Skype Call Module Two / 20th March

Todays skype call had a module two focus and we had to each explain our proposals and discuss where our inquiry would take us in terms of collecting data and finding information to analyse. Each of us had one minute in which to explain our proposal to each other and then we all had the opportunity to ask three questions on how we are going to carry out the proposal.

Serina discussed her ideas on mental health and how there is limited support for dancers in particular when comparing to sportsmen and athletes. I found it interesting because there are so many comparisons to athletes and dancers physically. It was asked whether she will focus on looking at points that effect these such as economic disadvantages or if the support simply isn't out there in terms of training or people who can help dancers in particular with their mental health. She compared injuries, athletes, Jessica Ennis in particular got support and recovered from an injury and went on to win gold. Dancers however are told that 'the show must go on' and there is less of a focus on recovering from injury.

Alison then presented her proposal, focusing on freelance workers in the industry and how they can progress professionally. She discussed how freelances focus on teaching instead of focusing on themselves individually and achieving in their personal career.

I then explained my proposal... My inquiry focuses on the physical properties of both genders and how this effects the enforcement of feminism within the performance industry. Looking at the anatomical differences of male and females, men are built stronger and females are naturally more flexible. This creates roles within dance, males for lifting and females for decoration. I am also looking at the sexism within objectify females for their body shape and the ability of pointe shoes etc. Not only am I going to look at these issues but also the positives of being a female in the entertainment industry and how it can empower us and promote femininity.

I stated how I am going to try and arrange focus groups with males and females separately so I can get the opinions from both gender perspectives. This then presented the question of non-binary and transgender individuals and where they fall in my proposal. Obviously as an ethical consideration I would need to encompass all genders and include the option to speak to people who identify in a different way from the social norms. Adesola suggested that when collecting data, instead of assuming individuals are a certain gender, I ask individuals how they identify and then can clasp my participants according to their preferences. This way I can still have focus groups split into genders but still be mindful and not make assumptions.

Thomas spoke about his inquiry of comedy in theatre. The view is on popularity of slapstick in theatre and how has comedy and theatre changed since the millennium. He has prepared some interviews with professionals as well as audience feedback of those who are coming out of watching the comedy shows and why they are watching them. He discussed live harvesting as a way of getting his answers, this needs consent so holds some ethical considerations.

We also discussed the positives of using semi structured interviews as they allow extra information to be added by the interviewee instead of just simply asking closed questions in a structured interview. We cannot rely solely on getting answers from other people as well. Literature is a very important part of finding answers in our inquiry. It expands the range of perspectives. There is also a potential that we interview people who are close to us and have similar views- maybe try to interview people out of our social and working networks.


If anyone has any questions or quires about what was discussed in the skype session, please feel free to comment. It would also be interesting to hear if anyone has any other opinions on my proposal and design of my inquiry or of anyone else's mentioned above and I can forward the comment to them.

Thank you for reading my blog, I wish everyone health during this difficult time. I am finding that attending skype calls and focusing on my degree is giving me a purpose during this time of uncertainty.