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