Task 2: Dance training
In this task you are going to focus on crucial aspects of your dance training, including the feeling of vulnerability as a dancer.
Activity 2.1
In this activity you are going to read a few more pages (pp. 3-7) Paskevska's book and reflect on what dance training involves.
Paskevska, A. (2005) Ballet Beyond Tradition: The Role of Movement Concepts in Ballet Technique. New York and London: Routledge.
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Activity 2.2
Now read another passage (pp. 15 -16) from Tully's text and answer the question below about his idea on the dimensions of dancing.
Tully, R. (2011) The Song Sings the Bird. A Manual on the Teaching of Classical Dance. Rome: Gremese.
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Activity 2.3
In the extracts you have read so far, Paskevska uses the terms 'good' (p. 6) and 'correct' (p. 7), and Tully uses 'truthful' (p. 15) in relation to ballet performance and practice.
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Activity 2.4
As you know, dance training implies a number of challenging experiences. Read this text and contribute to the online discussion forum.
Jackson, J. (2005) My dance and the ideal body: looking at ballet practice from the inside out. Research in Dance Education 6:1-2, pp. 25-40.
In her text, Jackson suggests that the dancer is "open but not vulnerable". Jackson refers here to the strength that the dancer will derive from diligent practice. The student must be open and engaged in learning and able to trust that her or his vulnerability will not be abused. On the other hand, Tully suggests that "in order for something to happen, the artist must be vulnerable" (Conversation with Jackson, 2012). Teacher and student co-create the 'climate' in which the artist can take risks and emotional/personal vulnerability is a part of what enables new connections and discoveries.
Go to the discussion thread "Dancers' vulnerability" in the module forum and write your opinions about in what ways you think the dancer is vulnerable, and in what ways you think he/she is not. Discuss with others answers to the following questions: What might vulnerability open up? Is vulnerability necessary? How can it be supported?