Communication (from Latin "communis", meaning to share) is the activity of conveying information through the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, writing, or behavior. www.(wikipedia)
Distance learning brings with it its own set of difficulties. The common feeling of ‘we are all in this together’ does not become immediately apparent. Without the ability to attend campus sessions (although I would have loved to , work commitment and distance have been prohibitive) communication between student, tutor and fellow students become of vital importance.
The next best thing to attending the campus session has been the libguides in particular – Campus Session 2 Module 3 WBS3760 – 31st October 2012, which contained the key ingredients which had been discussed. I particularly found Adesola’s blog (Monday 5th November) useful, with its link to 9 fellow student’s blogs which she suggests we read. In particular I liked Alice Chambers analogy of ‘Three Boats’ and Corrindas Hall’s productive approach to her enquiry and the setting out of her sequence of actions.
I have decided the title of my profession enquiry will be ‘An Exploration of Dance Technique and Injury Prevention in Classical Dance‘. Using the tools and drawing the skills I have learnt over the past year I intend to draw together in information I have collated and put it into a three pronged approach to culminate at one destination. (Three Boats).
As a dancer my enquiry is of importance to me on a personal level but I also feel it perhaps of even greater importance to the students who are teachers of prospective students as the pupils being educated now are the future of dance.
I have conducted a questionnaire amongst fellow dancers but would like to widen the re-mit so, to my fellow students and blogers I would appreciate your views on technique. How important is technique? Is it right to force the body into un-natural of unfamiliar positions for the sake of art? Has anyone experienced injury from dance? Has it altered the pathway of your career?
YOUR views would be very much appreciated so come on guys help a fellow student out, you may even find it throws up more questions for you own enquiry.
Hi Jacob. I think Technique is important (within reason). At Razzamataz we encourage Technique but we also use an element of fun to make it not like we are strictly teaching them the most important greatest techniques of our time. I don't think those who think technique (and only technique) is super important and that they would go to any lengths to achieve it is right. Some would argue that is morally wrong (I am one of those). It's wrong to punish the body like that. I know in Dance this can be tough, but I am glad you have brought this up. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you have been looking on the blogs. I saw your comment on Adesola's blog also go to Module 3 tab highlighting campus session type links.
ReplyDeleteAn Exploration of Dance Technique and Injury Prevention in Classical Dance‘. Using the tools and drawing the skills I have learnt over the past year I intend to draw together in information I have collated and put it into a three pronged approach to culminate at one destination. (Three Boats). GOOD
As a dancer my enquiry is of importance to me on a personal level but I also feel it perhaps of even greater importance to the students who are teachers of prospective students as the pupils being educated now are the future of dance.
I have conducted a questionnaire amongst fellow dancers WHO? but would like to widen the re-mit WHY? so, to my fellow students and blogers I would appreciate your views on technique.
Are these your specific Inquiry Subquestions or your survey questions? I think your take on technique also involved the art form – so would be interested to see how you are bringing out these two strands. Have you had any emerging findings?
When you say how important is technique? What is this asking more specifically? I know you are asking dancers this – but will you data categorise the responses to find out about technique? Your literature will of course be handy in the data/experience/analysis stage
How important is technique?
Is it right to force the body into un-natural of unfamiliar positions for the sake of art?
Has anyone experienced injury from dance?
Has it altered the pathway of your career?
Have a look at Jess's archived blog – there may be some cross –over to some of your issues? http://jessicalouisehunt.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Jacob
ReplyDeleteHere are my views and experiences.
I believe technique is very important in dance whether for professional or social dance. Classical ballet has a strong and unique technique which was developed specifically for and required for the Art of ballet. It is unfortunate that a teacher with no anatomy, kinesiology or
physiology knowledge can be the reason a dance student develops injures. But I think extreme technique in ballet e.g. the splits being practised more than 180 or the deepest of back bends begins to look like gymnastics. The aesthetics of ballet becomes questionable.
Knowing when to stop pushing your body is the dilemma. I think the practitioner should work their body as far as is comfortable.
Ethically dance teachers should be aware of their responsibilities when developing and training dance students to become professional.
But then hip hop and street dance technique is being pushed to extreme and beyond the comfort zone. Certain moves like sliding on your head, leaping in the air and landing flat on you back are some extreme moves I've seen being executed which I think are dangerous. Unfortunately our bodies are all different shapes and some elite ballet schools require specific body shapes prior to commencing the rigorous ballet training.
Technique is also required for partner dancing, if good technique isn't taught you can not just damage yourself but your partner too. In social dancing you could injure other couples on the dance floor too.
There are numerous preventative courses and activities such as new ballet training programmes to help dancers strengthen areas of their body, there is also pilates, yoga etc
You may be aware of The National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, set up nationally this year and offers dancers free specialist treatment.
https://www.danceuk.org/healthier-dancer-programme/national-institute-dance-medicine-and-science
I think this is one of the most important subjects in dance for the individual dancer.
Corinda