Latest Business Interviews Vicky Bloor, Screen Dance Manager at South East Dance
So what do you do?
I manage the Screen Dance department, co-ordinating film commissions, professional development opportunities, screenings, events and distribution of artist made films.
How long have you been in this role?
I have been working for South East Dance for 4 years with a variety of roles and job titles. I have been looking after Screen Dance exclusively for the past 2 years, taking up my latest position in February this year.
What attracted you to the job in the first place?
Dance film and video is my passion, and when an opportunity came up at South East Dance, I knew that was my job. South East Dance’s reputation for excellence in the field is a springboard to managing the most exciting projects in screen dance in the UK, I wanted to make sure I was part of that.
Did you go to university and do you have any qualifications?
I studied BA (Hons) Dance and Culture at University of Surrey with 1 year professional training. Surrey graduates are pretty hot property in the dance industry, it’s a bit like the dance masons. We are everywhere.
What would you say were the main qualities needed to do your job?
Honesty, A thick skin, A sense of humour.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a break in the industry?
Studying dance at university can be both academically rigorous and physically demanding. My advice would be to enrol on the most challenging course based on your end goal. If you want to perform, go for a high level vocational course; if you want to be a manager ensure you are looking at courses that will push your academic skills. Working in an office as a manager is nothing like working in a dance studio as a dancer, get the right experience.
If there's one thing that your work has taught you about life, then what would that be?
Saying no is not always a negative thing.
South East Dance
Media 9-12 Middle Street
Brighton
BN1 1AL
01273 20 20 32
vicky.bloor@southeastdance.org.uk