About a month ago I attended a conference. Working as an intern with the dance organisation ADAD I was lucky to be invited as a volunteer to help the smooth running of the day. It seems strange me writing about this event over a month after but to be honest, it was an experience that I will find very hard to forget. I remember Adesola Akinleye saying to me briefly " you are going to blog about this aren't you?" I replied "Yes!!!" with a genuine enthusiasm because that was my intention, that is what I wanted to do. So here I am, a month later doing just that. This has also made me realize certain things about myself. Thinking back to my enthusiasm at the conference I don't understand why?, if i genuinely am excited about something, I procrastinate. "RE:GENERATIONS was a conference where dance artists, writers, academics and audiences explored current research in the field of 'dance of the African Diaspora' (sometimes referred to as 'Black dance' or 'African Peoples' Dance'). The event also provided an opportunity to learn about diverse approaches to education and training in the field and to participate in shaping future practice." (ADAD,2010)
The conference filled me with excitement. After listening to speakers such as Brenda Dixon-Gottschild, watching an amazing Performance at Lilian Baylis featuring the work of companies such as Taviziva Dance, ADiaspora Collective, Pair Dance, Movement Angol and participating in two dance workshops, one a traditional Caribbean-Contemporary fusion taught by Chris Walker and the other an Afro-Urban Contemporary workshop taught by Vicki Igbokwe of Uchenna dance, I remember thinking to myself "this is exactly what I want to be doing right now!"
When it was the turn of Rosie Lehan and Beverly Glean to give an Education Seminar on how after establishing Irie! Dance Theatre they then went on to write the Foundation Degree in Dance in partnership with London Metropolitan University, Irie! Dance theatre and City and Islington college, I felt surprisingly emotional. (although I kept it together of course). I felt proud to have been part of something that largely determined how my future would turn out as well as the future of Black dance in general.
Glean and Lehan had travelled the world to research the diversity of dance. As directors, they wanted to answer a question of equality. Why have African and Caribbean dance forms never been viewed in the same context of more established forms of Ballet and Contemporary dance?
Through the Foundation Degree they are managing to make young adults aware of traditional and contemporary dance techniques which celebrate the Afro-Caribbean culture. This is so important for the growth of diversity within dance and as a Foundation Degree graduate and a Dance Tutor for Irie! Dance Theatre it has made me aware of just why I want to pursue my idea of teaching African and Caribbean dance techniques within schools and the community, if these techniques are not carried forward or continuously taught, they will disappear and its fair to say that's a big piece of cultural heritage to just vanish.
This can be said for the whole Re:generations experience. Looking back on it now, I can see I was reflecting-in-action. As each practitioner spoke I took notes and even whilst taking notes I was already thinking, "right, so how am I going to use all of this information?" I was processing the talks, the verbal comments and questions and my mind was ticking, I actually couldn't wait to come away and put my thoughts into action.
Taking part in the practical workshops was a big deal for me. On reflection I realize I was nervous and lacked confidence in my ability to dance along side people, some of whom were a lot more experienced than me.I don't feel I danced my best and I was almost a bit awkward, if you can imagine that. Negative thoughts about my own personal technique let me down and I was constantly trying to head for the back but somehow always managed to end up right at the front (front line, openly available to the full scrutiny of others). The fact I was wearing bright green socks I had taken from my last flight on Virgin did nothing to help the situation. Despite these minor set backs, I did enjoy the workshop. I learnt that dancing in the presence of others who are technically better can only be seen as a positive thing. If I always dance with those on the same level, how will I ever improve? I need something better in front of me so I can excel towards it.
Reflecting on the Afro-Urban Contemporary workshop, I know I was more in my comfort zone. I walked into the studio ready because I felt confident that my technique was stronger with an Urban style. I was excited and there was a noticeable different between my attitude in this workshop compared to the first. I didn't mind standing at the front I didn't even mind that there was an audience I just wanted to get into the vibe and enhance my technique. Although I have had a few House dance classes, Waacking and Vouging were a styles I had frequently heard of but had never tried and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I took note of Vicki Igbokwe's laid back but firm teaching style, it was effective and although my arms were getting pushed to beyond their pain threshold through "REPETITION!" I felt that I had exceeded and this was a new technique that I would eventually take time to learn more about.
I look back on the Re:generations Conference and I think I wish the young people I teach could have been there. I wish they discovered, like I did that day, just why the teaching of African- Caribbean dance techniques should be taught equally alongside other forms such as Ballet, Contemporary, Street, Hip-hop, Jazz, Tap, to name a few. Many dance forms take from Afro-Caribbean techniques but few are aware. Before i attended the conference i had an idea. The idea came to me after completing the Foundation Degree in Dance at London Met and my idea was to begin teaching Afro-Caribbean dance classes alongside the classes I already teach in Street and eventually open up a facility that will provide this option to young people and adults within the community. I had this idea but I didn't realize the importance of it or why it would be so beneficial to the growth of diversity in dance. I do now, upon reflection.
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Friday, 3 December 2010
Task 2: The Reflective Practitioner
I've been gone for a while. The funniest thing is, I knew where I had to be and what I had to be doing but a strange fear has kept me away. I couldn't tell you whether it was a fear of not saying the right thing or weather people would be interested in anything I write but today something said that if I don't get over this "fear," I would stay scared possibly for the rest of my life.(or for the remainder of the BAPP)....
As I read through the reader on the Reflective Practitioner, I realised that reflecting is something I do a lot of and since I've sold my car it’s something I'm doing a considerable amount of, especially on my travels whether it be on the train, bus or on foot. I think taking time to reflect on any experience or situation that you come across is so important as it allows you to understand certain things better, perhaps make things that may have confused you become clearer and enable you to change things that may not have been right, all in all it's about learning.
For me, reflection is all about looking back on things that have happened usually that day but commonly in previous, weeks, months and even years.
Many of you have spoken about not knowing what to reflect on or even how to keep a reflective journal. For me, it’s something that I’ve been doing for a while but maybe not in the most obvious of ways. As a dance teacher within the community I find I always have something to reflect on, this could be how I felt a class went, why I think a child/children behaved as they did and always, how I think I could make a session better. I have always been quite a confident writer but sometimes I feel as if I just don’t have the time. Usually after I’ve been teaching for most of the day, the last thing I want to do is pick up a pen and start putting my thoughts and ideas to paper. However, what I’ve never been too tired to do, is use my Blackberry to keep in contact with my friends. You may be thinking, ‘well that’s a bit random?’ but with the use of this technology (going back to how important the use of web 2.0 tools are to us as professionals) I have managed to keep a reflective journal. ‘How?’ you may ask. I have simply added myself as a contact so technically I am seeing myself as my own friend. I “ping” myself my thoughts, my ideas, anything I’ve experienced that day and whatever else I can think of. I am so comfortable using my technological device that when it comes to reflecting I don’t see it as a chore but more of a conversation with a friend. In doing this, I have found a way to reflect in a format most suited to my own needs.
I felt so enlightened as I read through the course reader put together by Adesola Akinleye, (Akinleye, 2010). I didn’t realise how important a tool reflection can be to a professional. Not only within the arts spectrum, but across any professions that are involved in the process of change, for example; Nurse (healing), artists (creating) and Architects (design). I also didn’t realise how we are all accustomed to different ways of reflecting. To me reflecting was reflecting right?
I think about what I write when I’m reflecting and it is only now I see that what I’m writing is and will continue to enhance my professional practice.
Here is a small excerpt from my Blackberry journal written on November 3rd 2010:
“So I came away today from teaching, knackered but with a sense of achievement. I’m learning (only now) that preparation is the key to a successful lesson.
When I relate this to Honey and Mumford’s adaptation of Knolb’s ‘Learning Cycle’ I can see how this process now allows me to break my reflective thought into the ‘four stages’
· Having an experience
· Reviewing the experience
· Concluding from the experience
· Planning the next steps
(Honey, 1982, Honey and Mumford, 1983)
Through reflection I have been able to identify that I have had an experience. I have looked back on the experience and realized what I have learnt from it. I am now taking what I have learnt and planning what to do next. I will now start planning my lessons thoroughly.
The learning cycle
http://bsspdl.wordpress.com
I look at the Knolbs ‘learning cycle’ and wonder just where I fit in and how I reflect best. Hopefully as I continue to note and learn from my experiences, where I enter the ‘learning cycle’ will become clear.
References
HONEY, P.
1982.
Manual
of
learning
styles, Maidenhead,
Peter
Honey.
HONEY, P.
&
MUMFORD, A.
1983.
Using
your
learning
styles,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire, Peter
Honey.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Finally.. The campus session I missed.
Finally, i am catching up on the campus session I missed. Unfortunately i wasn't able to attend the first session due to work commitments and i have come to realize that realistically i may miss out on many more for the same reason. The great thing about this, is the ability to feel as though i was actually part of the session as i am able to read through the blogs of others, educating myself on subjects such as web 2.0 tools. I remember first reading through the handbook on my induction day and feeling a wave of panic as i flicked through it seeing modules such as Professional Communication Technologies, The reflective Practitioner and The Networked Professional, thinking how an earth am i going to pull this one off?! But i have come to realise that it's web based technologies that hold the key to getting through this Bapp course.
Viewing other blogs, the first question that became apparent was, what web base technologies are frequently used? Being an individual who rarely used to use technology it was clear to see that web 2.0 tools are used so frequently within society today. Sites that i am aware of such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, You Tube and also those that i have little knowledge of such as Spotlight, IMDS, and Equity mentioned by others are all used day in day out by professionals such as ourselves. I am often emailing employers as well as friends about classes, performances and things in general unaware that i was using a web based technology and how easy they are to use.
Other points discussed, were the pros and cons of web 2.0 tools. How great they can be used for enhancing your reputation as a practitioner but also how they can make you vulnerable to others. As practitioners, web 2.0 tools are great for casting directors/choreographers/ employers to see you and what you can do. I have read that many people have even used forms such as You Tube to audition when on the other side of the world, so we see it really does have amazing advantages. I found certain perspectives of how it can be used really interesting. Firstly, ROSS DUNNING mentioned that web 2.0 tools 'encourages and allows us to break barriers and engage others we may not have engaged with before.' This is something that i could connect with. Since i have started blogging for the Bapp course i have received some positive comments and views on my blogs from people i probably would never had a chance to communicate with otherwise, People who share the same interests as me. Also MARK ILLES, grabbed my attention by stating that 'web 2.0 tools are never finished and always evolving.' Unlike web1.0 tools which are there for a creator to just place information and educate unable to receive feedback, web 2.0 tools allow for others to comment, give feedback, instant conversations and most importantly, share ideas and knowledge constantly. All positive aspects of web based technologies.
Think about sites such as Facebook and Twitter where the door is open for negativity in the form of comments, wall posts and tweets. These sites can make you vulnerable to other users, all it takes is a negative or crude comment on a picture or status and potential employers could be put off. These are the sites that shape our 'online personalities' and if not used carefully could have a very negative impact on you as a practitioner.
So do Web Based Technologies enhance Professional Practice? Joanna Adeyinka-Burford came to the conclusion that there was no right or wrong answer and in some ways i agree. I do think it can enhance your Professional Practice greatly and there are so many channels in order for everyone to find a way to use them to their advantage. We also need to remember that technology is still evolving so in future years there may be so many more secure ways to use these tools. But there are still cons and it's these that we need to be weary of in order not to fall into the negative traps of web 2.0 tools.
On a lighter note, i will defiantly continue to explore web based technologies as even from reading other blogs, i am aware that there are so many other ways of communicating and enhancing myself as a Dance Practitioner.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
About me
My name is Alicia Andrew and I am 24 years old. I have recently completed a Foundation Degree in Dance at London Metropolitan University which focused on Ballet, Contemporary and Afro-Caribbean dance techniques. I hope to obtain my full honours degree in Professional Practice at Middlesex University. I am hoping to use this work based learning course In order to establish myself as a professional and experienced dance practitioner as well as build on projects that I feel will benefit the dance industry and myself as a practitioner. I would like to create a project that will bring a new approach to the traditional form of a dance school within a community. I would love for students/young dancers to be able to acknowledge their own capabilities and allow them to grow as dancers and creative artists at the same time. I also want to highlight Afro-Caribbean dance techniques within mainstream dance as I feel it is a dance form that has space to grow here in the UK. I still wish to continue teaching in various schools, community centres and Programmes whilst on the course and hope that I can continue to establish myself as a capable choreographer through work such as EPK’S, Promo Videos which I have recently started to be involved in. I am currently working for the national organisation ADAD to gain further experience and awareness of other aspects of the dance industry.
I have finally uploaded my Professional CV and i don't think i did to badly either. I would say i'm having an issue with the bullet points. If i had known they would be outside of the writing format I wouldn't of used them at all. The good thing about the use of technology such as this, is that nothing is set in stone and is therefore easy to edit, delete, add-to, and remove at will.
I have also had a re-think about my "about me" profile. Taking into consideration that many people reading this blog will not have a clue who i am or what i'm about, i don't think it says enough. I don't think I've portrayed exactly what i want to do with my newly found knowledge (foundation degree in Dance) or what i want to achieve, what my life goals really are. I've decided to upload a mini personal statement that i think gives you a better insight into..me.
I have also had a re-think about my "about me" profile. Taking into consideration that many people reading this blog will not have a clue who i am or what i'm about, i don't think it says enough. I don't think I've portrayed exactly what i want to do with my newly found knowledge (foundation degree in Dance) or what i want to achieve, what my life goals really are. I've decided to upload a mini personal statement that i think gives you a better insight into..me.
Professional CV
Alicia Andrew
Professional objective
I am an experienced dancer seeking work within the community, schools and a wide range of projects that would benefit from my teaching skills and abilities. I am eager to work with all those who choose to dance no matter what their experience and combine techniques in Street, Hip-hop, Contemporary, Ballet and African-Caribbean. I will apply my leadership and communication skills to the advantage of any organisation I am working for.
Professional Experience
April 2010-Present: Freelance dance facilitator for Irie! Dance Theatre
· Deliver dance workshops to children of all ages and backgrounds
· Raise awareness to African-Caribbean dance techniques
· Choreograph, fusing different dance forms such as Street and contemporary
· Prepare dancers for community shows and performances
August 2010-present: Dance Tutor CPFA (Crystal Palace Football Association)
August 2010-Choreographer Elysium III EPK/ Promo video
August-September 2010: Facilitated and delivered a workshop for Centre point Charity Organisation, held at Pineapple Studios.
July 2010-Present: ADAD (The Association of Dance of the African Diaspora)
· Administrative Intern
May 2010-present: Dance Coach, Lewisham Community Schools
January 2010-July 2010: Dance Tutor for J’s Dance Factory
Responsibilities:
· Teach Street Dance to children aged 6-16+
· Prepare students for IDTA exams, shows, public events and auditions
· Choreograph Street classes for competitions
· Help maintain the high standards of J’s Dance Factory
April 2006-July 2008: Dance Facilitator/Tutor for Artefacts Edutainment
Responsibilities:
· Created session plans for classes and workshops
· Actively taught children ranging from 5-16
· Performed risk assessments before proceeding with workshops
· Worked towards performances
· Aimed to build confidence, which is the key to expression.
Educational Background
September 2008-June 2010 FDA Dance London Metropolitan University
Grades TBA
September 1998-July2004 Prendergast school/Sixth Form
9 A-C Grade GCSE’S including English and Maths
3 A Levels: Music, Performing Arts and History
I have just completed a Foundation Degree in dance at London Metropolitan University. I am now intending to go on to complete my third and final year at Middlesex University in order to obtain a BA (Hons) Professional Practice. (BAPP)
I am an energetic, creative and flexible individual. Throughout my training I have gained a deep knowledge of Ballet, Contemporary, African-Caribbean and Street dance, both technique and theory, I also have excellent musicality. I pride myself on being enthusiastic towards all tasks and requirements given to me and having an open mind.
Training
· Irie! Dance Theatre/London Metropolitan University
· Scott-Wiseman School Of Dance
· Crysis Dance Troupe
· Mexalon Dance Troupe
· D&B Theatre School
· Glenlyn Stage School
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Teaching
What a day! I taught two amazing classes today, the kind of class that you don't want to end because the energy is still high and when it does, you want to do it all over again. Is it normal to feel this passion when teaching? I often wonder because I think so many people don't, especially those who are where I aspire to be, those who have already set up their schools or own businesses that focus on educating people about dance. It can be a lucrative business but why kill the passion? MONEY. We all have to make a living but I've worked for to many people who no longer see dance as a passion and a way of teaching others (mainly children) how to express themselves, but a way of making quick money. Can you see the problem? Time will tell if I end up killing my passion for the love of money, i'm seriously hoping not.
Now for my real issue..the classes I taught today were great but I stuck with the "norm."I taught a genre that the kids knew, Street. If I'm going to introduce a African-Caribbean aspect to my classes, I need a figure out a way to make it appealing. How do I make something appealing when all that's known is what's seen in the videos? Even though for many of the children I teach, it's their culture. I'm looking forward to exploring my options.
Now for my real issue..the classes I taught today were great but I stuck with the "norm."I taught a genre that the kids knew, Street. If I'm going to introduce a African-Caribbean aspect to my classes, I need a figure out a way to make it appealing. How do I make something appealing when all that's known is what's seen in the videos? Even though for many of the children I teach, it's their culture. I'm looking forward to exploring my options.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Creation of the Flickr!
Whilst trying to get my head around the "technical stuff," I thought id upload some of my recent photos to Flickr. Reading other blogs I came to realize that this is a useful tool and would be a good way of letting people see some of my professional shots recently taken for the dance organisation ADAD. Please feel free to leave comments as I intend to get more professional shots taken and would be grateful for feedback. Looking at various profiles, I'm thinking I'm going to need some Professional head shots taken in the very near future.
When setting up my account, although it was very much a stress free process, I thought it was a bit strange that you had to create a Yahoo account first and as a result I now have one to many email addresses.
Check them out:http://www.flickr.com/people/aliciaa3dance/
When setting up my account, although it was very much a stress free process, I thought it was a bit strange that you had to create a Yahoo account first and as a result I now have one to many email addresses.
Check them out:http://www.flickr.com/people/aliciaa3dance/
Blogging!
So here I am,with my first blog entry, actually quite funny when I think about it as I see myself as quite a computer illiterate person. Easy to set up, but what about the rest? So many questions,am I doing it right? How do I put this there and why does everyone else's look so much better?
But I wont dwell on it, I think I will use my lack of knowledge as an advantage. Dig into the depths of Blogspot to discover just what I can do. Wish me luck x
But I wont dwell on it, I think I will use my lack of knowledge as an advantage. Dig into the depths of Blogspot to discover just what I can do. Wish me luck x
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