Task 3b

‘A work related community held together by either close working affiliation or more distant but common work interests or needs’.  This is a quote that really stood out to me in the Reader.  Information is shared between people who need to share similar information, that's what makes it so successful. As an individual who has individual goals and targets you can eliminate anything you find irrelevant and simply concentrate on the facts that concern you.

Job opportunities are increased if a professional has the opportunity to use and access the internet; the resources supplied on web 2.0 are endless...             I touched up on the benefits of this in previous blogs, I was talking openly about how on mass we are affected by the web but now I’m transferring that information to myself personally, and I’m now able to critically reflect on my own personal professional practice.  This has helped me to learn from my experiences, I’ve started to look and come to terms with social science and the many layers that it has.  I’m trying to fine tune what I’m thinking...find ways to connect social practice with variable theory, communicate my thinking specific to dance then progress this into connecting other things such as agents, travel, auditions and resting time.  I’m reflecting on how my professional and social networks combine.

Task 3a

Task 2d

What do I love about what I do?

I love that my hobbies have become my job; it means I never really have to ‘work’ a day in my life.  I love to be inspired by people who are on the top of their game, and I also get satisfaction from inspiring students when I’m teaching.  Watching a student learn and improve on what they’re doing and seeing them reap a sense of achievement is a special thing that not many people can be a part of.  It is because of the constant challenges that face both me and my students that keep my job fresh, I’m never bored, or watching the clock this is why I love what I do.

What gets you angry or makes you sad?

I get frustrated by natural talent going to waste, by students who have an ability to go far in dancing that give up, not commit and fade into the shadows.  The reason they press the self destruct button is what annoys me most, this is because I can’t understand their reasoning for doing so.  I then get annoyed at myself for being so involved with my students and I realise it is their right to give up...

What in your daily practice gets you really enthusiastic to find out more?

I find the human body fascinating, every body is different, yet we as dancers strive to make our bodies do the same movements that actually go against the natural form of the skeleton.  Different genes and DNA make different figures that can do different moves to different capacities.  We are all individual and have various skills to bring to the table, it enthuses me to see how my personal journey and others around me progresses and the path that we end up taking because of who we are.

What do you feel you don’t understand?

I don’t understand the future.  I don’t understand how my skills will enable me to make a living as the future is uncertain and cannot be foretold.  Dancing is a form of expression, creativity that speaks volumes through movement and interpretation of a song or theme.  My journey is still beginning and it’s scary to put myself out there with my skills and hope that it’s enough to be financially secure, this is common especially in the dancing industry I know, time will tell!

More...

Still on the whole song thought...lyrics- 'It's ok not to be ok'
I find myself constantly questioning what i'm doing in my life, if i'm doing something that is beneficial to me both personally and professionally...On reflection, and provoked by a song that's ok, right?

Inside my head...Task 2c

I was listening to the radio...and the question 'can you learn something from a song?' came up. I came to the realisation that I had never looked at songs before as educational, but actually yes it it.  Certain songs can pinpoint parts of my life...certain songs trigger emotions...music can be therapy.  I can't really add in anything more than that as I find myself pondering this question over again and again.  It's a brilliant question, ask yourself the same question.

Task 2b

Relective Writing:

I have used the following methods from the reader to really get to grasps with reflective writing, 

 Honey and Mumford’s stages are:

· Having an experience

· Reviewing the experience

· Concluding from the experience

· Planning the next steps.

Reflection-in-action- ‘hands-on’ way of working

Reflection-on-action- going away to conceptualise it and look back at it

Task 2a

When I first saw this task a kind of strangled cry for help gripped me, but after a few days to come to terms with keeping a journal and the reflective journey it can take me on I am ready to begin! I kept a journal for a dance task that was set when I was 16, and this inspired me to dig it out. It's incredible reading back through it how I can remember exactly what I was feeling and what happened to me on a daily basis. I genuinely think I’ll treasure it for a long time as I now realise how valuable that journal is to me, it's re-opened my eyes, a blast from the past that enables me to have memories that would otherwise have been forgotten!  So this has been an extra push for me to start this journal and be aware that not only will it help me in the near future...but a few years from now it'll keep my memories fresh!

Task 1d

http://www.flickr.com/photos/okeeffeem/

My flickr Webpage...

Task 1b- 4/10/11

This lecture provoked a series of questions about 2.0 and the array of positives and negatives that circulate the web as we know it today.  After the group had discussed the 'disclosure' we expanded on our thoughts answering themes from the principle concepts, originators of the concept, practical examples, arguments/limitations, and any further stimulated concepts.  In terms of using the web for professional purposes I feel spoilt, as inspiration, castings/auditions, classes, shows/plays, all the research and information to suit my professional life style are an effortless click away.  How can I therefore initially complain or question 2.0 as it enables me to access the above.  I cannot comprehend how vast the web is or how many people tap into the wonders of the internet and be fed an assortment of pictures, videos and facts.  Social networking sites in particularly are a massive example of how people share and communicate to one another on a regular basis.  Could the popularity of facebook be perceived as a negative? Can it be harmful to its users; do the masses that log in end up being socially disadvantaged when physically engaging in public situations? Or is it a free phenomenon that enables people to correspond with loved ones that live at opposite ends of the world and a tool that we co-exist with as the world has evolved?  I will leave this blog with a final thought; I believe we as humans are born with the most powerful computer that exists- the brain.  Do you agree? How do you interpret this? Finally how does this interlink with 2.0, is it positive or negative? Hope this was thought provoking...

Task 1a

An example of the power of a Personal Profile on a social networking sight in particular, is that you can interpret quotes and then instantly form an opinion about that person. So in extension to that; profile quotes, I believe, are a personal branding tool.

I've decided to keep my Personal Profile as compact as I can make it.  This is because I was given guidance from a coach I respected to 'keep it short n' sweet and leave the buggers wanting more' it makes me smile every time I refer to it. Obviously I'm aware that it is of paramount importance to include all information about my history and how my past experiences have helped to shape me into the person/performer I am today.  I believe that interjecting a good dose of personality and humour can do no wrong, especially taking into account that there are a whole heap of Personal Profiles out there and yours has to stand out, and not be boring!

My First Blog!

So my first Blog, exciting stuff! I thought I was pretty computer savvy, but I must admit I've found this a challenge, but loving it! I'm looking forward to seeing how my blogs develop over time and what subjects get covered!