Undertaking, executing and assembling a journalist project like that of Journalism 80’s final project is no easy undertaking. I tried to break up the assignment and tackle it piece by piece. First I set out to obtain all the footage I would need for the report. Interviews, quotes, photos, and video were all collected and uploaded to begin the editing process. The process of piecing all my footage together was difficult, allowing me to realize two things. First that simply piecing multimedia components together is not enough. Thinking of interesting and innovative ways to present the material is more difficult that coming up with the footage. Also making a coherent report out of clips can be difficult, not wanting to use anything unnecessary but trying to include that which will add to the story.
The text aspects of the project drove home many journalism “proverbs” taught over the last semester. The 7 elements of a story, making the piece newsworthy and trying to abide by the ethics and rules of journalism are all things that need to be constantly thought of throughout the project. Finding the line between a subject and topics that you are passionate about (allowing you to really engage in the project) and something that is obtainable and newsworthy (allowing you to create a credible and important news piece) is very difficult but essential for this project. In order to make sure your choosen topic works, it is best to collect as much footage as possible to give you many directions to take the project.
Overall this project taught me many invaluable lesson about the journalism field. Firstly was the difficulty of deadlines. Working with tools and guidelines that are not natural to me it was difficult to assemble each step in a timely manner…. PLAN AHEAD! Also just creating the multimedia is not enough. Truly utilizing your footage to engage the audience and make them feel like an active part in your reporting is difficult but with effort can be achieved. Work hard, think differently and totally talk to Professor Krochmal, he knows what he is talking about. Finally remembering to enjoy your project and be interested in what you are creating is vital. Even when the hours get late and computers aren’t cooperating, stay calm and be amazed at the tools and tactics you are able to utilize, you may amaze yourself.
3 years ago
To great conversation and encourage connection a social media group has been created. Using Facebook, a good media for reaching those who this site is intended for, a forum of information has been created. A place where any group member can upload information about opportunities and events for dancers out of college and who are not performing professionally. The group will also be sending out email to all the members when important news has been shared. this site should encourage interaction and hopefully provide all members with valuable information and opportunities.
3 years ago
Colin Sullivan
On air Interview Transcripts
Interview Date: April 25, 2009
Colin: Please state your name, age, hometown, and current profession.
Ashely: Hi my name is Ashely Ratka I am 25 and I’m from right outside Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. I am currently a dance teacher and I take class regularly at Deena’s dance school.
Colin: What make’s Deena’s (early-adult) class so unique?
Ashely: The class well, a lot of us um, have full time jobs now and we never have time to perform, so the class just gives us the chance to all get together and dance and do what we love, and its just a great outlet. Its therapy for me right now.
Colin: What is Deena trying to do with this class project?
Ashely: Deena gives us a wonderful opportunity that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, and its more like what we put in we get back out. We come to class and we all commit. It’s free and it’s just a very nice thing of her to do.
Colin: Why is there such a need for classes for this age group.
Ashely: Two reasons really…. Beyond the emotional release its finances and fitness. Being recently out of college we are all still starting up and aren’t all financially stable. Also since we are not dancing as much as we all used to, we really need the exercise.
Colin: Why is dancing, specifically this class important to you?
Ashely: Well, my career now consumes me and I teach kids all day everyday but I never get anything back for myself, so this is just a way for me to release and forget and just be myself again.
Colin Sullivan
Phone Interview Transcript with Terry Legion
Interview on April 30th
Colin: When did you begin dancing?
Ms. Legion: My first step. My parents knew from a very young age I was going to be a dancer and started receiving training at age 6.
Colin: What made you become a teacher?
Ms. Legion: My teaching career is actually interesting. I began teaching at age 10, I would give lessons to all the girls in the neighborhood and in the summer we put on a dance show in my garage for all the parents and neighbors.
Colin: What inspired you open your own studio?
Ms. Legion: After college in Chicago I came back to Rhode Island and did not find any studios that were teaching the value of dance that I find so vital to the art form so I started my own studio.
Colin: Could you explain what you mean by “value of dance”.
Ms. Legion: Dancing and more importantly movement is much more about gaining technique and being able to execute moves. Its about the knowledge of one’s body, the awareness of potential and the discipline that comes along with the training. For me, and hopefully my students dance is about learning about yourself and how to express it in a physical way. Dance gave me confidence, passion, and a mature understanding of my body…. That’s what I try to teach to my students.
Colin: What beside that which you mentioned does dancing give you that keeps you working so hard?
Ms. Legion: Like so many forms of art it is about going beyond the physical realm. The emotional and physical feeling that one feels when learning or performing dance can absolutely be an escape for both audience members and performers.
Colin: If you could teach only one things to a dance student what would it be.
Ms. Legion: I could never sum it up in only one sentence. As far as the technique of dance goes I’d say there is nothing more important than the basics. As for the art, the only person you need to be pleasing is yourself, once you start to dance for others the magic is lost.
Colin Sullivan
One on One Interview with Samantha O’Keefe
Interview April 17th 2009
Colin: When did you start you dance career?
Samantha: I began dancing in Musical Theater shows when I was in 8th grade. My first casting was an ensemble dancer in Godspell the Musical. I remember trying to learn choreography for the first time. I had to write down the lyrics on one side of the page and the movement on the other. I was a wreck.
Colin: Why did you decide to start dancing?
Samantha: I was wicked very shy girl up until 7th grade. The only people I really could be myself in front of were my friends who did theater, so I decided to audition. It was my friends who inadvertently introduced me to dance.
Colin: What has dancing, both performing and training, taught you?
Samantha: To be confident. Dancing teaches people that there are so many concepts of beauty and each person can be talented in their own way. Learning the technique, rehearsing choreography and improving, and finally performing for me provides myself with a constant feeling of accomplishment and success.
Colin: What is your favorite dance experience?
Samantha: Definitely the last rehearsal before a show. They are usually way to long, everyone is really tired and getting cranky but the second you start dancing you have all the energy and attention as if you were in front of a packed house.
Colin: Where do you hope your dance career will bring you?
Samantha: I hope that I can be able to provide other children with dancing opportunities. Whether I teach, direct theater or volunteer for community theater I want to always keep dancing and bringing what I love to any child who would be interested.
Colin: Out of all those options, what would be your dream job?
Samantha: I think ideally I would like to open up a musical theater company. Somewhere where young children can take class and receiving training for all the elements of theater. I think the education, and relationships that grow from learning any art together can be the start of great life-long relationships.
Colin: What is your biggest dance inspiration?
Samantha: One of the main reasons I dance is in tribute to my friend Allison Packer. When we were in high school Allison always loved to come and watch my shows and performances. Junior year Allison was killed by a drunk driver on her way home from work. It was very difficult, but I know now that she is in a better place, and is watching me every step I take.
3 years ago
