every penny counts and you can't really complain when you aren't having to do anything else.

I LOVE DANCE and Britain makes great dance.

BDE is the UK dance industry's leading showcase event, profiling the very best of british dance to visitors from across the globe. The event happens every two years in a different UK city and for 2012 it fittingly took place in London with the fantastic Project Manager, Kate Scanlan. 

Having worked with Kate before on Breakin' Convention I decided that I would love to spend four days as an assistant running around doing 101 things. There is nothing like working on a festival. You get to meet so many people and there is so much going on. I love the variety of work you get to do and just the buzz of a festival. I think my highlight of the festival was leading 300 delegates from The Place to the Royal Opera House is a bright blue mac and holding a bright blue umbrella. Luckily, I think I wear blue well. 

BDE was a mammoth event involving 8 partners: Sadler's Wells, East London Dance, Southbank Centre, Trinity Laban, Greenwich Dance, Royal Opera House, Dance Umbrella and The Place. Over the four days so many works were shown I lost count. I was fortunate enough to get to watch some of the work. The highlights for me where Claire Cunningham's Evolution, Travelling Light Theatre Company's Boing! and Nic Sandiland's Gravity Shift. 

Nothing could stop the excitement and on Saturday as the 300 delegates partied at the Southbank Centre the snow fell. Before BDE came to London I had no idea what it was. However, I now only understand how important it is for the industry, but I just thought it was amazing to see the wealth and diversity of the dance we create in Britain. 

Well done BDE London it was amazing and now I look forward to BDE 2014, which will take place in Scotland. 

Dance For You

So days after Beyoncé gives birth to Ivy Blue, 'Dance for You' is released. In this video she doesn't appear pregnant at all. Now I am not saying this is because she wasn't actually pregnant. I believe she was. This just raises the issue that did the moment she find out she was pregnant she got in the studio and filmed a whole body of work so that she would be able to continue realising singles whilst her baby was little and she would be having to get back into shape? Or did she want to cash in on all of extra publicity the birth would bring so made sure a song was a ready. A song which isn't currently on her album '4'! Does this mean she will be bringing out '4' with added songs? Or is this merely a song of her next album (surely not)? or just one of the left over songs from the 99 she apparently recorded whilst deciding on what to include in '4'?

I doubt I will ever know any of the answers to those questions. However, regardless I do like the song and the video. Yes there could have been more variation in the choreography and I am sure plenty of people who love the up-tempo Beyoncé songs will be annoyed at her bringing out another slow soppy song. I love the black and white old-school feel. If the video treatment had been modern it could have appeared a lot more dirty and sleazy but I feel in this video Beyoncé has been able to combine sexy with a touch of class. Beyoncé looks stunning as usual with a trusty fan to ensure her hair flows perfectly. That is all a woman needs in her life - a fan!