Shifts in emphasis...

During this evenings Skype session with Module three we each gave a short overview of our enquiry and what we have discovered so far. We then had the opportunity to ask questions about areas that we felt weren’t explained in full detail or to give our thoughts around the topic presented. 

Following explaining my inquiry, which explores the relationship between fitness and enhanced dance performance, it was discussed how there has been a clear shift in the emphasis of my research during the process of Module three.

Initially, my research objectives included informing my own professional practice as a dancer who currently undertakes gym-based fitness training regimes. However, through the analysis process, it has become clear that there are a variety of alternative types of fitness training such as aerial training that could enhance my strength and fitness as well as my employability. 

I also aimed to explore the potential of developing a new area of my practice as a fitness trainer for professional dancers. However, my analysis has identified that there is limited market potential for dance specific personal training. Instead, a much larger and growing market are dance-fitness based classes for the general public. 

Shifts are a result of analysis and it is very important to capture the moment my perspective altered by looking back through my reflective journal. We discussed how it is essential not to assume that people know the shift in your inquiry and instead make this element of the process explicit.

Have you noticed any shifts within your research?

New thoughts...

The phrase ‘triple threat’ was always spoken about during my training as a professional dancer as we were taught that having the ability to both act and sing as well as dance would really increase our employability for a wide range of jobs. 

I attended stage school from a very young age alongside dancing so I have spent time working on all three disciplines throughout my training and would have always promoted myself as having the ‘triple threat’ qualities. However, is this now not enough?

As the industry develops and evolves, it seems now that companies are looking for the ‘quadruple threat’ to include extra skills such as fire breathing, stilt walking, acro and, most commonly, aerial skills on top of dancing. In many job posts on Web 2.0 through social media, employers will ask you to list your extra skills in your application. This is creating an added pressure for dancers to obtain new skills in order to compete within the industry.

I have began working on some of these new skills which I find very rewarding as I am challenging myself knowing that it will help me to progress in my practice. However, it does make me think, “what’s next?!” Will dancing alone one day not be enough to be able to work for certain companies? 

My research report assesses the role of fitness for professional dancers and it has started to lead me on to further questions regarding aerial skills and the fitness training required to meet some of the new demands of our evolving industry. Has your research sparked any new questions or thoughts?