Discovering My Practice

 

Today, I entered into a Zoom meeting at 8.15am which involved students from all three modules coming together to discuss our conceptions and also being able to shed light on anybodies queries. As this was my first discussion I was a little nervous to begin with as there was a lot of things that I will come across at a later date into my learning journey. In spite of this, it was great to see that these Zoom discussions will be a great place for us to air thoughts and ideas amongst the community during this course.

After reading the module handbook, top to bottom and trying to run before I could walk. I decided that I needed to take a step back and start with exploring what my practice truly means to me. I was a little worried at first that I'd struggle with endless reading and getting nowhere. But it was suggested that you should also explore in alternative methods. So, I began by jotting down, in the form of a spider diagram, exactly, what I feel, my practice entails. 

The module 1 handbook states the definition of practice as "The (everyday) doing of what you do informed by inspiration or goals of your art form. Supported by knowledge of techniques and creative processes." 

Since the age of two I have always been "a dancer," whether that be purely for a hobby up until being a professional and being able to travel the world with my craft. 

But, my practice isn't just about being a dancer, its also about how the practice shapes me to be who I am today. I often wonder; would I be a completely different person, with completely different ethics if my parents hadn't taken me with my ballet box in hand with my wrap around cardigan on, way back then?

I had inspiration for the above spider diagram after reading an article by Alessa Rogers, who has been a dancer at Atlanta Ballet, for the past ten years. This article was posted online at 4dancers.org and was called "18 things about being a professional dancer." 

Work Ethic

You could be blessed with flat turnout, long legs or natural mobility and flexibility but it takes true willpower to progress in this cut-throat industry. 

Being an Athlete

Loving your body, taking care of yourself and making sure you know the correct ways to help your injuries etc. Having the stamina to do full days of training and performing shows each day to the best of your ability. 

 

Anxiety

You may often find yourself in difficult, stressful situations, such as when I was embarking on my ship in Cuba and the company had forgotten to organise a transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal. I had to try and lug 40kg of luggage around the airport to change some money and find a cab in a completely foreign place with very few people speaking English. Also, being self employed, having to sort out your own tax returns and finances and taking freelance work with no job reliability and being constantly on the search for another contract. 

Respect

Having respect for your body as I mentioned as part of being an athlete. Respect for your teachers and understanding that they are preparing you for the industry. But, most of all, having respect for your parents. Enabling a child to get involved in the arts is a lot of dedication from them, to fund the classes/courses, becoming a taxi service or whether it just be for support. 

Curiosity

Finding different ways to express yourself, exploring your body and pushing it to the limits. If you are constantly curious about your practice, you'll constantly be surprised how much you can educate yourself. Gaining more experiences and more knowledge of your practice will will give you more to relate to and draw from. 

Faking it

This is the main thing I have learnt from my experiences in my career so far. Always trust yourself, you may feel a complete lack of confidence but you can't show that in your face. 

Enjoyment

Above anything else, we love our practice and thats why we have stuck with it for all these years. No matter how many obstacles or challenges faced along the way. I remember the first time I stepped onto the stage on my first cruise ship, full stage makeup, glamorous costumes, under the lights and hearing the applause. It will forever live in my memories. I was living the dream. 

Making Decisions 

No matter what your practice is, you're always required to make decisions, no matter how small or big that might be. Sometimes these decisions will be selfish or extremely challenging decisions to make. Whether to accept the contract and be away from your family for the majority of the year again? 

So, coming to a conclusion and gathering my thoughts, I now understand that dance is not who I am, it's what I do. I have shaped into who I am with influences from dance that has led me into becoming the person that I am today. Hence the quote at the beginning of this post; Darcey Bussell "It's very easy to become selfish and narrow-minded and see ballet as the only thing in life, but theres lots more." Which seemed a perfect quote for my situation at the moment (I have just got a Poodle puppy and we decided to name her Darcey.)

Look forward to blogging again soon! x

Bibliography

FACULTY ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES 2020-21 Module One Handbook 59

ALESSA ROGERS 2014 http://www.4dancers.org/2014/11/18-things-ive-learned-about-being-a-professional-dancer/

DARCEY BUSSELL https://www.azquotes.com/author/22483-Darcey_Bussell