Synthesis of information through reflection...

During yesterdays Skype call we discussed synthesis through reflection. 

Synthesis is defined as the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole. 

We discussed how each component is vital to our professional practice. I think that it is an interesting exercise to think about how my practice would be affected if one element was removed. For example, if networking was taken away, I would not have secured my previous two jobs, showing the importance of each component.

It was noted how the connections between each element should be displayed throughout our essay to avoid it becoming compartmental and instead should demonstrate how each part helps to build our professional practice.

An interesting point was made in reference to the various Skype calls and learning activities throughout this module being like a technique class before performing a solo. I think that this is a great way to view my learning over the last few weeks and helps me continue to spend time researching and looking into further activities that will assist me along the journey of my degree.

Areas of Learning...

Today I have spent time considering my three key areas of learning based on my professional practice experiences. I have now narrowed these down to three generalised areas, which I have been researching. The academic foundations of these are drawn from psychology, business and management disciplines. 

The transdisciplinary nature means that I am having to combine different approaches and perspectives from the various disciplines. This has provided an interesting and thought provoking lens through which to analyse my profession. 

I have started to apply theories to my experiences, which is proving to be both interesting and insightful. I will continue to develop this further as I finalise my first draft of the essay.

Height verses talent…

I am only 5’2” tall and at the age of 23, I don’t think that I will be experiencing a growth spurt anytime soon unfortunately. My height has played a big part in my professional practice and has on many occasions been the deciding factor from an audition panel. 

In this industry there are certain roles that have very particular specifications. For example, shows such as the Moulin Rouge require a minimum height of 5’9”. Throughout their history, the dancers have always been tall and the style of performance empahsises this with dances such as the Can Can.

During my time spent teaching and choreographing, I understand why heights are important in regards to spacing and structure of a dance. Formations can change how an audience member views a performance greatly. Due to this, I agree that when replacement roles or individual jobs are being advertised, dancers should match their opposite or partner. This being said, I believe that limitations on certain criteria have no justification. 

Throughout periods of my life when I have been auditioning, there has been a very large number that I have been unable to attend, most of which have a minimum height of 5’5”. These have been for a variety of cruise ships, musical theatre and land-based productions where they are looking for a whole new cast.

I attended one audition a few years ago where I was pulled aside at the end of the multiple rounds to be re-measured; I always dread the part where the tape measure is brought out. They discussed in front of me that I was 1 inch too small for the show, 1 inch?!

It is so disheartening after years of training and determination to be told that regardless of your talent, you don’t meet height requirements. Especially as this is a factor that much to my disappointment, I will never be able to change.

Looking into the history of previous dancer requirements, it is encouraging to see that some of these restrictions have lowered. Even from graduating to today, I have noticed a movement in some of the cruise line company’s height minimums. I hope that this is something that continues to develop as our society is changing and dancers no longer have to be the ‘norm’ that people expect. 

Learning Processes..

We all learn something new every day. As performers, learning is such a valuable part of our profession and there is always something more that we can learn.

When it comes to reflecting on the process of how we learn as individuals, it is very interesting to see the point at which we enter the Learning Cycle. This for me differs dependent on the type of task that I am undertaking. For example, when creating my blog I felt that the stage of entry was reflective observation. I spent time visiting other peoples blogs and gaining knowledge from them.

When it comes to dancing and performing I learn best by doing; this would be entering at concrete experience. However, when I am choreographing I learn best and create some of my favourite work through active experiment. 

I think that it’s very important to assess the varying learning processes that work best for you to help to maximize the positive outcomes from an exercise. 

Reflecting on previous work is equally as valuable as it allows your mind and body to learn from mistakes or triumphs in your past. 

Reflection-in-action is something that I have used several times in my practice. When being a part of a cast on a Cruise Ship, there would be a number of issues that may arise mid-show. This could be to do with errors with staging, props, or a cast member becoming unable to continue a performance. In situations such as these, it was vital to be able to reflect and adjust elements of my performance whilst ensuring that the audience continues to enjoy the show.

Reflection-on-action is likewise just as important, as dancers this is very regularly used. During my time working as a dancer onboard a ship, notes were given to us after every performance. We are all trained to receive notes and action them to improve every element of our work as much as possible. This type of reflection enables us to develop massively as a performer and learn from negative and positive feedback, whether this is from our own reflection or from a teacher or director.

This course has opened up a new way of learning for me, as it is no longer just about using my body to notice and rectify mistakes. The different learning processes have enabled me to take on new information in a variety of ways. 

Discussion group

Following yesterdays discussion group, I have spent some time thinking about the journey of this course and the importance of blogging.

I had never previously written a blog or even thought about writing one. However, over the last few days I have begun to see the importance of sharing and discussing ideas. 

In the discussion group we spoke about a particular blog that really resonated with me that Mark had posted. It explored the idea that as dancers we have always been instructed about every minor detail, whether that that has been by teachers in class, by choreographers in our training or by directors in our profession. It becomes the norm to follow direction, take on corrections and learn from others. 

This journey provides a platform for us to take charge of our own learning, our own development and our own mistakes. It is not a case of sitting back and waiting for the magic to begin, it is a case of going out and getting it ourselves. 

I think at the beginning of the week I was nervous at the thought of aiming for perfection as part of this course; however I have learnt that instead it is a place for enquiry and growth. It is about exploring and not necessarily trying to find an answer. This course is a process of discovery and development and one that I am very much excited to begin!

Beginnings...

As I start a new beginning on the journey of this course, it has given me time to reflect on the significant beginnings throughout my life.

As a dancer there is a physical beginning, the first day of ballet class. This for me was at the age of 3 and was the seed that was about to start its journey into a flower. Amongst many other tots, I learnt naughty toes and good toes and experienced the freedom of dancing.

The next stage of my journey was at the age of 11. I fell in love with dancing and how the music made me feel. It was now more than a hobby and was no longer about the movement; it allowed me to express myself. This was my emotional beginning.

At the age of 14 I made the decision to pursue my love for dancing and continue this as a career. This for me was my mental beginning and changed the focus of my dancing. I now looked at class in a different light and set my eyes on the goal of professional training.

Each of these beginnings has shaped the dancer that I am today. In my time of teaching dance, it has allowed me to be a part of so many journeys as I have watched the children grow through each stage.

The start of this course has created a new place for growth and beginnings and I am excited to commence my new journey.