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!

Oh the London Commute Part 2

The first day back to work after Christmas is always depressing but today was worst than usual. After 11 days off waking up to an alarm with painful. Then I looked out my 21st floor window to a grey, wet London.

As I got to tube I was reminded of the fact that the tube fair has gone up. The thrifty woman that I am I topped up on the 31st to avoid the rise. My monthly travelcard of £123.70 has now become £131.40, which is a 6.2% increase. If that wasn't bad enough it is now equal to over 10% of my salary. That is depressing. I need a travelcard to work, but it just feels as if I work to pay my travel. What is worse is we all know how rubbish the transport is, so what are we paying for? I am paying for 25 minutes of sweaty hell on the Central Line. I am normally standing at the door, praying not to fall down the gap when the doors open at each station. So it is reasonable to complain, right? 

The extortionate price made me think of the other options: ride a bike, live in Zone 1, work from home, or marry a TFL worker. One I have tried, one is never gonna happen,  one is a possibility and the other is just a dream. 

Being in a music video

I have always loved music videos. I am constantly being told off because I just watch them all the time. I can remember as a teenager watching videos over and over again trying to learn every move and it was my ambition when I moved to London to be in one music video. So when in January this year, I went on a date with a guy who managed music artists and could get me in a video I was very interested. 11 months later my dream finally came true. 


The story starts on a cold Saturday morning in Bermondsey, which wasn't quite as glamorous as I had always imagined. I arrived at studio along with children street dancers and other women models/dancers. We all waited in anticipation for the arrival of the artist King Kash. All morning I waited for us to finally get on set, whilst I froze myself off in the process. By the time I got on set I was starving having not eaten all day and managing to pull enthusiasm and energy from somewhere took some work.


Track on, Lights on, Fan on...it was time for me to work it. It was weird how in a club, at a tube platform, on the pavement I have no problem dancing but in a studio with all eyes on me if was a different story. I was so scared, I could feel my body shaking and my heart pumping out my chest. I was HOT, but not the type I needed to be for the video. The wonderful Videographer Danielle Da Silva encouraged me and after a take I forgot everyone else was in the room and just performed. By the time I was done I didn't want to stop and I really hope I get the chance to be in another video one day.


But the story doesn't end there. Now I have to wait patiently for the footage to be edited to see if I even make the final cut and if I do exactly what sections of me get used. So now I wait in anticipation for King Kash's H.O.T. 

Oh I do love a lovely long commute

So last weekend I left my lovely located flat in Old Street to temporarily live in Tooting, whilst looking for my dream place. I may have only lived on zone 1 for 4 months, but I forgot what the zone 3 life was like.

The joy of having a brisk 15 minute walk through old street and shoreditch has now been replaced by a bus ride, 30 minute tube and then a 10 minute walk .... It's long, unpredictable, sweaty and yes I am generally already stressed before I get to work. Is this really the way life should be?

On the tube you see people who have been doing this everyday for years and will continue to do so, but why? Is it purely an economic thing? Everyone says no one can afford to live in central, that's not true just you can't live anywhere nice! Is having a lovely flat in zone 4, which you never see cause you are always travelling REALLY worth it?

I have lived in zone 3 before and to be honest, it is fine. You get a community, which you don't in central. You have little high streets and shopping centres that are much more enjoyable than Oxford street. And if you live close to a station your commute can be a lot quicker and easier than places further in.

The commute is part of city life whether you like it or not... My tip is live on the London overground - at least that way you are in air conditioned environment.

Notting Hill Carnival 2011

Now there is nothing quite like an all day event!  I don’t care whether it is Bognor Beer Race, Gay Pride or Carnival. I just love dressing up and spending the whole day dancing away.

The August Bank Holiday basically marks the end of Summer, but it isn’t all doom and gloom, because before it is all over there is Notting Hill Carnival. For two days the glorious Caribbean comes to England... unfortunately, the Caribbean sunshine is not always part of the deal but you can hear the music, smell the food and see the wonderful costumes in the parade – it is a feast for all the senses.

Last year Lennisha and I took part in the parade and I loved it. We didn’t wear a crazy costume, but inside those ropes I loved it. So this year a few of my other friends came down to join in. We got our Dominican t-shirts and got to customising – cut off the sleeves, add some beads, tie it up short. Then the standard short shorts to make the outfit complete.

For one day I represented a country I knew nothing about. Of the 5 girls in my group, only one was from Dominica but that didn’t matter. We danced along to all the songs and enjoyed the attention of the crowds. I felt like a celebrity being followed by the paparazzi.They guessed 1 million people had come to line the streets, which such an extensive route across West London it is easily possible.

What makes the day so exciting is that everyone has come to party. This is the purpose of carnivals, to let lose and forget about your normal life. For that day I could have been in any island of the Caribbean, it just didn’t matter. What was important was to let your hair down, shock out and embrace the environment.

So as I type this with my chipped red, yellow and green nails I look forward to next years carnival. It is definitely a highlight of the year and if Summer had to be over at least it went with a bang!

Robbed - 3rd place in Dance Marathon

Last week I was let out of the ATC office and after 4.5 hours of what can only be described as train torture I arrived in Edinburgh. It was my first time in Scotland, first time in Edinburgh and first time at the Festival Fringe. Friday night comes around and the opportunities are endless but I decide to embark on a four-hour endurance extravaganza Dance Marathon.Created by the Canadian company bluemouth inc, Dance Marathon is advertised as a ‘new duration-based performance event which has been taking the world by storm’.

On arrival at the Traverse Theatre I was given a number to wear and a questionnaire to fill in with questions such as do you have any special skills? What are you waiting for? What have you lost? Once everyone was ready, numbers on chests, we were walked over to a secret location, which could only be described as a broken down gym hall. It was perfect though and I felt like I had been transported to America for a High School dance that I have always dreamed of.

We were instructed to find our feet (the number on our chest corresponded to a number in a pair of feet on the floor). I found my 85, and met my partner for the night 86, otherwise known as Adam Palolozza. Then for the next four hours I was transported into a whirlwind of dance styles crossing genres alongside music from the last 100 years.

Through sheer determination and talent I made it through to the semi-final where 6 couples got to slow dance under the watching eyes of failed contestants. As I was led around the dance floor, twirling like a Princess, I didn’t want it to end. I felt like Cinderella and knew soon it would strike midnight and I would have to return to reality.

Only one thing stood in between me and the final – dancing the hula. For a second I thought I could make it through to the final. I picked up the dance quick and ‘shaking it’ was what I was born to do. Only two couples would go through to the final and three faced the judges ‘hulaing’ for their lives. Then the dreaded moment came when the judges walked over to me and tapped my shoulder. In a furious rage my partner and I ripped off our numbers and chucked them to the ground.  We’ve been robbed we proclaimed!

However, all was not lost as numerous spectators came forth and informed us that we were the best and that we had been robbed. Even the Referee said he has been routing for us. Sometimes in life the best don’t win, but Dance Marathon wasn’t about winning the trophy it was about the experience. As I left that sweaty, sweaty hall I felt a sense of achievement. Everyone in the room had been apart of something special and I had the chance to ‘dance under the stars’ and be a dancer one more time.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Last week I was lucky enough to leave England and visit Scotland for the first time. As I sat on the 4.5 hour train journey from London to Edinburgh, I couldn't help but question why I was leaving dry London for wet, wet Scotland in the middle of Summer. Even now I am not sure why so many theatrical people would choose to spend the best month of the year in a place that is wetter and colder than England.

I imagine what drives people is that unique experience. Anyone who is anyone is in Edinburgh and although I felt moving to London I was where everything was happening, I was wrong! Everything is happening in Edinburgh. On arriving in one day I watched two of my ex-freshers performing and then an ex-manager. I mean only in Edinburgh would that happen. The numerous theatrical faces I bumped into that I hadn't seen in London for ages. To be honest, it was a little bit freaky.

The amount of stuff to see was overwhelming and if you are not that into reading reviews how do you choose? Well I went for love, bit more love and what I thought would be glitz and glamour. The beauty of Edinburgh was the fact you can see dance, theatre, musicals, live art and comedy... oh yes COMEDY! Now anyone who knows me, knows that I can't be bothered with comedy and Edinburgh is full of it, with every second someone giving you a flyer for a 2 for 1 on a comedy night. I couldn't think of anything worse.

Leaving Edinburgh after four days I was exhausted and I don't think I even pushed myself that hard. I was left with a sense of sadness, because it was so lovely to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about performing. They save every penny they have to get on a bike, coach, back of a van and perform for as many days as they can possibly afford. It's beautiful to see, much like the hills of Edinburgh too.

Will I be back? Yes! 2013 with a show... you heard it here first.

Behind every great company is ...

Last night as I walked home from Central London for once I stopped at the building I passed and see what companies they belong to. London is the home for virtually everything and much of it we pass everyday without even noticing. A building I had passed on numerous occasions was Alexandra McQueen's headquarters. Behind the desk was a security guard in an otherwise empty building. I smiled and waved at him. I can't imagine being a security guard is an exciting job. In fact, I think it is my worse nightmare, being up all night in a lifeless building. As I carried on walking down the street I thought about all of the bodyguards sitting across London guarding the best companies are countries have to offer and it dawned on me the common theme - a black man. It's true! Numerous nights as I walk through London Bridge, Bank, Moorgate and up to Old Street I pass a lonely black man sitting in a glass faced building. The city is full of them.

I suppose it is the same as bodyguards, there is a higher proportion of black men. Is it in the genes? Or just in our society's mind? Well, I'm not complaining and as I walk the streets of London at night I will continue to wave and smile. Who knows? One day I may even get in one of those amazing buildings.

Take Time for Your Life

In today's society we spend all of our time rushing around like headless chickens. Our diaries are full to the brim. Working days are getting longer and longer, and so are the commutes. Then ontop of that with 17 endless ways to be communicated we are constantly being bombarded with e-mails, texts, tweets, facebook message, voice mails and not forgetting phone calls. When do we ever take time for ourself? Silence is a vital part of everyone's life but even that is filled my two little earphones that seem permanently attached to some people. We are the generation of high achievers, but in order to achieve that success does 'work' and 'achieving the dream' take over and the life we are actually living is a bit of half life. 

My lovely Godmother recommened this book she had read years and years ago that she felt had really help her to achieve the life she has today. That book was Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson. Last week I got the book and within 3 days I had read it from front to back. The tagline of the book is 'A Seven-Step Programme for Creating the Life You Want' and it does exactly what it is says on the tin. It breaks down the different areas of your life, makes you evaluate where you are now and what you want in the future. It isn't rocket science, but where this differs from many books is that it looks at your life, rather than your work. So it is not about me saying I want to be a CEO by the time I'm 25. Work is only one part of the wheel of your life. For most people it is the most time consuming, but there is more to work than life. It looks at your relationships, your health, service to others, spiritual well-being and fun/adventure/leisure. One question Cheryl asks you to consider is If this week were my last week on Earth, would I be happy with how I'm spending my time? Would you? I would love to hear from someone who can hand on their heart answer yes (and it doesn't count if you went on holiday last week)

Is making money that easy?

For the last couple of weeks I have watched 'The Apprentice' and after every episode I am mad with myself. I think why am I not out there making money. Instead, I'm just broke, moaning about my situation and praying that I win the lottery. But 'The Apprentice' makes it look so easy but is it. 

A few weeks ago the task was to buy stock from a warehouse, sell it, and then reinvest in products that sold well. Now this was how Lord Sugar started out and is a module used by every person with a market stall. Buy, add a profit margin and sell. This is something most people can achieve with just a bit of effort. 

However, the majority of the tasks are unachievable for the average individual. I loved Fast Food Chain - because in two days they decided on what they wanted to sell, designed and got the menus made, conceived a whole brand and a physical shop was made. That is not realistic for an average person. For a turnaround like that serious money is needed. Also, in earlier episodes where products have been pitched at major shops this again is something the average person can't do. I don't just know the head of buying at Selfridges, but Lord Sugar does. 

So yes, having your own business is achievable with guts, determination and perseverance. However, it takes time (or a lot of initial investment) to achieve the financial success the team members make in days. 

Total Football by Ridculusmus at the Barbican Centre

After what seems forever Sarah and I returned to what used to be our fourth home (after internship, university, london house) the BARBICAN. We delved to the depths of the Barbican Centre, which sees no light and goes by the fitting name of THE PIT. We went to watch a performance entitled 'Total Football' by Ridiculusmus. As the title suggests it was about football, but rather than the actual game it looked at the behind the scenes of the Olympic Games and creating Great Britain's football team, as well as getting to the essence of why football is important to Britishness. 

Britishness is a topic that thoroughly interests me with my undergraduate dissertation being based on the topic. What is it to be British? One of the characters in the play was preparing for his citizenship test. However, I have had friends who have taken that test and although I am second generation I still struggled with some of the answers. To be honest I think families who can track their British heritage to 1606 would still struggle. 

Football is quintessential to British life but why? The sport apparently is loved by 500 million people across the world, but what makes so many people love to watch "22 millionaires ruining a lawn"? The piece suggests that it is because it gives an individual a sense of community, a tribe to belong to. A tribe with a dress code and anthems and rivals. Football gives the individual who is bored with their life a purpose. I found myself agreeing and although I do not like football, it summed up exactly why I loved being a cheerleader. 

The two performers played a range of characters and although one of the accents sounded suspiciously like Tony Blair, overall the portrayal of the various individuals was excellent. I particularly liked the role of the DCMS and the concerns of trying to improve the General Well-Being of the nation. It was a simple but effective setting, with a lovely twist Overall, a lovely night in the Barbican Pit. I am not sure I understand the offside rule more than I did before and I am not interested in watching an actual match, but it has reignited my passion for the topic of Britishness. I can feel part 2 of both paper and performance coming soon. 

Beyoncé's Back!

It seems forever since we last saw Beyoncé, other than a fleeting appearance with Lady Gaga last year she may as well have died. The charts have been dominated by Gaga and Rihanna and Beyonce's Single Ladies seemed like a distant memory. BUT she is back in true fashion with 'Run The World (Girls)'. In keeping with her a string of pro-feminine anthems Beyonce burst back onto the scene to release her fourth studio album.

What has made the song such an instant success though? At the time there was no video, so with nothing to entice the eye what made all of ears decide it was a TUNE! Is it her amazing voice? the powerful lyrics? or that amazing beat. Now, I love Beyonce's voice and totally agree with her lyrics, but to be honest what makes me go wild when it comes on in the club is that beat. A beat that is from Pon De Floor by Major Lazer, Feat. Vybz Kartel. A song which I doubt made it big internationally. As a song that is bound to be an international hit how many people will be aware she SAMPLED that hot beat, or will the majority of people think Beyonce made it herself?

Now I know that sampling is central to the music business but for a massive international star to sample a beat which was sure to send the song flying up the charts is it really fair? Is sampling legal copying or legal stealing? 

The curse is over - I'm employed!

That's right guys, I have managed to find a full-time Arts Administrator position in London. Only a mere 8 months, after finishing my Masters, and probably after 10 months of applying I have managed to blag my first position. All it took was 1 cover letter, 1 CV and 2 interviews and FINALLY I have got my first official foot on the ladder :). 

It all happened very quickly, hence the lack of blogging. But I have been working for over a week now and moved back to London. I am the Administrator for ATC, which is an touring theatre company. Perfect, since I love touring and feel that my Masters research may actually be of some use now and has allowed me to return to the wonderful world of theatre. Already I have read 2 scripts and realised how much I missed theatre. 


So hurray the curse the over. Onwards and upwards! It is just the first step and there is a lot further to go before all my dreams come true and I conquer the world!

Bye bye Sandfield Centre

On Saturday 2^nd April 2011 a performance like no other was seen in a little unknown theatre called Sandfield Centre in Nottingham. As a result of the cuts that are sweeping across the country, Nottingham City Council has decided to destroy Sandfield Centre, which for nearly 20 years has been the performing home of Nottingham Youth Theatre (which has also been known as: Acorn, C’NET and NET).

Secretly for weeks past and present members had put together a review show of the shows and memorable moments, that had all happened under the Artistic Direction of Alistair Conquer. Throughout the day the building was buzzing with people singing, dancing and putting last minute sketches together. Outside groups were rehearsing their numbers in the car park in true NYT style.

Then infront of an invited audience of friends and family, and the guest of honour Alistair Conquer, the performance unfolded. It wasn’t perfect but was performed with enthusiasm, passion and talented performers. Although some performers had not performed for years it was amazing to see how they hadn’t lost it. The audience appeared to enjoy the performance and then Alistair gave a moving speech to close, which reminded everyone of the importance of the arts.

Growing up some of my best teenage memories happened with NYT. It was much more than a youth theatre where I had the opportunity to sing, dance, act and perform both nationally and internationally. It was where I truly learned what to work hard meant, what working in a team meant, how to be tactful, work under pressure and above all, met deadlines.

I owe a lot of my success to my years in NYT. It was a life changing experience that has played an important role in my past. It saddens me to think that no longer will NYT be able to use Sandfield Centre, but the closing of the theatre will not be the end of the NYT. As proven through the performance the NYT spirit is strong and the show must go on!  

D-Day for the subsidised arts sector

It has been 8 weeks of waiting but yesterday, on Wednesday the 30^th of March, across the country subsidised arts organisations finally found out what funding they would receive for 2012-15.

It was a mixed bag of results. Surprisingly, even in economically difficult times, some organisations have come out with excessive increases, including my home from home in 2010, the Barbican Centre. Now even though I love the Barbican and acknowledge the fact that it supports virtually every art form going, does it really need an increase of 108.7%?

Overall, London organisations did well and virtually half of Arts Council England’s funding is still centred in London. However, there were still cuts in London with Riverside Studios losing all of its funding, as well as a personal favourite of mine, The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs. 

What shocked me was how many organisations were cut. There used to be 849 RFOs and now there are just 695 national portfolio organisations. On the surface that is a cut of 154 organisations, but with 110 new organisations being added to the mix, it is in fact over 250 organisations that lost the funding. What is going to happen to those organisations? Will they be able to continue without the funding? Will the reinvent their economical model or will they fade into the background and become a long lost memory?

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to fit in or to not fit in ...that is the question?

For the majority of the world fitting in is an essential desire. People want to be liked and accepted. Everyone wanted to be the cool kid at school and people usually want to be consider as 'hot' or 'fit'. It all comes down to being the 'norm' and following the 'status quo'. 

What happens when you can't be bothered to follow the rules? A few weeks ago I dyed my hair red (some would say pink) either way I don't care I love it. However, it seems the abnormality of my hair is jeopardising my future career. My choice to have a non-natural colour offends employers to the point where the value I would bring to their team is overlooked because of one lifestyle choice. A choice, which to be honest will be a passing phase like all fashion phases. 

I just find it so ironic when the commercial world is full of fake women. The majority have a face caked with make-up, hair extensions and probably a nose job, boob job or even botox. All of these women are 'unnatural'. We have got to the point where to the unnatural woman is actually perceived as natural and when you are faced with a woman in her natural self we think she is 'unpolished'. 

So what is a girl to do? When your looks are with you 24/7 and make up a major part of you should you really change yourself just for a job? How does one look in the mirror at the weekend at a body she hates but justifies it by the money in her purse?

So do I sell my sole to the devil and change a part of me I love in order to get money... or do I stay poor, happy and true to myself?

S&M - Rihanna making her claim for the queen of pop?

Now I have always liked Rihanna don't get me wrong. She has come out with some great tunes over the years but she was never Beyonce or Lady Gaga. Other than Umbrella she hadn't had a big tune and since Umbrella resulted in the UK being drowned in rain all summer we shouldn't really mention it. 


Only a few months ago a music channel said she was one of the unluckiest women in pop. She had a string of Number 2s and just continually missed out on the top stop. Yet, who knew a few months later that would all change. Was it her Xfactor appearance? Was it the red hair? Was it a different musical feel? Was it clever videos? To be honest does it even matter?


Only girl in the world - What's my name - S&M. 3 big tunes, back to back. What's my name made her the first female artist ever to have a number 1 in five consecutive years. Now that's an achievement. 


I am sure S & M is going to be as big hit, already having had nearly 300,000 hits in less than two days. All I want to know is... when is Rihanna going to be in concert?