Number 1

Ive wanted to write a million things already and knowing where to start was my main concern. Now, getting rid of concern is my main priority.

I am excited about embarking on this new adventure and hoping that the challenges ahead will awaken the inquisitive appetite within me.

I am very disappointed that so far I have not managed to make a campus session. However, I did make it to a short induction a couple of weeks ago. The morning was interesting and confirmed what I had initially found in the hand book and on Libguides. Regrettably leaving early for another commitment, I felt a little discouraged. Driving home, I was anxious mainly because of the traffic, (there were road works and I had limited time, road rage being a less admirable quality of mine), but because I was worried that I had dilapidated my own chances of a good start. I was thoughtful, it seems all I needed to do was make a couple of phone calls and write a couple of emails to rest my nattering brain.

I was frustrated that blogging was not as easy as facebook (I am embarrassed to say), but to my relief I am getting to grips with the whole process. Through using the technologies as tools and my IT skills to their best potential.  I am confident that I will achieve a positive outcome, and will learn as I work through the array of forth coming tasks.

Professional Profile in construction

Aby Martin

I have a few professional profiles that potential employers can access. I do find the internet an incredibly useful tool and is great for social and professional communication. Creating a professional Profile using a blog, I think is a great idea and the next step in internet networking. BAPP is already opening new doors!

I wasn't sure where to start with my blogspot professional profile so I looked at those I had already created. Re-reading through another profile that I had previously written for a profile on a casting site, I wasn't particularly inspired.

 http://www.starnow.co.uk/abymartin

Reading the statements within the profile through the feeling I get is of a very clinical, straight forward and boring in nature. In reflection, like Nikki's profile I should add a little more life into the text. Personalisation is the key. Instead of listing attributes that I feel I have or that an employer is looking for, an explanation of life choices would lead a person to form a better well rounded opinion of me. Thus taking the reader on an interesting journey through the different paths I have taken throughout my professional career.

Taking this into consideration I hope to create a better CV for this profile.

Below is a Biography I have for a faculty page on a college website. This is for teaching employment in Leicester;

http://www.lcpa.co.uk/tutors-biographies.htm

This biography I feel is more specific. On the other hand, it is written in the form of a biography, in the third person. This only exaggerates the lack of personalisation and broadens the gap between the reader and the composer.  It suits it's purpose nevertheless and is appropriate in it's environment.  For the purpose of a Professional Profile, as a blog, the text I feel would benefit from being written in the first person with a narrative and relative themes running through, creating the theoretical glue. This would well equip the reader with a personalised account of ones career.

I have two CVs one for teaching and one for professional dance.

Teaching CV

Education, Dates and Qualification

Preston College 2006- 2008

• QCA ETM (Exercise to music) 
• 2 Year Certificate of Professional dance and teachers of dance (Level 4)
• CDE ISTD Ballet, (Tap and Modern pending results) (Level 4)
• YMCA Gym instructors qualification

SLP College 2003-2006

• London Trinity Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre (HND) (Level 6)
• SLP Diploma in Musical Theatre

Teaching Experience
Dance School/Gym Teaching Experience

Get Doing LtdAll Saints Primary School
Leicester
Jan 10’ – (Present day)
Street dance, Musical theatre, Dance club, Multi sports and play schemes.
Referee: Mick Duffy

DCA Dance Craze Academy
Budapest
Sept 08-June 09
Ballet, Tap, Modern, (ITDA and ISTD) Musical theatre, singing and Drama. Hip Hop,
dance party host for adults and children. Summer Holiday Dance Camp host
(including crafts etc) Actions Tots (a class designed specifically for toddlers)
Referee: Sandra Knibbs

Studio’s of Performing Arts
Leicester
Summer 04 – (Present day)
Choreography for professional performances. Classes include: Contemporary,
Tap (Free & ISTD), Modern (Free & ISTD), Drama and Singing.
Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Body Conditioning, Jazz, Ballet (Free and ISTD)

  

Other examinations include: Advanced 2 Tap (A), Advanced 2 Modern (A), Advanced 1 Ballet, RAD Ballet Intermediate.

• First aid, full clean drivers licence.

Work Experience

I have experience teaching the following: Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Body Conditioning and Pilates, Cheer leading, Mums and Tots, Street Jazz, Hip Hop, Aerobics, Absolute abs, Dance Workshops, Singing, Drama, Musical Theatre. I have also, hosted themed dance parties for children and Adults.

I am currently teaching for Get Doing Ltd as a dance and sport’s coach. My role is to take PPA sessions in primary schools all over Leicestershire as a specialist teacher in dance, singing and drama. With this company I regularly teach PE and after school clubs as well as running my own classes locally. This summer I have helped run a number of play schemes in the area, including a summer school at Samworth Academy for children with special needs. This was for the charity PARTS I found this incredibly rewarding.

Moreover, I regularly take classes for a council ran scheme called Active Together, which is part of the better known, Change for Life campaign. For Active Together I have taught Zamba, Dance fit, Boogie Buds, Bums and Tums and Salsa. I have been employed to start Line Dancing next month, and more in the year to come. This is a great experience as I get to teach at every level of fitness and health, from small children and mothers, older adults, special needs to professional athletes of all ages.

Last year, I taught in Budapest for DCA International Dance School full time in September 2008, covering a full range of dance subjects, my employment was mainly in American, English, German and Japanese academic international schools, including private tuition where required. On the other hand, I took a variety of classes at the DCA premises, many of which included classes that were of a more fun and relaxed nature. Thus, making sure the children enjoyed their time and got a real sense of fulfilment from performance, whether it be combined classes that involved singing, dancing and street dance (and/or Musical theatre) or a princess themed class which combined Ballet and Lyrical Modern with song. I have taught a wide range of lessons appealing to a vast variety of pupils from children as young as three to adults at 60+. At DCA, children within the year completed vocational exams with honours and a professional theatre performance. Here, not only was I a teacher of a broad number of subjects, I was Choreographer, Stage manager and MD, (Musical Director). I have 6 years teaching experience.

I also have experience in performing, choreographing and staging events and shows for Cabaret, Musical Theatre and Commercial Arts. I have taught at several dance schools as part time work and as a supply teacher for maternity leave etc. I am always asked to return to cover lessons as a preferred member of staff.

As a teacher I am fun, friendly and enthusiastic. Dance is supposed to be a fun way to exercise, so my main priority in a dance class, as well as safe dance practice is the enjoyment for the client whether the client is 3 or 63. I prefer to use teaching methods that are positive, that relate to the person and that are unique to the individual, thus gaining a students trust, to enthuse self-esteem. In the more relaxed classes, for example Aerobics, (opposed to the discipline of ballet or classes for highly motivated individuals at a professional level) I do not take myself too seriously I like to have a laugh and enjoy the class with my clients ensuring that all clients whatever their needs leave the class with a sense of fulfilment, and a smile. I am a highly motivated individual who is happy to try new challenges whether working in a team or as an individual.

There is a lot of information above that only talks about being a teacher. I have a few CV's that cover different types of employment.  Using this and my performance CV combined will hopefully create a better picture of myself as a professional.

(Upload of Dance CV to follow)