SIG Group

I do hate to be bossy but can a few people post on my SIG group please. Its called "How can we achieve Longevity in the Performing Arts?"

Link is http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=145821545478191&topic=155

Reflecting on my professional inquiry plan.

Revisiting my inquiry plan has been extremely useful in helping me to consolidate my thoughts and intentions for the project at hand. To reiterate and clarify, my project is focused largely on one question:

        “Do performers need to be multi-skilled in order to have a successful career in the arts?”

Using this as my line of inquiry I intend to use the full variety of investigative tools available to me. To take the subject further, I would also like to examine the issue from some other angles; I want to look at the business of the performing arts as a whole, evaluate other practitioners’ experiences, approaches to work, and their achievements.

The impetus for this inquiry is the limitation in my career progression which I have often felt, through a lack of clear guidance from any discernible mentors around me and the sometimes too broad range of options I have been fortunate enough to have. It has been a constant concern for me and I have anecdotally learned that many of my peers have at one time or another felt hindered in much the same way.
In my professional inquiry plan I stated:

“For some time I have questioned which path to take, do I concentrate on one particular style or do I conquer all?”

I need to discover which approach will work best for me and will therefore offer me greater career opportunities and fulfilment. The Performing Arts industry is very competitive, so the most obvious tactic for a focused performer would be to aim for competency in as many skills as possible, theoretically leading to a higher success rate in securing work. However, to master even one skill as a performer you need focus, dedication, good work ethics, and many hours of training. To try to equal this skill level in a variety of disciplines could prove to be near impossible.

As I pursue the avenues of employment available to me, I am discovering that even in a depressed economic climate there is a lot of work to be gained if the skillset matches. The paradox is that this deepens my concern that I will at some point make the wrong choice and end up closing as many doors as I open, resulting in unemployment.

Are you a Triple Threat?

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back. I have a new survey that I would like you to answer.

Its called "Are you a triple threat", its a nice one I promise!!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BV9LXNQ

Thank you x

Critical Reflection and Summary:Digital Portfolio

This journey has been stimulating, encouraging me to alter the way in which my professional career is heading.

To begin the module I brainstormed lines of professional inquiry, which was a surprisingly speedy process as I realised the number of questions for which I wanted answers. I soon decided I needed to limit my results and concentrate on just three lines of inquiry. I developed the question “Should dancers still continue to train whist in work?” (Reference A). I concluded there is no time for rest in the tough world of the Performing Arts; devotion is the key to success. From this I decided to explore another topic, “Is criticism too powerful in the performing industry?”(Reference B). I received a strong response to this inquiry which showed me clearly that others have an interest in this particular area. Further, I discovered that as a performer I am very open to criticism and respond well to other contrasting opinions. Even though I knew I would enjoy developing this topic, I felt that I would prefer to engage with something which is more likely to increase my chances of career success.

The final inquiry I wanted to delve into was “Should you master one style of dance or be skilled in all?”(Reference C). I felt an immediate connection to this inquiry as I continually doubt the choices that I make, and it became quickly apparent that this was the topic I wanted to proceed with. I began my research and posted my thoughts and findings on ‘wiki spaces’ (Reference D). I created a special interest group on Facebook called “Jack of all Trades master of none”, and some lively debate ensued (Reference E). Aby suggested mastery is more effective for total confidence in that one area, while Mark felt offered that being an all-rounder gives him the opportunity for more diverse work. This discussion confirmed to me that I was right to deepen this line of inquiry, and I was ready to learn about some ethical considerations.

I looked at Ethics, Morals and my Virtues (Reference F). I identified and analysed my personal virtues and values, specifically in relation to how these manifest in my professional life. Evaluating my character I would say I was creative, loyal and ambitious, and all of these traits intertwine with my work ethics. I wrote a code of conduct which I found very useful and I even used this structure for my thriving business which has led me to feel confident that this will create a safer working environment for teachers and students alike (Reference G).

I then planned and conducted pilot surveys and interviews, and again I adhered to ethical considerations (Reference H). I identified and reviewed three pieces of literature, and despite not agreeing with all of what was put forward by the authors, I can certainly find value in this as regards to creating a balanced viewpoint for my forthcoming inquiry.

Finally, I proposed an award title (Reference I) which reflects my knowledge and expertise and will broaden my opportunities as I move forward with my career ambitions.

Reference A- http://staceywilson1.blogspot.com/2011/02/putting-my-questions-to-test.html

Reference B- http://staceywilson1.blogspot.com/2011/02/is-critism-to-powerful-in-performing.html

Reference C- http://staceywilson1.blogspot.com/2011/02/should-you-master-one-style-of-dance-or.html

Reference D- http://canyoubesuccessfulonlybeinggood.wikispaces.com/

Reference E- http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=145821545478191&topic=74

Reference F- http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=145821545478191&topic=74

Reference G-  http://staceywilson1.blogspot.com/2011/02/code-of-conduct-dance-teacher.html

Reference H- http://staceywilson1.blogspot.com/2011/04/pilot-methods.html

Reference I- http://jackofalltradesmasterofnone.wikispaces.com/Award+title+and+rationale

Delicious account

Here is my delicious account, I have bookmarked all pages on the web I will be using for my research to develop my Inquiry.

http://www.delicious.com/staceywilson

PILOT METHODS

I have found the ‘pilot’ methods both interesting and enjoyable. The process of conducting the pilots were quite difficult, as there was so many questions I needed to ask and I intended to find an answer that would provoke thoughts and ideas for my inquiry.

Experimenting with my survey tools has encouraged me to prepare for my inquiry plan, I understand what pilots work best for me and what tools will enhance my research.

I prepared a survey using the on-line source “Survey monkey.” This tool was very easy to use and the answers most defiantly gave me an insight into other people’s opinions. I composed questions which were very personal, as all answers were confidential, which again inspired deeper viewpoints. After my survey was conducted I was able to see my responses as numerical data, meaning my answers were easy to review and it was in a very direct format. For example I asked “If you had the choice (at present) to change your career would you?” the choices I gave were ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I didn’t want reasons; I only wanted a straight answer. My response was 77% said no, 22% said yes. This format is very easy to analyze as I don’t need to explore their answers, this is their response comeback, and that’s that! When working with a questionnaire format, the respondents are limited somewhat by the parameters set. Surveys give you a limited answer and the respondents can’t jump out of the box and go into detail about their reply. I have analyzed my results and yes some of my answers I want to find out more, however I like the bluntness and it is easy to browse and filter my responses; I don’t need to solve anything. I understand that I will get quantitative and not so much qualitative results however I do feel as an evident research approach a questionnaire should be tick boxes and maybe a few explanations for the respondent’s choice. I feel this tool will be a very helpful when investigating my inquiry further as it achieves a wide-range of data in a simple format that is easy to evaluate.

I organized an interview with a friend of mine that is in the performing industry who I knew would give me broad answers. The time consuming aspect of this tool was actually finding the time to get together to conduct the interview, which I found to be demanding. My interview was structured; however I was able to probe responses encouraging more of a discussion, enabling a deeper outcome. I achieved inclusive results however this is only the view from one person. Yes I achieved quality results as the participant had freedom however I do feel on the purpose of analyses I am only reflecting on the answers of one person, my conclusion will be very limited. When I use this tool again I will intend to interview five people so I can compare the data, this will encourage rounder results. I didn’t record the interview which I might try next time, this way I can analyze quotes they have said.

My focus group has been my favorite pilot. The dynamics of a focus group means members have a similar interest or understand the topic involved; this encourages interaction between the participants. My focus group is easily reachable on Facebook; anybody can join or add which is a major positive aspect of a Focus group. I understand some people can go off on a ‘tangent’ however this persuades my inquiry to be taken on a larger scale.  The atmosphere found in my Focus group is both electric and self-motivating.  It has opened up issues and questions I would never have thought about, this has taken my inquiry on a completely different level.

Literature Sources

I managed to find an in depth extract from Tom Ortega on the web. This was found on his blog and therefore has a very personal aspect to it. This literature focuses purely on the topic at hand “jack of all trades or master of none.” The reason for choosing this is because Tom goes very deep explaining his thoughts and I found this literature interesting and I liked the fact that I didn’t agree with most of the points made. Tom was extremely direct and the extract had a very depressing feeling, however I still enjoyed the piece.

The piece is very honest so I was gripped by his passion ”Here’s the thing though. I’ve lived what…35 years of my life in misery, literally, misery and agony trying to find that *one* thing I’m supposed to be master of.” Tom has experienced this confusion, my inquiry that I want to make sense of. Tom is constantly questioning himself throughout the extract, why, what, when and how. “Why can’t I figure this out? What’s wrong me?” Every other day, I find myself alone somewhere.” This has encouraged me to ask myself these questions, which is something I didn’t even think about doing before.

In my inquiry I am only concentrating on “The performing Arts” concept, whereas in his literature he is very much generalising all different kinds of areas. Tom talks about famous people including Mozart, Shakespeare and Frank Lloyd Wright, again this has motivated me to learn about successful people working in my industry and what path they took in order to achieve triumph. I do feel everyone has a different definition of success, mine is to reach my goals that I set myself, not to be famous. The feeling I got from Tom was that he believes you have only reached mastery when you are famous, so maybe we are coming from two different angles.

In the middle of the literature Tom states “I think that’s why many “greats” and “masters” have horrible personal lives. If you have one focus, one overriding passion, everything else fades. It’s like a drug” I can comprehend where Tom is coming from here. As I do believe that if you desperately want to achieve a certain amount of success sacrifices do need to be made. I feel very few people who have great success have a normal home life, and friends and family could easily be forgotten.

I really liked the way Tom concluded his blog, he left me thinking about what he had written and this concept is what I want to create when writing my inquiry. I want my audience to finish reading but not stop thinking about what I have written. 

My next literature source is an article from the letters of dance produced by Lady Cailtidh nicFhionnlaigh bean Cato. The reason for choosing this piece of literature is because I wanted to find a dancers view on “teaching dance” and what makes a good teacher. Cailtidh’s views again are quite different to mine, however, the article has encouraged me to think outside my box. The article persuades me to look at dance more in a fun manner, which I struggle with as I feel dance is my job and I like to remain the best I can be. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of fun with my clients that I teach, and my classes always have a lively atmosphere however my concern is about ‘me” and what I can do. I always worry that I am not trained enough; do I know what I am talking about? I start to distress when I am not feeling confident in a class, and to me this is a weakness as a dance teacher.

Cailtidh states “I can do some very intricate dances, and though I have been dancing in and out of the SCA for over eleven years, I still do not know the names of some of the steps or dance sequences. This "lack of knowledge" has not stopped me yet from learning (and teaching) the dances to others.” I do partly agree with Caltidh, in terms of being a good teacher no you are not required to know everything, however I think a certain amount of expertise is needed to call yourself a teacher.

Again a fairly agree with Cailtidhs statement of “In order to teach dance one should know dance. I am not saying that one should have formal training in classical ballet, but just a knowledge of how a dance is danced.” I sacrificed a lot to be where I am today. Learning to be a dancer is costly, takes time and a lot of determination and strength within. If everybody went to a few dance classes and then thought they were an expert then the whole ‘dance industry” would be a joke, and yes there are dance teachers out there who really haven’t got a clue. I feel Caitidhs is suggesting that you don’t need to be an expert, if you can teach in an appropriate way and the clients are happy then you have done a good job, this concept I do agree with.

The impression I get from this article is a positive and vibrant outlook on “the teaching of dance.” It is written quite well, easy to understand and Caitidhs understands what she is talking about. This article relates well to my inquiry and again I have more questions and ideas I want to look at.  

My next article is from SSCo Kim Spiller offering advice to primary teachers about delivering high-quality dance. She has produced the article partly in bullet points. I liked this as it was easy to read and she put her points across very forthright. Other people have commented on this article, which I found interesting as everybody had very different opinions. The article is based on non-specialist primary teachers delivering high quality dance in their schools. The word quality to me means experience, excellence and the very best. So how can non-specialist and quality be in the same sentence?

I found the whole article to be very annoying and completely degrades the profession that some people have committed their life to. Dance teachers need to be qualified to teach in schools, you wouldn’t go to a doctor who wasn’t qualified, would you? Don’t worry about having to demonstrate moves. You don’t have to be an expert dancer yourself to teach dance.” I feel as dance teachers you must show them the moves, if you can’t do them, how do you expect a child to?

This again relates to my inquiry as this article focuses very much on “you don’t need to be a master or to even be a Jack to be able to teach dance.”

 

http://lordbron.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none/

 
http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/lod/vol1/teach.html

 

http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/delivering-dance-in-primary-schools-2436