Sunday 15th December 2013
I was looking through last years blogs earlier and I posted one a year ago (tomorrow)...!
As Christmas comes closer, my time seems to be disappearing and I am trying desperately hard to get my work done. Yes, the festivities are still going on but I really want to be able to enjoy my time at home with my parents and make it an merry one! So by getting it done with only editing left to do, I really will be a happy lady.
Hope everyone is getting on well and looking forward to Christmas. Only 10 days away now... better start some present shopping too. Whoops!
Sunday 15 December 2013
Tuesday 3 December 2013
back so soon...
Tuesday 3rd December 2013... again.
I thought I'd share my survey on here for any of those of you whom went to vocational dance school to participate in should you wish too. Again, as before, answers remain anonymous to all, including myself and I shall only receive statistics of the overall response.
Please do not feel as though you have to take part but the more answers I get, the more evidence and information I gain!
You also do not need to confirm to me if and when you have completed it, this way everything stays entirely anonymous.
Many thanks!
Unfortunately, I would have had to pay just for 3 extra questions so please excuse it being in two separate surveys.
Part one:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2CYRTR3
Part two:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2CT9DSM
I thought I'd share my survey on here for any of those of you whom went to vocational dance school to participate in should you wish too. Again, as before, answers remain anonymous to all, including myself and I shall only receive statistics of the overall response.
Please do not feel as though you have to take part but the more answers I get, the more evidence and information I gain!
You also do not need to confirm to me if and when you have completed it, this way everything stays entirely anonymous.
Many thanks!
Unfortunately, I would have had to pay just for 3 extra questions so please excuse it being in two separate surveys.
Part one:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2CYRTR3
Part two:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2CT9DSM
More literature!
Tuesday 3rd December 2013
I have just come across this piece of literature online:
http://www.gelseykirklandballet.org/a-dancers-mind-check-out-the-incredible-dance-studio-life-interview-with-our-very-own-wellness-instructor-elizabeth-sullivan/
A really interesting read and I am so pleased to have stumbled across it. Although it is now a later stage of the inquiry, it seems more intriguing to me that I have done my own personal research and now, upon reading this article, there are so many similarities with what I have found! This gives me a great sense of satisfaction as what I have discovered is seen across the board and it is truly brilliant to see that others are discussing the same issues and ideas and that support is in place for young dancers.
This particular paragraph stood out:
"Sullivan believes that addressing the psychological challenges of dancing is central to training emotionally robust, artistically confident dancers. And discussion-based classes are important, she says, giving dancers an “opportunity to express themselves verbally, something that traditional dance training has not offered.” "
For those of you whom have been following my blogs, I have expressed the importance of dance students being able to discuss any matters they may have, they must feel comfortable around staff and peers and have the confidence to talk, not just pour out all of their feelings and emotions through their dancing. It can be so easy to 'bottle things up' and I strongly believe that far too many students do this and therefore allow any personal worries control their minds which then affects their physical abilities.
Again, relating to my own thoughts, Sullivan states: "The emotional challenges associated with dancing—relentless practicing even when injured, competition against other highly motivated dancers, body image issues, and demanding teachers—are pervasive, from Moscow to Minnetonka." As I am currently writing my critical review, I have been discussing the key factors that I have found affect a dance student's state of mind. These being, motivation, teacher and their health and well-being... almost the same as Sullivan suggests!
I think this gives us all a clear idea that these aspects of dance education are seen through out and the majority of students will experience at least one of these influences during their training.
The article also says: “Most of us are well aware of the physical stresses of dance training, ranging from overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis to more debilitating ones like stress fractures,” Sullivan says. “Few of us, however, are as aware of the mental stresses that are just as prevalent in the lives of dancers.” Sullivan and I seem to be on the same level with our thoughts! One my main aims of my inquiry was to show that yes, we all go through a lot physically during our training years but we also must pay particular attention to the mental side of it too. It can somehow become 'forgotten' and without being in the correct 'head space' or being able to handle our emotions or stresses, this can lead to more serious consequences such as failure to improve or eating disorders etc. Tackling problems or at least learning to cope with them and work from them will allow students to have more success in their development as both dancers and human beings.
These ideas of mine are backed up by Geoff Greenwood: "Emotional: Feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and disappointment are inherent in dance. “Many dancers struggle with understanding and overcoming emotional aspects of their lives and profession when they arise,” Greenwood says. “Again they are not aware of the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how to deal with them when they are not supporting their dance. Self-awareness and training in this area can help the performance and even enjoyment of their art.”"
I am now beginning to see a difference between 'mental' and 'emotional' and it is making me wonder whether I need to change a word in my title.. is it too late?!
I'll end with a quote from Dr Kate Hays. One which I think most of us will agree on! ...
“Dancers tend to be perfectionists”
I have just come across this piece of literature online:
http://www.gelseykirklandballet.org/a-dancers-mind-check-out-the-incredible-dance-studio-life-interview-with-our-very-own-wellness-instructor-elizabeth-sullivan/
A really interesting read and I am so pleased to have stumbled across it. Although it is now a later stage of the inquiry, it seems more intriguing to me that I have done my own personal research and now, upon reading this article, there are so many similarities with what I have found! This gives me a great sense of satisfaction as what I have discovered is seen across the board and it is truly brilliant to see that others are discussing the same issues and ideas and that support is in place for young dancers.
This particular paragraph stood out:
"Sullivan believes that addressing the psychological challenges of dancing is central to training emotionally robust, artistically confident dancers. And discussion-based classes are important, she says, giving dancers an “opportunity to express themselves verbally, something that traditional dance training has not offered.” "
For those of you whom have been following my blogs, I have expressed the importance of dance students being able to discuss any matters they may have, they must feel comfortable around staff and peers and have the confidence to talk, not just pour out all of their feelings and emotions through their dancing. It can be so easy to 'bottle things up' and I strongly believe that far too many students do this and therefore allow any personal worries control their minds which then affects their physical abilities.
Again, relating to my own thoughts, Sullivan states: "The emotional challenges associated with dancing—relentless practicing even when injured, competition against other highly motivated dancers, body image issues, and demanding teachers—are pervasive, from Moscow to Minnetonka." As I am currently writing my critical review, I have been discussing the key factors that I have found affect a dance student's state of mind. These being, motivation, teacher and their health and well-being... almost the same as Sullivan suggests!
I think this gives us all a clear idea that these aspects of dance education are seen through out and the majority of students will experience at least one of these influences during their training.
The article also says: “Most of us are well aware of the physical stresses of dance training, ranging from overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis to more debilitating ones like stress fractures,” Sullivan says. “Few of us, however, are as aware of the mental stresses that are just as prevalent in the lives of dancers.” Sullivan and I seem to be on the same level with our thoughts! One my main aims of my inquiry was to show that yes, we all go through a lot physically during our training years but we also must pay particular attention to the mental side of it too. It can somehow become 'forgotten' and without being in the correct 'head space' or being able to handle our emotions or stresses, this can lead to more serious consequences such as failure to improve or eating disorders etc. Tackling problems or at least learning to cope with them and work from them will allow students to have more success in their development as both dancers and human beings.
These ideas of mine are backed up by Geoff Greenwood: "Emotional: Feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and disappointment are inherent in dance. “Many dancers struggle with understanding and overcoming emotional aspects of their lives and profession when they arise,” Greenwood says. “Again they are not aware of the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how to deal with them when they are not supporting their dance. Self-awareness and training in this area can help the performance and even enjoyment of their art.”"
I am now beginning to see a difference between 'mental' and 'emotional' and it is making me wonder whether I need to change a word in my title.. is it too late?!
I'll end with a quote from Dr Kate Hays. One which I think most of us will agree on! ...
“Dancers tend to be perfectionists”
'Using psychology to improve physical performance' - James Careless
Sunday 1 December 2013
time is flying..
Sunday 1st December 2013
Happy 1st December !
Another week of my life has flown by.. I really don't know where time is going at the moment?! It is already December and with festive activities lined up, I really want to crack on!
Having made a start on my artefact and sent out my survey, I feel as though I'm getting somewhere.. I now really want to put all my words together for my critical review.
Artefact
I have decided on producing a leaflet for students whom are going through vocational training. It is information and a guide to situations, emotions and life developments that they may come across. I am including images (my own photographs) to make it a more enjoyable read and hope that it comes across as a useful tool. I am trying to be wary of my use of wording as I should not like to make it sound negative or talk about 'problems' they may come across. Rather than put students off their training - which I most definitely do not want to do, I want them to read it as constructive information, helping them to prepare what is potentially to come and so that they are aware of what fellow students may go through at times.
Critical review
I am now sitting down with my notes and making points for each section: introduction, evaluation, analysis and critical reflection...
Once these full notes are in place I shall develop each section to create my final review.
Happy 1st December !
Another week of my life has flown by.. I really don't know where time is going at the moment?! It is already December and with festive activities lined up, I really want to crack on!
Having made a start on my artefact and sent out my survey, I feel as though I'm getting somewhere.. I now really want to put all my words together for my critical review.
Artefact
I have decided on producing a leaflet for students whom are going through vocational training. It is information and a guide to situations, emotions and life developments that they may come across. I am including images (my own photographs) to make it a more enjoyable read and hope that it comes across as a useful tool. I am trying to be wary of my use of wording as I should not like to make it sound negative or talk about 'problems' they may come across. Rather than put students off their training - which I most definitely do not want to do, I want them to read it as constructive information, helping them to prepare what is potentially to come and so that they are aware of what fellow students may go through at times.
Critical review
I am now sitting down with my notes and making points for each section: introduction, evaluation, analysis and critical reflection...
Once these full notes are in place I shall develop each section to create my final review.
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