Lydia Jones

Assessment 1: (ADPA4001/C)
Task: Produce a written summary of 300 words on the topic of essential skills for study and employment in the creative industries.
In the future, I am interested in becoming a professional dancer, touring on cruise ships. According to “Backstage” by Adam Pasulka (October 30th, 2023) essential skills include all round dance training. Specific cruise lines require different genres of dance, for example, Norwegian Cruise Line demands a history in Latin, Swing and Ballroom. Royal Caribbean however perform a “Broadway at sea” a full-length production, meaning acting will be essential. Other cruise lines may have Broadway stars abord, resulting in dancers having to be trained in jazz, ballet, and musical theatre. Having training in multiple dance styles makes you a more hireable candidate and allows for a wider range of opportunities. According to “Dance Anatomy” a book written by Jacqui Greene Haas (2018), an essential skill for a professional dancer to acquire is stamina. Without good stamina, a dancer is unable to perform successfully, resulting in unclean choreography. The book also states that being focused and clear mined is essential. As a dancer, being focused is one of, if not the most important quality. Especially for cruise ship dancers, as there are several things that could go wrong. The best way to avoid injuries is to be focused. Communication is a necessity, according to “Dance Magazine” by Alyssa Sutherland. She writes that the choreographers must communicate with the dancers to help them picture their vision. It is essential for the dancers to work as a team for a professional and enjoyable performance. Good communication skills allow dancers to work together smoothly as a team. Listening and learning skills are also essential, especially when learning choreography. According to “Prospects” you must be able to discuss and interpret choreography. If a dancer is unfocused during training, they will be unsure of what they’re supposed to do, leading to unprofessionalism, and letting the team down.