Module One Focus
Wow.. sharing and listening to other people's experiences, points of views or current state of being is very inspiring. Since yesterday´s online discussion was my first one to actively participate in, I realized that my inner child came to the surface bringing me back to a young me speaking in front of a class in school. My heart started beating very fast and I felt incredibly nervous. Although I am bilingual (German/English) my brain had difficulties to focus on one language plus sharing a rather intimate thought of mine made my pulse run dangerously fast. Over the course of the years I learned to welcome the occasional popping up of my inner child and treated it with great care, by simply comforting myself. So I guess feelings of anxiety are from time to time quite alright. ;-)
I am a classically trained dancer with teaching experience of 18 years. Reflecting on my career and my identification as a woman and a teacher I question myself if ballet is still in keeping with the times. Especially in a society in which we are aiming for a future without fixation on gender, race, age or abilities.
Opening up my own ballet school 7 years ago gave me the opportunity to shape a concept of teaching ballet that I feel comfortable with, however I can still see that both parents and student's expectations are based on stereotypes.
I am eager to continue my personal development and curious to see where it leads me.
Looking forward to hearing from you :-)
Yet again I'd like to use a quote of one of my favourite Choreographers to finish todays Blog entry:
" To understand what I am saying, you have to believe that dance is something other than technique. We forget where the movements come from. They are born from life. When you create a new work, the point of departure must be contemporary life - not existing forms of dance." - Pina Bausch
I studied and worked Pina Bausch's Rite of Spring as a university student. I have differing and difficult memories, I think having access to YouTube videos of today would have helped greatly to connect. Photos and music don't always make the join in our heads, especially a student who only knew plies and tendus.
ReplyDeleteI want to wish you all best with your school and to changing stereotypes. I personally long for the day I'm not told 'I thought my child would do well at ballet as she's awfully slim'. When I cast people for parts and they don't fit the mould I also gain comments, and have done for too many years. Hmm, one day. We live in hope. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Maria, the feelings you shared at the discussion resonated with my thoughts a few years ago. A point of crisis is a point of growth, at least can be. Just yesterday I was reading people who undertake change practices, usually undergo emotional stages similar to those of bereavement ('How to incorporate wellness coaching into your therapeutic practice). Deciding to change takes the courage to be adaptable, flexible, open. This makes me think the ongoing process of change leaves space to growth and enrichment, as opposed to conform with a model, expectations and stereotypes, which diminish the individual free act of finding new schemes, rules, strategies, as result of one's seeking journey (See Chapter 2, The Reflective Practitioner, Schon). I am eager too to see what this transformation lead us all to.
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