My Sources of information

Word of mouth

Communicating with others has enabled me to feel attached and associated to the industry. Due to job's being out of the country I work "away" frequently and this always concerns me, as I  feel disconnected and a little lost when I return. However going for a few drinks with a friend of mine in the business keeps me connected to the "performing world". Going to auditions I feel is a great way to meet people for new contacts and you can be providing with information which can lead to many opportunities.

One of my past Jazz teachers always said that each contract you do you should try and "soak up as much information as possible and treat it like you are back at school".  This method has developed my understanding of the industry, actually my last contract I started writing down all that I learnt which increased my understanding and knowledge of professional working. I always find that each year I become more confident which encourages me to start up discussions. Self-belief then pushes me to have opinions that are beneficial and I find others will participate, so all information is flowing within a network. Yes sometimes you may be given incorrect information however I believe that any discussion or network will have its positives and benefits. We are all travelling along the same paths and at the dead end we are hoping there will be a job. Some people will be secretive for their own benefit, but I don't personally do this as I always believe if you are generous then people will be in reverse.

Internet

The Internet has influenced me to constantly view accommodating websites which has lead to successful employment. After reading blogs and talking to other’s I believe I can confidently say the Internet is a fabulous tool and we would be restricted without this resource. I don’t just use the Internet for research and exploration I use it to connect with work colleagues and even my agent.

I have made a list below of my main sites that have enthused me further into my career.

Facebook- Interacting with a close network of people. I develop my relationships and gain new ideas and knowledge.

YouTube- I gain inspiration by watching video’s.

E-mail- Having e-mail usage on my blackberry phone has been heaven it makes life so much effortless.

Blogging- I am new to blogging however without this brilliant source I feel I would of struggled with this course.

Dancers pro- A fantastic website for auditions and contacts. Very easy to use, popular with performers and you can normally trust the information.

Hayley states in one of her blogs “I think this day and age the Internet is such a big part of society and it got me thinking of other sources of information I may use or may use more of if the Internet didn’t exist or wasn’t as accessible as it was today” This question got me thinking, the Worldwide Web is a vast library of data and the fact is most of us would struggle and we would be limited if it wasn’t for this valuable source. I use the Internet for education and entertainment!

Agent

I have had an agent since leaving Performing Arts College. I am going to justify my negatives and positives in this analysis as I do have mixed views and thoughts. Having an agent makes me feel more professional and in a weird way qualified at what I do. I have had many auditions due to my agent having useful contacts and information.

I have a very comfortable and good relationship with my agent which I feel works best for me.When I was less experienced I was under the impression that "you work for the agent" and its easy to treat them like they are your boss,however I now understand that actually "they work for you". Sometimes I find it hard to say "no" as there are always auditions that I don't fit the criteria for, however I always feel I need to attend so he knows I am motivated and willing.

An agent should always have access to extra information that you can't get hold of. There professional network is bigger than ours and they are more associated to the industry. If I want Auditions,numbers for
casting directors, cheap theatre tickets my first point of call is always my agent. Also my agent watches all my shows and tells me his opinions which I feel is very helpful and (normally) encouraging.

Another major positive for me which Ross mentioned "This has now helped me greatly as now I often attend auditions that are private and have a lot less people at, as they are not open to everyone and mainly the people who are there have agents themselves." I do agree with Ross as I hate auditions that are like a cattle-market. Everybody can be seen properly and its a smoother process.

Events

I adore going to shows as this was what inspired me to perform in the first place! Cery's quoted that"I also enjoy watching dance performances as it re-energises me, gives me inspiration and new ideas that I can then take back and develop in my class or choreography" I absolutely feel the same. Sometimes I watch a show and I can't sleep for a week due to so many ideas running through my head. Watching a show inspires me to work harder and aim higher, basically gives me a boost.

Buying a show programme can inspire as you can see the paths of other performers which I feel can be stimulating. Also at events there is the possibility of networking. Influential and important people go to the theatre so watching a show gives me pleasure but also hopeful contacts.

Teachers and Choreographers

It is important to make a good impression on all teachers and choreographers as they can offer you work and help you in your career. I am always very genuine and if I have a connection on a personal level then the networking is more intense but I always keep it professional.

Amanda Black mentioned in a blog that "I would also say that you have to be careful when forming relationships to set out the guidelines, and have a mutual understanding of where you are both coming from" I do agree with this as sometimes work and pleasure does not mix however I have loads of friends who are choreographers and it has only progressed me further and brought success. I learn from teachers and choreographers all the time which is brilliant as they are normally experienced and have been in the business along time.

References

Dunning R (2010) Sources of Information,  http://rossdunning.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed 30/12/10

Cery's Dixie (2010) Sources of Information,  http://cerysdixie.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed 30/12/10

Hayley Bence (2010) Sources of information, http://hayleyjaynebence.blogspot.com/ Web Accessed (30/12/10)

Amanda Black (2010) Sources of information, http://00amandablack.blogspot.com/Web Accessed (30/12/10)

Affiliation-The relationship resulting from affiliating one thing with another.

Crisp and Turner posed the question of “If experienced and influential individuals are likely to be at their preferred level of affiliation, why is it common for them to still assist younger, less experienced individuals?" (The Networked Professional 2010/11) I found this question very intriguing as I feel everyone is in a never ending cycle of information, whether you are less experienced or not. Everyone has been through different training,idea's not known to others, dissimilar judgements and understanding. In a network we can learn from each other, it does not matter how experienced you are everyone has something to give.

I am currently in the middle of a panto contract and I am working with some great individuals and I feel I am constantly captivated with there level of knowledge and experience. I try and "soak up" all the information I can in discussions however I still offer my input as I have intelligence in different areas of the business.

Joanna Adenyinka states that " I personally delight in being able to pass on knowledge to a younger person or up and coming performer. I questioned why this is such a satisfying feeling and concluded that it could be for many reasons".  I can absolutely relate to this as of course it is a satisfying feeling. You are handing them information,supplying them with help, it may not be a gift but they are gaining something!

Affiliation is a concept in the field of social psychology that seeks to explain why humans ‘form close relationships" (Crisp & Turner, 2007 pp266) Every job that I do I always form a trusting bond with at least one friend which enables us to both be generous in exchanging contacts and information.I don't purposely force myself upon people to gain something, its natural relationships that are formed because of similar interests. 

"If we don’t affiliate in the realms of our own professional networks we won’t know what’s going on and there won’t be a place for us to raise questions or seek out information.Without this we would feel out of the
loop and in the dark which in today’s society won’t help you progress." I agree with Ross and to add on to this quote I always feel out the loop with the industry when I am "out of work" as you are not socialising and connecting with people face to face on a daily basis. Yes you have the Internet but I always learn more when you are in the experience.


References-

The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf- Accesed (21/12/10)

Ross Dunning Blogspot- (2010)http://rossdunning.blogspot.com/2010/11/critical-reflection-on-networked.html-Accessed (21/12/10)

Joanna Adeyinka-(2010)http://joanna-adeyinka.blogspot.com/2010/11/critical-reflection-on-professional.html-Accessed (21/12/10)

Crisp, J & Turner, R 2007 Essential social psychology London Sage

Just alittle bedtime story!

Just before I write this blog I have to say I did ask the people involved in this little funny story if I could write this for the world to see. I am going to try and re-call it as best as I can but I have to admit it's one of those story's you have to know the people and obviously have to be there for the full effect for bags of laughter.

Tonight me and a few colleagues who I am working with went out for a few drinks. We were all chatting away and we started talking about the contract in general, about the people we were working with and impressions we had made on the directer etc... overall I feel we are a very strong cast and an audience would be very impressed with the show. One of the dancers then replied "well I will never get the chance to work for this company again" at which I got very baffled as he is a fabulous dancer he just lacks confidence. He then continued to say "well I have really damaged my chance up as a dancer as I got a note (from the director) that I messed up the ghost gag on tuesday's show" (he was honestly being serious) I automatically burst into laughter as a note from the director about a ghost gag in a pantomime which lasts approximately 30 seconds is not going to STOP your career as a performer. I guess when you are completely fresh out of college any little "hiccip" would give you a sleepless night, which then got me reflecting on what I was like new into the business.

After this little episode which did tickle me (alot) it got me thinking about alsorts.Confidence does make people seem more experienced and knowledgeable. My friend always says "everyone is always afraid to an extent that one day they will get caught out, that really they don't no what they are doing, however confidence will always hide that fear" I love this as it's so true. I always believe that if you seem emphatic to directors then naturally they become convinced that you must be good and you can almost become on a level with them.

The business is all about hierarchy,we all have our rank depending on experience but also position's in the industry.However I do feel if you are on the bottom ladder it doesn't mean you are not as good as the person on the top,its just a progression!

Communities of Practice-lifelong learning!

I believe it is very important to share and indulge in other people's ideas as its a great form of learning. I always benefit from having a discussion from someone who is passionate about the Performing Arts industry. Everyone has different ideas, perception's and theory's, some which may be insignificant however I feel interaction is always valuable.

A community practice enables people with the same interests and passions to share information and experiences. "CoPs can exist online, such as within discussion boards and newsgroups, or in real life, such as in a lunch room at work, in a field setting, on a factory floor, or elsewhere in the environment" (Wikipidia) I like this statement as it leaves the set up of a community of practice group very open as anyone can set one up and encourage members to join. There are a few groups on facebook where you can voice opinions and discuss certain company's but I haven't come across a discussion group as such which I feel would benefit this industry. "Communities of practice have also become an important focus within organizational development and have considerable value when thinking about working with groups" (The netwoked professional-2010)

 "Supposing learning is social and comes largely from of our experience of participating in daily life?" (Wenger 1998: 3). I am a great believer in you learn as you go through life. Listening to stories, experiences and general problem solving.

I have set myself a task to write down three things each day that i feel is gained knowledge whether it is pointless information or not. These five learning points will be within my professional network.

Todays gained knowledge

1- That Sonny (a friend who i am working with) can speak fluent Spanish.
2-A dance step (that i have always struggled with)
3- Saw an job on Facebook that is re-casting, and it is a company I have always wanted to work for

This BAPP course is a community of practice as we are communicating via blogging, we are sharing thoughts, exchanging knowledge and inspiring one another. We are all such a mixture of people however I feel I have gained so much from reading and engaging in other people's ideas.


References
Wikipedia-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_of_practice- Accessed 18/12/10

The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11

http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdfAccessed 18/12/10

Wenger 1998: 3-http://www.infed.org/biblio/communities_of_practice.htm Accessed 18/12/10

Connectivism-Learning and knowledge rest in diversity of opinions.

I sometimes read a paragraph over and over again and my brain still feels fuzzed! It is only until I connect with the information that knowledge starts to becomes apparent to the mind.  Connection is an important way to learn and that is why I can relate to the theory connectivism as I have to understand something before any learning really takes place. It took me a while to understand the meaning and nature of the theory of connectivism but then I realised I need to to use this theory to understand it! "learning is knowledge transferred from teacher (or book;webpage etc) to student needs to be modified" (The Networked professional,2010) Intelligence is a function of the number of connections learned. The wider connections you have the more you are going to benefit as there are more people which equals more experience. "Connectivism is a learning theory influenced by the spread of the Internet and digital technologies especially social media like web2.0" -Siemens,G.(2004) Being part of this BAPP course this is the way we are learning, we are using digital technologies not only to enhance our knowledge but to gain access to all our work. You can learn via blogging, facebook, web searching, e-mail etc so there are so many sources that are easily accessible that you can gain fantastic knowledge from. Also the web offers opinions,beliefs and perceptions from others which is very helpful as it inspires you to think and go for more.

Thinking back to the last campus session we looked at "nodes" as connection points. Before the campus session I wasn't aware of this mark however after the tube map feature I am fully aware of  my current connections even if some of them are in the distance. I am going to increase and develop my nodes for the future as I feel these could be stepping stones to a possible job. The connections I do have I will maintain and nuture to ensure maximum benifit. "Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources. A learner can exponentially improve their own learning by plugging into an existing network"

http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html

Cerys Dixie quoted that "On the other hand technology can be a very useful tool when it comes to learning. With the vast amount of information available to us we no longer have to experience things for ourselves to be able to learn about them" She is completely right however I feel if we are asked to learn about "how vegetables grow" then you could just type it into the computer and let google do all the work for you. Definitely computers have made our lives easier and a lot more convenient both physically and mentally. Its effortless and saves time but is that what we want in order to be well educated?

"The capacity to know more is more critical that what is currently known. Knowing where to find information is more important than knowing information" http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html

References

The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf  - Accessed- 15/12/10

Connectism-http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html- Accessed- 15/12/10

Cerys Dixie Blogspot-http://cerysdixie.blogspot.com/2010/11/theories-relating-to-networking.html- Accessed- 15/12/10

Siemens,G.(2004)-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf- Accessed- 15/12/10

Social Constructionism- Social constructivists believe that reality is constructed through human activity!

A newspaper would read very differently depending on society, infact there wouldn't be anything to write if it wasn't for us. "The world is of course out objectively out there,but how we come to understand it is a construction or creation of our own making"(The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11) Facebook (for exp) is an absolutely massive intricate network formed due to us.This network is a large social constructivism. Everyone's connections are weaving and interweaving over one another. Everyone has there on individual network however we are all linked in some way. Some people in my network I barely no but I might need them in the future and then a stronger bond in the network will be formed. We make the choices how we want our network to be shaped, we are in control of our own development.Some of my networks don't really exist, if I need it for my professional career I can build it. We have to frame our networks, it doesn't happen naturally,we are the ones who create and form the bonds.

We create meanings, beliefs, inventions that are important aspects to our everyday life's. Nothing would exist if it wasn't for social constructivism and everyday we develop and bring to existence more. One person didn't invent the London eye did they? No social interaction would of taking place,idea's shared and of course social constructivism. "One of it's key principles is that through social interaction, humans "construct"meanings of the world and there experiences of it"(The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11)

Mark Iles mentioned in one of his blogs "I like the idea that in order to fully grasp something you have to make it part of your experience" If you think about it when you are born you aren't christened to be a plumber or an artist, you decide, you make your own future. To find that future you have to pass hurdles and learn from experience. I always think its really strange that maybe I could in fact actually be a world-class jockey, however, unless I experience it how would i actually no? or maybe a lawyer?

Ross Dunning quotes "We can’t just expect our networks to grow and develop by themselves we have to help by constructing them with new contacts, new ideas or new ways of thinking" If i didn't do all the exploring and researching then I wouldn't have a job today. You have to build, develop and maintain to succeed in this hard but rewarding industry!

Ross Dunning Blogspot-http://rossdunning.blogspot.com/2010/11/critical-reflection-on-networked.html- Accessed- 15/12/10

The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf-  Accessed- 15/12/10 

Marc Iles Blogspot- http://markgraemeiles.blogspot.com/2010/12/social-constructionism.html-Accessed-15/12/10

Cooperation-"Why do some players do better than others? Are they using a particular method or strategy?"

I'm doing panto over Christmas and in the interval today I decided to get some advise on teaching qualifications from one of the dancers. I was asking her what qualification she has that enables her to feel confident enough but also proves that she is a capable of teaching at a high standard. It took a while to get the conversation rolling as we were both aware that we do teach in similar areas, however when we realised that we both had different ways of teaching and the way we advertise ourselves it became very interesting. The conversation could of been
strategic from her side, and during the conversation I was making choices and calculated what she was saying. Analyzing the conversation cooperation was apparent from the both of us, so I feel we have both aided each other and given the confidence to aim higher in our work.

Sometimes I can be selfish at giving information away for the simple fact that there isn't much work out there and if i felt somebody treading on my toes then yes I would keep quiet. Most of the time I enjoy helping others as I no how hard it is, but I wouldn't keep providing information to a friend who didn't reciprocate.

Game theory is a branch of applied mathematics that is used in the social sciences, most notably in economics, as well as in biology (particularly evolutionary biology and ecology), engineering, political science, international relations, computer science, social psychology, and philosophy. Game theory attempts to mathematically capture behavior in strategic situations, or games, in which an individuals success in making choices depends on the choices of others (Myerson, 1991). After doing some research on the notion of cooperation and analyzing Axrolds (1984) TIT of TAT theory I understand why someone would want to succeed at another person's expense however I believe working as one can be more effective. Researching Robert Axelrod's (1984) theory I have identified that working together with friends in the business and networking with them on a regular basis can develop benefits.

I did play the prisoner's dilemma game involving the principle of tit-for-tat cooperation consisting in interacting in a cooperative mode with a partner as long as he/she does the same.I learnt that imitating another person's moves you are not learning from your own experiences so it is hard to process information. I also fundamentally feel human cooperation and trust works best for me in my professional networking community.

I found a really helpful website which includes the prisoner's dilemma game. The result's of the game are below-

There have been 11001 cooperators (1109 got 2 years and 9892 got 10 years in jail) and 10223 defectors (978 got 0 years and 9245 got 8 years in jail).

References


Prisoner's dilemma game- http://bio150.chass.utoronto.ca/pdgame/- Accessed 15/12/10

Myerson, 1991- The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf-Accessed 15/12/10

Robert Axelrod's (1984)-The Networked Professional Reader 2010/11- http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133682/The%20Networked%20Professional%20Reader.pdf-Acessed 15/12/10

3a- My current networks

I believe your career is like a journey. Travelling along the different paths you meet people that will help you succeed further in work life. In most people's field of work there is an interconnecting system of people, its like a massive spider web.The very popular form of communication is via the web, people are constantly exchanging information and help through this form of network.

When my mum decided I needed to shake of some of my energy she took me to my local dance school, it was my teacher there that was really my first point of network. I didn't even no you could go to a dance college and have a career as a professional dancer. I can remember being stunned at the fact that performing could actually be a job. My web started to grow bigger the day I started Performing Arts college, as I was meeting people who wanted to go into the same industry as me. Actually my very first dance teacher supported me into becoming a qualified dance teacher as without her I would have really struggled. The qualification that I wanted to gain I had to have a teacher(obviously a dance teacher herself) that knew me but also someone who believed that I would be capable of becoming a dance teacher myself.

I went to the last campus session titled "The Networked Professional" I gathered some very interesting information, and I found myself developing my current networks deeper. So for example I went onto facebook and searched my performing friends pages to see what other professional dance groups they were with. This then widens my professional network which increases my chances of being successful. I now understand that my network is constantly moving and changing,weaving and interweaving in different directions. I honestly didn't realise how much I depended on my current networks and what a difference they have made to my career so far. I found it easier to bullet point all my current networks and to have alittle think about how i can enhance them and what possibilities they can bring.

Friends-We make a living by what we get;we make a life by what we give."

-Winston Churchill-

I didn't acknowledge how much i needed my friends for my career. I am constantly calling them for new contacts,help with songs, or even if they know of any jobs available. I am a great believer in making friends as you travel through life not just keeping the ones you grew up with, so alot of my friends are people I have met at training school, jobs or auditions. I feel as long as you help them they will help you, as at the end of the day we all have similar goals and aims. What I keep thinking about is if it wasn't for certain friends of mine I could be in a completely different place. Alan Durrant mentioned on a blog "Part of my professional network strategy is to nurture‘professional friendships’ I really liked this and i agree. Commit and stable a professional friendship,be generous, and you can almost guarantee something will come of it and if it doesn't you always have a good friend.

Social networking sites

I feel like I couldn't live without"certain" technologies for my professional but also my private life. I am constantly interacting with friends within the business and it would be alot harder without this incredible source. Doing this course has made me look more in depth at the possibilities of the wonderful world of web 2.0 and what it can bring to my carear as a performer.

Working for the same employers

I believe it is really important to have a good reputation in my line of work. The dance world really is about "getting your foot in the door"I no it sounds cheesy and obviously you do need to have some talent, but once you are in a network your position as a dancer does feel more settling. I do get a little slack and I do sometimes just assume certain companys will just keep using me but actually a few e-mails will keep the network fresh.

Agent

I learn alot from my agent and he is somewhere in the centre of my newtwork web. He after all is the one who mainly gets me the audions,tells me about casting directors and where my career should be heading. I do feel I should see him more often as talking to someone face to face does produce a better connected realtionship.

Face 2 Face

I always worry about working away (for a long time) as I feel once you are out of the auditioning circuit sometimes you can be forgotten. You forever see the same faces at auditions and classes and you almost start to feel at home. When I got my first job straight out of college I will always remember one teacher saying to me "is it a good idea to leave the country now when you should be getting your face out there to be known" I do have missed opinions about this. The industry constantly changes so you need to keep up to date, also you do need to keep your face known to casting directors but at the same time we all need work and sometimes you have to leave the face 2 face network behind.

Phone
I have invested in a Blackberry phone to enable constant contact with a wide network of people. The amazing creation of the Blackberry means not only can I call someone but I can e-mail,instant message and even facebook people. I never feel alone as all my networks are on my phone!!!

Contacts book/Spotlight
I mentioned the contacts book at the last campus session as being a really good source of information. Most casting directors are in there so what more would you want!

I feel I have a very comfortable and trusting network. Having been in the "performing world" for 6 years I understand you have to be professional and hardworking but always be genuine and true to yourself,never be GOOD friends with someone just for a job! Yes of course there are people in my network that I don't necessary know that well but some of my best jobs have been from the outer circle of my spiders web! Just thinking actually I bumped into Carly (who is doing this BAPP course)in pineapple and we were talking about a certain company that she would never recommend. I feel really thankful that  I networked with her on the lst campus session as  I then felt confident enough to trust the information she was given me.

2d-Life is a dance,from one stage to the next

I have been spoilt for chose to find a line of inquiry as there are so many questions I want to figure out. The performing world really is a mixture of confusion and mystification and this task will help me learn about a question that has always frustrated me. I was in London this weekend with friend who isn’t a performer and he asked about another friend of mine. I casually told him “oh she is really good, she is leafleting today” he looked at me with bewilderment in his face and asked “why”.  Then I was confused and said “she is working” so then we were both frowning in silence trying to grasp if we were on the same page. Then it made sense, why would she be leafleting on the streets in the cold when she is a dancer?

The reason why I have chosen this as my line of inquiry is because this is an area that makes me frustrated and I want to look at other ways a performer can stay in work and feel happy and passionate about there profession. After leaving Italia Conti I went straight into my first amazing contract onboard the Oriana for 10 months however when I got back I felt miserable and generally lost. At college they teach you how to audition, how to perform but do they teach you how to cope with the reality of being unemployed? My answer is not really. When I was at college I was kept in a blissful bubble however valuable information could have taken me into the real world. Rejection, lack of finance and disappointment of not gaining employment has caused a lot of performers in the industry to give up their dream. I do find it funny when people ask me “so what do you do as a career” and I answer “I am a dancer” and they always look at me in admiration which is lovely but do they appreciate how hard our line of work is? Properly not, but then why should they? My favourite line is “are you on TV yet?” it makes me laugh (a little nervy) every time.

The passion I have when I am performing allows me to cope with the distress of looking for work but I do wish there was something we were able to fall back on. When I am in work I am constantly thinking about what my next job is going to be, will it pay the rent, how long will I be unemployed? It is an unstructured way of living; you are always not knowing what and where you will be. Don’t get me wrong it is stimulating and exciting, but I hate not having money and to have money you have to be working. I believe dancers are among the most passionate and dedicated of artists and we rarely take our work for granted.

So I have decided to research and find ways to enjoy getting work, and finding new hobbies!

Work for yourself- Start your own business- it’s the best thing I ever done!

Sell something, make something, do something!

Travel the world!

Exercise- You need to be fit to dance!

Teaching- Teaching is such good money and you are inspiring others!

Do a course- Maybe a BAPP course would be handy for your profession

Do some social networking

Promotional work

Find an agent- seeking out representation

Go to the theatre- get inspired and motivated

“If dancing were any easier it would be called football”

“Quitters never win and winners never quit”

Reflective Theory

I was walking on the beach in Vietnam a couple of weeks ago with a friend, and just by coincidence we started talking about how people take different routes for their future. Normally your chosen occupation is something you are good at but also interested in. I can remember watching a dance film when I was younger and I can honestly say I didn’t sleep for days after as I just mesmerized at what I saw. I suppose even from a young age (without meaning to) you are reflecting on things you see, hear and that is how we learn. Then as I got older (thank god) I discovered that I was a natural dancer and that was the path I wanted to go down, however many of my friends took completely different routes. Howard Gardner says that “people are intelligent in a number of ways” I feel this is so true. I believe my intelligence is a kinesthetic and also a musical kind and how I found that out was due to my experience.

I am an experienced dance teacher and each day I expand my knowledge due to reflecting on my lessons. Reflection has been a substantial part of my learning and each day I modify my teaching to improve my work. I have made many mistakes at work, but I believe if I didn’t make those errors and reflect upon them then I wouldn’t discover new and better techniques. “Knowledge is not the same as morality, but we need to understand if we are to avoid past mistakes and move in productive directions. An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do...” (Howard Gardner 1999: 180-181) Gardner also talks about the idea of Visual, Auditory and kinesthetic learners. I find it hard to concentrate and engage if I am watching something or listening to someone, so I most definitely learn better kinesthetically.

Margaret H'Doubler wrote and spoke about kinaesthetic learning in the 1940s. She defined kinaesthetic learning as the human's body's ability to express itself through movement and dance. I find this very interesting as I am a dancer and I find it easier to learn carrying out a physical activity.

Yesterday I watched a dance class (I was sitting down) and I felt uncomfortable. I was learning very little and I didn’t feel connected to what was happening. I decided to join in and automatically I felt at ease and I gained something from the class. I understand that I am not one type of learner but clearly find I have a predominantly kinesthetic learning style. Tomorrow I have decided to try and use Visual and Auditory learners and I will reflect on how I develop and what I gain from using these styles.

In the arts you are constantly experimenting with ideas and that again is how you learn. I can remember at college me and my tutor was trying to find the best style of singing that suited my voice the best. After we went through Jazz, Rock, Motown etc we decided Musical theatre was my flair! We only found this out by experimental learning and reflecting on what I studied.

John Dewey believes that “if people had full experience and therefore full engagement with their lives they would be better able to be part of society, fully engage with democracy and spend time solving worldly problems” I have faith in this as I feel the more you engage and reflect upon your everyday existence the more you can be involved with society as you have learnt from experience. I read the other day “Thinking is the method of intelligent learning, of learning that employs and rewards the mind”.

The learning cycle

Kolbs learning cycle is very helpful and dynamic as it offers both a way to understand individual people's different learning styles, and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential learning that applies to us all.

Kolb and Fry (1975) argue that the learning cycle can begin at any one of the four points - and that it should really be approached as a continuous spiral. However, it is suggested that the learning process often begins with a person carrying out a particular action and then seeing the effect of the action in this situation.

I watched some video footage of David Kolb explaining experimental learning which I found very interesting.

http://www.learningfromexperience.com/

In the interview David Kolb talks about William James and what he said-

He said that as human beings all we have is our experience, and all knowledge  begins in our experience, and the way we know something is true, is that it comes back and proves true in our experience, so experiential learning puts learning in the centre of a learning process. As a learner it’s my experience that guides how I learn and says when I have learnt something.

Its all about experience!

I found this very valuable as you do only no when something is true when you have experienced it.  You can only learn when you have experienced it. You are in control of your learning; we are able to create our own experiences.  We are at the centre of a learning process, we decide how and when. Everyone is individual; everyone can enter the cycle in a different point depending on what type of learner you are. I really like the “learning cycle” as it’s an organized way of learning!

I feel I enter the cycle at the abstract conceptualization because I am a “thinker” my point of learning something new is when I “work it out in my head first”.  I talked to my friend Elizabeth and she said she enters the learning cycle at active experimentation as she believes that trying out what she has learnt is effective. I find it intriguing that everyone goes through all 4 modes of learning but everyone enters the dynamic process at a different point. David Kolb’s opinion is “it’s not the teacher who is the centre, it’s the learner” the focus should be on the learner as it’s the learner who is reflecting on the experience and they need to have the understanding of their observations so they can imply it to their work.

I am constantly reviewing all my classes, auditions and jobs. I really like Peter Honey and Alan Mumford’s four basic learning styles so below I have reflected upon one of my classes (where there was a problem) using this theory.

Having an experience-I get to the school and I realize the class has moved to a different hall. My class is big and can be difficult so all the children would struggle for space.

Reviewing the experience- I notice that the children are moaning, not really paying attention. So I decide that instead of dance we will play games instead. I try and think on my feet but I feel nervous as I feel unprepared.

Concluding from the experience- I start to reflect and I learn that feeling unprepared makes me feel weak. The class isn’t going well and I now realize that I should have voiced that we need a bigger space.

Planning the next steps- I e-mailed the school and said it won’t be possible to do a dance class again in that space. I learnt that smaller rooms could arise again so I need to be prepared with games or a more combined dance if this happened again. 

Donald Schon introduced the idea of reflection-in-action, and reflection on-action. I started teaching when I was 16 and panicked if a class was struggling to learn a routine. I would teach slower but I would never change a routine on the spot. After teaching for 7 years I constantly reflect-in-action, I respond to what I see and feel and change it if I need to. I agree with Robert Kottcamp in that reflection-in-action is harder to achieve however the more experience you have the more effortless it becomes. “The actor must simultaneously attend to performing the action and observe and analyze his or her action, as if from an external perspective. Further, in reflection- in- action the actor is the sole collector of data on the event” I guess whilst doing the action you have to observe, reflect, conclude and try out all in one! Reflection-in-action is continually used in our profession as dancers we are use to adapting in seconds.  If you were a writer you would use reflection-on-action as you can always go back and source other information at a much slower pace.

Muscle memory-in relation to Twyla Tharp’s explanation-

When I took my associate to become a qualified dance teacher a big section was on muscle memory. It really is amazing that our bodies retain so much information and can remember movements for a long time. Sometimes when I do a dance I can be thinking about what I am having for dinner as my body will naturally do the steps. I was doing some research on this topic and I found this quote on wise geek which I found attention-grabbing “Muscle memory can best be described as a type of movement with which the muscles become familiar over time. For instance, newborns don’t have muscle memory for activities like crawling, scooting or walking. The only way for the muscles to become accustomed to these activities is for the baby to learn how to do these things and then practice them with a great deal of trial and error. Gradually, as the baby becomes a skilled walker, he falls less, is able to balance, and finally is able to incorporate other activities into his life such as running”http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-muscle-memory.htm I like this extract as it gets you thinking “How do I know how to stand and walk” it’s actually your whole body that is involved, with muscle co-ordination and repetition. We don’t tell the body to walk; the body just knows how to do it, largely because neurons communicate with the muscles and say, “walk now.” According to neuroscientists, it’s the movements that become thoroughly mapped in the brain, creating a shorthand between thinking and doing. When I dance I don’t think about each movement individually, it’s the remembrance in our muscles that enables us to do the movements subconsciously. Muscle memory allows us to perform tasks without the same conscious thought that was required the first time we did it.

 

References

Kolb's learning experience-http://www.learningfromexperience.com/- Accessed- 18/11/10

Howard Gardner - Reflective Practices Reader-2010/11- http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133687/Reflective%20Practices%20Reader.pdf- Accessed- 18/11/10


John Dewey-  Reflective Practices Reader-2010/11- http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133687/Reflective%20Practices%20Reader.pdf
Accessed 18/11/10


Wisegeek-http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-muscle-memory.htm Accessed 18/11/10


Robert Kottcamp- Reflective Practices Reader-2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133687/Reflective%20Practices%20Reader.pdf-Accesed 18/11/10

My first poem

My blue eyes pricking with tears
Lips desiccated like a dry leaf
Chin quivering with a rhythm of a flapping bird
A lump in my throat ready to burst
Hands trembling with fear
The tears drop like a leaking tap
Salty water fills my mouth
I whisper I need you, I need you now.

Reflective writing

I chose to journal about a very tough day full with mixed emotions. I decided that the long journey returning to England after being away from family and friends for six months would be the perfect day to reflect upon. I actually had no idea how I was going to be feeling and what direction my mood would be in which made the task more interesting. After the day was completed I brainstormed all my emotions and came up with one word after reflecting on the day- LOST

Journey part 1 - Walking away from the ship (in Singapore) I felt free with butterflies in my stomach. I was thinking that this is it, I have completed the (what I like to call it) prison sentence. I kept thinking about the new cast arriving and somebody else sleeping in my bed which made me feel a little uneasy. I noticed that some people found it awkward to say goodbye whilst others were very larger-than-life.

Journey part 2- At the airport I seriously had the giggles which I am convinced was to shadow how tense I was truly feeling. I was acting very silly and one of the main events was going into duty free and trying out every face cream on my face (don’t worry it was a tester).

Journey part 3- On the 14 hour plane trip I sat between my two close friends who had completed the adventurous contract which waged war on our emotions. I decided to write about this part of the journey from the perspective of one of my friends. She was very quiet and composed which is extremely out of character. She kept looking out of the window and when I asked her what she was thinking she said she felt no emotion and almost empty inside.

Journey part 4- When I returned to Heathrow airport my long term boyfriend was waiting in the arrival lounge and I felt a wave of tears run though my body. It’s strange as I didn’t know my body and mind would react like that. I was very surprised with myself as normally I don’t cry that often and I’m still not even sure why I responded like that. “ It is through the sensuous world of the body, though the eyes , ears, skin, muscles, and organs that we see, feel and respond to all that happens” (Tufnell and Crickmay,2004).

Journey part 5- In the car I was very quiet as I felt peculiar inside. Almost like I didn’t really belong anywhere which made me feel uncomfortable.I kept getting phone calls from friends and I struggled to speak as I felt apprehensive and not myself. “In the rush and pressure of our everyday lives we easily become numbed and cut off from our bodies” (Tufnell and Crickmay,2004). I tried to make sense of what I was feeling and I believe it is only natural to feel misplaced and anxious as I hadn’t seen my boyfriend, friends, family and English weather for 6 months!

After having done this exercise I learnt a lot due to reflecting on my day. I was counting down days to return home and I thought I would be in a state of ecstasy however I have learnt that change makes me feel perturbed.

References- Tufnell and Crickmay,2004- Reflective Practices Reader-2010/11-http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/data/files4/133687/Reflective%20Practices%20Reader.pdf- Accessed 11/11/10

Reflective journal

I am back from the bumpy seas of Asia and I can frankly say I feel like I have been mislaid somewhere as it feels so strange to be home. I have been looking through everybody’s blogs for the past hour and I am so impressed and inspired that I am looking forward to getting stuck in with the second part of the course.

I have been writing a journal for the past two weeks which has had a positive effect on me and has encouraged me to make the most of each day. The contract I have just completed was rather tough and at times I felt like part of the machinery on the ship! Everyday was basically identical from the food to waking up looking at the same faces, so writing a journal and reflecting on each day was very motivating. I have been reading Cery’s blog on “Journal writing” and I can really connect with her statement that “Life happens so quickly and we are always looking forward to the next thing that sometimes we forget to take the time to look back” I am a prime example of rushing through life. On the ship I done a countdown chart which I would mark of at the end of each day, but after 50 days of doing this I realized I am actually wishing my life away. I am a massive thinker and analyze everything and I can remember thinking to myself why do I feel this way, how can I make my time on here better and what can I learn from this experience. So without even realizing it I was reflecting! Each contract is a new experience, another chapter in my life to reflect on to see what was right for me and where I should aim to go next. “Turning experience into learning.”? Boud (English and Gillen,2001) I completely relate to this as I believe everybody learns from their experiences and that is why (most of the time) you don’t make the same mistake twice. You are constantly learning because of experiences you have on a day-to-day basis. One of the schools I teach in I have a energetic but sometimes difficult child and I was very strict with him in my first class which actually made him rebel more. I reflected upon this experience and I learnt that maybe I should be calmer and praise him more and guess what this worked a treat!

I feel writing a journal is going to benefit me greatly, as after an audition or a class I always reflect on what happened but I feel writing it down will help for it to become clearer. Also the environment and kind of work that I do can make you think too much. I believe recording your feelings is very beneficial as I have had sleepless nights worrying about organizing dance events, auditions or thinking am I to fat or to small. Puzzling through my feelings on paper will make me have a deeper understanding of what I want, and how I am going to get it, instead of all my feelings being locked up in my head.

Cery Dixie Blogspot-http://cerysdixie.blogspot.com/2010/11/journal-writing.html- Accessed 10/11/10

Boud (English and Gillen,2001)- Accessed  10/11/10

Enhancing your career!

Due to being registered to LinkedIn a casting director that i worked with five years ago has managed to contact me. This just proves that professional networking sites do enhance your working career and helps market yourself to the correct people.

A new improved Personal profile

I sucessfully auditioned and was awarded a three-year scholarship at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, gaining a diploma in Performing Arts.

I juggled a heavy training schedule whilst performing in numerous shows including ‘Top Cat’ at Wimbledon Theatre, pantomimes
in Chesterfield and Lincoln, ‘A Shakespeare Tour’ and danced at the Royal Albert Hall.

I graduated in 2006 and began work immediatly on the P&O’s luxury cruise-liner The Oriana where I played leading roles in the
seventeen various shows.

I have shown a wealth of diversity by performing in shows such as ‘Las Vegas’ at the Birmingham NEC, ‘Mother Goose’ by Bruce James productions and ‘Peter Pan’by Chris Mareno Productions. I was a regular performer at the exclusive London Hilton Hotel, I have featured in the Heart UK video and entertained football fans at Wembley Stadium. I also spent a Christmas season performing ‘Crazy Girls’ in a luxury hotel in Milan and I am now sailing the Asian Seas on a Costa Cruise liner. Since late 2009 my image has been used all over London to promote West End Theatre Tokens. This was my first published modelling job which is a new skill added to my repertoire.

I recently qualified as a teacher with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing with an Honours award, I specialise in Street Jazz, Modern,
Disco Freestyle, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Commercial Jazz and Salsa. Having been asked to produce educational materials for teachers of dance in schools,I have a demonstrated a respected and tested approach to teaching.

I recently started my own business titled "Performing Sports" which is rapidly growing successfully . It is an educational programme for school children which focuses on different areas of physical activities and dance.


I am ready to excel at the next challenge in my life; education within dance. With my interest within the dance world so strong the next step
should be to explore something I can use with the talents I've gained.

YouTube

I had so much fun completing my YouTube video. I have included the maximum number of tags allowed to ensure it is easily accessible. I hope you all like it?

The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1TFCwue2o4

Silly me!

Hey everyone,

How do you hyperlink text so the reader can go straight to another website?

I have been looking on Google help and I'm struggling a little bit!

Thanks x

Delicious

Me again!

Well I am in South Korea but instead of sight seeing I thought I better use the free internet.

Well I a following everyone's blogs now and I have found so many interesting blogs and it is so good to share audition tips.

I have just set up a Delicious account and it was so easy.

Please add me and select me as your bookmarks staceywilson890

http://www.delicious.com/

Keeping in touch!

I have been really busy this week and feel like I have lost some of the momentum that I have procured. I have, however, been working on my YouTube footage so dust off your ball gowns for the premiere. I always go on the Google reader whenever I have the opportunity as this helps me to still feel connected to others progress.

"Distinguish yourself from the crowd"

I have just registered with LinkedIn; I am amazed at how insightful and helpful the website is. It states that "LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals." This is very useful as it aids my chances of having a successful career. It is brillant that you can contact other people in your industry very easily to exchange knowlege, and can even connect you with a job opportunity. I have a lack of knowledge about this network however I can see that it could be a valuable resource. I am constantly conducting searches on google so it is very pleasing to know that LinkedIn profiles rise to the top of search results. Linkedin is also very helpful when it comes to markerting ones self and the website delivers some very inspiring quotes- "Light up your Profile with your voice" and "distinguish yourself from the crowd" which is of course very important as CVs and biographys can become very tedious to casting directors. LinkedIn also promotes that users "Own a profile that truly represents you" I really agree with this statement as I have witnessed too many times people falsely advertising themselves.

http://www.linkedin.com/

Headshot

Img1822
Originally uploaded by Stacey "solo" Wilson

Wow I am learning too much!!!

008

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Originally uploaded by Stacey "solo" Wilson

Me at work teaching my lovely students!!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Flickr

I have just uploaded some photo's of myself at work and couldn't believe how simple it was. I wasn't previously aware of this website but was amazed at what a good resource it is for us as performers. I always want people to comment on my photo's with positives and negatives, I like the fact its not just your friends commenting on them (as they can be biased) it can be any outsider. I feel finding the perfect headshot that will show you in a positive light can be tricky but an important aspect of our career as this is what can form first impressions between yourself and the employer.

To view my flickr photos please go to the following web link:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceywilson/