Ballet news- nutrition

This is something totally different from the course and it's tasks, but thought this would be useful to post for all the dancers out there! 

Ballet News has created a page to provide information and accept questions that will be provided by nutritionists specialising in dance. I think this is a fabulous idea as we all know that dancers need to have a well balanced diet and eat good nutritious food to be able to perform at their best, but to what extent do they know and put it into practice? 
There are so many different opninins on what/how a dancer should eat, and the constant pressure of having to keep slim, fit and healthy and to look good  makes me realise how much of a big factor nutrition contributes to achieving this image. 

I myself am passionate about good healthy food and living, and to me part of being a great dancer is to be healthy because at the end of the day, dancers need the fuel to be at their best! 

This now gets me thinking how social media can play a role in this- people are commenting and replying, emailing etc. through the whole Web 2.0 system... Shows how useful and important social media is these days! 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/micaela-larisch-atelier/nutrition-for-ballet-dancers/507394849301284

In addition here is a fantastic blog, deliciously Ella, where she uses all natural 'raw' food. Her recipes aid for gluten, dairy and meat free too, but are absolutely delicious and extremely nutritious! 

http://deliciouslyella.com/recipes/

Task 2a

Starting a diary has been an interesting and innovative task so far. When the handbook suggested about exploring different ways to keep a diary, I couldnt really think of any other way than properly writing in a notebook. With today's technology being a priority use in society, to me it is a novelty and almost nostalgic feeling towards keeping a book, expressing your thoughts, reflecting, writing down your ideas and secrets that come from your own hand and straight on to paper.

I have so many notebooks in my draw that were empty or half written, really pretty too, and so I am glad I am putting them in to some use!

I have had a great learning curve these past few weeks, with a lot of ups and downs, thus keeping a journal has helped me reflect about these experiences and give me time to have some downtime and relax.
I am naturally someone who learns through writing down, and my mind wonders a lot. This task so far has allowed me to focus and keep my thoughts more structured and going in the right direction for when tough times come up. It is a great way to stay positive, or lift the spirits up, and in a way a type of meditation. I am in the process of trying different ways to reflect and finding a personal touch, so soon a post about my 'journal writing experience' will come up.

My journal is a great addition to my daily bag, and a great activity for travelling to and from work!  

Task 1c

I finally uploaded my video on my thoughts in starting on the BAPP course.

I have added a twist- instead of expressing my thoughts by speaking in front of the camera, I have incorporated movement that would suit and back them up.

I had to wait a while to get the appropriate material, and in the end it worked out well as the piece matches to the theme of beginning the course.  

Choreography: Jet Leang
Synopsis: Individuals having to make a decision from a lot of choices that come up, and through 'figuring it out' within the movements, a clearer direction is resolved.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrgugVmcHgA&feature=youtu.be

Task 1d

I have finally posted some photos of my work and dancing on Flickr.

The photos have been categorized into different stages of my dancing career/work experience.

Hope you enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/105463078@N03/sets/

Vision Board- starting 2a

I am getting started on task 2 having begun a reflection journal. To stimulate my imagination and ideas, I thought of creating a vision board for my profession and on what dancer I aspire to be.
Imagining is a powerful activity to developing anything that a person wants to achieve. The quote that explains it all- 'Seeing is Believing!'

Task 1b

Analyzing the usage of Web 2.0

The development between Web1.0 and 2.0 was a huge step in the evolution of technological communication and social media. At first it took me quite some time reading over the ‘Reader 1’ to distinguish what it is exactly, and in doing so I have come up with my own definition to aid my understanding: Web 2.0 is a system of communication via the world wide web, where there is an act and ability of two way communication.

The use of Web2.0 is so set in the trends of today’s society that without it, the system of social media would be lost on how to operate. Taken from the ‘features of community’, there are some factors that play a big part for this ‘system’ to be so desirable, such as: being accessible anywhere in the world, interface is quick and easy to use, there is ownership on own data therefore personalization is allowed.

 The ‘notion of participation’ is key to the ability of interaction between people (O’Reilly), which supports Web 2.0 to keep running and developing. Hamilton states that participation is a function with factors such as time, skill, financial commitment and that an increase will contribute to successful development of relationships and democratization of media. I do agree (with regarding to Gruber’s three processes) that it will continue to be used and grow as Web 2.0 encourages users to take control over the production of data, a factor contributing it to be so popular (eg facebook, google).

Relating to the statistics from January 2013 on social media, it is actually amazing how much society uses Web 2.0:

·      Facebook-1 billion users, more than 42 million pages and 9 million apps

·      Instagram- 100 million registered and 4 billion photos

·      Youtube- 800 million users, 4 billion views per day

·      Gmail- 287 million users

·      Skype-280 Million users

The quote about facebook,” a social system, where people interact, improve the user experience for others by sharing content… and then link other people to events, experiences and content,” sums up the whole idea of how powerful social networking is.

I have realized Web 2.0 is also very useful in my field of work practice- the dance world! To get anywhere, a lot of it is about connections, which relates to the idea of harnessing collective intelligence (third core competency, O’Reilly). Web 2.0 has ‘allowed communities to develop beyond their existing professional networks’ where networking has stepped up to a whole different level, and through this ‘social space’ they can ‘come together as equals.’ I can relate to this idea by comparing my experience at Elmhurst: when auditioning I had contacts at Elmhurst (existing network) and afterwards had to the ability to contact different companies through emails, Network Dance etc. These days it’s so much easier and useful to connect with directors, dancers, and stage managers etc. Sites like Linkedn and Network Dance are great for networking in the professional and business field. For example if a choreographer or dancer is needed, especially last minute, these sites instantaneously supply the information. Ballet News is a brilliant site to keep informed on the current dance news for everyone one in its field. You Tube is now taking over for audition DVD’s, promotional videos, even for talent seeking ( e.g. Justin Beiber!)

Another thought came to mind… the development between Web 1.0 to 2.0 and how the dancers 10-20 years ago auditioned. They had to use the film cameras, send videotapes and letters that would take so much time with not much freedom for second takes and tweaking.

Now a day you can get professional photographers with digital cameras, create a folder with a C.V, copy a YouTube link of a video and send everything off via email.

I would get so stressed about trying to get the perfect ‘package together,’ but now I appreciate the technologies we have today making it all so much more efficient.

However ethical considerations do need to be regarded because social networking is not all positive. Unfortunately everything posted is non-reversible! Whatever is up is immediately exposed to future or current employers, friends, family members and practically the whole world. We all need to be careful with putting up too much information on our whereabouts, in addition with plagiarism issues- a huge annoyance to any artist, writer, and producer of any kind.

There is one word to think about here- dignity! Managing to keep your dignity through social networking I believe will distinguish the needed ‘balance between your professional and private life’ (Nottingham, 2013). 

Photo Diary

Photo Diary

Relating to the idea of reflection and task 2, I have come up with the idea of setting up a 'photo diary.' Every day I will post a photo of something that related to that specific day into an album. 

I hope you enjoy the first one!

Watched Mao's Last Dancer today- Li Cunxin is my ultimate idol and inspiration! 

JSLN

Just Live Dance Company- Soren Niewelt 

I would love to share with you a little bit about JSLN!

At the beginning of August 2013 I started as a company member for Just Live Dance, which is a start up Dance Company in Singaporethat has also been founded this August.

It has a real ambition to share its passion of this great art form and integrate dance more into the community, as well as giving the best of quality of versatile dancing at an international level. It is a small company which promotes mainly local dancers, with two international artists, all who are unique in their own way of movement. That is why this company is different, and so versatile, where each dancer is contributing and sharing their style and learning from each other, to thus create one collaborative group of dancers and produce original, unique work.

As I have mentioned, JSLN came up when I least expected. When I was offered the job, I had another pending offer in Czech Republic, and so a tough decision had to be made. I weighed up the options on going to Europe in an established ballet/contemporary company with good repertoire, or going for something completely different from what I planned to begin with. But in the end I know I have made the right decision! Sometimes what the person feels deep inside is what they should initially go for and so I went for my ‘gut’ feeling. The opportunities I have been given so far would not match up to anywhere else!

We are guided and pushed in our dancing to grow as artists.The contemporary style has been especially challenging to adapt to for me as the others’ contemp background and technique is a lot stronger, but I have enjoyed every moment of this new learning process. We have been performing at art galleries, arts festivals, done some community work and workshops as well as performing in collaboration with a flamenco company. I have also been given the opportunity to teach ballet class in the evening sometimes

It is interesting too to learn about the process of starting up a company, and to be part of this whole experience is eye opening! It has been a tough journey, but exciting too and have learnt how much patience is needed to keep going. Even though it is only the beginning what the company has achieved so far is amazing. After two months we have already placed ourselves sponsorship to tour to China and perform in the Shenzhen Fringe festival, which will be in Late November.

Along the way I have met some of the most amazing people as colleagues, who have all been there for one another during these first few hard working but rewarding months. The company will keep growing from strength to strength with a great positivity and attitude to follow its dream.

I conclude with its motto ‘Movement creates Dance, Dance creates Movement.’

http://justlivedance.com/index.html

Starting out on BAAP

After the first week starting on the BAAP course, my mind has felt like it has been racing; a little overwhelmed by the reality that it has started, how to start my blog and the course work, trying to read the handbook and grasp all the information... and then all at once some spontaneous thoughts and ideas pop up.

I guess as a full time dancer in a company, dancing and rehearsing 6 hours a day with performances etc. the balance between work, studying and resting is learnt through the experience of it all. I hope to soon find a routine and way to work around planning my time for some studying and downtime.
Then again, one of the main subjects that stand out about this first module is reflection. I think to myself 'what a great way to relax!'

What I would like to achieve from this course is the evident aspect of obtaining a BA honours degree as it will open a lot of doors after my dancing career. I have always been fairly academic, but the vigorous classical training does not allow enough time to study fully on the side. I have not regretted one bit about making this choice because I just love what I do and am grateful for the training and 'ballet/dance' life I have had in preparation to becoming a professional. But what I appreciate more is this opportunity to study part time, and will make the most of it whilst fitting it in to my busy schedule ( what I have realized today how hectic it is!)
I am also looking forward to the skills learnt throughout this course, for e.g. blogging, connecting via web 2.0, applying theories/ideas into my professional practice and seeing how it will help me grow as an artist. Then of course the idea of contributing to the arts is a real bonus!

Thus writing down my thoughts and reflecting a bit about this course I find has helped me clear out a better path on how to continue!

Task 1a/1d

As part of the task 1d, here is a link for my Network Dance profile which includes an updated version of my C.V. and audition/dance photos.

http://www.networkdance.com/Gabrielle-Fairhead

Student to Professional

When I began my 3rd year at Elmhurst, as a graduate, I thought, "Wow where have the years gone!" and, "I am not sure if I'm ready for this!"

The thought of after a year I would need to secure a position as a professional dancer was daunting and I had no idea what to expect! I had always dreamed of this life since I was a little girl in her pink skirt that never wanted to take it off and a fairy wand in her hand. Now you look back and really think to yourself what if I had lived my life differently, what if I didn't dance? 

To answer this question-I could never imagine my life doing anything else. On to of that, to be able to study a BA honors related to something I love makes it an even more enjoyable! 

That is why my biggest advice to any dancer out there- whether you are studying at ballet school, contemporary, jazz, flamenco etc. to seize every moment and opportunity that comes your way. Be prepared for whatever opens up into your life because in general, living the life of a dancer is quite spontaneous and often you won't know exactly what will happen. For me I live by the motto ‘Everything happens for a Reason.’ This 100% applies to my experiences so far as I have just turned 20 and have already danced for two top ballet companies and have a years contract as a senior artist in a new small dance company. And all of these experiences came when least expected!

First job experience- Swan Lake with Birmingham Royal Ballet.

This is a first example of ‘last minute’ job experience. As Swan Lake needs a lot of corps de ballet female classical dancers and with its demanding choreography physically, there were quite a few injuries building up. My luck was in hand where more short girls were needed to cover just in case, and so one day at school I was called in to learn the whole of Act II and Act IV. After a few days of cramming 1 ½ repertoire into my brain I was already on stage performing with BRB- a surreal moment of my life and literally a dream come true. And it all happened in a flash! Then next thing I ended up being needed for every show. It was daunting sometimes by being put into the 4th Act rehearsal without not being taught any of the choreography. The lesson I learnt here that yes part of it is luck, but a lot of it is having to be totally prepared for anything that is thrown at you and just go for it! 

Working with Northern Ballet- Ugly Duckling 

This is another example where the opportunity came up all at once. I firstly struggled to get an audition as my DVD and photos were not sending through. It was only on Friday, two days before the audition, that an audition was organized for me by the help of Robert Parker (former artistic director of Elmhurst) and his PA Helen Siddle. 

I got to the audition and the atmosphere was already tense. We were then told that we needed to put our pointe shoes on straight away at barre, which made us all even more nervous. By the end of the class I was nearly 100% sure I was going home…until they called my name to stay for the final round! I was absolutely shocked, thinking I had done the worst class in history. I thought to myself then, “Gaby just go for it! Show them what you got!” And so I had the most wonderful time learning their repertoire. A few days later I was offered a short contract with them to perform and tour their Ugly Duckling.

I learnt so much and came back to school afterwards a different dancer. 

First full time contract- Just Live Dance

I came back to live with my parents in Singapore after graduating from Elmhurst, and was planning to take class with the scholars at Singapore Dance Theatre to keep up my training. During my holiday, and through Facebook believe it or not, I noticed this one company’s name on a friend’s wall. It mentioned something about an audition with this new start up company especially for fresh graduates. It ended up being the day afterwards. 

And so I picked up the phone, asked about whether I could still apply, sent my C.V and I was there the next day. Next thing they offer me a contract and to start on Monday! It started with a few conditional weeks, which turned into a full on place with the company Just Live Dance.

I am currently working with JSLN and really finding my footsteps to becoming an artist :)