Task 2d - Inquiry

In my daily practice my first love and the topic that really inspires me is choreography.  Watching other choreographers creations and questioning what they were trying to accomplish through their choreography. Also taking my own creative ideas and developing movements and combinations that imaginatively speak to the audience.

Using this as a starting point to explore different lines of inquiry, I began by thinking about original choreography and the fact that I love to create pieces that are unique and thought provoking.  Movements that often audiences may have not expected yet are enlightened by the pieces visual depth.  This made me think about when this type of creativity is best used.  As a choreographer within my own dance company I can freely experiment  with my quirky ideas with my professional dancers who are often grateful to be working with a new experience.  Primarily this isContemporary dance it’s characterised by its versatility: contemporary can be danced to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement.  The ease of movement promoted by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers to push themselves to new boundaries of body movement. www.blackfishacademy.com/dance.htm 

Is this however acceptable within musical theatre?  Recently I was employed by a different theatre company to choreograph their annual show.  The director asked me to try to simulate the original choreography of that years chosen Musical.  I was very disappointed as  my creativity and individuality would now  i felt be compromised. 

I realise that familiarity with the Broadway or movie choreography of any musical can prove very helpful.  But I feel for more than just ethical reasons, it is not a good idea to copy or recreate it movement for movement.  I endevoured to explain that a) most of the actors probably do not have the same skill set as the actors in a professional production and, b) the choreography will lack integration with the rest of the show.  I was happy to explore but then reject it!  The overall impression of the professional version would stay with me, helping me to create something that is reminiscent of the original yet uniquely my own.

Once I had started to teach the choreography to the cast the director was aware that my choreography was original yet in keeping with the shows era, style and genre proving there really is no need to copy.

With websites such as YouTube it is now easier than ever to watch original broadway cast performances along with many other professional productions. Therefore allowing inexperienced or unprofessional choreographers to easily copy and recreate.

I am excited to have stumbled across a line of inquiry that is based around Web 2;0 technologies which is something I have been  introduced to in depth since starting this course.

Is YouTube used correctly when researching a show?

Does the ability to view other peoples work freely, hault our own creativity?

Is it acceptable to copy original choreography?

I am aware that some shows feature iconic choreography that in nearly every production produced since, showcases these famous movements and combinations

West Side Story 1961 film choreographed by Jerome Robbins - Prologue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8R9GiLImSw

The finger snapping and Side Leaps 

Cabaret 1972 film directed by Bob Fosse - Mein Herr 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX-24Zm0bjk 

Awkward ankle twisting in Mien Heir 

A Chorus Line 1985 film choreoraphed by Jeffery Hornaday - One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyZeGOsR9IA 

Hatography and Kicklines

Swan Lake 1895 Stage revival choreographed by Marius Petipa - Pas de Quatre

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY4Y1gTO9HE 

Linking of the arms and 16 pas de chat

Having started to follow this line of inquiry it appears that most iconic sequences come from a film version of the said musical.  I question wether or not YouTube has influenced creativity at all and has there in fact previously been another source available to those who wanted to literally copy other peoples work. This being film.

I  have also noticed that in producing  a Bob Fosse musical it was nearly unheard of to deviate  from his unique style of choreography which is quite unlike any other. Recognizable by its slinky moves and quick isolations, rolling shoulders and sleek, thrusting movements, Fosse's style dominated dance in the musical theatre genre for over 30 years (from 1950's - 1980's) and is still very prominent today.

Is this because we copy Fosse’s choreography or would it be rude to not emulate the creative style Fosse formed?

Matthew Bourne chose to disregard Marious Petipa’s famous choreography when recreating and producing his own version of Swan Lake which takes music by Tchaikovsky. He famously and controversially cast men as the swans stating “The idea of a male swan makes complete sense to me. The strength, the beauty, the enormous wingspan of these creatures suggests to the musculature of a male dancer more readily than a ballerina in her white tutu."

In choosing to follow his own creative ideas Bourne collected over 30 international awards.

Is copying a compliment or an easy option?

Are there any legalities that choreographers, directors and producers should be aware of?

Here are some very interesting articles about the copy right of choreography

http://broadwayworld.com/board/printthread.cfm?thread=1010135&boardid=0 

http://www.thestage.co.uk/connect/eagle/0519.php

Finally the last line of inquiry regarding copy right reminded me that in fact some choreographers have published their choreography for certain shows and would prefer you to use the original choreography rather than mess with their concepts and ideas. This has been done for Jerrome Robbins’s West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof, Susan Stroman’s Producers, Crazy for You and Show Boat.

As you will be aware from my investigation into Lines of inquiry thus far there is alot for me to consider when discussing originality in choreography and  have yet to decide on an exact theme to follow.   I have thoroughly enjoyed researching in more depth  the points that interest and excite me and look forward to more research in the future

Task 2b Reflective Writing

I spent time on this task a few weeks ago, and have now decided to look back over my piece and comment on my thoughts today, as I have just completed a very similar day/event to the one previously reflected on in the frame work of Ried and Moon. I will not be posting the whole reflective entry as it covered 7 pages of hand written scribble, however, I will be looking inwardly at which sub headings I feel best helped me reflect, learn and move forward.

Description

I certainly feel this is a necessary starting point and should always be included.  It helps clarify exactly what the event was, when it was and where it took place. I feel if two events are very similar, this section would help you at a later date reflect and compare. It reminds you and the reader that they were different days with different outcomes and experiences.

Initial Reflection

I have in the past written a diary, it was more personal than professional. Having looked at the  description and ideas behind initial reflection, I felt its framework was very familiar. This is the structure I have previously used and feels the easiest to connect with at this stage. I think it is useful to identify feelings and moods when reflecting on the success of a day/event. It will inevitably help identify what makes a day/event successful and if your feelings could change towards a future engagement.

List

I found this component very useful. I would personally write my list of things that come to mind before my initial reflection as i find this more productive. I feel a simple task such as, creating a list of words that spring to mind, unearthed feelings and thoughts that encouraged me to look and think deeper. For instance, “lost voice”, is a regular occurrence when teaching such a large group of children. Yet I had never given it much thought once I had completed the day, as it didn’t really play on my mind on leaving the school. By putting it on my list, it then became something I would think about when going further into the writing task. In my evaluation I easily recognised that by taking along the microphone to my music system I could avoid this all together. It was a simple but most certainly over looked solution to an undiscovered problem that arose from a list of words.

Evaluation

I would certainly use the evaluation criteria again without question. It made me look at how to improve on the work I deliver, as well as encouraging me that, what I have achieved is of a good standard. For the first time in a long time, I concluded that I should be very proud of my business. Evaluating any day or event is something I am definitely going to spend time on in the future. It is a sure way to help identify both positive and negative points. also to help begin to work on improving your professional practice.

What If

I know this section is useful in highlighting things that have the potential to happen, but very rarely do.  I think its a good idea to give these points time. It encouraged me to double check I was prepared for the worst case scenarios, i.e. injury or disobedience. When stating things that I wished had happened it lead me to think how I could make positive things happen in the future. I will definitely use this idea in future reflection, but will possibly use it in general rather than on every occasion. I have since put this into practice on an overall view of certain aspects of my business, i.e. Workshops, Wedding Dance Lessons and Corporate Events. It has allowed me to look inwardly at what I would like to happen in the future. Primarily helping me try to understand how to gain more business opportunities.

Another View

It is always useful to consider the impression you have on another person. This element of the task has reminded me to always think about what others would think or may think. I will on occasion be using this framework to make sure my actions are seen in the correct way by others. It has highlighted that sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Themes

I am not sure if I had written in too greater depth on the previous sections of the framework. Unfortunately when I arrived at Themes I felt I had covered most, if not all of the questions it had asked me to cover. I think it is a good idea to check there is nothing more you can reflect on, by considering themes and if so adding to your journal writing. As always, if all points have been covered I don’t think I would be inclined to repeat them in this section.

Overall I am pleased to have been introduced to the Ried and Moon framework and I will be using this structure in the future. It gave me a great insight into thoughts and actions that I had disregarded for so long, not considering them to be important to my development. But of course to improve you must be able to critique your own work and Task 2b Reflective Writing has given me the tools to do exactly that. By doing so I hope to improve my professional practice.

Reflective Practices Reader - Mind boggled and only at page 13!

I thought I would blog on the Reflective Practices Reader and try to make sense of it by putting pen to paper. I feel this is reflective practice and I hope to gain more knowledge by doing so.

I am however only up to page 13 and have already found my self emerged with new terminology and concepts. I agree with the statement "Learning a new idea is not as simple as it seems"

I have answered the thought provoking questions along the way and have discovered many things about myself and the way I reflect and learn. This in turn has enlightened me as to the type of learner I am and the one I would like to become.

I often try to reflect on events as they arise and try to gauge my success within each experience. From this I begin to discover elements that have worked and more importantly the factors that have disabled my progress. This type of reflection has helped to establish my business and enhance my reputation to its current high status

I am sure we all say we have learnt from many experiences both personal and professional but do we always use these lessons to their full potential?  Often I had thought I had learnt a lesson only to dismiss the idea as it seemed easier than  reviewing the findings head on. I will certainly be looking to change this negative attitude. I have now discovered the benefits to be gained from analysing and reflecting on my previous actions.. Rather than learn a lesson but then become afraid of its new meaning I am prepared to take on the information learnt and apply it straight away in its new context.

Reading the next section (McFee, 1992) I could relate to his description. I have always found myself knowing more than I know? Let me explain... Words that I have stored in my memory bank often pop to the forefront of my mind but I have no idea how to use them. Therefore I try to remember where I heard the word and whether this source was reliable. I often recognise words but do not know their meaning or how to apply them in the correct context.

I found myself drawn to John Dewey’s theories on Education as an experiential action. I agree with his thoughts on the quality of the education being linked to the level of engagement with, and consciousness of the experience. One of the main aspects of my company is to go into Primary schools to teach pupils KS2 topics through the art of Dance. Yesterday for instance I taught the Jai Ho Indian themed dance day to over 350 children. This captivated the children and encouraged them to learn about modern Indian culture through a fun physical experience.

Kolb’s cycle helps us recognise our own learning style.  I entered the cycle at Reflective Observation but questioned why I chose to learn by observation.  Although I did very much learn from observing others’ work I was also using this strategy to ascertain whether my own ideas were good enough.  Was this my true learning style or was I just doubting my own ability?   I would love to enter the cycle at Active Experimentation especially where my choreography is concerned.

Finally the reader led me to consider how and if I used Gardener,s multi intelligence's theory and VAK 

Here are my thoughts....

When I teach a dance class, especially to children who have been told they have to attend rather than chose to attend, I use Interpersonal Intelligence. This style of teaching helps me to evaluate how best to interact with the children which enables me to get the best from each individual pupil through differentiation which in turn will  maximise the learning process for both myself and the students in my class. I would most certainly approach a group of boisterous boys with a different teaching method to say a shy girl at the back of the room. Using these multi intelligences makes us aware of different ways of engaging therefore ‘turning experience into learning’.

When I think about the VAK process  I conclude that this system is only a guide to maximising the learning process.  My preferred learning style depends on what I am trying to learn. If I use this module as a starting point  I am  inclined to say that  I have had to gain my knowledge through Visual methods i.e. the reader and having to read. I have found it a struggle to stay focused hence only getting to page 13!  I feel I would possibly retain more information if I was able to learn via Audio as having been out of education for 10 years I am more familiar with being told information via TV and radio than I am having to read a text book. However, as a dancer, I have been using Kinaesthetic learning and appreciate that VAK in general will be a skill I have to become acquainted with now I am well and truly back in main stream education!

If at 1st you don't succeed try try again!

Many thanks to Mark, Rosemary and Laura Jane who have kindly pointed out that both my Youtube Clip and Flickr Photos were unable to be viewed by the public.
I found the whole experience rather frustrating when trying to become familiar with these new technologies and eventually I thought I had successfully completed the tasks required of me...... NOPE unfortunately I made a few mistakes along the way but I have reviewed the situation and you know what they say 3rd time lucky! Hopefully you can all now view both media files by using the below links.
Fingers crossed I've managed to correct the problem this time round. Please let me know

Starting out on BAPP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm9BkESiUwg Take a look at my Blog post Task 1c to read my thoughts and an explanation to the ideas behind the clip.

Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicole_louise1 Task 1d

Task 1d: 2d images

http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=sets
Check out a few snap shots of me at work.


This task has enlightened me that at present I am very unorganised when it comes to filing my work on this computer. I am now going to try to rearrange my photos and use flickr to showcase the many jobs I have been lucky enough to have experienced.....
I will soon be adding new images and explanations but at present I am just pleased to have been introduced to the benefits of Flickr. Watch this space!

Task 1c: Audio-visual 'Starting out on BAPP'

Finally I ventured into the unknown and successfully set up my YouTube Channel. Task 1c required me to create a 45 second clip describing my thoughts on 'Starting out on BAPP' 
This was to prove more difficult than I had initially imagined. As I started to think about the project, it became apparent that I did not have full understanding of my thoughts and that they were a mixture of many emotions.
How was I to define these conflicting feelings and convey my initial opinions? I had to try and find a simple yet affective method of presenting these varied reflections in such a way that the audience would understand where I had found myself since starting the course and where I aspired to be by the end.
I considered various ways but concluded that in order to get every thought across to the viewer in a direct and clear manner a  'Acrostic Poem" would be perfect. Using the words 'Professional Practice' I could now simply state the many assorted thoughts I had on this subject by using this poetic formation as a creative outlet. Professional would capture my primary thoughts and feelings then moving forward I used Practice to establish how I hope to feel on completion. 
Lastly I wanted to add appropriate music to again reiterate my apprehensive approach to both my thoughts and the course. I hope you will agree that the final piece that I chose is fast paced, a little erratic and unpredictable. I feel this music along with the many adjectives I have used within this piece help to identify my thoughts on 'Starting out on BAPP' Enjoy.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm9BkESiUwg

Task 1b: Initial thoughts on Professional communication technologies

Task 1b required me to read the Course Reader on Professional Communication Technologies. It was designed to stimulate ideas and whet my appetite for further work. I found it gave me a lot of information and a clearer picture as to what web 2.0 is all about. I feel that this has allowed me to look deeper into my thoughts on web 2.0.  I can now confidently start to form an opinion on its place in professional practice and how and if I should use it to develop my own career.

I agree that over recent years society has chosen to change, adapt and alter the way in which we communicate. I wanted to consider all the pros and cons of this new age of social interaction and question whether I personally had used this new technique to its full potential where my own career is concerned.

My 1st thoughts are on Facebook. As like 400 million other active users, I regularly log on and engage in seemingly harmless web 2.0 social interaction with family and friends. Although I rarely consciously use this form of communication for networking, it suddenly dawned on me that by being a member of such groups as Debbie O'Brien Auditions and Dance Cast I was openly giving personal and private information to potential employers.  Innocent pictures, messages and status updates could quite easily be misinterpreted and influence the opinion of a complete stranger. Already I had discovered that if you do not understand and respect the power of web 2.0 you could quite easily and unknowingly destroy your own career just by joining the rest of the world in social interaction online.

With this new found knowledge and understanding the reader had given me, I next wanted to explore how I could change the way I used Web 2.0 to help elevate my business and connect with more potential clients. Although I now realise it has a damaging aspect that I should always keep in the forefront of my mind when delving further. 

At present I am mainly using Web 1.0 to promote myself and Manic Stage Productions. My thoughts on this are that I still believe this is an appropriate and effective way of giving the client all the relevant and correct information in a professional, clear manner. 

To move forward and join both web 1.0 and 2.0 together I am exploring how to use forms of web 2.0 within my website to give the reader a deeper insight into what they can gain from Manic Stage Productions and myself. I am considering adding links to You tube and Flicker to showcase my work as a choreographer and teacher. Clients have always relied on visuals to form opinions on skill and creativity. Web 2.0 seems the perfect way to swiftly get this information to them right there and then, rather than sending a DVD of your work through the post. On the surface this suddenly seems like the perfect networking tool, but once again if you delve deeper you begin to realise along side every pro are 10 cons.  The main aspect being, on these popular sites the reader is able to become the writer giving them free reign to comment and critique your work. Worryingly, once again you are possibly letting potential employers become influenced by strangers who can post comments freely on these sites. 

Web 2.0 certainly has its advantages in allowing strangers to come together as equals to generate ideas and opinions.  We would hope that most interaction was positive and constructive, but we can never be too sure as to whom and what comments will be made. It is a risk you as a web 2.0 user have to take and I’m sure for the most part Professional Communication Technologies are a success and a great alternative to conventional methods of networking.

In conclusion I understand that the reader cannot interact publicly through a web 1.0 website and for this reason alone, I at present am swaying towards web 1.0 being my preferred method of professional communication. I am excited to review this module over the coming year to see if my opinion changes once I have more experience within web 2.0 

Professional Profile

My name is Nicole Louise and I am a Choreographer and Dance Teacher. I have been lucky enough to smoothly move from a colourful career  as a professional dancer in the industry to forming my own business Manic Stage Productions and choreographing and teaching across the country and as far as the States!

From a young age I was in love with performing and attended every type of dance, singing and drama class available to me. Once the moment came to decide on my future career path there was no question as to what I wanted to do. I trained for 3 years at Performers College, graduating in 2002 with The National Diploma for Professional Dance (Musical Theatre) and an ISDT Teachers Qualification in Modern.

My career started primarily as a dancer / singer and professional credits include; An Audience with Kylie Minogue, Comedy Bonanza, Snow White, Decades Tribute Tour, Las Vegas Show Girls, The Snow Queen to name but a few. 

Still in love with the “business” but realising a dancers career can be successful but short I couldn’t bare the thought of one day having no connection with the industry that had truly engulfed my world. With this in mind I started to form my now ever expanding company Manic Stage Productions and slowly transfer my focus onto choreographing and teaching.

Manic Stage Productions has been up and running for 4 years and has given me great opportunities to teach both professionals and non professionals at many schools and companies across the South Coast. As a choreographer I have been lucky enough to see my soul come alive on stage as dancers beautifully execute my work and my ideas are brought to life. 

The highlight of my career has to be my 3 summers working at Stagedoor Manor New York as Choreographer. It is a Performing arts program for 11 - 18 year olds and there is nowhere else in the world like it! The talent and commitment of every single pupil is second to none and I get such a buzz teaching and training these young minds. There passion and determination to succeed is inspiring and it gives me a thrill to be part of their journey into a career i have also been lucky enough to pursue.

My C.V

NICOLE LOUISE

Web 

www.nicolelouise.co.uk 

www.manicsp.co.uk

TRAINING

Performers Dance & Musical Theatre College

QUALIFICATIONS

• National Diploma in Professional Dance (Musical Theatre)
• ISTD Teacher Qualified in Modern
• 11  A* - C GCSEs
• CRB Checked
  • • D.O.B 
  11/03/83 

HEIGHT 

5’ 6” 

HAIR 

Dark Brown  

DRESS SIZE 

12

CHOREOGRAPHY

• WORKING Cabaret Theatre – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Chris Tyer
• AIDA Forum Theatre - New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Rob Sharlow                               
• ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Cabaret Theatre– New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Lawrance Lesher
• HOLLYWOOD TRIBUTE Tipsy Teapot Back Stage Bar – Selsey, Manic Stage Productions 
• MISS G* GOES TO OZ The Royal Beach Hotel – Southsea
• CABARET Oasis in the Round – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Larry Nye                   
• DROWSY CHAPERONE The Elsie Theatre – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – David Moellenkamp
• CREATIQUES BRIDAL SHOW The Concord Club - Southampton  
• MISS G* GOES WILD IN THE WEST HMS Nelson - Portsmouth
• AIDA The Forum Theatre – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – David Moellenkamp
• THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Oasis in the Round – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Jacob Brent
• The Wiz The Playhouse – New York Stagedoor Manor, Director – Jeff Murphy
• WEST SIDE STORY Kings Theatre – Southsea, Director – Richard Stride                
• “PERFICK” DARLING BUDS OF MAY The Kings Theatre - Southsea, Groundlings Theatre Company                  
• THE CAN-CAN Southampton Cruise Terminal - All Star Acts & Artists                               
• MISS G* DOES DISCO Royal Beach Hotel - Portsmouth, Andrew West                                             
• THE SNOW QUEEN Kings Theatre – Portsmouth, Groundlings Theatre Company                  
• MISS G* HALLOWEEN SHOW The Queens Hotel – Southsea                    
• PETER PAN Kings Theatre – Portsmouth, Groundlings Theatre Company                  
• MISS G* DRAG SHOW The Guildhall – Business Awards, Andrew West – Miss G*                           
• STEPPING OUT Kings Theatre  - Portsmouth, Groundlings Theatre Company                 
• LAS VEGAS SHOW GIRLS Southern Tour - Trinity Productions / All Stars Acts                    
• CINDERELLA The New Theatre - Portsmouth, Groundlings Theatre Company                                  
• BUGSY MALONE Kings Theatre - Groundlings Theatre Company    

THEATRE CREDITS

• CREATIQUES BRIDAL SHOW The Concord Club - Southampton Model /Choreographer                                                        
• MISS G* GOES WILD IN THE WEST HMS Nelson - Portsmouth Dancer  / Choreographer                                                        
• “Perfick” DARLING BUDS OF MAY The Kings Theatre - Southsea, Groundlings Theatre  Company Head Dancer  / Choreographer                                                        
• THE CAN-CAN Southampton Cruise Terminal, All Star Acts & Artists Dancer / Vocalists                                    
• MISS G* DOES DISCO Royal Beach Hotel -Portsmouth,  Andrew West Dancer / Vocalists                                    
• LAS VEGAS SHOW GIRLS Southern Tour - All Star Acts & Artists Dancer / Vocalists                                 
• THE SNOW QUEEN Kings Theatre - Southsea, Director – Marcia Carr Head Dancer / Choreographer               
• MISS G* - LA JAZZ HOT Portsmouth Guildhall Dancer                                                       
• ICANDI HIP HOP DANCE GROUP UK Tour - Trinity Productions Dancer                                                       
• POP PASSION VOCAL TRIO Southern Tour - Trinity Productions Vocalist                                                      
• DECADES TRIBUTE Menorcan Tour - Martin Productions Lead vocalist                                
• SPIRIT OF THE HORSE UK Tour - Equestrian Theatre Ltd Dancer                                                       
• CLEOPATRA QUEEN OF THE NILE Northern Tour - Working Space Theatre Company T.I.E Actor
• SHAKESPEARE T.I.E Southern Tour - The Groundlings Theatre Company Actor
• WILD IN THE WEST HMS Nelson - Portsmouth, Dancer  / Choreographer                                                        
• CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Historic Dockyard – Portsmouth, Director – Richard Hurdle Actor                                                   
• COMEDY BONANZA The Grand Theatre – Blackpool, Qdos Entertainments, Director – John Conway Dancer                                                        
• IBC SUNDAY SPECTACULAR RIA Stadium – Amsterdam – Holland, Choreographer – Brian Rogers Dancer                                                         
• SNOW WHITE Spillers Pantomimes, Wakefield Theatre Royal Dancer                              

TELEVISION CREDITS

• FORD AND SKY SPONSORSHIP IDENTS FOR THE UEFA CUP Producer – Quiet Storm Actor                                                          
• AN AUDIENCE WITH KYLIE MINOGUE LWT, Choreographer – Dan Karatay Dancer                                                       
• CHILDREN IN NEED BBC Dancer   

OTHER

• COMMERCIAL, JAZZ, BALLET, CONTEMPORARY, MUSICAL THEATRE TEACHER Stagedoor Manor - New York  
• WEDDING DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER Manic Stage Productions                                                                
• COMMERCIAL JAZZ TEACHER After School Dance Clubs - Portsmouth Schools       
• CHEER LEADING INSTRUCTOR Portsmouth Secondary Schools                                            
• CORPORATE Performing at many of London’s top Hotels. Including The Hilton and TheDorchester.
• LLOREAL COLOUR TROPHY Saks Hairdressers, Model