5C continued- Ethics and Professional Enquiry

Having gained an insightful understanding of ethics and its principles, with the help of Reader 5, I am now looking into how I can use this knowledge in my own practitioner research project.

The Reader asks about the motivation factor behind my inquiry- this is all explained in my ‘Light Bulb’ post. I wanted to know myself how to motivate myself (while injured), and how others cope to keep on going.

For a long time I have had the idea at the end to create a video footage/short documentary on ballet dancers and their experiences, thoughts, motives on why they keep dancing and what motivates them.

Like ethics, where they are there for an individual’s/party’s own benefit, this needs to be considered in any inquiry too. Deciding to focus just on ballet dancers as the main subject, I would like to create multiple benefits from my research and end product:

·      Motivation for dancers, and possibly others

·      The perspective from the dancer’s point of view

·      To portray to others (non-dancers/ballet dancers) the uniqueness of their life, to show how special it is

·      To express those wonderful inexplicable feelings as a dancer

There is responsibility that comes with researching and inquiring different practitioners to ensure confidentiality in any information, and ensure it to be valid. Relating to the guidelines of BERA (British Education Research Association), here are some of my thoughts on how I will lead an inquiry that I regard as ethical:

·      Create proposals that are ethical, and legal

·      Respect all people I will interview, treat them well

·      Stick to the topics of my inquiry when interviewing, finding out information, surveying

·      Inform participants what inquiry is about

·      Provide feedback

·      Get informed knowledge/permission to use certain info, video footage, recordings, names etc. (Use permission slips to sign?) From dancers and employers

·      Store data safely-in 1 folder +back-up, not to post online, keep all references

·      Manage time and finances efficiently- e.g. don’t go over time, respect each other’s space

·      Report project related problems to appropriate person- student and teacher

·      No plagiarism- use own words, references well, produce bibliography

After reading the last Case Study (5),I picked up stereotyping from certain groups of people which shows that you can’t be too judgmental. Secondly the various groups were obviously from different backgrounds and therefore had different opinions. This made me aware to keep an open mind, analyse their different situations and keep in mind what is suitable to inquire and research into.

Reader 5- Theories of Ethical Principles

It is has been interesting to gain more knowledge about ethics- it's history and evolution, different theoretical approaches, the issues of modern day ethical values, ethics v.s morals and how it fits into professional practice.
Through researching in the earlier tasks, I have been able to distinguish its origins and the general concepts of ethics and morals, however it has dawned on me of the importance of considering the issues involved in ethics as well because there are a variety of opinions that overlap.

Ethics can be categorized into three main groups:
Personal- family values, religion, personal moral values
Professional- evolution of the norm/ expectations from society on system in a profession or work-place
Organisational- 'How we do things around here'
Although different, they all have the same notion of the promotion of social good and beneficence to a larger group/society.

I have also learnt that ethics is not just a case of 'black or white.' Resolving issues and opinions on what is ethical or not is an ongoing debate, where many rules and regulations overlap with personal morals and beliefs. There needs to be some sort of justification in order to decide whether something is morally right.
I am glad to have picked this up, maybe involuntary, as concluded in a previous post, "It makes so much sense to be aware of the basic ethics, to respect each other’s values."
Hobbes believes that we should all follow a 'certain set of moral rules.' It is necessary to refer to something when looking at human life facts- basic needs, scarcity, essential quality of human power…"Without moral rules, these facets would lead to a constant state of war with one and
all, which would be intolerable." 

I believe that it is beneficial for all to have these underlying ethical principles as a base to work from there. That is one point I will keep in mind when inquiring for my project.

There are other theories that overlap:

• Kant (1779)- supports the idea of deontology believes that only a good thing is the right thing, and lying is not an option!
• JS mill (1861)- supports the idea of consequentialism, believing that it is best to choose that which tends to a greater good and for a greater number. 

I believe that this overlap is good in ways, where if you stick to basic moral grounds there should be some leeway around ethical codes and morals as long as there it is for greater benefit.

After identifying my knowledge and thoughts on the theories of ethical principles, it allows me to think of how to incorporate ethical practice in my professional inquiry. As Paula recommended, from Page 20 onwards I will follow in more detail… which is coming up in the next post very soon!

Ethics in Professional Dance

I mentioned on a previous post that to understand ethics in your workplace is important in keeping one’s dignity. One of the articles I referred to also mentions that ethics are necessary because dancing is not just a hobby for professionals but their career, and pretty much their life. They should ‘consider moral values and duties relevant to dance, as a representative of that profession.’

In keeping your own status, it is just as important to keep your status as a dancer a professional, and a company member.

Relating to my own inquiry, I believe having a good ethical conduct, good moral values will add to enhancing the enjoyment and success of a dancer’s career. It can in turn help them grow, and to keep going strong! 

What I thought of as ‘ethics’ in the work place were just the outlined pointers of what should and shouldn’t be done- respecting authority, how to behave in the studio, rehearsals and shows, how to look and care for yourself. These guidelines are known through experience, and become common sense to dancers.

When researching I was able to pick out these pointers, however there is a lot more reason to just a few

‘guidelines.’

Holding your own values, and respecting an employer’s or employee’s morals is regarded as ethical. For example, respecting value of freedom enables its use to others artists, and allows freedom of expression. This brings creativity into the picture, and dance relies heavily on creativity to keep moving forward.

‘Like an artist, a dancer should be a champion of freedom, which entails an openness to plurality of beliefs, worldviews, perspectives, ideals, preferences, and needs.’ ( Malitowska, A.)

Therefore respecting each other’s values is an important ethical conduct to follow in the dance world.

Other main ethical principles that came up were:

·      Professionalism- respect the dance profession

·      Autonomy- respect for the clients (dancer) to be self-governing

·      Beneficiary- promoting well-being of the dancer

·      Non-maleficence- avoiding harm

·      Moral Qualities- respect, empathy, competence and integrity

·      Responsibility- respect policies, rules and regulations

http://www.ethicsdance.co.uk/resources/downloads/ethics-in-dance---a-debate-yet-to-be-held.pdf

http://www.radcanada.org/studiodirectory/codeofethics.htm

http://xtremedancenc.com/studio-policies/

Described as ‘dancer’s duties’:

·      Professional requirements- improve one’s competence, care for their image as a professional, a good representative

·      Respect- other professionals, including their values of freedom

·      Support each other in realization of their goals as dancers work as a team in many ways… especially the corps de ballet!

·      Responsible to fair play- friendly competition and perfectionism (improving one’s self).

http://www.dancearchives.net/2012/08/13/anna-malitowska-dancers-professional-ethics/

One of my main sources of information, highlights the issues of ethics in dance where every decision of a dancer’s life is in a way morally evaluated therefore considered from an ethical point of view. Thus exploitation can take place with the demands of the industry and from societies perspectives- e.g keeping very slim, harsh training hours and trying to find an overall balance.

This really shows how important ethics are in the professional dance world, and in any work place. Directors, teachers, choreographers, as well as dancers work as one unit to keep the dance industry going. It makes so much sense to be aware of the basic ethics, to respect each other’s values.

Ethics and Morality

Before specifying the ethical codes in professional dance, I came across an article that describes ethics as well as morality and their relation between each other.

Ethics- derives from the Greek word ‘Ethos’ which means feeling at home in a certain place, where various customs and habits are observed

Morality- derives from the Latin word ‘mos’ or ‘mores’ which refers to a community with certain established customs.

Therefore there is a distinct similarity between the two. However in our modern days, ethics and moral values relate to theory and practice respectfully.

Ethics is known as the theory part with various concepts and ethical standards/codes. Whereas morality is the ‘practice’ of these ethics making ethics ‘ a reflection on morality as the whole of our attitudes and moral convictions.’ (Malitowska A. 2012) We can justify that our moral views might not be all that appropriate for every situation, and so these two terms are vital to exist in conjunction in order to allow ethics and moral values to work.

The concept of ethics and morality applies not just individually but also in a professional environment; professional morals are viewed as practice to the related professional ethics.  

Professional ethics comes into play when we give thought to the principles of our workplace where there are certain expectations (that represent our profession) are to be met. In order for this to operate, ethical behaviors and attitudes are needed.

The knowledge about actual professionals and their real situations help to distinguish what is recommended, ordered and prohibited, what is right or wrong. Codes can be drawn up from this analysis, this is where ethical codes are created. They act as a guidance, to see what is expected. They clarify the difference of what can or should be private/public. Once known, they are put into practice where morality is thus shown and learnt as a professional and individual.   

Internet reference: http://www.dancearchives.net/2012/08/13/anna-malitowska-dancers-professional-ethics/ 

Ethics- 5a

To keep a certain dignity in your own work place is crucial in maintaining a successful career path, and I find following the ethical codes of your professional practice will help to do so.  To me it shows a sign of respect for your work environment, your job, your colleagues and most importantly yourself!

There are many ethics in the professional dance environment. 

Some basics:

·      Respect- directors, teachers, choreographers, co-workers, musicians, wardrobe

·      Turn up on time for class and rehearsals

·      Be polite and diplomatic

·      Reliable

·      Alert

·      Listen to your own body

·      Keep positive as to not spread any negative energy

Studio and rehearsals

·      Wear appropriate attire for class and rehearsals

·      Listen to the teachers and choreographers- apply corrections

·      Respect each others space and positions

·      Don’t leave bags all over the place

·      Wear the right shoes

·      Practice lifts with someone marking behind

·      Practice safely

·      Warm up before any dancing!

Performances

·      Know your schedule and casting

·      Stay well into the wings

·      Keep wing space clear

·      Respect each other’s performance preparations

·      Take good care of costumes- don’t eat with them on!

·      Try not make anyone else nervous

·      Don’t get in any crew member’s way

Body

·      Eat well

·      Sleep well and rest when needed

·      Keep your body fit, and flexible

·      Look after your body

Many of these ethics can be similar in other organizations, and looking at this I could definitely keep some in mind for my inquiry- respect others, positivity, polite and diplomatic. Plagiarism and ‘legit’ information would need to be considered when researching/reviewing literature. Information would need to be kept confidential when blogging on progress, feedback and obtaining personal opinions.

*A note to add:

Recently I have gained some great advice from one ballet director, who highly regard and look up to, said that whenever leaving a company/workplace or transitioning into another one always leave on good terms!

Rising up to the challenge with Reader 4!

Rising up to the challenge with Reader 4!

Professional inquiry is ‘…a way to learn about what you are doing,’ within your own workplace. I have become intrigued to look into why dancers dance, and what is their stimulation to keep going through all that hardship. However there is so much more to this topic:

·      what dancers do in for their development as an artist, which enables them to keep on going.

·      Different stimulations- music, passion, exercise, endorphins, movement

·      Mental aspects

·      Physical aspects

I am aware that to develop these topics, knowledge from all aspects will be needed. Knowledge is a key word to many theories and points of learning in the reader: work-based, single and double loop learning, disciplinary vs transdisciplinary learning and researching literature. I have been able to distinguish a few of these points within the reader that could be used to develop my own inquiry.

Work-based learning promotes awareness of a workplace to be considered a learning environment. Although not working/dancing in the moment, the whole idea of my inquiry started through reflecting and gaining some invaluable knowledge within a work-based environment/scenario. Whilst injured during applying for a company and afterwards watching an international competition, all I wanted to do was dance! From this constant need to move, it came to mind why I still wanted to keep going? Why dancers keep going on no matter what?

Learning from my own mistakes, and being able to reflect upon it within a dancing environment promoted me to come up with this idea.

I also came up with inquiring about what dancers do themselves to aid in developing as artists - how much to rehearse, how to nurse an injury, what exercises to do, how to keep fit, deal with competition and castings etc. This all links to the idea of ‘learning through experience’ from a company/workplace, i.e work-based learning.  

Chris Argyris’s single and double-loop learning theory I found intriguing how it relates to the different learning mechanisms between dance and inquiring about it, looking at it from the outside.

Single loop learning emphasizes on techniques being made more efficient, following a set of policies/ rules. The basic knowledge in dance is similar where there are certain techniques to follow, recommendations within the arts industry. However double loop learning involves questioning the role of learning systems/frameworks, which lead towards real goals and strategies.

Now the underlying knowledge is there for all dancers, but they only really learn how to improve and reach for those goals when they broaden the horizon, think out of the box in every aspect where the great saying of learning from experience will work the magic! I find that exploring like this, discovering and questioning, looking at all aspects within the topic will help reach out to the true goals of my inquiry. The Reader states that ‘recognising knowledge in the workplace will be important in identifying topics or issues that could benefit from professional inquiry.’ (Knowledge and skills in the workplace, Reader 4, pg.12)

The SIG groups are a great example in identifying your basic knowledge on a topic, to then be able to compare other opinions/knowledge with a range of practitioners This has helped structure and bring new dimensions to my inquiry, to broaden my mind: e.g. Laura May Houghton came up with a point of the fundamental reason why dancers dance is because maybe it has been all they have known? I had never looked at it from that angle, making me realize and question all the other feelings other than the enjoyment of dance.

In some ways dance involves disciplinary learning, however to achieve goals and succeed in development it entails transdisciplinary learning. You could say the exact same thing for propositional v.s process knowledge (Etraut, 1992)

I understand fully that to follow this approach of learning in addition to a few pointers from the reader- researching, reviewing literature, engaging with fellow practitioners (SIG groups), will help broadening the horizons.

Here is a great extract from Peter Senge’s view on the ‘learning organization’:

‘…real learning gets to the heart of what it is to be human. We become able to re-create ourselves. This applies to both individuals and organizations. Thus, for a ‘learning organization it is not enough to survive. ‘”Survival learning” or what is more often termed “adaptive learning” is important – indeed it is necessary. But for a learning organization, “adaptive learning” must be joined by “generative learning”, learning that enhances our capacity to create.’ (Senge, 1990)

As ‘the ultimate goal of the inquiry will be to explore a topic that will benefit your work and the work of colleagues and fellow professionals,’ it was a little hard at first to see how my inquiry would create these benefits. To find the real truth about that underlying stimulation to move is where I am headed. However from this, I would love to be able to extract all those different feelings and emotions, and somehow make it known, make it felt to the audience and outside world. To create an understanding of what the real dance world is like… now that would just be fantastic!

Literature Review 2

Although not exactly following the idea of extracting research and ideas from academic literature, I came across this blog 'Anthropology en Pointe' that has been inspirational in giving me a lot more ideas on how to approach my enquiry. The blog is created by an anthropologist, Mike Barnes (member of the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO) who posts about his research project based on dance anthropology:  "Identifying what motivates dancers and discovering how they deal with progress, and development changes that they experience, as they proceed with their career is central to this project."

I thought it extremely fitting to come across an anthropologist's views on this topic which is extremely similar to what I would like to inquire!

One post talks exactly about 'Why do dancers need to dance?' (my initial question). It highlights the fact that 'The “need to dance” if often given as the answer to the question, why do dancers devote their lives with enthusiasm to what is often a relatively short and difficult career. I would like to turn that answer around as a question and search for a reflective answer as to why they feel this need?'

Generally, the initial response to this question is love and passion for it, a constant longing to move… but why is that? What is behind all this 'need?' There are two possible approaches to answer this; psychologically- what is the motivation, or philosophically- why is this in their being, their soul. 

Mike also relates to looking into it more deeply with 'Maslow's hierarchy of needs' for inspiration: 

In all of these categories I question if a dancer's life provides all these needs. As a professional, you get paid to dance which provides your basic Physiological needs. When feeling happy with what you do, there is a sense of belonging and love with friendship. It helps build up self-esteem and confidence (normally) and definitely teaches to respect. But especially in 'Self-Actualisation' category, where 'Maslow believed that to understand this level of need, the person must not only achieve the previous needs, but master them.' A dancer is constantly striving to master improvement, perfection in their movement and a sense of achievement and when they do master these needs at the top of the pyramid, I think it could link to why dancers keep wanting to dance as they feel fulfilled.

It also got me thinking of looking into the idea what dancers do to be able to master these desirable needs?

There was a lovely response from one of the bloggers:

Mike, I dance (or danced) because it was the only manner in which my true self, my spirit, not my personality, not just my body, could express itself. Dancing does not fill a need like eating fills the need for food. Dancing isn’t “needing”, it’s “being”. Dancing is a spiritual experience, that’s why we dancers put up with a lot of ... – physical pain, anxiety, injury, low wages, professional disrespect (most people don’t consider it a legitimate job), & short career span. When dancing, the “real” person gets to come out and play and connect with others.

Another great post of Mark's is 'Ballet dancers and motivation.' He states there are two possible approaches to answering. One being what motivated dancers to start, and the other is what keeps them motivated. 

Answers in this category include, “I need to”, “provides me with meaning”, “it is how I communicate”, “movement is a part of my life”, “it is my true self, my spirit”. All of these answers internalize how they feel and consequently I could suggest they have in common that they make the dancer feel good. 

Relating back to his previous post as well, it suggests that there has to be something behind it being 'food for the soul,' suspecting that '...there is a lot more to a dancer’s motivation than a simple addiction to feeling good.'

There is a lot more in depth to it all, which makes me wander of all the different stimulations behind motivation- exercise, endorphins, music, sense of hard work and achievement, feeling home, the stage? 

One response gave a link to an article of a Chinese Dancer on what motivates her to dance.

Another gave an insight into the theory of Dalcroze Eurhythmics- teaches concepts of rhythm, structure and musical expression through movement. This instantly brings up the idea of the relation between music and dance. Could that be a factor towards motivating dancers?

But what REALLY intrigued me, was the little video at the end! It documents a few Royal Ballet dancers on why they started dancing, and I thought it gave a more personal touch to what their feelings are really about, rather than just watching them dance without any history or story behind the actual dancers. 

I would love to some how incorporate a short documentary on a dancer's perspective of their love for dance, to hopefully share what the real dance world is like and why it exists…a lot of brainstorming to do!

The next literature is on its way, Finding Balance, a book about how dancers find balance in their lives- perfect for digging deep into what they do in order to keep developing and going strong!

Barnes. M, "Why Do Dancers Need to Dance?" Anthropology En Pointe. N.p., 9 Apr. 2012. Web. 07. Mar. 2014, http://mikebarnesanth.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/why-do-dancers-need-to-dance-an-opportunity-to-reflect/

Barnes.M "Ballet dancers and motivation." Anthropology En Pointe. 25 Mar. 2012. Web. 07.Mar. 2014, http://mikebarnesanth.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/ballet-dancers-and-motivation/

Dalcroze Eurhythmics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalcroze_Eurhythmics

Task 4d- Reviewing Literature

Literature Review 1
After researching on various topics relating to my inquiry, it has opened up my eyes to all the different alleyways of where I can venture. I really hope to find out in depth the thoughts of a dancer of what is behind that 'need' to dance, what they do in order to keep on going…

Staring off with a scientific point of view, one great article I came across was taken from Scientific American on 'Why do we like to dance-and move to the beat?' written by Columbia University neurologist John Krakeur.
This article discusses the evident idea of why we like to dance, relating it to 'stimulating our brain's reward centers' when we enjoy coordinated movements. Although it can't fully be proved, there is anecdotal evidence based on experience that we get a 'pretty good kick out of it.' This is alway the most basic answer to why we dance-enjoyment!

Krakeur states how music brings us pleasure, rewarding certain parts of the mid and lower regions of the brain. It is obvious our general reaction to this pleasure is movement, where messages are sent from the brain to the body to react:
'First, people speculate that music was created through rhythmic movement—think: tapping your foot. Second, some reward-related areas in the brain are connected with motor areas. Third, mounting evidence suggests that we are sensitive and attuned to the movements of others' bodies, because similar brain regions are activated when certain movements are both made and observed. For example, the motor regions of professional dancers' brains show more activation when they watch other dancers compared with people who don't dance.'
This connects to the idea of how mirror neurons activate when someone else is dancing, and unconsciously we are motivated to move and copy movements, even if its only a slight desire. I find this fascinating that we also (unconsciously) predict the movements that we would have done. This is probably why when we are dancing with others, or watching dance, it is rewarding in a sense when you to see how you match yourself to the other/s? Is this behind motivation of watching others?

'So, if that evidence indicates that humans like watching others in motion (and being in motion themselves), adding music to the mix may be a pinnacle of reward.'
This article has really opened my eyes to the options of the different stimulation in dance, where to go into depth about how the body reacts is fascinating. Perhaps there is a link between the philosophical and scientific side to it all?
  
Krakeur.J. "Why do we like to dance-and move to the beat?" Scientific American, Sep 26, 2008, 07/03/2014 <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-dance/>

Responses- SIG group

With regards to interacting with fellow BAPP students, there has been a generous amount of feedback and responses to the few inquiries I had posted:

• Why do dancers dance?
• Why do artists/dancers keep going on with all that pressure and hardship?
• What stimulates them?
• What helps them keep motivated?

Key Points- Why Dance, why do dancers keep on going?

Love and Passion

"I think it is a love and passion for it!"
"If it is something you love and have dedicated a lot of your life towards you are very passionate about it and that is what stops you from giving in!"
"...we get paid to do what we love."
"So I think the love and passion does over come the pressures…"
"I agree and would say passion is definitely what drives us..its not to say we wouldn't have other passions just as big however that doesn't make the passion for dance any less at the time."

This is probably the main reason that pops up. What better way to live your life loving what you do everyday? It is almost a way of identifying a dancer's self. But what I wander about is what is the meaning behind this inner drive, what is that stimulation? It is evident that the passion overrides most obstacles (generally), but is it the case that dancers would feel strange without it because they have done it for so long and has been such a huge part of their lives?

Get paid to do what they love

A definite simulation? Does this mean it is rewarding as a lifestyle? 

A safe haven for the soul

"I also think it is an escape for many people, the stage is their 'safe place' or their 'home'. Especially if you have been dancing and on the stage from a young age."

Feelings of nostalgia, comforting. What can the feelings on stage be compared to?

Adrenaline Rush

"I also find one of the reason people carry on is because of the adrenaline rush you get from being on the stage. Does this become almost like an addiction?"
"...apparently exercise is suppose to make you release some kind of endorphins which make you feel happy! So I suppose it is an addiction to being happy …"

This proves that dancing, and exercise, acts as a mood booster, almost like an addiction to feeling happy. There is some scientific evidence about how it releases endorphines which I am going to look into… does this mean dancers are generally happy?

Motivation

Friends and Peers

"I also think a big motivating factor is your friends and peers. When my friends get a job it makes me strive to get better and be successful in getting a job."

To me this shows how we like to be motivated by each others' successes and actions. The practitioners closer to us work alongside for the same output- could this be healthy competition?
Is it easier to not be alone? Does a good atmosphere contribute?

Photos

"Even seeing pictures on Facebook if people you know in shows/cruise ships and tours etc makes me think, 'wow they look like thy are having such a great time' and it reminds you people do get jobs and although the pressures are high, the rewards from a great job can overcome this."

See what is out there, what to strive for!

Lucky Circumstances

 "...its 25% talent, 75% being in the right place at the right time. I think passion AND lucky circumstances is also what keeps dancers going…"

Very interesting…

Arising Problems:

All you know

"...do you think that the reason we love it so much is because for some (me) it is all we have known?… mainly because of being brought up in such a tight school unit."

For some is it maybe all they know, and that they haven't tried anything else? Have they been pushed into it, destroying the passion?

Unlucky circumstances

"...or on the other hand unlucky circumstances is what stops some. We're not able to control everything that happens… unfortunately."

Dues to injury, no job avaialbe, is this demotivating for a dancer's career to continue? Does their passion die out too?

Pressure

"So I think the love and passion does over come the pressures but sometimes the pressures can take away the love of what you do, causing some people to seek other career paths."

Responses and further inquiries coming up soon...