2c: Reflective Practice

Given that I spent the majority of last week in training for my work outside of the artistic world, it has been very interesting looking further into the unique process each mind takes when approaching learning from experience. This growth being one of the most important aspects in the progression of the brain and therefore of our entire existence.

It would be wrong to try and pinpoint the moment in each of our lives where we began the process of "learn by experience" as it will of been from birth itself. An example of this being that as a child, we fall a lot, even from merely standing,  the reason for this ranging from bad footing to over excitement. But do you find yourself falling as often now? If yes my deepest apologies but I'm almost certain it is a resounding no in most cases. The reason for this change being because as we have grown, we have learnt from experience how to be in control of our bodies. Progression to numerous ranges of movement including, in my case, dance choreography.

I remember  all too well taking some form of test so that we could discover our suited style of learning. Given to me in the categories of Visual, Audio and Kinesthetic so that we could revise with which ever process worked best for us for upcoming exams. This "V.A.K" unknown to me, being a break down created by Howard Gardner. Also being a fine example of being aware of a concept without knowing of it's origins.

In line with the notion that different learning techniques are beneficial to people dependant on their learning ability, David Kolb created a "Learning cycle". The cycle rotates between the main categories of "Acting...Valuing...Thinking...Deciding" to visually describe the steps that take place with gaining knowledge. What was interesting is that the one of the main reasons for him creating this cycle was that there is no first step in the process. Looking at the diagram we can decide where it is we each in fact start to learn and in turn continue the rest of the cycle in order. This being done usually completely subconsciously. Upon examining the diagram I came to the conclusion that my first step would be valuing. This section of the cycle breaks down to "Compare it with reality" and "Identify differences (problems)" as well as confirming the style of my learning is mainly "Reflective Observation" also known as visual learning.

I did, however, completely agree with the theories of Gardner who refers to learning styles as "lenses". Stating that it would be incorrect to label oneself to a singular learning style but instead embrace all possible procedures when learning from our experiences. Using the different methods as tools rather than a restriction. Being a dancer, I find this theory extremely important as improving movement and remembering choreography, indispensable skills in professional dance, would not be possible without the accumulation of various learning mechanisms. Although this is of course only necessarily true in my learning experience.

Both Donald Schon and Robert Kottcamp have discussed the theory of there being a specific difference between the learning that comes from having to immediately react within an experience, and being given the time the explore and adjust in order to improve. This being referred to as "Reflection-in-action" or "On-Line" and "Reflection-on-action" or "Off-Line" learning. Reflection-in- action being most suitable to myself as it refers to the example of having to change course or steps where appropriate when put into a live performing situation. An academic, however, needs the time to analyse and adjust work, just as I am having to do when writing this blog. This really brought to me a realisation that the type of learning that is most beneficial to a person will defer with their profession, and sometimes adapting to the profession might mean trying to adapt learning styles accordingly.

The reference of Tacit Knowledge, meaning a knowledge that is not possible to be conveyed through written or spoken word could not be more true in the performing arts world. Twyla Tharp's connection of Tacit Knowledge and "Muscle Memory" being a perfect example. Tharp's statement; "...movement doesn't need to accessed through conscious effort" is one that I am sure most performers would agree with. It is hard to describe how it is possible for ones body to work or move without specifically thinking about what mechanics are needed to achieve it, but it is a skill we manage to accomplish in the early stages of our training.

In terms of learning choreography, muscle memory also plays a huge part. Every dancer will have their own personal way of storing choreographic information, this being in relation to their prefered learning style. I have always benefited most from viewing a movement before repeating and eventually writing it down in the shortest form possible for future reference. In my recent work with a ballet company, for example, I was employed to learn all roles of the ballet and so I could not merely rely on muscle memory. In terms of my academic learning, and indeed getting to grips with new writing styles such as a blog, I have always been one to learn better by example. Researching into others work and with that finding my personal approach and strengths.

Reflecting on all aspects of our lives would be impossible to escape, but it is how we take these findings forward in the most valuable way that defines our professional and personal lives for both present and future. This notion being one I have never really considered to be as crucial and has definitely prompted me to be more critical of my experiences.

2a: Reflective Journal (First Impressions)

When I first started looking  at the tasks 2 I wasn't really sure how I was going to adapt to Journal writing and how it would actually benefit my growth with professional practice. Initially going into my writing a little apprehensive and I have to admit my first few "Dear Diary's" are extremely dull so thank goodness they're personal. Save you from the tedious task.

Through out my dancing life, and in fact through all aspects of our lives we are forced to think about what has happened or our decisions, reflect on their outcomes, and from that learn for future situations (well hopefully). Putting this reflection in to the form of writing, however, is something I have struggled with in the past and I am going to put it out straight there and blame my training for this.

For years I had to produce a mandatory "Dance Diary" daily where in which we had to reflect on our dance classes that day. Every day. From the age of 11 to 19. Yawn!

It is a known fact in the dancing world that the only way you can possibly improve or progress in your career is to self correct. This is taking all the years of training's worth of corrections and applying them to our work. Developing the ability to do this without the help of a teacher to take with us into our professional lives. This is something I have grown to do subconsciously and so having to go back to basics into writing was tough.

I am true believer that looking back on your day and taking from it as much as you can to progress in your professional life but in terms of my profession, there isn't necessarily something I would feel is good enough, for lack of a better phrase, to write each day. This mental barrier is something I have found difficult to brake.

I am interested to know how other people have found journal writing?

Am I missing some great epiphany that happens?

Any recommendations for helping to lose my Journal inhibitions would be greatly appreciated.

I have been toying with the suggested forms of documenting my daily reflections and I will share how I found them soon.

1b: Professional Communication Technologies

Being a part of a generation that uses the phrase "google it" for the explanation of practically anything I am all too aware of the ever developing cyber world we have become to find indispensable. As an avid and relatively well informed user of social networking sites for personal use, however, I had no idea of the versatility these sites could be used for from personal to professional publications. In particular the evolution of what I now know from Web 1.0 to 2.0 discussed in Reader 1.

The sheer fact that global communication can be achieved at the mere touch of a button on a mobile phone is a pretty amazing thought and the improvement of these technologies are still moving at a pace that the average public member will struggle to be able to keep up with.

I am particularly interested in the massive change that has occurred between Web 1.0 and 2.0 in the fact that, just as I am with this very blog, anyone can now publish their own work easily and efficiently (and even better for free!). The days of being limited to education without participation on the web are far behind us and now the joining of public thoughts and opinions through the internet opens up great possibilities in the growth of our society. The concept behind the improvement in Web 2.0 is shown diagrammatically in Tim O'Reilly's article "What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns And Business Models For The Next Generation Of Software" (2006) making the concept a little easier to grasp:

This "meme" shows that the aims behind Web 2.0 is to enable all who use the internet to publish, share, comment and interact with all types of information through sources such as youtube, blogger, google+ and flickr (all programmes that I have so far newly explored within the BAPP course) in order to improve our personal or professional needs.

I particularly enjoyed the quote that describes Web 2.0 as a "Social space for people, strangers and almost strangers with diverse backgrounds to come together as equals, as generators of ideas, to deliberate and act collectively" (Feenberg & Bakardjieva 2004). I feel a strong connection between this quote and how Web 2.0 has and will improve my career as a dancer. Quite recently a campaign was started for members of the performing world to protest against the unjust payment dancers were being offered for their work. An article was published on Facebook describing a situation where this had happened and in turn directed us to an online petition to show our collective anger. A fine example of how Web 2.0 can bring together the masses of dancers, being strangers, and form a strong, equally opinionated network.

Networking, in the terms of simply advertising yourself to possible employers has become much easier through the web. Dancing companies being all over the world and restriction of funds not enabling me to necessarily travel for auditions would have hindered my capabilities if it wasn't for video auditions, sent via youtube, which wouldn't have been possible with Web 1.0. 

Although the opportunities that come with Web 2.0 seem to weigh more beneficial than not, it is important to remember that sharing large amounts of information, or publishing your opinions on a worldwide public domain comes with a large amount of responsibility and risk if abused. Being sure to keep confidential information about yourself or your workplace is of high importance, such as the contact details on my CV that I blanked on my blog as well as any mention of establishments that would be wise to be left anonymous when publishing personal opinions or anecdotes. Remembering of course that you can never be certain who may be reading and whether it could affect your present or unforeseen future. In terms of our blogs, we are able to write about what we wish but I am of the opinion that any negativity or anger should be kept off public forums and left to the security of a personal journal. It is helpful however that many websites, such as facebook, give the user the option of privatizing within it to suit the our needs. 

Overall I am of the opinion that without the development of Web 2.0, the internet would not be as necessary to our lives (or mine in particular) for my educational, personal and professional needs and if continued to be used correctly and wisely will be a cyber relationship that will only grow with my further learning of its possibilities throughout this course. 

1d: Image Bank

Already being a frequent user of Facebook and Instagram to keep in touch with my friends and family (all of which are nicely dotted around the map) I am interested to explore what social networking or photo sharing sites would be suitable and helpful on a professional level.

As part of task 1d I have created a flickr account so that I can share images of what I have been up to.

Flickr:ttp://www.flickr.com/photos/berniebellp/

I haven't added any photos just yet as I'm not currently working on any projects right now and so im not sure where to begin. I will add pictures very soon so keep checking.

In terms of using images to further benefit my career I'm not entirely sure how my flickr will do this? Although I can see that having some sort of proof of the experience I have gained before and after graduation other than what is written in my CV would be an advantage when showing an employer. Especially with the development of using media for communication as Reader 1 is teaching me.

Also below is a link for my Network Dance website:
www.networkdance.com/Bernadette-Patterson


I use this website daily as companies and project managers across the globe post their availabilities and auditions. As well as this site in particular being free to use which is always helpful. My profile page contains the images that I use to send to employers and eventually (Once my laptop decides to play along) will also contain my newly updated CV.


I received my student card and handbooks in the post today which I am very excited about. I was struggling to really embrace my thoughts and opinions behind Reader 1 when reading off a screen and now can get really stuck in. Shall let you know of my reactions to it soon. 

1a: CV....Take 2.0

Although I have already posted my "Blog Profile" which is adapted and lengthened version of my CV, after looking at some of the CV's other participants of the course have posted and come to the conclusion that mine is in absolute need of a makeover. 

During my time in training we were given a so called "How To" on writing our CV's and I must admit that the one I use today is using the template. I now feel however that this is no longer acceptable for my professional life. 

Below I have inserted the pre and post amendment CV's so that you can see that difference...and hopefully prefer the latter.

Bernadette Patterson 

(Address)

_______________ (home), ____________ (mobile) 

E-mail _____________________________

Date of Birth _________

 Nationality British Height ______

Weight ______

Personal Profile 

Graduate of Elmhurst School for Dance in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. I have strong classical ballet technique with experience and further training in jazz (Mattox) and contemporary (Graham, Cunningham). Have received classical training from Samira Saidi (First Soloist, Birmingham Royal Ballet), Errol Pickford (Principal, Royal Ballet) and Victoria Marr (First Soloist, Birmingham Royal Ballet).

Education and Qualifications 

2004 – 2012 Elmhurst School for Dance National Diploma in Professional Dance
 RAD Advanced 2 Merit
 RAM Grade 5 Singing Merit
A Level English A
A Level Dance B
11 GCSE’s A*- B

 Performances

2012       Four Little Girls, Les Rendevous (Frederick Ashton)              
               Rich Man’s Frug, Sweet Charity (Bob Fossie/ Michelle Blair)

2011      Snowflakes, The Nutcracker, Vienna Festival Ballet        
              Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker, Vienna Festival Ballet            Centerpointe Theatre,                                                                                                                      Dubai, UAE
              Diamond Variation, The Sleeping Beauty (Marius Petipa)        
             Aspirations (Samira Saidi) Sweetheart, Pineapple Poll (John Cranko)

2010      Concerto in G Minor (Anthony Sewell)

2009       Metal Motion (Dennie Wilson)

2008      Reach for the Sky (Samira Saidi)                                                        Birmingham Town                                                                                                                          Hall

2007      The Dream Birmingham Symphony (John Rigby/ Thorey Mountain)       Birmingham                                                                                                                                  Symphony Hall

2006 Midsummer Nights Dream Elmhurst Theatre (Irek Mukhamedov)

Skills and Interests 
Benesh Notation Reader (Commended)

References _______________________

What I like about this version is the clarity of it, and from those I have seen this is a key aspect of the CVso as not to confuse or irritate any potential employer reading. My main Issue's being, aside from it now being out of date that this show absolutely none of my personality as well as hardly any content showing the vast amount of experience I gained through a range of opportunities during my time in school.

I now present to you CV Number 2

Bernadette Patterson 

(Address)

_______________ (home), ____________ (mobile) 

E-mail _____________________________

Date of Birth _________

 Nationality British Height ______

Weight ______

Personal Profile 

As a recent graduate of  eight years of training at Elmhurst School for Dance in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet I have been able to evolve into a confident young professional dancer. I have strong classical ballet technique with a variety of performance experience from school shows to professional performances. Further training in jazz (Mattox) and contemporary (Graham, Cunningham) have enabled me to become a versatile dancer, an aspect that is now extremely important due to the development of choreography. Having received classical training from Samira Saidi (First Soloist, Birmingham Royal Ballet), Errol Pickford (Principal, Royal Ballet) and Victoria Marr (First Soloist, Birmingham Royal Ballet) during the later stages of my training I have matured to be a hard working and determined dancer, passionate about performing and improving further throughout my professional career.

Education and Qualifications 

2004 – 2012 Elmhurst School for Dance National Diploma in Professional Dance
 RAD Advanced 2 Merit
 RAM Grade 5 Singing Merit
A Level English A
A Level Dance B
11 GCSE’s A*- B

Currently enrolled with Middlesex University studying BA Honors in Professional Practice

Company

2013 Vienna Festival Ballet

Performances

2013       Flash Mob (Breast Cancer Campaign)                                            Primark, Oxford Street,                                                                                                                London

2012       Four Little Girls, Les Rendevous (Frederick Ashton)              
               Rich Man’s Frug, Sweet Charity (Bob Fossie/ Michelle Blair)

2011      Snowflakes, The Nutcracker, Vienna Festival Ballet        
              Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker, Vienna Festival Ballet            Centerpointe Theatre,                                                                                                                      Dubai, UAE
              Diamond Variation, The Sleeping Beauty (Marius Petipa)        
             Aspirations (Samira Saidi) Sweetheart, Pineapple Poll (John Cranko)

2010      Concerto in G Minor (Anthony Sewell)

2009       Metal Motion (Dennie Wilson)

2008      Reach for the Sky (Samira Saidi)                                                        Birmingham Town                                                                                                                          Hall

2007      The Dream Birmingham Symphony (John Rigby/ Thorey Mountain)       Birmingham                                                                                                                                  Symphony Hall

2006 Midsummer Nights Dream Elmhurst Theatre (Irek Mukhamedov)

Additional Experience

I have also attended the Prague Ballet Summer Masterclasses, working with Daria Klimentova (English National Ballet), Isabelle Ciaravola (Paris Opera Ballet), Christopher Hampson (English National Ballet) and many other influential professional dancers.

Skills and Interests 
Benesh Notation Reader (Commended)

In early 2013 I was given the opportunity to work with secondary school children who hadn't previously taken classical ballet in a workshop through Elmhurst. After demonstrating various aspects of a traditional ballet class I encouraged them to try some basic steps in order to improve their upcoming vocational dance project.

References _______________________

In this version of my CV i have tried to show the employer a little more about my personality without becoming informal or giving them useless information.

Usually with every CV I also send a cover letter to go with it so that it is then personal to the work I am applying for.

Is this CV an improvement?

Is it ok to be more informal in the Personal Profile section?

One thing that does worry me is that I was always advised at school to keep my CV to one page and was wondering is this important enough for me to have to cut down my renewed version slightly to keep it to one page. Was anyone else given this advice?

Any comments would be great as I am always wanting to build the CV that is more likely to get me the job!

Flash Mob

As promised, here is a link to the Flash Mob I took part in for Breast Cancer Campaign that I spoke about in a previous post...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZjjEi_kDCg

Make sure you get your pink out!

Wear it Pig!

Testing, Testing...

First of all I feel I should admit that this will be me losing my Blogging (is blogging the correct word? Oh help!) virginity as it were so please bare with me.

I figured a fitting premiere post should be about something I have recently done in my life that encompasses as many of my passions as possible, and nothing says that like the flash mob I was able to be a part of last Friday in order to advertise the Breast Cancer Campaign charity. 

Just in case you aren't familiar with what a flash mob is, the best way to explain is that a group of any possible number of people is positioned within any public area among completely unaware general members of the public, when those who have been appointed, break into dance. The best part about flash mobs is that it doesn't necessarily have to any point to it other than entertaining and surprising complete strangers, and I can tell you now I had so much fun finally being able to a part of the other side. This flash mob, for instance, being in London's Oxford Street Primark store advertising the Breast Cancer Campaign "Wear it Pink" clothing range.

Now, I'm not going to lie, there was one major set back to the day. This being the fact that me and my house mate, also a cast member, had to wake up at the heartbreaking hour of 5am...(A.M) in order to commute to London in time for the 7:00 start in store. Although being that the flash mob was for charity we just grabbed our extra large coffees and yummy blueberry muffins on the way in tired excitement, and later let our over tiredness keep our energy levels up...and i mean up... hyper actively up, but being brought to stitches is never bad in my eyes.

As I said, this was a flash mob, meaning we had to dance (there's passion number 1...muffins don't count right?) we were all sent a video of what the choreographer wanted and had to learn from that ready for the limited time we had on set on the day. Now, I have to declare that my preferred dance style has always been classical ballet, although thanks to my training I enjoy all others, and the steps we were given would've come more into the category of Jazz. Perfect for the atmosphere we wanted the flash mob to produce. Not quite the "Jazz Hands" routine you may be picturing, but close, I'll give you that much.

Oh, oh, oh, how I have not yet mentioned the fact that the flash mob was performed in a pig onesie! As in baby pink fleece all in one complete with pig ears, snout and tail. Bare in mind there were 20 of us girls, all fast pace dancing in unison within a small section of the store, in fleece. Sweating like a pig is a phrase that has never more beautifully fit. The pig costume made the whole day a lot more fun I must say. I mean, how often is that you walk into Primark to find 20 pigs dancing in the middle of it? 

Being the lucky lady I am, I was also asked to film some acting alone (still dressed as a pig remember). You don't know this yet but I HATE CHEESE (As in overacting not mozzarella) so being told to walk around the store with my "Oh what's happening here?" face would usually have me running a mile. But it didn't. I'm still in shock about this one. I actually loved doing it. Maybe I've broken a mental barrier when it comes to cheese. Maybe it was just the fact I knew the project was for charity but either way I was happy with my performance...pat on the back to me!

All laughing and jokes aside, it was great to be a part of something that will later go towards helping to raise money for such an important cause. Being together with 19 other passionate dancers, doing what we all love for the sake of charity is something that will always remind you through tiredness and stress of why we do it and this is what I personally gained from the day. 

The flash mob will be aired soon and I will definitely share it with you when I can! Oink!

My Housemate and Myself fashioning our "Wear it Pink" look.

1a: Blog Profile

Before further embarking on my blogging creations, I wanted to let you readers know a little more about who I am and what has brought me to do this BAPP course in the hopes that in turn I can read each of your blogs to relate to the different way our minds have explored within it.

I have been lucky enough to have been able to follow my dream of becoming a professional dancer without, whilst unlike many of my peers, moving away from my hometown of Birmingham. In 2012 I graduated Elmhurst School for Dance after the complete eight years of training from the mere age of 11 to 19. Through out my time in training I have had plentiful opportunities to work with some of the dancing worlds greats, such as the artistic director at the time, Desmond Kelly. As well as principals for companies such as The Royal Ballet. Also working in close relationship with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and given bountiful opportunities to be in close contact with the company and its members.

Due to the versatility of my dance training, I have also had the opportunity to work with varied dance styles ranging from Matt Mattox jazz and Cunningham contemporary to the more unconventional styles of African, Irish and Flamenco. All of which I have found extremely important since leaving training to aid the wide range of movement more companies are beginning to use.

As I trained at a vocational school, I was still able to build my academic skills, resulting in the following qualifications;

2004 – 2012                    Elmhurst School for Dance 

                                          National Diploma in Professional Dance  

                                          RAD Advanced 2             Merit 

                                          RAM Grade 5 Singing     Merit 

                                          A Level English                 A 

                                          A Level Dance                  B 

                                          11 GCSE’s                        A*- B

                                          Benesh Notation Reader Commended

The National Diploma of course being the stepping stone that has brought me to this degree course and this blog.

Performance Experience  is extremely important for moulding a dancer ready for professional life and I given a huge amount whilst at Elmhurst. Ranging from the annual summer show performed at our in school theatre to be taken to Dubai with a professional ballet company to be a part of their christmas tour.

Four Little Girls, Les Rendevous (Frederick Ashton)

             

Rich Man's Frug, Sweet Charity (Bob Fossie, Michelle Blair)        

Snowflakes,

Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker (Vienna Festival Ballet)        

Centrepoint Theatre, Dubai

Diamond Variation, Sleeping Beauty, Solo Competition Finalist   

Wilis, Giselle Act 2 (Sir Peter Wright)

Reach for the Sky (Samira Saidi)                                                        

Birmingham Town Hall

The Dream (John Rigby, Thorey Mountain)                                        

Birmingham Symphony Hall

Firefly, Midsummer Nights Dream (Irek Mukhamedov)

These being but a few examples of the stage experience I gained whilst still a student.

Since my graduation I have relocated to Reading and recently have worked on a variety of dance projects, some of which I will be exploring into within this blog and have had the great pleasure to once again be working with the company that I was lucky enough to go to the Emirates with. Now looking forward to what lies ahead within this course and very interested to see where the potential within will take me.