Enjoying The Momentum

It is a week since our first Skype of the term and the positive vibe that was free flowing from our group discussion has remained with me throughout the week.  I have really enjoyed reading the various blogs and getting back in touch with everyone and my own mind in preparation for the term ahead.  I have posted a question on the MAPP LinkedIn discussion group, so if you get chance I would be grateful for your thoughts, ideas and comments.

My research in a 'nutshell' is seeing if I am able to encourage vocational dance students to work more independently and creatively by developing a greater understanding of their heritage as dancers and utilising the principles and techniques of Modern and Post-Modern dance as a means to stimulate improvisation and choreographic ideas.  I am also interested to see if the research will provide an education that is supportive to their current needs within dance and musical theatre training and if it develops autonomous and more confident dancers.  In my 25 years of teaching, I have seen so many students afraid to follow their own impulses to create movement and when challenged to do so, they usually either back off and don't want to proceed or choreograph movements that are akin to what they already know in terms of the syllabus that they study and therefore create a sequence of familiar steps.  However, in my experience, when the students are either given material to work on that is outside of the 'normal' technique classes or they go the theatre to watch something a little different to their training they are enthralled, inspired and genuinely enjoy the 'different' form that they have been exposed to.  If we were able to prolong time, I would love to be able to learn and endure every aspect and style of dance that is available to us and ultimately pass it on to my students.  For this reason, I have chosen to focus my inquiry of the Modern Practitioners, as it was them (I believe) that have given us much to talk about and much to utilise and develop in the future of dance.

I watched Matthew Bourne's latest production 'Lord of The Flies' last night and found myself not only enjoying such immense creativity but I also noticed the seamless connections that were had from various genres of technique within one production.  There was evidence of classical ballet, contemporary, street, hip hop and pedestrian movement that all worked so well together.  An added bonus was that one of my male senior students was a member of the cast and it was wonderful to see him working alongside the Professional members of the company and delivering Bourne's choreography so well and with great attention to detail.  I couldn't help but imagine, if I am able to give my students some of what Matthew Bourne has got in the way of investigation, historical research and creative confidence then they too, could be the potential next generation of 'Modern' choreographers, or at least well on their way to the creative map of discovery.

Even though I only studied contemporary/modern dance as a mandatory subject as part of my vocational training, I have always been drawn to this style choreographically.  For me, there is so much to be had from this style of dance and I see it more and more coming into play in the 'new' ballet works that are being showcased around the globe, as well as Musical Theatre.  Dance is such a wonderful discipline to be part of and a great place to be; forever changing, evolving and giving 'us' so much to think and talk about.  Like our viral community, dance is the community that will continue to be my momentum and driving force behind these very modern and collaborative times..............Exciting!