Lit- Opportunity Online

Who is the author? 

J.L Harkness a Dance Spirit Writer

Quote/ Supported by:
Harkness creates her own assumptions by combining her own opinions and those of professionals around her.

Erin Cameron- Representative for eMODEL/castnet www.castnet.com

Danielle Samson- Dancer 

Meredith Patterson- Broadway Performer 
Mark Grant- Film Producer
Annoymous-NYC Agent

Who is the publisher? 

Dance Spirit; 6,3; International Index toPerforming  Arts Full Text pg.64

When?

March 2002

Where?

New York 

Intended audience?

'A dancers guide to online services and networking on the internet'. Harkness aims the article at performers interested in developing networking sources and techniques.

Intention? 

The intention of the article is to encourage performers to take charge of their own careers by taking in their own hands. Suggesting self promotion online by joining talent sites/ online agencies. 'bloc dancers are now being seen internationally via their website' Www.blocagency.com. It suggests a few different sites and explains how easy it is to find appropriate services by simply browsing the internet using key words such as 'talent' 'dancers'. Harkness explains how important it is to use online services to promote, interact, communicate and find information. It makes you very accessible to people makes it easier and could potentially lead to work. 'I would definitely advise using an online service, because the industry is all about networking yourself' Danielle Samson.

However 

Harkness does not want us to completely abandon tradition routes- Face to face castings/ getting scouted/ auditions. 

I think especially for a dancer and performer, the feel you get for a personality in the room is very important.

Its aim is to also create awareness around scam websites that are just out to make money. Advising you to be careful when making your selection. 

Red signals- expensive to sign up, encourage you to use their photographer, classes etc. Telling you they will make you a star.

Good quotes:

It informs the reader about setting up personal websites with Meredith Patterson explaining some of the jobs she has gained from it. 

'Its so much easier because it is all right there in one place' Meredith Patterson 

'Understand how online services allow decision makers to have talent at their fingertips. They can connect you to different castings'.j.L Harkness

Shawn Perine New York web designer 'it's well worth the investment considering your gaining international exposure'

Www.blocagency.com 'bloc dancers are now being seen internationally via their website'

Style of writing?

It's in a dance magazine so it's quite informal and easy to read. It's quite a short article so it gets straight to the point, doesn't drag on, pull any areas out too much. It just wants to act as a quick and efficient piece of Information for us. The title 'opportunity online' is exactly what the piece is promoting. However I do feel it is also very balanced as it does give both sides; explaining concerns, awareness, and also reminding us that the web isn't always peoples ideal way of casting. 

In short it's good to use all the sources provided but for this to only be a small part of our network.