Dancer's Professional Ethics

At what stage in a dancers training should they be informed about Dancer's Professional Ethics?

In module two of our BAPP course we researched Ethics and discussed our codes of practice and conduct within dance teaching.  We all blogged about our personal values and codes of conduct in dance.

Dancers of all genres should be aware of dance Ethics and the value on how you are perceived as a dancer.  History tells us and so do current stories from professional belly dance colleagues tells us that there are still some dancers that will experience 'casting couches' and give 'favours' to 'men in power' to get to a certain status level for a short period of time only to be dropped as the hot flavour for new 'meat' that comes along.   Blogs and comments are being written about Ethics and this has particularly came to light in some cases in Cairo within the belly dancing scene today.  This prompted me to remind ourselves about Ethics in dance and to make sure our dance students are also aware of this.

Here is a great piece of writing about Dancer's Professional Ethics.

Dancers' Professional Ethics

My first documentary film on Salsa Dance

Here is the link to my documentary film on Salsa Dance submitted as my artefact with my professional inquiry in January 2013.

It is on my recently set up Vimeo account and is for private viewing only.  Permission has been granted to show this piece of work .  Hopefully my settings shouldn't allow for it to be seen commercially or for public viewing or copying.

I intend to continue documenting dance as a hobby for now and have joined IAC - the film and video institute for help and advice going forward. 

I would love to hear your comments. 


Documentary film on Salsa Dance

Sergei Polunin returns to Royal Ballet

Sergei Polunin

I remember reading about Mr. Polunin last year and mentioned this on my blog about the pain he was living and feeling since he became the youngest solo dancer with the Royal Ballet.  This report gives his reasons for walking out on the Royal Ballet.  It highlights his passion for ballet or is it a conditioning, as this is the only lifestyle he knows and is holding on to?  He has endured a difficulty childhood as the report states with family breakdown and his mother 'choosing' his career path, then being 'owned' by the ballet company with his future life planned and mapped out.   He seems to have an obsession with wanting fame.

I understand how his spirit wanted to break free and regain control of his body.  The break away from dance gave him a window of opportunity to taste freedom from controlling elements in his life.  It is good to hear he is back on stage but I do wonder how he will progress.  Is he truly ready for what is expected of him? Has he returned because he has understood what is expected of him and of his own expectations? We hear about the pressure and stress, the hard physical work, the relentless drive ballet dancers endure when working for the top ballet companies and what springs back to mind again is the current situation of funding cuts within the Arts.  

Mr. Polunin is a very sought after product after all.  He will be the next product of the  company’s longevity.   I see him as a sensitive, unique soul that will require thoughtful and attentive nurturing even though the company treat every one the same.  Should the ballet companies treat everyone the same?  I think care should be taken with each dancers mind, heart and body. Are they the right people to do this?

Mr. Polunin will be performing this month.  I intend to see him in performance soon.

Read the report below

The Telegraph's interview with Sergei Polunin

Dance Critics - Is their purpose being redefined?

I've just read a report from 'Huffpost Arts & Culture' about dance critics (click on and read 'The Role of Contemporary Critics) and how their role should be seen as educating the public and encouraging discussion to a 'point of view that promotes engagement' with new audiences and artists.

Some very valid points of view were made encouraging critics to give constructive criticism, what with continuing budget cuts for the arts and companies 'folding'.   I agree with the author, a wider audience should be reached to promote further inquiry thus promoting and encouraging new dancers and dance supporters.

It's about time critics where examined..

The Role of Contemporary Critics

What is your opinion of dance critics?

Final - my oral presentation for my BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Dance

Hello fellow BAPP learners,

We've come to the end of our BAPP course.

I found this course invaluable.  The tasks in the modules have developed critical awareness in my professional network, ability to reflect, analyse and change my work and practices and more importantly I have the academic ability to communicate my ideas to a range of audiences.  I found the course to be flexible and I was able to fit it around my family and professional practice as a freelance dance teacher.

My oral presentation was a summary of my findings of my critical review.   The BAPP course allowed me to research my subject and I acquired historical and cultural knowledge of salsa dance.   This made me aware of my passion for cultural studies in dance.  In addition, I realised the importance of media tools and developed a particular interest in filming and editing.  My artefact was a documentary style film of salsa dance.  I intend to continue and develop this type of filming.

I would encourage fellow BAPP learners about to start module three to persist in their progression and to keep lines of communication constant with their advisers for constructive and exemplary information and support as I have experienced.

Congratulations to my fellow BAPP learners in completing their degree and in their onward journey and thank you for your support during this course.

Looking forward to seeing you at the graduation.

See below my slide presentation.  I intend to add my artefact documentary digital film on salsa dance once permission has been granted by the teachers.

Corinda

Fusion - the modernisation of traditional salsa dance.

Is fusion in salsa effecting the conservation of traditional dance?

The Value of Culture

BBC Radio 4 -  Melvyn Bragg explores it's value today.

The Value of Culture

Interesting debate and discussion on Culture or culture and it's definitions.