Who else was as excited as me for 'Strictly Come Dancing' to start this year? I have missed out on the past 3 years due to working abroad. Not only was I excited to have a relaxing Saturday night with my family whilst indulging in some treats and getting to 'chill out', but I was eager to have ‘dance’ back in my life, even if it was just on the television. For the past couple of weeks I have been thinking a lot about how much I miss performing. Dance has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, and performing had become my biggest love since graduation, but it was unexpectedly taken away from me earlier this year.
During the first week of the BAPP programme, I became interested in discovering what defines my practice. I started a mind map and stuck it on my bedroom wall, and whenever I had a new idea I wrote it down. As we are starting our Module One portfolios (and having approached mid-term break), I would like to share what I have documented so far. What started off as only two small fragments (Dance and SEN TA), it has now become a rather chaotic combination of ideas. I have organised these ideas into this new mind map;
Let me start by discussing my practice surrounding dance - what I consider to be my biggest passion. My training was challenging, but it allowed me to gain my teaching qualifications as well as leading me to my dream job as a production dancer. This opened up doors to my next two biggest interests - fitness and travel. Dance has also given me a wide range of skills that I believe can be used in many other aspects of my life.
Another part of my practice is my new role as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant. I find myself using the skills that dance taught me in this new field of work, especially when it comes to creativity. I am discovering that the ability to be creative is an excellent form of self-expression, especially in children with differing needs. I enjoy sharing this with the children in my class and believe it is beneficial to them as well.
What has caused the diversion in my career?
I have strong home values and miss my family greatly when working away from home. I discovered that every time I would come home from a contract, it was harder to adapt back to ‘normal’ life. I questioned whether this was healthy. Then, everyones lives were forced to change drastically when we were hit by a global pandemic. I used this as the main reason for my recent career change, but was this an excuse for something more exclusive? As dancers, we know what we need to do to support our bodies and maintain good health. Additionally, I was diagnosed with a minor health issue last year that affected my ability to be in control. I struggled to support myself in the way I needed to when I was on board. Something had to give, and in that moment it was my career.
So where does my practice fit in with this?
I always thought of my practice as being a dancer; and thought about whether I should consider my practice as something else now that I am not dancing anymore. I have realised that ‘professional practice’ doesn’t just refer to your current job; it is about your journey, reactions, morals, professionalism, passion, skills and many more other elements that help create a bigger picture. If anyone can add to this list, I would love to hear your ideas.
I believe that when it comes to dance, there is no real ending. I am a lover of the arts, always will be; and even though I am able to accept changes and discover new aspects of my practice, I like to think my artistry will never diminish.
References
Unknown. (2020). Professional practice. [online]. Designing Buildings. Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Professional_practice#:~:text=The%20term%20'professional%20practice'%20refers,someone%20from%20a%20particular%20profession.&text=Professional%20bodies%20may%20set%20standards,to%20remain%20within%20the%20profession. (Accessed 20/10/2020).
Unknown. (2020). Creativity and Play. [online]. PBS. Available at: https://www.pbs.org/wholechild/providers/play.html. (Accessed 20/10/2020).
Hi Alice, I was so excited for Strictly! A much needed dance and glitter fix!
ReplyDeleteI love how you have linked different elements of your practice together and kept adding to it as you discovered more things. I agree that your practice is in part how you've got to where you are and how that affects you, as well as what you're actually doing now. Lessons of the past are bound to affect you, otherwise surely you didn't learn anything?
I think being a dancer is a fundamental part of who you are, and whether or not you are physically dancing right now is inconsequential. Something that shapes you as a person exists as part of you, and so wherever you go (for you SEN teaching assistant) you take that part of you with you as well as all the other parts.
I am struggling with what aspects to focus on for my essay but am trying to find those moments or events that changed me and my direction. Thank you for sharing your ideas! x
Hi Roanne, thank you for your comment. I agree, Strictly is exactly what we need for our dance fix, and it brings so much happiness to the weekends! I love the way you have described how being a dancer is a fundamental part of who we are! Dance has taught us so much, and I never really noticed before! I am also struggling to find different areas to focus on for my essay, but we just need to recall those moments that have resonated with us the most! I'm going to crack on this week and get some study/writing done, I can't wait to share and hear other peoples ideas! x
DeleteWow what a lovely read Alice! Thank you for sharing your diagram, its great food for thought! It just amazes me how everyones practise is truly unique and we all have different ideas and examples as to what our practises are. I feel like Im constantly getting new ideas from reading everyones blogs! Which is fab! Before this course I never really thought about transferable skills and now it fascinates me how many transferable skills we take from our practise and apply them to other jobs! It just shows how wonderful and adaptable us creatives are!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to your comment about leaving a ship and adapting to 'normal life'. After the initial excitement of seeing everyone and having some fun days out after a contract, I then certainly find myself going into a slump as I don't know what to do with myself! I very much so grieved my job for quite a few months after being sent home during the pandemic, Its been really hard to find my purpose, but I am grateful as this degree is its giving me something to focus on!
Hi Emily, thank you for your comment! I found your post about transferable skills really interesting, made me think about my transferable skills more! It's amazing how we are all artists, but we consider our practice in different ways. It's nice to know that I wasn't alone in feeling grief from the ship life/dancing. I really miss it, even the aspects that I used to complain about. But we are so lucky to have jobs that we love so much, not many people can say that! But this degree is allowing the passion to continue and develop, which is really nice! x
DeleteHi Alice,
ReplyDeleteI love your mind map! I found mapping ideas out really helped me structure my thinking. It also helped me see that we have so many transferable skills from all our experiences and so it's not just about our current job.
I too, am so excited for Strictly Come Dancing!
Thanks
Alys :) x
Thank you Alys! Yes, I am also finding mapping to be so helpful and I hope to continue throughout the course! I am finding transferable skills so interesting, and am interested to hear about how others use their transferable skills in their 'muggle' jobs! x
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