Spotlight at Launch 2010

4th March 2010

Spotlight enjoyed a successful day at Launch 2010, the annual event that brings together dance graduates and industry professionals.

Last weekend’s event was packed full of seminars and advice on how to kick start your career and start thinking about your future. Seminars included ‘Managing Finance and Tax’ with Tim Tubbs, ‘Arts Administration’ with Isabel Tamen (former dancer and executive director of Richard Alston Dance Company), ‘Education in Dance’ with Veronica Jobbins (head of education and community department at LABAN) as well as an in-depth CV tune-up session with Kiki Gale (artistic director of East London Dance).

There was also the opportunity to ask Drew McOnie (So You Think You Can Dance, New Adventures), leading dance photographer Chris Nash, freelance dancer Sarah Storer (Henri Oguike, Raphael Bonachela), Ben Duke (Lost Dog), Darren Ellis (artistic director of Darren Ellis Dance, Richard Alston Dance Company, New Adventures), Akosua Boakye (ADAD Trailblazer, head of dance at Kensington & Chelsea College) and Etta Murfitt (associate director for New Adventures Production Company) questions and advice about how to launch your dance career in the Chat Show at the end of the day.

Drew McOnie said his advice to students is: “Find out exactly what it is that makes you happy and follow it. It’s not going to be easy but if you can see it you can get it!"

Hosted by Dance UK and The Place, the day offered opportunities to network with leading choreographers, performers, teachers and delegates from all areas of dance. There was a chance to speak to exhibitors including Equity, Dancers Career Development (DCD), City University, Pilates Foundation, and Jo Baker (Dance Science), as well as Spotlight.

You can view a full set of photos from the event on our Facebook page. (Photos by Sanna Ryg.)

We look forward to seeing you again next year!