Wednesday 16th Evening Skype Discussion

When joining yesterday’s skype call, Adesola started by laying down some rules. Creating the discussion into a game, we weren't allowed to say, 'thank you' or 'I totally agree with you', we had to add our own ideas or reasons behind our opinions. I felt this was a great way to avoid conversations ending abruptly, keeping the flow continual. It was effective and I will aim to continue to do this when answering someone in future discussions. 

Initially, we looked at our views on the idea of 'collating'. As my focus currently is on Module One, I associated my idea to the first essay where we are linking our past training to our current practise. I feel that creating a circular image in my head of first learning a skill, perfecting a skill, then performing a skill, I have collated my learning and transitioned it into my professional practise. This may be a more literal way of thinking as it suggests collating can be seen as one big picture but personally this was my initial thought and best way to describe how I feel I collate within my practise. Other views that were presented included joining different aspects of an individual’s practise, suggesting once all the information is together it can be analysed and challenged. It was also seen in terms of ideas being collected to make a better outcome through reflection. I was interested when someone brought up collating as being seen as a thread, sewing ideas together but with a link that keeps it all as one. Furthering this, triangulation was mentioned. This idea connects facts, data and information to form a triangle that joins together creating a stronger base as different angles and points of view are linked. This is very relevant and enhanced my idea of creating a bigger picture simply based on a single thought. 

The discussion then lead on to ethical considerations in relation to individual practises. Lots of pointers were mentioned about working with children and how it is possibly easier to consider ethics when doing so as there are obvious challenges. Donald Schön’s (1987) idea of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action was highlighted as it’s important when working with children to reflect during your time working with them as well as afterwards to figure out improving your approach. The suggestions that cultural surroundings have a huge impact on your attitude towards dealing with specific children interested me. This could relate to your chosen formality you teach with as well as how you react to situations and chosen dialects you fall into. I find that this process would happen naturally when you are comfortable teaching a group of children but should always be cautious especially as teachers are bringing the next generations of performers into the industry.

These ideas made be question my views on cultural differences. When I initially think of different cultures, I think internationally and how they differ on a wider scale. Here, we were focusing on how different one group of children can be in terms of their upbringing. Styles of dance and music that is familiar to one child may be a completely new experience to another.  Parental influences also shape a child’s thoughts and approaches to the arts. It was said that those who have parents involved in the child’s success in the arts from a young age often ended up having a negative mindset when they grew up. Whereas, those who came from less fortunate backgrounds seemed to be more determined and would flourish. I do agree with these statements that were mentioned but feel they are slightly stereotyped. Continuing, the teacher has an impact as their approach is so important on how the child learns and reacts to the arts. All of these background factors can affect how the child will respond but teachers do have some control on turning opposing ideas the child already holds, into more positive reactions. 

Literature was brought up next in the discussion as people suggested informative reads to help with their Module’s studies. The book, ’Practise as Research in the Arts’ by R Nelson was advised as a read to help with methodology and documentation of the arts. It was also highlighted that this book contributes ideas on artefacts. I then questioned what people thought on the meaning of an artefact as I see it in more of a literal state, simply an object. Videos, notebook extracts, photographs and fabricated objects were stated alongside more artistic interpretations. It has been thought of as showing a representation through an abstract form. Previous projects were shared including costumes that were altered with photos and quotes covering them as well as 3D objects that had been made from polystyrene with images stuck on. An interesting thought was brought up, suggesting us ourselves are the artefacts as we create the art with our bodies. This seems very relevant although there are other contributing factors that shape a dancer into who they are, including their workspace, props, influencers, as well as your choice of multiple intelligence. All of these lead to create the entire visual the audience observe on stage, which is actually far more than just a dancer. I learnt from asking this question that the more I avoid the obvious and try to challenge myself though the tasks, the more I will seek a wider personal understanding of my practise.

After reflecting upon the topics discussed and writing this blog post it has helped to accumulate my thoughts and expand on ideas I had not yet explored.

Thank you to all involved in this discussion.