AOL IDEA

I've come to the point in my study where I am trying to navigate my notes on where I think my practise is and establish some potential areas of learning. One I am interested in and would like to explore further and discuss with my supervisor is 'Transition from Dancer to Dance Captain'. I feel this is an interregnal area in my practise, past and present.

"a member of the company responsible for overseeing and maintaining the artistic standards of all choreography and musical staging with a production" MGC Futures

During a contract, I transitioned to Dance Captain. I had the responsibility of welcoming a new transitioning cast on board, teaching and installing shows; I had weeks to prepare and strategically plan. During this process I feel that I matured, learnt valuable leadership skills and became more confident within myself.

Preparation was key.

Time management and scheduling were integral.

During my transition period I created Daily plans and constructed a plan of what each day would involve, whether it be teaching, costumes, plotting or re-spacing my existing cast due to absent performers. Utilising the learning theory of 'Journalling' (J.A, Moon). Journalling in rehearsals and referring back to these whilst planning how to structure my teaching was very valuable. Taking notes on the 'choreographers intention' was of high importance to then refer back too, ensuring to keep the authenticity of the routine and transfer this knowledge on. 

I had a time frame to complete this install before our cast disembarked and the new cast took responsibility with their new Dance Captain. The Daily Schedules I made and the way I constructed my time was that I was chose to sacrifice personal time. After rehearsals the transitional cast had time to digest the choreography and indulge in their form of self-care, whilst I performed. This was my job and as a dedicated, passionate performer: I thrived off the 'hustle and bustle' and loved every minute of it.  In a Harvard Business Review, Ed Barista (Barista, Ed. 2015) created a checklist to consider when taking on a new job, one sub title being 'Self-Care'. 

"at more senior levels optimum performance isn't about the result of intellectual horsepower or longer hours in the office.. its about being in the best possible mental, emotional and physical condition to maximise our focused attention to support effective decision making and interpersonal interactions." 

Learning through experience (Dewey, J. 1938) has enabled me to question: How much is too much?

Upon reflection-on-action (Schon, D. 1987) I can analyse how I constructed these schedules and time management. This highlighted to me the importance of a) scheduling my integral tasks and deadlines to meet, but b) to also schedule in an allocated time slot dedicated to me, contributing to a more healthy practise. 

"Self care isn't an indulgence it is an investment to our own effectiveness." (Barista, Ed. 2015)

I have applied this knowledge of time management and incorporating self care that I have gained from when I was transitioning to Dance Captain to my physical training. Whilst training I ensure I do cardio-vascular fitness (running) to keep up my stamina and endurance levels however also ensure I include elements of yoga and pilates, to slow down and keep my body and mind healthy in a different form. Both beneficial. I am interested in incorporating cold water therapy into my practise. 

When transitioning into a new job role we are entering 'A New Culture' (Barista, Ed. 2015)

"Even when we're staying within the same company, we may be moving into a new sub culture, where the formal signs and artefacts look the same, but their informal meanings and interpretations are quite different"

Internally I suddenly gained more responsibility and leadership by entering the new sub culture of 'Captaincy'. Questioning how to lead constructive rehearsals whilst gaining and maintaining respect from my cast was something to consider during the transition. Kolb's Learning Cycle (Kolb, D. 1984) was a theory I arguably used a) reflecting on how the choreographers led the initial rehearsals and had authority AND compassion, b) conceptualising this by planning my rehearsals and how I will present myself so that they are constructive and purposeful- to gain confidence from my cast. c) Actively experimenting by leading the initial rehearsal, being adaptable and understanding that "every performer has different needs and learning styles" (Barista, Ed 2015) and having the concrete knowledge from the previous rehearsal to apply for the next. Perhaps one individual learns best by conceptualising first whilst another prefers to experiment with the movement. (Kolb, D. 1984)

By using my intersponal intelligence (Gardener, H. 2006) connecting with my cast on a personal level, keeping morale high and looking after the welfare of my dancers whilst keeping the shows clean and at a professional standard- I created a healthy working environment. I have applied this knowledge whilst leading my team in retail as a supervisor; praising the sales assistants when greeting and engaging with customers and exceeding expectations on sales.

"Being a leader is not about power at all. It's about inclusion, supporting and advocating for each other and lifting each other up". (Holmes, K. 2019)

I'm going to research further what to consider when transitioning job roles, and what I experienced in the process. I'd love to read your thoughts on this blog and ideas on how it relates to theory in the lens'?

References:

Barista, Ed. (2015) A Checklist For Someone About To Take On A Tougher Job [online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2015/01/a-checklist-for-someone-about-to-take-on-a-tougher-job [Accessed on 25/02/21]

Dewey, J. (1938) Experience in Education [book] Prentice- Hall

Gardener, H. (2006) Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons on Theory and Practise [book] Basic Books

Holmes, K. (2019) 3 Strategies To Help Dancers Succeed As Peer Leaders, Dance SpiritAvailable at: https://www.dancespirit.com/dance-peer-leadership-dancers-2632778591.html [Accessed on 25/02/21]

Kolb, D. (1984) Experimental Learning: Experience As The Source Of Learning and Development [book]

Moon, J.A (2006) Learning Journals: A Handbook For Reflective Practise and Professional Development [book]

MCG Futures, Dance Captain Available at: https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/dance-captain/ [Accessed on 25/02/21]