2d Images Task 1d

Dynamix Dance

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127540638@N03/sets/72157649636691985/

Here is a link to a set of images in Flickr showing promotional pictures taken during the launch of my dance school in 2012, some of the images were from our first ever Christmas recital in December 2013.

In order to use these images online I had to comply with ethical practice by ensuring written parental and student consent was gained allowing images of my students to appear on my website for promotional purposes.

Audio Visual Task 1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzG96oISTcc


One of the hardest tasks I have come across so far has to be this one, I have spent considerable time procrastinating as a result of being unsure how to undergo the brief of creating my own YouTube channel clip titled 'Starting Out On BAPP'. During this process I recorded my feelings in my reflective journal in order to look back at how I solved issues of uncertainty. To achieve this task I gained inspiration from my peers audio visual presentations and considered how I wanted to approach mine. I was dubious about sitting in front of a camera and talking as I am rather self conscious and I had already written an online profile for my blog and did not want to repeat myself in verbal form. One of the other students had made a slide show of her pictures, including text and a song, I was inspired by the creative approach and it showed a really personal take on the required task. I decided to do this myself and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed digging out old snaps and reliving those early memories, I often doubt myself and what I do, I think that like my blog profile, this exercise has not only allowed me to explore further areas of online communication, but enabled me to see how far I have come and feel proud of what I have achieved. I did not find this easy, I have never made a slide show or video before and had to follow online tutorials and through much trial and error achieved the final result.

Professional Communication Technologies: Thoughts On Web 2.0

Task 1 b

Upon research of web 2.0 I have discovered how online interaction continues to evolve in our professional practice and social lives. As social media is so commonly used every day for various purposes, it is easy to take for granted the amount we rely on it for daily tasks. I feel the web 2.0 movement hugely benefits my practice as an arts professional, however there are many factors for us to consider in ethical use of this. I feel that web 2.0 in some cases can prove detrimental in that there is a capacity for dishonesty in some cases, I plan to explore aspects of ethical use of web 2.0 within my further research.

My research lead me to consider all of the many forms of web 2.0 that I use on a daily basis to enhance my work as a Dance Teacher. I have recently joined several online networking groups relating to dance that have fed my own interest as well as proved beneficial to my work. Online hubs allow teachers to share ideas and gain solution to issues arising in the work place. It is reassuring to have a support network of like minded professionals experiencing similar, teaching dance is such a specialised profession I often feel limited with who I can call upon for advice. The discovery of these hubs and forums came about through suggested interest on Face Book and Linked In.

As students we are able to connect with our peers and tutors via our blogs, allowing us to share our experiences and broaden perspectives regarding our studies. For instance, through my blog I am able to share my findings and gain inspiration for further research from my tutors and peers in order to improve my understanding from their input via comments.

Ethical use of web 2.0 must be considered in professional practice, this is something I have studied as part of my teacher training and am fully aware of the legislations and measures in place for the protection of ourselves and others. Factors to consider are: copyright, authenticity, confidentiality boundaries of personal and professional in terms of reputation. It is necessary to comply with the legislations within the Data Protection Act 1998, Protection of Children Act 1999 and Copyright Act 2012.

Separation of personal and professional online profiles are imperative when using Face Book and Twitter, I have therefore created two separate pages for each of these aspects of life. Used in the correct manner, web 2.0 allows us to communicate on more levels than ever before allowing various forms of interaction from one to many, my current module encourages the use of many varying forms of web 2.0 to enhance my profession and further educational research. Through my academic journey so far, I have discovered more platforms of web 2.0 I'm sure I will continue to discover more.

Professional Profile

Professional Profile

My journey so far...

I began dancing at the age of four following a Christmas outing to the theatre with my primary school to watch The Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, I remember falling in love with dance at that very moment. The Sugar Plum Fairy in particular caught my eye and from then on, just like many girls of my age, that was what I aspired to become.

I showed an aptitude for dance and other related activities including gymnastics and various sports so it made sense for me explore these further outside of school. I took lessons in Ballet and Modern at Hereford Ballet School and moved through my grades quickly, I also joined a local gymnastics club and it was difficult for me to decide which activity I wanted to focus on more. I went on to win county and regional championship titles in gymnastics with dance still on the scene but taking a bit of a back seat for a while.

When approaching sixteen, the decisions of potential careers were looming and I had various ideas of acting, coaching, dancing and perhaps physiotherapy. My dance teachers called me and my mum in for a meeting to discuss my future in pursuing a dance career, which came as a surprise to me as I had no idea I was any good! It all seemed rather daunting but I thought, why not give it a go and audition for some full time dance schools? I was only fifteen at the time, choosing a career seemed so grown up, I recall feeling like a wanted to be a kid for just a bit longer!

My auditions were a success, I was offered places at Northern Ballet School and The Hammond School and what a great feeling it was to be chosen over so many other students hoping for a place, but this was just the beginning. I accepted a place at The Hammond School as living in Chester seemed a little less scary than living in central Manchester on my own, coming from such a rural background.

Unfortunately an accident at gymnastics almost destroyed my dance career before my training had barely begun. I shattered part of my knee cap, resulting in two operations, months of physiotherapy, a huge knock to my confidence and a thoroughly depressing time out from dance. I moved home and attended a course at the art college studying performing arts which I found rather uninspiring. I explored various career paths over the next two years but nothing interested me enough and upon deciding I was up to it, I would give dance another go despite being a little older than other dance students. I attended a full time dance course in the Midlands, Bojangles College, which was rather small but I felt it was the right place for me having met some great teachers and students on the audition day. The teachers really built up my self confidence, technique and performance, they were really supportive and I enjoyed my time here.

Upon leaving I was thrown into the competitive cut throat world that is the dance industry and after many auditions I was offered a job as part of a performance company at a holiday village in Devon. This gave me a first taste as a regular performer and although it was never my ambition to work in holiday entertainment I gained some valuable experience and provided an opening to further performing opportunities. After this I joined a production company in Menorca that toured around with two productions, in which I assisted with the choreography. I found a real passion for creating my own choreography and satisfaction in teaching it to others. I had always liked the idea of being a dance teacher but felt I lacked the confidence to do it.

Upon returning home from Spain I enquired about local teaching courses and despite being offered a job with a dance company in the UK, I decided to enrol at Janet Marshall Dance Studios, Cheltenham. Here, I studied for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Foundation In Dance Instruction and Certificate In Dance Education in the genres of Imperial Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre. I feel that this was, without doubt, the best thing I have ever done as it provided a gate way into a rewarding career as a teacher.

During my time teaching so far, I have worked for various schools across Herefordshire as well as Shropshire and Worcestershire. For the past five years I have taught classical ballet at a local school in North Herefordshire, Aspire Dance Studios. It's a privilege to be part of such a vibrant school, producing excellent results through high standards amidst a friendly atmosphere. I have found it most fulfilling watching my students grow, progress and achieve.

Two years ago I decided to branch out and set up my own classes, 'Dynamix Dance' this had always been an ambition of mine. It was a completely new challenge, having to carry out extensive research into business requirements as well as broaden my skills in I.T and marketing. It has enabled me to view the dance industry from a different perspective.

Which leads me to my most recent venture, studying for a BA in Professional Practice of the Arts with Middlesex University, a work based study programme, through which I hope to develop and progress my skills as an arts practitioner. During this course I hope to improve my practice and broaden my career prospects as well as fulfilling a personal goal of gaining a degree. Through my blog I hope to share my research, experiences and findings as well as learn from others. I look forward to receiving your comments.

Ruth