Module 2: Finding A Focus

It has taken me some time to get back into study mode. I was extremely busy coming to the end of a 9 month contract onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam and then settling back into life on land. But I am now home and ready to work!

I have spent a lot of time wondering what topic to base my inquiry around. I found that I was trying to 'think up' a question which is rather difficult to do. However after a very helpful Skype with Helen I learnt that I need to spend time exploring whats out there and see if that sparks any particular areas of interest and just follow the questions that naturally develop from this. 

There were a couple of topics that I had been considering...

The first was 'Gender Roles within Dance.' I wanted to focus on the stereotypes in the dance world and what each gender is 'supposed' to do. Especially in things like ballroom dancing...the men are usually the 'lead' and the females the 'follow.' My question is why? And how can we try to ensure that the dance world keeps up with modern day developments of gender equality.

My second topic was looking at 'Mental Health in Dancers.' In our industry there is such a huge competition. Going to auditions and not getting anywhere can be heartbreaking...you experience constant criticism and start comparing yourself to others and with this comes many insecurities. This can lead onto more serious insecurities such as body issues and consequently eating disorders. There is also a sense of discrimination that you don't experience in many other workplaces...not getting the job because of your height, hair colour or physique. Is there a support system out there for us? 
This is a very broad topic so I need to spend some more time looking into which particular area of mental health I will choose to focus in on.

Looking at my particular practice and where I am in my career right now, I feel as though the route of mental health will be much more beneficial and relevant to me at this time. As a company manager it is my responsibility to look out for my cast members which can be difficult when we are all away from home and living in an intense environment like a cruise ship. If I understand more about the psychological issues dancers are likely to feel and experience then I can be a better manager and create a stronger support system for my dancers.

If anyone is still struggling to finalise a question for their inquiry I highly recommend committing time to browse books, journals and articles....explore different areas of your practice and just see where it takes you. That was definitely the way forward for me and I now feel confident in my topic and excited about what more I can discover and how this will help my practice!

Professional Networks - Affiliation, Communities of Practice & Privacy

As human beings, we seek out interactions with each other, craving the formation of ‘close relationships’ (Crisp & Turner 2007:266) that can be both gratifying and beneficial. In relation to a professional network we need to understand why people make certain affiliations, why some people seek out affiliations at different levels of intensity and how we strive to achieve our ideal network. 

Crisp & Turner talk about our need for affiliation and how it "provides us with a network of support that will help us when we are in need” (Crisp & Turner 2007:266), suggesting that we mostly desire affiliation when we require assistance with something. In the world of performing arts we are introduced to new experiences regularly and rely upon the support of others and the knowledge and information that they may share in order to feel comfortable enough to make the most of a learning situation. 

My general need for affiliation is strong. I enjoy the company of others and much prefer it to working alone. I feel positive and motivated when working alongside others, and generally just much more comfortable knowing they are there. When I work individually I find that I am anxious, I trust myself less and feel worried, causing me to stress. It’s the whole safety in numbers thought, I just feel more settled working in a team. However it has to be said that in some situations, I do prefer working alone; if I need a quiet space in order to focus, like when spending time on my BAPP course. This shows that the need for affiliation can vary, and this depends on a number of factors.

The type of person that we are, our personality traits and preferences, plays a huge part in the level of affiliation that we desire. For example, someone’s social behaviour can tend toward introvert or extrovert; this can affect participation as it changes the level of interaction - social or professional - that we are comfortable with. This personal desire for solitude or contact is suggested by O'Connor & Rosenblood as operating according to the principle of homeostasis. (Crisp & Turner 2007:267). It’s the idea that people control their own levels of affiliation to keep it stable and as close to the preferred level as possible. People with extrovert traits usually prefer to spend much more time interacting within a network than those with introvert traits. Personally I think that both can be advantageous in different situations depending on the desired result. 

Then there is the theory that variation in participation can be dependent upon different cultures.  Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions Theory (2010) helps to evaluate approaches, decisions and actions when interacting with people from different cultures within the workplace, as to not cause offence to anyone. Working onboard a cruise ship I interact with people from over 50 different nationalities and being respectful of different cultures and beliefs is crucial, especially when relying upon a professional network.  

Altman introduced the privacy regulation theory (1975) which suggests that we each require different levels of privacy and these levels can fluctuate over time. I agree with Altman and also think that privacy should be considered from an ethical viewpoint too. Opposing feelings such as isolation or over-crowding can occur when our privacy levels are off balanced. Personally I feel anxious if I am totally alone, but I also feel anxiety when I am overwhelmed by too many people. So I agree with Altman that privacy is a very important factor to consider, especially when thinking about people’s comfort levels within a network.

I think that ‘Affiliation’ in general has really evolved over time…of course our need and desire to affiliate has always been present, but our environment, culture and the development of technology has caused this to change. Personally I think that global participation in Web 2.0 platforms has influenced our need to affiliate and also the way that we choose to affiliate, especially considering the workplace and our professional networks. When I originally started utilizing Web 2.0 platforms I was extremely tentative about what information I shared and made available online. However, through experiences that I accumulated over time I have really developed an understanding that engagement, participation and sharing of information is key to benefitting to the maximum. 

A theory that I found I could really relate to is 'selection, evocation and manipulation' (Buss 1987). He talks about how we choose to avoid certain social situations and then actively interact in others. I definitely avoid groups and situations that I don't think I 'fit in' with and choose to interact with people that I know I have things in common with.

Communities of Practice!

"groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” (Wenger - Trayner 2015:1) 

My own communities of practice include…

• The Arts Garage Dance Studios - I attend multiple times a week when I am home and not away on a ship contract. I enjoy meeting and socialising with people who have similar interests, talking about our job and what our future and present plans are but in a very social, relaxed setting. At the same time as chatting and learning from each other, we are taking a class and developing our physical practice too.

• Total Fitness Gym, Weekly Yoga Classes - Here I get to meet people who do not work within the same practice as me, however they have a huge interest in fitness which is a very key part to my employability and the success of my career. I find it so beneficial to make sure to interact with people independent of my practice, getting an outside opinion and a different view on things.

Due to the nature of my personality and the tendencies of my practice, interacting with people in this more relaxed, social setting is a great way to meet people and make connections that could really benefit my development & career. This has made me realise that I need to make the most of this and really attend as many dance related social events as possible.

References…

(Crisp & Turner 2007:266/267) Crisp & Turner, Essential Social Psychology, 2007

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory (2010) 

Altman, I. (1975). The environment and social behaviour (p. 46). Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Wenger-Trayner, E., & Wenger-Trayner, B. (2015) Communities of Practice:A brief introduction

(Buss 1987) - New Theoretical Perspectives: Selection, Evocation & Manipulation

Web 2.0 - Looking at it from an ethical side

It is no secret that there are some concerns over certain aspects of the Web. 

The fact that online we can be anything we want to be or whoever we say we are is a huge worry. There is always that issue of reliability, making us question sources and profiles. There have been so many reported ‘cat-fish’ stories where someone has very easily and believably presented themselves as a totally different person. There is an opportunity to create a whole new profile for yourself and become whatever you want, and then share this online with other people, making them believe you are who you say you are. This can have an effect on not only personal lives but professional lives too. People have often approached others on social media acting as a boss looking to employ you, and it turns out to be just a huge scam. And although applications try their best to monitor situations like these, there is no real way of knowing whether someone is telling the truth or not.

Then there is the issue of privacy. Anyone anywhere in the world can see what you post and share on social media, we can monitor settings yes, making things more private, but even if they can’t see everything, your name and photo is still out there for the world to see. There have been many cases of stolen identity, people creating social media profiles based off another individual's photos and information. This is a scary thought. 

And then there is the more recent concern of being ‘web-famous’. It seems as though people will do anything these days to get more followers or likes on a video. To be popular in the online-community, no matter what that takes. I have often seen disturbing videos online that have attracted a lot of web attention and wondered which morals that creator had broken in order to get these followers and likes?

Most social media sites have privacy settings that can be changed. I don’t know whether this is just me, but personally I have always found these settings rather confusing – difficult to understand what each setting means or how to change it. 

I feel as though the age at which children get their own device allowing them to access Web 2.0 and create profiles on social media sites is getting younger and younger each year. Younger children are much more naïve and trusting. Personally I think that sites like Instagram & Facebook should automatically be private, you should have to accept someone for them to be able to see anything on your page. 

With this blog I like the fact that I have to share the web link with people for them to be able to view it. It isn’t on google for everyone to access, I must choose to share the link. I think there should be more sites like this and generally more emphasis on privacy on social media sites and Web 2.0 in general.

I am not denying the benefits of Web 2.0…it is a hugely positive development with many advantages. But I do think that more attention needs to be given to the ethical side of things, to protect the people that utilize Web 2.0 in all its glory. 

Lewin's 'Spiral Steps' Technique...

I used Lewin’s ‘Spiral-Steps’ technique to look at an experience I have had lately. I have been working on choreographing a piece for our Christmas Show…

1.	Cycle of Ideas I think that this is truly an essential stage in any learning experience because it is the beginning of an idea…where it all starts and stems from. It is the foundation of an experience – so it must be strong!	Right now I am working on a piece of choreography for our Christmas Show here onboard. I decided that I wanted to create an emotive piece about love, and how the holidays bring everyone together. Especially onboard the ship where we’re all away from our loved ones, this unites us as one - we encourage and support each other during this special time. I did consider an upbeat piece of choreography – something fun and festive. But upon deliberation I felt that a deeper, more meaningful piece would be more effective in capturing my vision. I believe that the theatre is a very special place where we can all come together- dance is a language with no boundaries, everyone can watch a piece, understand it, and feel something. That is what I want to achieve with my Christmas choreography this year. Taking the time to think deeply about my idea; what I want to create and why, is so important because when I start choreographing and creating I have a clear vision.
2.	Fact Finding/Planning/Research This is the chance to collect all of the information I will need to support my idea. Making sure that I have all of the tools necessary to carry out the idea successfully. This is also the fun part, getting to play around with the different routes that my idea could take me in. I feel that in this stage it is important to ask opinions of those around me, see whether they like the music, or if they have any suggestions on costumes etc. Using their opinions to support my creative idea.	I started off with the creative side of things – looking at music, and really spending time searching for something that will really inspire the choreography and show off my vision. The music is a huge aspect and could really make or break the piece. I decided on ‘Ave Maria’ by Beyonce. It’s a beautiful song that I think is perfect for the emotions I am trying to create and share with the audience. We also have a female singer in the cast who’s voice is perfect for this song - I know will be able to sing it charmingly, creating the exact emotion I am going for. There were other options but this one just felt right. I then looked at the practical side of things. Taking time to check out the stage to understand how much space we have to dance. Considering whether I want a music track or whether I should ask the onboard musicians to play onstage with us.  I decided on the music track because I want my female singer and the choreography to be the main focus. I then had to brainstorm the costumes. I know that I want them to be white and for the lighting to have a very warm feel. But I am still deciding on what footwear the dancers will use. Once I decide on the choreography I am sure it will become apparent what footwear will be most feasible.
3.	Action This is the doing part of the experience. Actually taking the idea and making it a reality.	I spent time in the studio playing around with choreography. I first came up with a dance break that will be the core of the routine and will be danced to the chorus of the song. Then I worked on a partner work section that an adagio couple will lead. The style of the choreography is contemporary which I love because it leaves room for my dancers to interpret the steps and make them their own – telling their own story that contributes to my overall vision. I then spent time teaching this choreography to my dancers and trying things out onstage with them to figure out transitions, entrances/exits onto the stage etc. I ran the piece multiple times to prepare for the dress/tech rehearsal of the Christmas show. The piece came together nicely and I was really pleased with how it looked.
4.	Evaluation This is the chance to look back and see how to improve. Looking at parts that may be unnatural and can be fixed but also not forgetting to point out the positive, effective parts too. Not just evaluating myself but having others give feedback too.	My onboard managers came to watch the dress tech rehearsal and it was also filmed so that I could have the opportunity to watch it back. Overall I felt really pleased with the energy and emotion that the cast brought to my piece. There is a section towards the end that my manager noticed was a little clunky. The transition from the partner work section to the final dance break doesn’t flow as smoothly as it should. I hadn’t noticed this before but it was good to get a new set of eyes on the piece and I agreed with his feedback. I also spent time speaking with the dancers to see how the canvas dance shoes worked out. They said it made the stage a little slippery. I thought from watching the recording that the lighting and backdrop were perfect, I felt very proud of how it had come together. My managers agreed and it felt good to get that positive feedback. I think my female singer could start the song off a little softer to really make the piece grow in intensity and have that strong finish.
5.	Planning As creative practitioners we never stop. We are constantly challenging things, challenging ourselves, seeing what we can do better and how we can improve.	I took time looking at the feedback from the dress tech rehearsal to see how I could improve on the piece ready for the show. I tried the dancers out in bare feet and this worked so much better. It was less slippery for them whilst they were dancing and I also liked how it looked with the costumes. I spent time working though some of the transitions to make them smoother. I tried out different things until I found what was right – it just seemed to click and I am really pleased with how it all seems so natural and real and not over choreographed. It is exactly the look I was going for. I spent time working with my female singer to get the change of intensity just right so that it grows as the piece develops. She didn’t seems to understand what I was wanting at first but we really put time in and I think it is going to be great.
6.	Action This is what happens moving forward, as a result of this creative process. How will I continue to move forward and grow?	My dancers performed this piece last week in the opening. I was so proud of them and how they came together. They really felt the piece and I could feel the emotional energy building in the audience just s I had hoped. I now want to challenge myself and work on a more upbeat piece of choreography. Maybe an all male number full of tricks and jumps to really show off what my male dancers can do and capture the Christmas spirit. I have learnt that I tend to go for slower, contemporary pieces, and I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new.

I have found this technique extremely useful in putting reflective thought into practice to better understand an experience, and outline how to move forward in order to continue my development. Noticing what stage I am at in the spiral steps makes it easier to move forward in the right direction.

I have learnt that my practice is an ongoing experience of challenges, achievements, developments, realizations and of course learning. The creative practitioner never stops! I have found it especially useful to focus on the feedback section of these steps…using this feedback to inspire me to keep pushing, growing and making things better.

Discovering my practice and my preferred styles of reflection...

As a manager I feel as though I am always assessing others and reflecting on their professional performance, and I do not spend enough time focusing on myself or reflecting on my own professional practice. This module has been great in making me realize how beneficial reflection is and how taking a small amount of time each day to write a journal can make a huge difference in the development of myself in my practice, and consequently in my career. 

I have always thought that I was a dedicated person - very focused on my career and aiming for the top. I want to progress successfully and I thought that putting 100% effort into my practice each day would be the way to get me there. Always dancing full-out on stage, arriving early to ensure that I am fully warmed up and staying late to cool down and look after my body. But I have come to realize that this is not enough, because the physical side of dance is only one part of my practice. At first glance, my practice is mostly physical. Dancing is of course an active job and many wouldn’t think that dance has an academic side. But focusing on the written side of my practice, documenting experiences, challenges, ideas, is what will help me to develop and be a step above. I have been staying within the safe comfort zone and not pushing myself past this to explore what more I can do to be the professional that I want to be. What other parts of my profession can I explore and learn from? I think that generally I am aware of when I make a bad decision, when something goes wrong or when I have come across something that is new to me. But I have never thought to write down and document these things. It was something that I never knew could be so helpful in growing within my practice. I was narrow minded and didn’t see that my practice can be more than just dancing. I need to take time to realize when I have had an experience that is something that I can learn something from. I need to look back on how I have handled a situation and think about how I can do it better next time. Thinking about these things and having them written down to be able to look back on, compare and share is something that I am excited to get stuck into and something that I am sure I will see great results from.

I have been working professionally within my practice for the last 5 years. Just because I haven’t documented my progress does not mean that I am the same performer now that I was when I started. I haven’t stayed in once place, I have definitely grown and become a more experienced, knowledgeable professional. But I think that I could have grown a lot more if I had focused on reflecting. Seeing the things that I need to look into further and spend more time working on - being more aware of my strengths and my weaknesses so that I am working on relevant areas of my practice rather than focusing on my favorite aspects. Looking at what I need so that I can organize my growth and development in a beneficial and thought out way.

I think it is very important to explore learning and work on understanding myself as a professional and how I learn. If I know what I need from a learning opportunity, then I can put myself in ideal situations where I know I will get the most out of them. But if I don’t know this then I can spend too much time in situations that aren’t as useful to my learning style, or to my practice.

For example…I know that I prefer reflecting in-action. It is something that I do naturally, every day in my practice. As the company manager within my cast I cannot just focus on myself and my performance, I need to look at everyone else, the technical aspects of the show, the audience reaction. My brain is constantly processing multiple things at once and figuring out ways to improve things, help cast members should someone become injured, find a way around a technical-glitch that may affect the show. I simultaneously do this whilst performing myself and I feel as though my brain works best ‘online’. In other aspects of my practice when I need to work ‘offline’ - looking back at a video of the show, breaking down choreography for the cast to give them notes, spending time making a rehearsal schedule -  I have found that I tend to second guess myself, over think things and find problems where there really isn’t a problem at all. I have found that because working ‘offline’ doesn’t come so naturally to me I utilize the help of others around me by asking for their opinions and advice on certain situations. I think this shows that I do know my weaknesses and I always try to improve on them. My profession has definitely had a huge impact on the way I think and reflect and why I naturally prefer reflecting in-action. If my practice involved more down-time, working in an office for example, I would have more experience in reflecting on-action - taking time to analyze ideas and decisions. But due to the nature of my practice, reflecting in-action is definitely something that comes more natural. I plan to work on combining the two…reflecting in-action and then writing about this in my journal and looking deeper into it as I reflect on-action. I think that this will help me to develop different reflection skills and hopefully learn more from my experiences.

Before working through this module I knew that I made better decisions in the moment and that when I took the time to analyze and plan I really struggled. But I didn’t understand the difference between the two. I found Donald Schon’s idea of reflecting in-action vs. reflecting on-action helped me to distinguish between two different reflecting styles and therefore help me to understand why I find one style easier than the other. And Robert Kottcamp’s development of this by adding the idea of reflecting ‘online’ and ‘offline’ is a very visual description for me and something that I can easily picture and relate to.

As a professional I think that is very important to be versatile and have the ability to adapt to different situations. I think that within my practice this is something that makes me employable as a performer. Being open minded and able to work in many different atmospheres and situations is so important for me. It is good to know what I need to be able to perform at my best, however it is also good to be able to make the most of situations that may not be an ideal learning/work environment for me.

I am still exploring my practice; what it is, what this means for me, and how I can develop further. As I look deeper into reflection and start linking it to my own practice I am learning a lot about myself as a professional and how I can continue to grow.