Looking at literature…

I have spent this week looking into the various pieces of literature surrounding my inquiry topic, which is about the role of gym-based exercise for professional dancers.

It has been very interesting to note different perspectives on the subject and has also sparked new thoughts and ideas that I now want to look into further. 

A particular article that has resonated with me is ‘The Dancer as a Performing Athlete’, as it recognises the complex relationship between better physical conditioning, traditional training and the aesthesis of dance. 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8377670_The_dancer_as_a_performing_athlete_Physiological_considerations

I have started the basic framework of my literature review and will spend time over the coming weeks developing this along with my inquiry proposal. 

Are there any interesting articles that have particularly resonated with you?

Research as mapping to build understanding…

Todays Skype call has really helped me to understand the aims of module two. 

We discussed how our inquiry is not about looking for an answer but instead exploring a topic that we want to know more about - we are on a journey to find out more.

Module two is about learning research design and the different ways to undertake research (planning the journey), in preparation for module three (doing the journey). This way of visualising the course has given me a clear direction for my next module.

We talked about mapping different ways to research and how there are ‘main roads’ that symbolise common research methods such as interviewing and ‘side roads’ that can offer alternative routes. These ‘side roads’ are the areas that I am going to spend time discovering as I aim to look into less explored methods of research.

We spoke about the importance of other peoples perspectives and how reading reviews of articles can offer different opinions. The inquiry is not about collecting data for answers but it is about exploration and analysis.

During our discussions it was mentioned that we should follow the steps of the cycle in our handbook at least three times during module two in order to explore our inquiry topic and stimulate our learning. I have currently started my first cycle and look forward to discovering further questions and discourses during my research.

Feedback…

As a performer, feedback is something that I have been given throughout every stage of my learning. It has shaped my skills and has been so significant to how I have progressed during my practice.

Constructive feedback of my dancing has always triggered a deeper self-evaluation and reflection of my work using the opinions of someone else to stimulate my own thoughts making it an essential element of my developing. During my dance training I used feedback as a way to set new goals for myself in each discipline. I am going to transfer this learning into my BAPP course and I have spent the last few days setting short and long term targets for this term.

Editing my work is an area that I am going to focus on during my next module to ensure that my work conveys the detail required without the need for too many words. Another area that I am going to continue to consider is the various forms that I could present my artefact in and my aim is to think of a more unique approach that can express my learning through my professional practice as I continue through the BAPP course.

Along with reading and annotating my handbook for module two, I have also re-read my portfolio submission for module one to understand each element of my feedback and to reflect on my work in order to progress into my next module. 

Module 2...

Happy New Year!

After a great Christmas break, I have spent the last week reading through the handbook for Module 2 and annotating or highlighting certain aspects. I have various ideas already running through my brain as to what I will focus my inquiry on and I am looking forward to investigating these further over the coming weeks.

I aim to re-read the handbook again next week in order to digest more details of the module and feel fully prepared for the beginning of the next term.

I have signed up to the Skype session for next Saturday and feel excited about getting going on Module 2!

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.