Continued Deliciousness...

I have been using Delicious for a couple of months now and have found it to useful in many ways. The ease of bookmarking websites encourages users to make the most of the tool. The drop down menu bar is also helpful and clear directing you to what you want use directly.

The best feature of Delicious in my opinion is searching through what others have tagged in websites, this is invaluable as it can bring more relevant websites straight away than if you were to use a search engine. On the other hand, if websites do include something you are looking for and it hasn't been tagged as so, important websites could be missed.

It was also made easy to add others to share my tags with, instead of acquiring everyones user names, they can share the bookmarks I've created and I can share relevant ones of theirs.

I have bookmarked several websites relevant to my professional practice which could be used to inform or inspire my work.

Survey Time!! Calling all Professional Dancers!

Hi all! I hate to admit it, but I am in a state of panic. I have had so much on recently with all nine of my jobs......it's all got a bit too much. Last minute, I couldn't attend the campus session and it frustrates me that I've no doubt fallen even further behind. So if anyone could enlighten me with information or things I may have missed, you will be much appreciated. So I've tried my hardest to get myself back on my degree-driven-track and would like to update my blog with some survey news.

My survey has been out and about collecting information and ideally I would like to collect 100 responses!! So........cutting to the chase, if you are a professional dancer or are in professional training please click on the link and complete my survey. It is eight questions long and shouldn't take more than five minutes if less. Hopefully it will give me the results I am looking for. It's been tried and tested so it should all go to plan but any comments would be appreciated also. Thanks in advance dancers!

It is all about choreography and concentrates on the opinions as a professional dancer on learning choreography. I would like your honest opinions on how you think you and others learn best, what elements within learning/teaching choreography are most important and who you've worked with in the industry who has choreographed successfully with you.

Click here to take survey

Project Part One: Survey Notes

Analysis of Survey Draft and Creation Notes/Reasoning For Official Project Survey

The first part of my project is a survey to be completed by professional dancers or those in professional training. These results will give me the basis in which to develop my experiment (the second part of my project involving student/amateur dancers). Below are notes used to form my final survey.

I have looked back at my first draft of my survey and analysed the results concentrating on the relevance of each question, thus creating my official survey for the project. (See figure A below for draft survey questions)

I have allowed the initial questions for some back ground and basic information from participants, for example gender and length of professional dance training.

The question asking which gender; male or female to useful to know for varying results, my project is only aimed at female students, so survey results may show that there is a difference or no contrast between opinions of gender

I queried the question asking “how many years of professional dance training” had the participant experienced, concerned as to whether it should it be how many years of dance training (professional or non) had they completed. The dancers completing the survey should all be professional dancers so is it relevant to know any of this. I concluded on asking how many years of professional training has they experienced, followed by how many years had they worked professionally. I decided on this version of the question because the survey is concentrating on the professional aspect of their dancing career so questions should focus on that.

I added in the question of how many years have they worked professionally as a dancer as the amount of experience can affect opinions on the best way to learn choreography.

The point of the survey is to find out how professional dancers believe they learn best so it would be of relevance to their opinions knowing how many years they've trained and how many years they've worked both professionally. Options include not having trained, yet they may have worked professionally, less than one year as they may have dropped out or got work during training, one to two years, a short professional course, 3 years the standard length of training, 4 to 6 they may have done a couple of consecutive course and 7+ they may have attended a dance school then continued on to college.

I scrapped the question about age as this doesn't tell me anything, dancers can train at different ages and talent is not based on age therefore the answers would not fit with their careers and tell me nothing about reflecting on their opinions to learn dance.

“What element of learning a piece of choreography accurately is most important?” I added in this question as this directly gives me answers to my main question from a professional dancer's opinion, which means if 100 dancers complete the survey I would have 100 different ideas in which to base my experiment or ideas to trial in my experiment.

I eliminated the question about famous choreographers as this holds no relevance as the dancers have not danced with them, however asking their favourite choreographer that they had worked with and how they taught their choreography was an interesting question and it showed different approaches to teaching that dancers enjoyed and got on well with professionally. This question also helps to bring an awareness to dancers' own learning.

The “style of dance question” is not relevant to my project, as I will be teaching street jazz either way. I have to stick to the usual outline of the class I will be imposing the experiment upon, therefore I need to stick to the usual street jazz style. The students come to the class out of choice not just another part of their training as some professional dancers do, which means finding out if a style makes a difference would be unnecessary as the experiment can't allow a change of style. However I did mention in my proposal about mixing styles into street jazz such as street ballet and street Bollywood..

The question asking about “liking the choreography or not”, 80% said yes that if they liked the choreography they would learn it better. This is an obvious question to ask and is irrelevant to the experiment. Also the “familiar steps” question is bound to be a yes answer from most, making it pointless to be included. During the experiment choreography will be kept similar to control the changes of variables.

Figure A First draft survey

1.What is your gender?
2.How old are you
3.How many years have you trained professionally as a dancer?
4.Who is your all-time favourite choreographer that you haven't worked with and why?
5.Who is your all-time favourite choreographer that you have worked with and how did they teach their choreography to you?
6.How easy do you find each aspect of choreography?
7.What style of dance/choreography do you most enjoy learning?
8.Does it make a difference to how well you a dance whether you like the choreography or not?
9.If movements are familiar does it make it easier to learn a routine?
10. Which ways do you find easiest to learn a dance well?

Skypemania

Ok so the invention that is Skype....

I have downloaded, installed and set up my Skype machine, it's all ready to go go go.......


My name is: florence.clark50 if any wants to have a chat!

I had this before, but it didn't work with the one person I set it up for, so here's hoping it'll work this time.

September 26th Permission Slips

So the letters have been handed out to my students. They have a deadline of 19th October to return the form giving three weeks to think about the decision to take part in the project or not. Several were confused about the importance of needing three weeks to state they would like to be apart of it as to them the project didn't seem a big deal. I advised them it would be best to take time to consider the elements involved, such as filming.

Hopefully, I will have enough students with permission to take part. This will be an enjoyable part of my project, doing what I love.

Google Docs Is Amazing

I am somehow connected to it without effort, love that, plus it has all my documents on there! Documents I own, documents I've opened. Google is a brilliant company at times, I'm quite impressed, well done. Now I'm looking for an item worth sharing......I don't have one at the moment but when I do, it'll be on there. I just need to figure out how to share them now!

So to use it just log into your google account and go to the documents option or go to http://documents.google.com/

If anyone knows how to invite people to share your documents I would appreciate a comment por favor, is it merely just a google email address? Thanks in advance.

On reflection on using Google Docs over the past few months, I have found some uses. One being a way of backing up my work if something were to happen to my computer. I backed up my work throughout my writing just in case. In terms of sharing my work, I didn't feel to comfortable on this aspect and I found many shared this view. So in that respect, Google Docs is not amazing. Finally, in my professional practice, where I need to organise running orders for shows or songs lists, by using Google Docs I can collaborate with my work colleagues with ease.

Mmmmmmm Delicious

This system of bookmarking websites which you can then share and adapt information is brand new to me......

Well, I firstly attempted signing up to this at http://www.delicious.com/ but failed as it would not accept my google email address. So I created yet ANOTHER email address, this time with Yahoo. I then went on to add those who had also signed up, but everyone I tried to add Delicious informed me they "didn't exist". So after several furious attempts, re-reading instructions and clicking everything possible; I gave up. I returned to it again a few days later having completely forgotten my new email address, password and delicious name!!! Sometimes I swear these sites/technology just hates me!

So sorted that all out, jotted down the new email etc and my Delicious name is Lucyflorenceclark.........i think! So I've added some of you already, but some I STILL can't, and I've seen on some of your blogs that I'm not the only one who's had problems. Grace Hoy - I can't add you and someone else, but I forget!

The Project Module Begins

Starting off........

A quotation from my Project Proposal explaining my project to refresh my intentions during this module;

My research project will be looking into the study of teaching choreography efficiently. I will be specifically working with a group of young amateur dance students, with the ultimate aim of creating a dance that looks presentable and professional as possible......I shall focus my research on a dance class whom I currently teach at The YEM Theatre School based in Hampshire. I have been a teacher with the school for six years and presently teach drama, street jazz, tap and ballet. In this research I will primarily be working with my senior street-jazz dancers. At the time of my research taking place; the school will have just finished their biennial show and be starting a new term of work.

So with the show over, the project will be the perfect element to get the students back into training. The project will give them something new to focus on with the outlook of improving their dance abilities.

The Project Module
Learning Outcomes
This module will involve "planning and developing" "implementing and delivering" and finally "monitoring and evaluating".

A work-based project usually involves the same factors, including:

• role/impact of the worker-researcher = This project involves teaching a class and choreographying in order to gain data.
  
• organisational context = set up of the class involved and class plans plus other methods of data collection i.e. a survey of professional dancers


• aspects of change = the class format may alter accordingly and elements connected with the set experiment


• self-managed with advisor/principal support = organised but overseen by the university and manager of the school
  
• specific knowledge base = teaching skills and choreographic skills


• collaboration = with staff and students


• ethics = permission for filming, disposal of video content after analysis is complete


• methods = quasi-experiment and survey of professional dancers


• end product = to have found the best method of teaching choreography, improving teaching methods, raised an awareness of learning


• personal learning = individual levels of class members and how they learn, my own teaching/choreography abilities


• university requirements = education related and beneficial to areas of teaching, learning, education and choreography

22nd September Back To Work

So back to work.......over Summer I was able to do some further research and reading towards my various subjects. I am unable to start the main bulk of my project until after the school has their show, which is mid October. I am itching to get the experiment part finished.

I had a set back concerning permission from the students and parents involved with the experiment, which was that the school's Principal advised not to give out letters explaining the project until the new term (in my project proposal I had scheduled giving them out at the end of last term to give a full Summer to think it over). Of course I have followed this instruction as my study is being supervised by the Principal of the school and my advisor. So letters have been written up and will be handed out this Sunday in class giving potential participants three weeks to consider the project and what it entails.

I have given a draft copy of the letter to the school's principal to be overseen and any alterations she suggests to be changed will be ready for Sunday.

Surveys have been started but I want to make sure they are accurate without flaws before they are sent out to individuals. I am looking forward to the results.

I am disappointed that I couldn't attend the first campus session, nor Peter's extra one due to work commitments and now Peter is away I hope if I have any problems I can ask an advisor or peer. I am hoping to get into the swing of all this work easily, but this term is already a busy one so far and looks to stay that way.

June 2010 Update

So after the trauma that was the Mamma Mia Easter School, I have somehow subjected myself to a repeat performance in the form of a Summer School....... but having learnt a lot from the last one, this one should hopefully run even smoother. I am only a tad concerned about the recent competition that caught wind of my Easter School from a rilvalry school. I am led to believe that this school ripped down any advertisements of my Easter School and even went as far as to send a "spy" student of her own to report back. Pathetic to say the least. I shall of course rise above this, and any competition is welcome. They are running a Summer school as well this time, so we shall see how this all fairs out.....

Uni work was put on hold in May to give myself a break, but I have said I would start preparing all things project from June, to give myself a head start on work for next time - whether this happens or not is another matter. I am busy currently in life but not my busiest so I could squeeze this in if I wanted to. Though I am juggling six different jobs, and studying for my Licentiate Diploma in Musical Theatre and sorting out this Summer School, plus the main shows for two schools I teach for, I'm doing ok. Oh yes, and I'm moving house next month. Forgot about that. Plus auditions. Life is pretty good right now, I'm enjoying our early Summer (don't be fooled this happens every year I swear - it'll rain through July and August - I hope I'm proved wrong!)

So I thought I would add a little life/career update but I must get back to preparing tomorrows lessons and choreography etc fun fun fun. I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and break from uni work xx

Critical Commentary

Critical Commentary

On reflection of this module 3835 (Project Planning and Development – Research Methods) it has become clear just how much knowledge has been learnt. I have learnt much in the realms of ethics, worker-researched relations, methodology, data collection, as well as analysing and interpreting data.

I started the the module by reflecting on my own working practice and looked into what I enjoy doing and what I already do so I could; “begin my planning on reflecting upon the work already published on my blog and see what I enjoy in my professional practice” (See Portfolio Part One: Learning Diary One 17/2). I also established that I would need to consider which companies would be feasible to work with.

By the start of March I had mind mapped all my ideas to try and create a research question. I included an image of my mind map. This helped me to clarify the two subjects which I enjoy and love working in most: choreographing and teaching dance. From these ideas, I delved into specific points of interest in each and generated a series of research questions to research. I also found that I didn't have to decide between the two topics “In my opinion I don't think you can have one without the other in this industry” (Blog quote: Learning Diary Two 3/3). I made sure I followed the tutors advice of making sure it something you are passionate about, it's importance, whether it's been done before and who it might benefit. It led me to research “picking up” choreography; “I was subsequently left with an idea around short term memory in association with "picking up" choreography (note the blog previous to this!) and methods or processes in which to teach choreography.” (Learning Diary Two). I can see the process of transferring thoughts to paper/blog has improved. I can now understand my thinking clearer than before, which I think has been helped by working through this module and creating a learning diary in addition.

I received a set back in my progress which I reported in my third learning diary; “I spoke to the Principal of one of the schools I teach at and she said she thought I had a very good method of teaching my dances”(Learning Diary Three 14/3). I assessed this comment to be a compliment but not helpful nor constructive. This comment seemed to cause me to reevaluate my idea. So I went back to square one asking myself what I enjoy and it came back down to the same two ideas. “I love choreographing but I need this to be education related to go on to a PGCE” (Learning Diary Three). In the end I settled on the previous idea, and recalled that not everyone is perfect, there is always room for improvement and there would be overall benefits for this research. This is evidence of previous learning when we studied the Kolb learning cycle, reflecting and observing my ideas and to produce conclusions.

Amongst working and writing up about other projects going on in my professional practice; I created a survey on line. This survey taught me so much just from the mistakes I made alone. I received a lot of valuable feedback from my peers. It was helpful creating the pilot, to gain further research towards my project. I found questions that did not need to be asked. “I personally wanted more options” was one useful comment that led me to alter and improve the survey.

Since conducting the survey, I was well under way with the work to be finished. I found the last campus session very helpful, as at that point I had begun each task if not completed them, and for any areas I wasn't clear on we had free time to discuss the problems. “Being able to discuss freely with your peers and tutors really helped me understand the areas I was stuck on.” (Learning Diary Four 21/4). I also received useful feedback about my proposal, which meant I could go away and redraft it immediately. On this day I finally clarified what exactly I was going to be researching. I had already established which methods to use including experimental and to measure these “best methods” I came to the conclusion of focusing on accuracy. Accuracy was an idea I had initially brainstormed that was to be an idea I had interest in. “I will determine an average first (of accuracy- how many mistakes are made) and see if this is improved by changing my teaching methods”. My clarity of thought has been helped by the processes and advice given to us throughout the campus sessions.

My final learning diary suggests I am finishing off all written work and am content with and clear on what and why I am researching. “I am working hard everyday on my module of work, which I am quite enjoying seeing as it is something that I am interested in. I am currently critiquing my own pilot survey for activity seven”. So the process was complete. I found documenting my work in the form of learning diaries and on the blog meant I could physically see the thought process going on inside my head. With the successful networking on the blogs, we can all see how everyone on the course is undertaking each task and problem, to help ourselves and consequently each other.

Learning Diary Five Saturday 24th April

It always helps when you lose all your work when your computer crashes, especially when you haven't backed it up. Thankfully I have been lent another computer and my work has been revived, but the computer itself has gone to the computer hospital.

Plus with the set back of typing up all my work again I am going on holiday the week before the dead line ( a much needed holiday, as I have lost my voice from teaching too much) volcanic ash permitting.

So, things are all on the go and I am working hard everyday on my module of work, which I am quite enjoying seeing as it is something that I am interested in. I am currently critiquing my own pilot survey for activity seven (I hope this is feasible for activity seven, but I did receive some good feedback about improving it and I thought it would be much more relevant to my own research to evaluate my own data collection design. If it isn't; someone please let me know!)

On reflection and thinking about re drafting my current research proposal, I feel I need to go back into my resources on methodology and data collection and improve my writing about this section. I also need to look more specifically about when and what I am planning to do with my experiments, what I am going to inform parents about and what I shall explain to the participants.

The Easter School

Above: The last day of the Mamma Mia Easter School, pulling their best Abba poses!!

Below: Their lovely smiling faces!!

So after weeks of organising, worrying, contacting Mums, enduring nightmares of studios flooding, it finally happened and despite the lady with the keys for the hall turning up late thus me making a bad impression on the first day, the four day course occurred successfully!

It was the first thing like this I've ever organise, so quite an exciting challenge to embark upon. Luckily, having worked for many dance/theatre schools and holiday schools I have picked up a few different ideas on the best way to run my own course.

We had a show on the last day and I face painted Abba-style flowers for everyone, made sequin hair bands to fit in with the Abba theme all with lights and music. A massive turn out of 50+ parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. Even my Mum and Nan came to support!

I promoted the main school a lot and spotted some potential for new children to carry on training and we advertised to the parents during the show. We had a turn out of 22 children and most didn't already belong to the school, so it gives them a taster into the sort of things we do.

The whole experience has been a massive learning curve and I've been asked to run a Summer School too. I've learnt what not to do next time, to make it run more smoothly and less stressful for me, and other teachers would like to get involved, so there is the possibility of expanding it. What's more it made a profit in the end, so in the business sense it was very successful.

Learning Diary Four Wednesday 21st April

An extremely useful campus session yesterday. Being able to discuss freely with your peers and tutors really helped me understand the areas I was stuck on. I would like to thank Sophie Gilbert for explaining some of the proposal points to me and I would like to also thank Peter for clarifying those points as well as clearly explaining my idea in another light.

I keep seeing on the advisor blogs and campus session slide shows about "not being too vague" with your idea. No one wants you to save the world with your research as you are likely to take a lifetime trying to. I always seem to think "yes that's so obvious, I'm not with my project; I'm being reasonable" but really I wasn't. I now know how I can specify my research even further thanks to Peter.

I am looking at "the best methods of teaching my choreography to female street-jazz students aged 14 to 20", which has been narrowed down from "best methods of teaching choreography". What I hadn't considered and even since sending in my proposal draft, was what determines these "best methods"?

How do you measure this?

What specifically do I want to look at?

So since this light bulb realisation I have decided on "accuracy". The accuracy of my dancers performing a choreography will be measured and experimented with. I will determine an average first and see if this is improved by changing my teaching methods. Looking back at my previous notes, accuracy was one area I wanted to look into.

I am quite excited about starting this experiment.

The methods will be developed from the survey I carry out on professional dancers, and from their experience try to create some new and varied ways of teaching a choreography to the group.

Lots will need to be done in terms of ethics for filming these classes during the experiment, but I'm looking forward to preparing it over the Summer.

Monkey People?

Hello, sorry to nag, but if any other professional dancers/musical theatre could complete my survey it would be lovely.

Thank you to those wonderful three that have! x ps here's another cute monkey as a form of persuasion....

Monkey Time! Survey Time!

If you would be so kind as to complete the entirety of my survey pilot which has been created for PROFESSIONAL DANCERS on the subject of learning choreography. Thank you very much your time and effort is appreciated especially as lots of us are creating them right now!

Click here to take survey

Any extra feedback on the survey would also be appreciated, as it no doubt will have flaws. It took three sittings to get it to this stage, as I had to return to what I actually wanted to find out and delete the pointless questions I had entered.

Anyway, thank you x

More Rehearsal Pictures: Alice In Wonderland

A Document of Rehearsals For My First Ballet Choreography

Alice In Wonderland

Only photos of the senior group have been taken due to obtaining permission.

These photos are the "dream scene" which is part of the street ballet section towards the end of act 2. The music is Sweet Dreams by Eurhythmics.

Another Project On The Go: Alice In Wonderland Ballet

The beginning of the dream scene, where Alice has "had enough"
The end section of Alice in Wonderland where Alice is ending her adventure.

I am currently choreographing my first ever ballet for YEM Theatre School with around 40 children. You may remember my Alice in Wonderland posts from a while back, when I was in the research of ideas and themes and characters. Rehearsals are now well under way but still have a long way to go.

The music was my first starting point. So, iTunes was an absolute must to download music, but also Spotify to test it out and listen to it first. Of course being me, I didn't just look for classical music, I searched through a few themes and ideas to collect my final play list. I have incorporated tracks from Madonna, De Bussy, Hartly and Eurythmics so as you can tell; quite a diverse range. I integrated tracks to create my story line and cut the music accordingly. I now have a two act ballet of four minutes per act. From past shows ballet has always been the slow down for a fast paced show, but not this year I hope. Especially since this is the first ballet to include "street ballet"!

I took some photos of rehearsals in action (with permission) just to document the work taking place. I am working with five different classes. Each group meanders around the choreography I just hope it will work once all dancers are put together. Not only have I got the five ballet classes, but also three jazz groups to build up numbers (as we lost some students after the last unethical teacher).

Comments Please

If anyone could share any comments on my post "The 100 Words (ish)....." I would be very grateful THANKS

Learning Diary Three 14/3/10

Monday 14th March 2010

So, I was thinking more about my topic and thought I was in on an idea of processes of teaching dance/choreography. I spoke to the Principal of one of the schools I teach at and she said she thought I had a very good method of teaching my dances. As complimentary as this was, it wasn't constructive. Yet, it made me doubt my idea as I wanted it to be useful. After reading a blog where they had asked "outsider" opinions, i.e. family members what they thought. I gave this a try as it would give a different and objective view of the situation.

One idea put across to me was to look at forms of communication in terms of teaching. They also said my first idea was fine and that no one's perfect; there are always areas in which one can improve. I agreed with this and since no one has ever taught me to choreograph and I've never thoroughly researched it; there is bound to be much more I can improve on in the area. I argued it had to be of use and beneficial to someone or something.

I spoke to another impartial family member, who suggested collecting different styles of choreography from different countries and try to replicate their way of teaching dance. Obviously this would require a budget if I were to research this in the flesh.

After all this, again I felt somewhat overwhelmed by all the different directions I could take. So I took a step back and made some points clear of what I wanted to take from this research.

1. something that interests and excites me.

2. something to benefit my career

Answers

1. I love choreographing but I need this to be education related to go on to a PGCE

Teaching

-inspiration

-communication

-accuracy

-performance

-tools

-efficiency

-processes

-choreography

-styles

-techniques

Out of these the ones that interest me are performance, styles, accuracy and efficiency

To find the best methods for teaching and teaching choreography I could look at

-talking to and researching different choreographers

-finding how students think they learn best

-finding out how professionals learn a routine best

-their opinions

-trying different techniques and methods on classes I teach

It would benefit

-myself as a choreographer/teacher

-the success rate of students I teach

-the school if the students succeed/improve

I am looking forward to exploring some of these ideas further and narrowing it down to just a couple to concentrate on.

Attempt Two; Easter School

So after agreeing to run my own Easter school for The YEM Theatre School I now realise why they don't do it!

I started organising a timetable and how much to charge and where to go. I then found that none of this matters if you have no children attending. Advertising is the key!

I need ten pupils at least to attend. I've sorted out an assistant. The hall hire is done, with how much and covering costs.

It is worrying when you start a project like this on your own. I think it takes a lot of nerve. Luckily I have the YEM School behind me. It will be beneficial to them as it promotes the school and could potentially give the main school more students.

I think though, as it nears Easter I should hopefully get more interest.....

The 100 Words (ish) Topic Idea, Comments Please!

I know that I enjoy and feel passionately about CHOREOGRAPHY and TEACHING DANCE, so this is problem number one solved of not getting bored during this project. I also know that I want this degree to continue with a PGCE later on in my career, therefore my topic should be education related.

If I were to do a project on "the most effective methods of teaching a class a choreography/dance routine" then this could potentially benefit myself as a teacher/choreographer, the classes I teach, the schools I teach for and also other teacher/choreographers. (Note; this title will need redrafting so it is accurate to what I research)

I would use an age group that I regularly teach, though this will bring ethical and parental permission issues. I teach students over 16, but not as many.

There is already lots of information about how to teach dance, but not specific to choreographers, which is where my research might strike.

• I could look at successful past/present choreographers and find out details of how they worked to achieve results.

• I could take surveys/interviews of dancers on how they believe they learn best with choreography.

• I could experiment with different processes and observe which works best.

• I could observe other teachers and how they work with their classes.

• I could interview choreographers and teachers.

So many options! Too many? Useful? Pointless? Does this interest anyone else or just me? Comments if you would please.....

Learning Diary Two 3/3/10

My initial mind-mapped thoughts

The 3rd March 2010

I've been deliberating what my project might be since the campus session last month. I started with two words in my head, which have been in my head since the start of September. These two words are areas which I currently work part-time in, but eventually would like to pursue towards the end of my career. Reflecting on my blog, I would say it's quite clear that I have an interest in teaching and choreographing.

In my opinion I don't think you can have one without the other in this industry. If you choreograph you're going to have to teach the choreography to someone, even if you're teaching yourself. Furthermore, teaching jobs tend to require a "dance for this show", or "something to show the parents". This means consequently choreography is a common denominator even if you didn't want it to be. But I do! I love it, and I have so many projects going on right now for different shows, competitions in different styles of dance and theatre and yet I still can't wait until I finish these and am able to begin some more. So in conclusion, my project will hopefully be about these fields.

Luckily, I have access to students, children, schools in which to work with and conduct research on. I have created a mind map around these two ideas and thus formulated numerous titles/hypotheses. After being left with around ten different titles, I narrowed them down by considering the literature and information out there to help me, plus if an idea already began to become boring I swiftly discarded it. I was subsequently left with an idea around short term memory in association with "picking up" choreography (note the blog previous to this!) and methods or processes in which to teach choreography.

Now, I hope tomorrow will bring light on these two proposals to be either utterly ridiculous in which case I shall have to rethink, or for them to be acceptable and need more insight.....we shall find out.

Distractions....

I was just researching some ideas for my project and got on to the subject of short-term memory in reference to dance. So I googled the idea and stumbled upon a really interesting and useful site.

I must say that unfortunately this site is not directly useful for my project, never-the-less I have just spent the best part of an hour playing on it.

So if you're looking to improve yourself in terms of memory, attention, speed and problem solving, this site has specific games to improve spacial awareness, peripheral vision and driving skills but to name a few.

http://www.lumosity.com/

it also has an app to sync with your iPhone and they're on Twitter apparently. Plus it's free. Love it!

Learning Diary One Wednesday 17th February

A whole new module begins. Choosing my project should be the fun part, but after talking to a friend at another university, she explained how she loved her topic at the start too, now love has been replaced with loathing.....

So after the campus session on 16th February not long after my Birthday, I was pretty clued up on where to begin. This session was extremely helpful. My Bell book arrived and I was able to start reading up on all the different theories and research methods. I was told that "Doing your Research Project" was an easy read and once I started to get my head around the idea it was.

I think I will begin my planning on reflecting upon the work already published on my blog and see what I enjoy in my professional practice. I will also note what I have access to currently in terms of work and who/what companies I can work with at this moment in time.

I already have many projects, which are about to embark in my career right now, but I am uncertain where I may be by the time this project needs to take place. Hopefully, my situation will remain steady and similar to now. Much work and research needs to be done, so I'd better start now!

Panicking As Usual

This, I think, happens every time we start a new module, but it's all so overwhelming and there's so much to do and think about, that naturally I just panic. I think I just need to take each day at a time and do the best I can, as that's all you can do!

After the Ballet Technique Course I am now on board for the beginning preparations for The YEM's first ever Easter School run by me..... so timetables, studio bookings, lesson material, age requirements and posters are being worked out and created. I have also been hired to work for another Easter school the week before. Much work to be done, but this is all good experience. I have worked for this other school a few times on holiday courses, it's mine I'm fretting about. Time is the issue.

Money is another big factor, having none helps no one, so I am working as much as I can right now; taking on more shifts and covering 5 different dance school classes next week alone. Sacrifices will have to be made. Two of my schools have shows coming up and the pressure is piling on, especially as for one school it will be the first set being put forward by me from my own musical theatre class and the first musical theatre set they've ever had in their shows, so I'm sure they will be expecting something pretty spectacular.

I's working hard for my diploma exam coming up in July in musical theatre, which is mainly a hobby I've had since I started all this madness, but just two more exams until I complete the whole series, and will then have a fellowship. I am beginning to work towards my next keyboard grade exam too. Lovely.

After signing with a new agent, the dust has settled on that change in my career and I'd quite like a job now, so auditions please? It's nice to know you have someone else routing for your team.

Plus the cabaret group and rock choir I'm in, are performing at a wedding in two months time. So rehearsals are taking place for that. The principal at YEM would like me to put forward one of my choreographies in a Spanish competition. Plus I'm about to start rehearsals for a band.

I'd like some more to do please, because I'm clearly not busy enough.

Teaching Diary 19/02/10

Friday 19th February 2010

I have been teaching ballet now for five months and it's been hard but much better than dancing it myself. One of my older students recently suggested or rather requested a ballet technique class for in the half term, which I agreed might be beneficial for them. Though ballet and especially technique is not my forte; I always knew what I was supposed to be doing technique-wise, just my body would have a hard time doing it. With my limitations and injuries I decided to concentrate my career on musical theatre and dance styles I could do. So I organised this class through the school for which I already teach the ballet classes, but I would pay the hall hire and be paid from those who attended. This would be my first taste of running my own class.

I looked at a few different sources to help me create a lesson plan that focused purely on technique, strengthening and conditioning. My initial idea was to start with a floor barre, which I've known students have done at my college. I looked on youtube for any exercises, inspiration and ideas. I drew on relevant pilates and yoga exercises I knew that may be useful for a dancer's body. I followed this up by researching related websites. I recently purchased "Ballet For Dummies" on Amazon, and looked for "back to basics" ideas for adults. I chose more relaxing music so they would be able to concentrate on their bodies working rather than the exercise and timing. So I used iTunes to pick my playlist. Basically most of the girls I expected to attend I already teach ballet to, so I wanted to give them a completely different ballet class to what they are used to. As online social networking is the way forward I used Facebook to set up an event and to invite dancers to attend. I put all information on the site including cost, venue, what they need to bring and what they'll be doing during the class. I also added that it would only go ahead if I have enough people attending. Six people said they would attend.

The hardest part I found was the reliability of everyone. The class took place yesterday evening. I had five girls, four of which said they were coming originally, so two didn't attend). Both explained why. The Principal of the school said they should pay anyway, as in terms of expenses covered I made a loss. I haven't asked either to pay and won't do as I think I'll be clearer about attendance. This is all practise though for when I attempt to organise an Easter School in April. I hope this will be more successful. I'm going to send a facebook message out now to see who might be interested initially. We'll see how this goes.

This is one of the videos I watched to gather ideas to improve ballet technique.

References and Bibliography

Ballet For Dummies

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballet-Dummies-Scott-Speck/dp/0764525689/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266691666&sr=8-1 available at Amazon.co.uk

Pilates Foundation

http://www.pilatesfoundation.com/newsite/what-is-pilates.php (date unknown) Uses of pilates (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

Yoga

(Date unknown) http://yoga.about.com/ Uses (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique

(30th December 2009) Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPSKFJjbscU (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

iTunes http://www.apple.com/itunes/

The New YEM Theatre School Website

http://www.yemtheatreschool.co.uk/index.html

Since November last year, I have been gathering and organising information for the new website for the theatre school I teach at. Since moving house and living next door to a web designer, I soon realised for professional purposes a business needs to be kept modern and up to date for it to succeed. So since initiating a new website for the school, myself and our web designer have been working hard to put forward a brand new design.

The old site was out of date and the principals would receive enquiries asking "are you still running as a school?" rather than "when can my child start?".

The new site has videos, recent photos, news, tutors, events, maps and more. We also looked at appealing more to our target audience, i.e children, so colours and an easy design were taken into consideration. The site is filled with images and colour portraying the school as fun and friendly.

Home

Welcome to the Young Entertainers Musical Theatre School website.

Please have a look and let me know what you think..... http://www.yemtheatreschool.co.uk/index.html

The Challenges of Choreography

You may have seen my gathered images for Alice in Wonderland, well I am pleased to say that the choreography is well under way. As this is first BALLET choreography I have done, I accepted early on it wouldn't be easy.

There's been a lot of problems within the ballet end of the school due to the teacher before me stealing students and leaving me; the new teacher with next to none - good luck creating a work-of-art ballet Lucy!

Never the less, I overcame that problem by borrowing other students from the school to bulk it up a bit (though the students don't know this yet!) The principals have agreed due to the circumstances and I am allowed to do so.

However this has somehow started something. School's tend to thrive with little ones learning music and dance, and occasionally stream into a few less in each class as the students get older. So the principals want the youngest (non-ballet) school members which are between the ages of 1 and 3 to be in much more.

Oh let's ask Lucy to put them in the ballet!!!.........

I'll keep you posted!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hello all and Happy New Year

If any one is free to give any last minute feedback on the last three pieces

I would very much appreciated it!!

Thank you to all who have already commented and I have attempted to take all comments on board

Love Lucy

Why Is Jazz Choreography Performed in the School's Musical Theatre Solo Show?

Following a recent discussion and debate; the parents and teachers of the students at the YEM Theatre School in Hampshire reached an agreement that a group choreography would be suitable for the next family show. The show is to be held at Ancells Farm Studios in November 2009 and a choreography will now be produced for all subsequent family shows directed and created by the school.

The family shows traditionally embraced the vocal and harmonic threat of the students' part time training, constructed in a semi-formal production. By including dance, this allows students to share all what they have accomplished throughout their training. “Dance promotes agility, grace and physical fitness. Install these interests early to set them up for interest in these disciplines as they mature. Go to the dance performance at the end of the course, and your child will be happy to know that you support all their hard work. It means a lot for them to see that you approve of what they are doing.” (2007 Carolyn McFann). Consequently, it generates a brilliant learning curve of professionalism and showmanship within theatre productions, especially since the YEM company produces an immense arrangement of theatre productions in local theatres and areas throughout the year. These particular family shows are arranged primarily for the benefit of the child's family.

Humphrey (1951) said “The dancer with conviction has power; many a dance of poor quality has been “put across” just by the superb belief of the performer in the work.....if you believe in yourself, everybody else probably will, too”. A dancer needs to attain confidence in their work and a perfect solution in order to achieve confidence in dance is to gain as much performing experience as possible. Dance is an enjoyable hobby promoting health and well-being from a young age. “Tap, Jazz and Ballet all instill discipline and health conscious attitudes that will be beneficial tools as children grow and learn” (Janelle Inkens 2008).

The dance has been placed as the finale of the YEM Theatre School's latest showcase of musical theatre work. The dance; Evacuate the Dancefloor (2009) by Cascada, a commercial dance track and the latest tune to another of Lucy Clark's street jazz choreography. The piece explores the idea of parties, enjoyment and attitude, as well as involving street jazz, technical and contemporary dance styles, illustrating a positive time in the dancer's life. The choreography has amalgamated an eclectic combination of steps with original movements and various spacing ideas. The teachers ensure they encourage every individual to perform at the best of their abilities.

In juxtaposition to this view; a minority argued that including the dance would detract from the main subject currently in focus. “The children must learn to focus their time and energy on one subject at a time and giving 100%, rather than splitting their rehearsal time on other areas”. (Sue Hockney, 2009)

It has been argued that the song choice could be inappropriate. “ In 1975, the rage was "Boogie Fever" and it was really good. Nowadays, there are so few good and clean dancing songs.” (Tracey Hannam 2009) YEM are adamant that all show song choices go through a rigorous process in which the suitability of a song is tested. Swearing and inappropriate lyrics are considered unacceptable for the school regardless of the student's ages.

Another element of the debate involved complaints from parents that this was supposedly the “family” show, where students chose their song and costumes. This group dance demanded costumes of the choreographer's choice and style. “After forking out large amounts of money all year for the classes, plus the uniforms and shoes, now comes this end-of-year extravaganza, for which you will need to buy array of hideous costumes.” (Jillian Whiting 2009) The choreographer since informed parents, that YEM requested three colours (black, white and silver) and the dancers could bring any items of old clothing they wished from the selected colours.

In conclusion, the featured choreography will be included in the future performance as part of a massive learning curve to the students' training. It has been settled that song choice and choreography is appropriate for the ages of the students. In addition costumes should not be bought thus causing no extra cost to the parent. The dancers have also thoroughly enjoyed previous jazz choreography and this will once again be beneficial to their learning experience as a whole.

1.Carolyn McFann, 2007, An article within Associated Content, online, www.associatedcontent.com

2.Doris Humphrey, 1951, www.oprf.com/Humphrey/

3.Janelle Inkens, 2008 for Fitness Beginnings www.fitnessbeginnings.com

4.Sue Hockney, 2009 Parent of student attending YEM Theatre School

5.Tracey Hannam, Ipswich, November, Courier Mail Comments available online at http://www.news.com.au/couriermail

6.Jillian Whiting, 2009, Published article Courier Mail, available online at http://www.news.com.au/couriermail

Please Evacuate The Dancefloor

Midnight. A silhouetted party emerges from the darkness. A pretence of slow motion. A sea of silver, black and white comes to life as the commotion begins. Meeting and greeting eventuates until the beat kicks in and a dance floor naturally forms in the centre of the stage. At first, just three young girls brave the crowded dance floor. Chords burst from speakers through the hot air; thick with the taste of sweat and hard work. More and more indecipherable shapes start to join in their flow, until eventually everyone embraces the DJ to enjoy a fabulous party.

Upon the dusty stage “Evacuate the Dancefloor” by Cascada is transformed into the YEM Theatre School's latest street jazz choreography. With the dance it brings their most recent show of musical theatre solo performances to an outstanding finale. The show is a mixture and variety of musical theatre and pop songs with finished performances behind a taster of the school's work from the recent term. An outlook to some of the school's most talented pupils in a display and showcase of their current work for close friends and family.

The attitude and style that is brought from the dance is just one small demonstration of the skills taught to the students. Not to mention the jazz technique, spacial awareness and professionalism they also practise. The routine conveys a strength and passion whilst acting-through-dance, to deliver a modern and intensive choreography to a small and personal audience.

This uplifting dance entails some inspired and creative costumes, allowing the students to express themselves within the coloured realms of black, white and silver. Flowers, sequins, stripes, and fishnets all masquerade a group of confident young women whom are coming of age. Mixed with strobe and flickering rainbow lights the atmosphere is sharp yet fun and care-free. The dancers are at ease in their own costume creations and can consequently perform to their best ability and enjoy the show they have worked so incredibly hard on.

Performing this dance to an attentive and supportive audience is what the hard-working students need to up their confidence and support them into further training within the school. It will help with a sense of achievement from the last terms hard but creative work in order to look forward what they in store for them next term, in which they will be challenged with different styles and choreography. The show is also a beautifully intended way to document each students success at the YEM Theatre school and for the students and their families to look back and share the memories.

From this performance, the dancers will have earned another string to their bow by adding another show and choreography to the YEM repertoire amongst the solo performances. Yet this dance is the perfect way to end another accomplished term.

For One Night Only!!

For One Night Only

The YEM Theatre School

proudly presents

The 2009 Family Floor Show

with songs from the musicals

Featuring YEM Senior's latest street jazz; “Evacuate the Dancefloor”

7pm 22nd November

Ancells Farm Studios

Tickets are only £3.00!

Ticket money raised will go towards new microphones for The YEM Rock Choir

All money raised in the raffle will be donated to South Wood Nursery School

The floorshow is a biennial event showcasing the latest musical theatre works of the senior end of the school. The show takes place to give the students experience through performing a song of their choice that they've been working on for the last term. Some students will have recently taken musical theatre exams with the London College of Music or are currently working towards them. In either case, the show is a great learning experience for all students and one where every student needs all the support and encouragement you can give! So please spare your Sunday evening to support your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, cousin, sibling or friend. The bigger the audience; the better the experience!

The show starts Sunday evening and includes 40 performers including 13 of the school's best dancers. The latest street jazz choreographed by Lucy Clark; Evacuate the Dancefloor. This'll be their best performance yet and will be showcased as a finale to the student’s latest solo singing work. The dance shall be included to give the students further performing experience, not only in the realm on musical theatre but also in the aspects of dance. Teaching them about performing with a group and as a team, but also spatial awareness, different styles, spacing and professionalism. The costumes will also unleash a certain confidence amongst the dancers, as they will be wearing what they like within a theme, allowing them to choose something they feel comfortable wearing and which also expresses individual personalities. We hope it will inspire them with the confidence to progress in their dance performance and ability to continue with their training. Not only this but gives the dancers a sense of achievement for the terms work, in which they've worked extremely hard; on technique as well as this dance in particular.

Please come and support the dancers and the school in their latest attributes. The money raised will go to the school's fund, which is raising money for new lead-less microphones for the YEM Rock Choir. The choir is recently gaining much success and respect in the professional world. There will also be a raffle where money raised will be donated to the local nursery; South Wood Nursery.
The junior students of the school (ages 4-14) will be performing at 2pm the same day, with their own selection of songs and featuring their jazz dance “Hit the Road Jack”.

On behalf the YEM Theatre School we hope to see you there!

Dates for your diary

Christmas Carols

Aldershot

23rd December

YEM Rock Choir

Musical Dreams 2010

Princes Hall

4th and 5th October

YEM Theatre School

A Message For Donna

Hi Donna
hope you're well, i tried last night to post a comment on your blog but it woudn't let me
i've had a look at your drafts and they are looking very good.
I like your image for marketing, I think this works well because it gives something to the audience.
I know it's possibly too late for feedback, but you could use these comments for task E. Your marketing is direct and to the point giving information needed. have you thought about the audience you would be marketing this particular film to, and how that might change the vocabulary choices?
I like how you've made your descriptive piece into a story commentary, maybe you could include descriptions of other senses? This piece starts off really well.

Your academic covers a range of sources and is very detailed and interesting, but perhaps you could summarise the outcome of the piece ina concluding statement at the end, but otherwise love it!
Hope panto is going well, mine's just finished, hopefully see you soon xxx

The Said Dance My 3 Writing Pieces Are About

Evacuate the Dancefloor

My dancers unfortunately never got to complete their performance due to the CD skipping, luckily it was near the end, however we will be using the dance again in a show this Summer, so we'll get another chance!!

This is the show and dance I am referring to in my three pieces of writing.

The dancers range from 13 to 19 with little of some training and experience. I think they all did rather well.