LAUNCHING: TARA SMITH
Current Employer:
Ballet Teacher and Blogger
Time at the company:
12 and 2 years
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Tara Smith ARAD RAD RTS
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
My day to day routine varies depending on what is required for my classes. Sometimes it's refreshing syllabus knowledge, sometimes choreographing dances for shows and festivals or could be spent on my blog Tara's Busy Kitchen. (It's a bit of a sideline and release from the stresses of the day job!) My evenings nearly always end with between 3 and 6 hours of ballet classes teaching all levels and ages from 2.5 to adult! They can be long days.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
As a child I wanted to be a nurse or a ballerina. Pretty staple in a young girls vision of her future!
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have 9 GCSE's, 2 A' levels and a Royal Academy of Dance teaching Certificate.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
"Bullshit Baffles"
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
Sue Phillips -Â one of my ballet teachers growing up. She would call a spade a spade. When I didn't do well she would tell me and I would work that little bit harder to achieve and please her. I believe I have taken in a little bit of how she taught me in my teaching style. Firm but fair.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
I get some days free to pursue my foodie passions in the kitchen and write about them on my blog. I don't feel like I am in the hamster wheel anymore!
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
In an ideal world I would love to not work Saturdays. This is unlikely to happen as it is my busiest teaching day.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
I hope to be teaching more private lessons for more money at more suitable times.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Definitely not. I am the best actress I know!
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
The ballet world is very female driven due to the nature of the profession. All of our current teachers are female.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Absolutely!
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Right now my work life balance is very good. This could easily change though from one term to the next.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Positivity. Passion. Drive. Nurturing. Councillor. Role model.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
Always find time for your passion.