Do you need a website?

High-profile freelance dancers--like Drew Jacoby, formerly of LINES Ballet (see "Vital Signs," p. 16), and Rasta Thomas, who will be guesting with American Ballet Theatre this spring--use personal websites to publicize their projects and give potential employers a snapshot of their past experience. But for dancers who aren't big names, can a website be a way to market yourself?

While noting that the jury is still out on personal websites for job-seekers, Eric Wolfram, the author of Your Dance Resume [www.wolfram.org) and a former San Francisco Ballet dancer, sees some advantages. He created an archival area on his website for repertoire and choreographers with whom he performed and suggests dancers consider a site with a similar archive when they're auditioning. Employers often request video or DVD clips be included in an audition package; if additional footage is available on your site, it could be that extra bit of information that lands you a job. "People who direct dance companies want to make quick decisions. More video could be helpful if someone wants to see your technique or range," says Wolfram.

The web has downsides for job-hunters, though. While blogs and sites like MySpace can be great channels for networking, err on the side of caution when posting personal information. Never put up anything that you would feel embarrassed about if an artistic director read or saw it. A quick Google or MySpace search can connect you with old friends, but while posting photos of your wacky behavior at your last high school reunion may give them a laugh, your potential company management might not be amused.