After our module one zoom call last Monday evening, one huge thing that stuck with me was Helen saying that our professions ARE normal- it is the "normal" for us. Reflecting on this has put so much into perspective for me. When I first heard the song by The Killers "Are we human, or are we dancer?" I remember feeling a little confused by this; why aren't dancers recognised as human beings? Is this based on the tacit knowledge involved in the discipline? A lot of the industry is very hard to express in words to somebody on the outside, it has been sourced through repetition, muscle memory and personal experience.
I am finding it very interesting that this course is heavily based around knowledge and reflections on how we have gained the knowledge. "Learning something new has to start with the confusion of realising that you don't know something." (Page 44, module one handbook)
I'm not going to hide it, this course is extremely out of my comfort zone and I've had many moments of panic, wondering if I am on the right track. I said to my family the other day "I am so out of practice at being academic," (I now know what my practice isn't- thats a start!) However, no matter how difficult something seems at first, my practice has taught me not to give up.
I began reading "The Creative Habit," by Twyla Tharp, one of America's greatest choreographers and within the first chapter she talks about how important routine is for creativity. Which made me think, for the past 2 years I have been working on a holiday park 250 miles from my home, living in a wooden chalet. Where I was performing the same shows day in, day out. This meant I was relying solely on muscle memory (until we occasionally had to do reblocks!) So, with the current circumstances and nobody performing due to the pandemic. I have just got my own home with my partner and 2 dogs alongside starting my studies on BaPP. There is no surprise that I am finding it hard, my whole routine has changed. With this in mind I have decided to be kinder to myself and not put so much pressure on myself and worrying getting everything right first time. This is a marathon not a sprint.
Bibliography
FACULTY ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES 2020-21 Module One Handbook
TWYLA THARP 2003 The Creative Habit
THE KILLERS 2008 Human
Hi Lucy,
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog!! I too have read "The Creative Habit" and found it to be really interesting. Her idea of having a morning ritual to start the creative day. When we were performing perhaps our ritual was to stretch our muscles ready for the shows ahead. Perhaps we need to create a ritual before starting our study sessions to get the most out of it. Listening to a motivating song or going for a walk to clear your mind before opening the Handbook.
I look forward to reading more of your blogs,
Ellie x
Hi Ellie,
ReplyDeleteThe idea of a ritual is something I never even realised that I do. Humans really are creatures of habit and I agree, doing a ritual and having that routine can really set you up and prepare you for what you're going to do. I definitely need to figure out the best ritual to help with my studies. The lockdown has really got me out of routine and it is such a weird feeling.
xx
Yes, be kind to yourself! I have discovered routine during lockdown after avoiding it for years; the clarity and calm I have found has been so beneficial, enabling me to focus on one thing at a time. Still some work to do on physical exercise routines, but structuring my week has helped enormously.
ReplyDelete