2b. Reflective writing (Journal writing experience)

I have been spending some time over the last few days trying out the different methods below to reflect on my day.  I found this task interesting as I made me look and think about my day in many different ways, some which I have never used before!


The  methods I used were:

• DESCRIPTION

• INITIAL REFLECTION

• LIST

• EVALUATION

• GRAPHS, CHARTS, DIAGRAMS

• WHAT IF?

• ANOTHER VIEW

The first method I used was DESCRIPTION.  This wasn't too hard as I found this is the style I am naturally used to anyway.  However, I did find it hard leaving it until the evening to write about the days events as I couldn't remember all my feelings and thoughts in one go and the end of the day and thought it would be far more detailed and beneficial if I wrote my thoughts and feelings down as I went through the day that way I wouldn't leave anything out.  I tried this the following day and this was the case.  My journal entry was definitely more detailed and had reflected on the events in more depth. 

"Ideas can come from anywhere and at any time. The problem with making mental notes is that the ink fades very rapidly.” - Rolf Smith (Author of The 7 Levels of Change)

 This then reminded me of when I was at college and when we had to write about what we did in each lesson and the corrections we were given.  However, the longer I left it the more information I forgot and I had had time after each class to write it down, the corrections would have been fresh in my mind so I wouldn't have forgotten as much.

I then looked at what the INITIAL REFLECTION method was and realised I naturally do this along side the descriptive method in my journal writing.  I usually write how I am feeling about what is happening and what I am thinking about it at the time.

Then tried writing my day out as a LIST.  This approach was very brief.  However, it is a good method if you just want to quickly jot down your thoughts and feelings at the time.  I feel like I could use this method throughout the day, writing down the main points so I don't forget anything and then in the evening expand on the list and write it out in full using the descriptive and initial reflection method.  However, on its own I feel it isn't very useful as I wouldn't be able to recall the day in enough detail for it to be beneficial to reflect on.

The EVALUATION approach forced me to look even more in depth at the events and allowed me to reflect on the things that went well and what I would do again and what I would maybe avoid doing next time.  Therefore, I feel for personal reflection this method is also good as I can identify what I need to improve on and if I added this along side the descriptive and initial reflection method I feel this will be the best combination for me.

GRAPHS, CHARTS AND DIAGRAMS is a completely new reflective method for me.  I do like to learn from visual tools so I thought this might be a new method I could be introduced to and use more often.  I found it gave me a good overview of the day as a whole, however like the LIST method it is very brief and I found it hard to incorporate all the details such as thoughts, feelings and what worked and what didn't on the same diagram.  Therefore, I could use this method as part of my reflection but I would have to use it along side other methods as well.   Above you can see I drew a graph showing my feelings from 1-10 (10 being happiest) during certain events throughout the day.

Even though I could see visually how I felt, it didn't really make a lot of sense and it doesn't explain WHY I felt this way.  It also took a lot of time working out how to draw it out in the most beneficial way.

I associate the phrase WHAT IF? with regrets and my initial thought on this method was quite negative as it would highlight what I could have or should have done.  However, using this method after it has happened is too late as it has already happened.  I guess it would be beneficial if you found yourself in the same situation a couple of days later and you had already thought about what you could have done differently but otherwise you would just constantly be chasing yourself with the question. Therefore, I feel this method would only be useful to me if I asked the question before the event. 

I found writing from ANOTHER VIEW really strange.  In my case, on this particular day I was writing about, I was teaching a dance workshop and I wrote from the point of view of one of the children. It was interesting to see how the way I act can be perceived differently by someone else and it does make you want to think twice about how your actions or words are going to affect others.  However, for a PERSONAL reflection I don't think this method would be very useful because it would take too much time always second guessing what others might be thinking of you, which then will cause self doubt.  We only have a day to produce a show in the workshop to be performed to parents at the end so it is important to make decisions quickly and effectively using our previous knowledge.

So after using all these methods I feel like the most beneficial method for me would be:

DESCRIPTION + INITIAL REFLECTION + EVALUATION

By using this method I will be able to identify the main events, how I felt about them and my thoughts and what I thought worked well and what I can do differently in order to improve as a performer. I do still like usual visual aids to learn, so where I feel it will help me I will continue to use graphs, charts and diagrams.  However, I feel I will be using the method in bold above more than the others.

2a. Reflective Practice

When I was younger I used to keep a diary to spill out all my thoughts as I found it hard to talk openly about them.  There was something very satisfying knowing I could lock it up with a little key and no one would be able to read it apart from me.  However, I did stop writing diary entries a long time ago and have never really got back into it so when I saw this task I was intrigued to get back into it but also a bit anxious for some reason!  

It did take me a while to get into the hang of it but once I had written a few entries I realised it is actually quite nice to get my thoughts and feelings onto paper.

Let's face it, we all have a lot to think about and get stressed from time to time so this is a good way to make a bit of room so everything doesn't get on top of you!

I am someone who likes to plan things and write lists of lists of lists!! But at the end of the day that's all they are....lists! They are very brief and to the point and this journal task is interesting as it is making me write about things in more depth enabling me to reflect more on emotions and events!

There are many different purposes of writing a journal and Moon and Boud identify these purposes in the quotes below:


"Journal writing can be used to enhance what we do and how we do it" - David Boud

"To deepen the quality of learning, in the form of critical thinking or developing a questioning attitude" - Moon (1999a, pp. 188-194)

"To enable learners to understand their own learning process" - Moon (1999a, pp. 188-194)

"To enhance professional practice or the professional self in practice" - Moon (1999a, pp. 188-194)


Writing in a journal is a new method of reflection for me but I will be taking these purposes into consideration as I continue to write more entries into my journal. I hope this will be a new successful method for me which will help me to learn and re-evaluate events and situations in order for me to become a better performer.

1d. 2d Images

It is amazing how we can capture a particular moment and make it last forever!  I can remember when I used to get excited going to pick up my photos from being developed only to find they were all dark from having my finger over the flash or something and being so disappointed that I would never get those photos again!  However, now we can instantly look at the photo and delete it if we don't like it until we get one we do like!

I have taken lots of photos throughout my dance career so far and I love looking back at them now and again to remind you of all the good memories and people you shared those times with.  Accounts such as Instagram, Facebook and Flickr are a good way to share photos instantly!    




I have had a Facebook account for years, however I have never had Instagram or Flickr as I have always thought photos are personal to me and I didn't think any one else would be interested in seeing my photos.  However, I have just created an account for both of them.  I have to admit I am still trying to get the hang of it and haven't used it much yet but here is the link to my Flickr account where I have posted on a few photos from some of my shows.......         
           
                                                                                         
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127727595@N02/ 



As good as these accounts are, they also have disadvantages.  The internet is a wonderful, yet scary thing and once a photo or piece of information has gone on there it is no longer private. This worries me as I am sure there are photos of me online that I don't even know about.  In professional cases the photographer should  always ask permission before publishing a photo of that person, however even though we often give permission we rarely actually see the photos they are going to use and let's face it, an action shot is never flattering!

There is also the issue of copyright.  Photos can be copied so easily with the technology we now have and once something is on the web anyone can see it.  It is not only the fact that the photographer gets credit for his work but also for personal safety for the person in the photo and this is why we need permission to publish photos and especially with children!  When I teach the workshops I do with children we have to get the parents to sign a photo release form in order for the parents to be able to film the show at the end of the day and for us to be able to use any of the material taken from the workshop for advertising purposes  However, if one parent refuses to sign the form then there is to be NO photography or filming allowed at all from us or the parents! 

In our industry, photos are used a lot for advertising, as a photo is more likely to draw attention than a page full of writing.  We need to use photos to advertise shows and ourselves as artists, however along with photos comes Photoshop......!!

Photoshop has been a life saver in some cases!!  However, it can also hinder us in our profession.  I know many people who have had their headshots and portfolio pictures "touched up" on Photoshop  A small touch up here and there is fine to hide the odd blemish but people can get carried away and the photo can end up looking completely different to what they actually look like.  This becomes a problem in auditions when casting directors ask to see you as your headshot and portfolio pictures fit the image they are looking for and you turn up and you look nothing like your photos!  This is a case of "false advertising" and you will waste your time and theirs!

Images are very useful in our industry and I will continue to use them, however you must be careful and be wise in the way in which you use them otherwise it can lead to serious consequences!

1c. Audio-visual

So....... I had been putting off this task for a while as I hate seeing myself on video and hearing my own voice and after reading some of the blogs from the other students it seems like I am not the only one!  A teacher at my college said to us "Performers always have insecurities as they are constantly wanting reassurance and to please people" and this is true!  This is why I think we all find it hard to be ourselves instead of hiding behind a character! 

I found it really awkward just speaking to the camera so I thought it would be a bit more interesting if I added some photos into the video, so this is what I did.

I thought this task wouldn't take me that long, however I am not the most technical person so I was definitely proven wrong!  I used a new app called "Cute cut" which was hard to get the hang of as I have never used it before but once I had sussed it out I actually enjoyed using it!  I was relieved once I had finished putting the video together but I then realised I had the task of trying to get it onto youtube! This also took me a while......but I got there in the end!!!

Here is the link to the video.

http://youtu.be/B3vpOutSMQo

 (Hopefully this works! Can you let me know if it does?? Thanks x)

Audio-visuals are very useful in our industry as we can use showreels to send to employers.  By sending showreels this allows people to see what we are capable of and even get a sense of our character and personality, which you can't get from a photograph.

This task has been very useful, however I am glad it is over! I now know how to put together a small video and am now familiar with the process of putting videos on youtube and putting links on my blog which I had never done before.  I will definitely continue to use this process through out the course and also after the course has finished. 

1b. Professional communication technologies

It is amazing how fast technology is progressing! "Pen friend" is now a term we don't hear very often!  Its strange to think years ago it was the norm to communicate to each other through letters!  Now if I get any sort of letter through the post I get excited as it's more of a novelty (however most of the time the excitement wears off when I realise it's just another bill that needs paying).

Whilst reading the Reader 1 I read the question "What is web 2.0?" and I started to panic! However once I had calmed down and just read what it was I realised I use it all the time! It now makes sense! The 2.0 stands for second generation of web based communities e,g, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogging Google etc. So instead of it being very "one way"between the creator and the reader.  We now have a bigger part to play and can interact and share ideas and opinions and in a way that makes the reader the creator instead.

Below is the "meme" of web 2.0 developed by Tim O'Reilly.

This diagram shows the concepts, ideas and processes that have made web 2.0 successful.

Thanks to these social media sites the world is smaller than ever making the song "its a small world after all" spring to mind.  We are also living in a world where every thing is instant.  No more waiting days for a reply in the post, instead we are posting our lives and views on the internet and someone has something to say within minutes! Sometimes seconds!

Web 2.0  has huge advantages for the performing industry as many castings are posted hourly on websites such as "Talent cast", "Dancers Pro", "Star Now "and even Facebook pages such as "The Hustle".  If we were still using letters, we wouldn't have half as much choice or opportunity and by the time our reply had got back the audition would have probably been over!

"Think about what people are doing on Facebook today.  They're keeping up with their friends and family, but they're also building an image and identity for themselves, which in a sense is their brand.  They're connecting with the audience that they want to connect to.  It's almost a disadvantage if you're not on it now".
 Mark Zuckerburg

The quote above couldn't be more appropriate for a performer.  We use a lot of sites on the internet to connect to different audiences.  For example, we use YouTube to send showreels to employers and this allows us to not be in the same room or even country as the person you are auditioning for but they can still see what you are capable of.  We use sites like Facebook to advertise.  For example, I use Facebook to advertise the workshops I teach so it can be seen and then shared to reach a wider audience. We also contact employers via Facebook if that is where the audition has been posted and it is very easy for them to look at your profile to get an insight into who you are as a person, which is why you have to create a good professional image and not post things you wouldn't want them to see as it is representing you! Web 2.0 is good as you, the creator, is in control.  So can change and add anything in you want so we have to chose wisely!  Some people even create two different accounts, one for personal social interaction and another for professional interaction this way you can make sure you keep the two separate.

Although you have to be careful because the ease in which you can just create a profile can be dangerous.  I have recently watched some episodes of the TV show "Catfish" on MTV and it is about people who fall in love with others who pretend to be someone else online through a made up profile.  Therefore, employers are taking a risk when using information seen over the internet as people aren't necessarily being honest with their abiltiy and personal data.

You particularly have to be so careful choosing what photos and videos you are uploading as there are so many ethics we must consider today and you must make sure you get the permission of whoever you maybe posting photos or information about and especially when working with children!  With our workshops we get parents to sign a photo release form in order to use any photos taken and to film the end show.

Mark Zuckerburg also quotes,

"By giving people the power to share, we're making the world more transparent" 

This quote I couldn't agree more with!  People are now having more of a say and an opinion and we are revealing information about ourselves on sites such as Facebook that any one can see from any where around the world!  But this is where we as performers need to be careful! We are more exposed than ever!  However, it also works the other way round as well because we get to have more of an insight into different companies and agencies.  If they are a bad company or agent they won't get away with it as much as they might have used to.  For example, on Facebook their is a group page called "The Hustle" where performers can post and get the opinions of other performers.  In this instance we can ask questions about whether any one has a view on a particular company/agency from past experience.  Fair enough everyone has different opinions, however if the majority are the same opinion, you know you should take the advice.

I have mentioned Facebook a lot in this task as this is the social media site I use the most. Statistics from Facebook (2013) Do You Know What's Up?, show there are 1 billion Facebook users as opposed to 25 million Myspace users and 30 million Bebo users.  This then made me question "Why do I along with many others use this site more?"

I believe it's because:

• It has a simple and easy to follow layout
• Its free
• It is very user friendly
• It is very popular around the whole world so can contact more people
• It is easily accessible due to apps on mobile phones etc

Here is a pie chart showing the distribution of people using social media sites on the web.

As you can see Facebook is the most popular with 44% so others must also share my view.

What is your favourite social media site and why?

The fact these sites are easily accessible is good as it means you can see information while you are "on the go", however on the other hand I can see it as a disadvantage.  There are 640 million Facebook mobile users! Is this to blame for turning our generation into unsocial zombies? And if it carries on progressing what will the next generation be like?

I find that a lot of children today can't make eye contact or hold a confident conversation as they are so used to having conversations online and not talking to people face to face.  This is not good for people wanting to be a performer, as social skills are extremely important in our field to "sell" ourselves, as we are constantly meeting new people and trying to convince people we are what they are looking for.

I met up with my friends recently and we were waiting at a bus stop and this is what I saw.....

Instead of talking to one another, every single one of them were on their phones! However, the man from the generation before us was not. They are all performers and I asked them what they were all doing as I wanted to use this in my blog and three of them were on Facebook and one on Instagram.
How would we cope without it now? Where is technology going to take us in the future?


So in conclusion I feel web 2.0 is very useful in our profession and the advantages out weigh the disadvantages.  This task has definitely made me more aware of how it can be used wrongly and hinder us, but at the same time if you use it correctly and wisely it can really be advantageous in forwarding our career and for that reason I will definitely continue to use it,

1a. Professional Profile

Where to start?? Well I thought I would draw a diagram to help me include the main points.....

As I mentioned I have been dancing from the age of three and I went to my local dance school "Renton Dance Studio" where I owe a lot to the amazing teachers there for training me and preparing me for a future in dance.

I then studied  Musical Theatre for three years at Performers College in Essex, where I graduated with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre.  My three years at Performers were both physically and emotionally challenging and a knee injury in my second year made that year even tougher, however I believe my time here made me a stronger person because of this.

After graduating, my first job as a professional dancer was at Potters Leisure Resort, where we performed in a variety of different shows alongside the 2012 winner of "The Voice" Leanne Mitchell as our lead singer.  After dance college my self esteem was very low after not being "a favourite" (as you get in all colleges) and not getting many opportunities so I will always be extremely grateful to the directors at Potters Leisure Resort for believing in me and giving that opportunity I had wanted for so long, which brought my confidence and love of performing back!

In 2012 I then performed in a show over the christmas period called "Christmas in New York" with Impact Artists, where I also got the opportunity to choreograph some of the numbers

I then got to travel to Malta and perform with their "Eurovision" entry for 2013 Kurt Calleja. This experience was incredible and I loved every minute of it!

I came back and worked for a company called "Ultim8 Productions" with whom I have performed in various shows with.  I played "Dora" in "Dora's dance party" and performed as a backing dancing for many tribute shows including Olly Murs, Michael Buble and Robbie Williams.
This company also gave me the opportinty to go to Cyprus and perform in shows out there all over the island as well as perform on "The Wave Dancer" which was a Cypriot boat show.

This year I have performed in a show called "Viva" with Mountain Entertainment, which is a variety show including many different dance styles such as show girl, Irish, commercial, Bhangra, Can can, Jazz and many more.  So that was useful as I got to learn new styles as well as brush up on some older ones which I hadn't done since leaving college.

I was also a dancer at EDC festival this year where they had acts such as Calvin Harris, Avicii and Steve Aoki.  This was also an amazing experience as there were so many people watching and got the privilege to dance with so many incredible artists.

Currently I am part of a Bollywood Company, which was something very different for me as I had never experienced this style of dance before!  However I am really enjoying it and we have performed at many amazing venues including "The Royal Festival Hall" and just recently been to Barcelona.  We are also heading to Luxembourg in a couple of weeks.

At the moment performing is what I want to be doing, however in between performing I teach workshops and summer schools for children which are called "Dance in a day" and "Musical in a week" and I have also choreographed a production of West Side Story at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable.  Whilst at Performers college, I achieved my F.D.I exams in Tap and Modern, which has helped me a lot when it comes to teaching jobs so I am very glad I did them.

Also in between performing I have joined a couple of extras agencies where I have appeared in a few TV programmes such as "Babylon", "The C word" with Sheridan Smith and "The Grand National Ident" for 2014.

I have always found it awkward answering the question " So what have you done since you graduated?" as I feel people are only interested if you have a job on the West End, but writing it all out like this makes me realise I have been very lucky to experience what I have done and hope I can add to this list in the future!

I also want to take this BAPP course to broaden my career paths as I realise a dance career is a short one....well in performing anyway! Whether I will use it in to get further qualifications in this industry or another who knows? I will just have to see where the future takes me!




All of what I have written is an expanded version of my CV which you can see to the left.  I'm sure employers are very grateful they get the short and to the point version of every ones careers to look at!!









Sian x

Let's start at the very beginning.....a very good place to start!!

Hi everyone!

If you're reading this you are witnessing my first ever blog!
I am not going to lie it wasn't as easy as I first thought it would be and have been sat here for a good couple of hours trying to work it all out......but I got there in the end!

I am now looking forward to posting more on here and reading other peoples blogs too ;)

Sian x