Reading through blog posts about Sunday's discussion around "thinking ,talking and changing" ,which I could not attend due to work, gave me the opportunity to give myself a moment to make a connection between these 3 words and also think about where I place myself at the moment as an artist.
I think that everyone goes through a phase in life where they struggle to find where they belong: as dancers-as artists-as teachers even as humans in a more general way...
As I call it the "disorientation of self".
Being vulnerable and uncertain regarding matters around dance such as body imaging, stereotyping, <which is a big area of research in my research inquiry now in Module 3> color, culture etc. are something that have been debatable issues for many years now in this field.
These issues can provide an unsettling feeling to many, and have a big impact on the self imaging throughout the lifespan.
Moreover...
Thinking about that, lead me thinking about these:
-Being uncertain about something in life, gives you the advantage to have options!
-Having to have options, give you the chance to explore and change as a human!
-Exploration and change, gives you the chance for advancement!
Everyday for me is now throughout my research, is an opportunity for a deep analysis around matters such as these, a chance to have strong connections with others, hear their own personal experiences , share mine with them as a dance teacher, look through existing literature, and as a result see how the profession of a dance teacher has an impact on these existing topics.
What I am brainstorming at the moment that will be part of my inquiry, is the role of the teacher as a whole.
Should a dance teacher be a mentor? a friend? an advisor? even in a way a psychologist that helps personal problems that emerge on the way? A combination of all of the above?
Does this lead to the "disorientation" that I've mentioned before?
What are your thoughts on this?
Maria
Hello Maria, thank you, I've appreciated your thoughts. I've spent the last 30 years trying to define my role as dance teacher. I've been pushed and prodded so many different ways, and have found that I've created many walls - places I won't go no matter how much I'm pushed by parents etc. So many walls. My role now is to flag problems and let professionals deal with it, and bite my tongue if I don't agree with the response. I often think of Mary Poppins, firm but kind. I'm also interested in hearing other's responses...
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, thank you for your comment.
DeleteDefinitely agree with you on the Mary Poppins comparison there.
Being in this field as teachers by all odds gives us the chance to understand, accept, release ,and repair parts of ourselves daily.
Maria
Hi Maria! I agree its always a process of evolving and redefining. Which at times can be challenging when you are a leader or teacher. But I also feel its part of the beauty. I think each group of people I have danced with or have taught makes me grow and sometimes challenges me in hard ways but I always try to find the lesson or growth from each. Easier said than done of course! Anyways hope you are well! Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi Julianna thank you for your comment. Definitely its a process within that can provide unlimited benefits throughout.
DeleteHope you are well and safe as well!
Maria
Hi Maria, I see that you are in Cyprus!! Finally someone in the same timezone as me:)
ReplyDeleteI am finding that I go into the lesson with ideas and leave the studio with even more thoughts and ideas!
I think as we grow as artists in education we critique and question our methods in more detail, that our students get their most meaningful education. As we are nearing the end of our MA road, we have learned to find questions in the questions too wouldn’t you say :) Nor do I believe my questions will end here either.
Especially during these times, I find myself questioning the boundaries I previously put in place in our creative space.
It is tricky to find the balance between creative movement play, individual progress and enabling them to run a little more freely than they can in any other area of their lives at present.
I am trying to find ways to build vocabulary, different areas and spaces that they get to find their feet and their wings :)
Linda
Hi Linda! Same time-zone friend here :)
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, definitely agree with you on that we need to find that balance point between set-syllabus work and free movement for our students.
I believe that there is a thin line between guiding students and letting them be themselves, in both cases I think its equally important for us to act as observers as well as mentors, so we as well as them can gain as many meaningful experiences as we can!
Maria