Identity search, Collaboration, Power to change
Yesterday (April 28th) we had a discussion/conversation with the choreographer Becky Namgauds.
It made me think of which processes induces artists/practitioners to where they are now, and openness and intentions meet events or other artists.
Sometimes we struggle to find a place that matches with our artistic identity. For Becky, for example, that lead to explore choreography into performance. Very often uncertainty is part of the process but at the same time it means we are actually upgrading.
Artists often produce work or research on what moves them or directly affects them, and that can lead to further research where the artist or practitioner connects with some particular aspects. If that person is a choreographer, then she/he would 'translate' that into movement, and send a message to the audience. To do so, the choreography process often involves a collaboration: building relationships with other artists (for example dancers and musicians), who might (or might not) put ideas together through communication.
What moves us to produce work, can be anything. Our struggles, ideas, opinions can and must be shared.
The issue of body image in dance has been brought up in yesterday's conversation, and a a big number of people (including myself) can relate to that. I am not going to discuss this topic much further as there is a lot to cover but I am fully aware that still is a big issue such as such concerns in dance can and must be challenged. As a dance teacher I have the power of making decisions that can affect students positively on issues like that. This leads to the most interesting part of my practice and research: successful psychological approaches that can make a difference in a dance student's journey. Also what choices do teachers make and why. Our experience affects our practice. I read and listen to what is out there because I feel free to discuss, question old assumptions and methods and articulate ideas with an open mind.
Everyday of my dance journey teaches me that vulnerability can lead to powerful connections but mostly that struggle leads to growth!
Picture from a project I took part of, called 'Identity' by photographer Pamela Pi.
Thank you Laura for this post.
ReplyDeleteCould not attend the zoom so this helped me get in the mood of the discussion.
My research inquiry revolves around how stereotyping has an effect on the psychology of students ,how students lives can be moved by this, and also how the teacher has a big role in the development of situations such as these.
Currently looking on what this "role" should exactly be.
I definitely agree with you on that the teacher has the "power" to make decisions that will affect the lives of the students, either in a positive or in a negative way.
By all odds the role of the teacher has changed in many ways throughout the years.
Maria
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Laura. It was really honest, I am having these same vulnerable moments and constantly questioning my approaches in my practice.
ReplyDeleteWhat I ask myself daily is "what was my lesson in the lesson?"
" What did I learn about myself and did I give them space and the care that they could discover about themselves?"
" Did we all peel back a little layer and still manage to feel warm and safe in the environment?"
Where I teach has seen kids in and out, online, back in and out of schools for 14 months now. When they come into my dance space I want them to be able to identify with the vocabulary in the lesson, give them the freedom to express the experience (when the rest of their lives is literally tied and bound to lockdown rules) and a sense of confidence that goes beyond image, themselves, one another and their teacher.
Linda
Thank you Laura for sharing this beautiful thoughts:)
ReplyDeleteI connected with the uncertainty, building relationship, vulnerability... "Very often uncertainty is part of the process but at the same time it means we are actually upgrading"... This is pure fact. We can not grow properly, as a humans, dancers, mover, artists in 100% of secure environment. We need that life of challenges, unpredictability, uncertainty if we want to explore, learn more., at least on a weekly basis. Great Brené Brown said that vulnerability is not weakness, like many people think, it is our greatest measure of courage. And this is our everyday call, to be brave to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. We do what moves us, what inspire us, we change the environment with our art, we share the energy that exist between people when they when they can give and receive without judgement. Belonging to oneself is the best way to share most authentic self with the world. Learning from different sources makes us stronger, braver, wiser and this is powerful tool any teacher can have. Being non-stop open to possibilities make us less vulnerable.
just one more thing...i forgot to mention... Like Sondra Fraleigh once said "nothing is wasted". Learn on a daily basis, explore, put aside what you do not need at the moment, listen, observe, reflect,....
ReplyDelete