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Made in Dagenham - General Rehearsal Feedback

Feedback:

- Quite a few people missing but we all took part and filled in for characters to keep the pace consistent.

- A lot of the cast knew what scene came next.

- Scene 1: It wasn’t the best run through that we have had of this scene, the camera needs to see us consistently acting and singing the same, our singing wasn’t very loud in this song, our defined characters are little bit weak, I need to stop messing around as it affects my professionalism and the professionalism of the rest of the cast.

- Scene 2: The volume was a lot louder in this scene, our characters seem too nice instead of how rough these women are, we need more personality.

- Scene 3: Don’t sit down when drawing out material, react to the actions and lines, very quiet as a chorus, we need to remember that it’s hot so we need to react to this environment before the line is spoken, more interaction (listening and agreeing) within the song, reactions need improving on - Scene 5: We need to act like we are rather annoyed with being evaluated as grade B, more prominent facial expressions, - Scene 7: The singing was very quiet, we need more personality, our characters aren’t really defined Plan of action:

14/3/17 Feedback:

- Scene 2 pace was slow perhaps due to people missing.

- Transitions need to be smooth and need to have an objective.

- Try not to be noisy backstage - Non-verbal communication.

- Reactions to the argument in Pay Day are needed.

- I need to be singing the Union Song.

- I should be ready to come on stage for Everybody Out for a quick scene change.

- Come up with and be clear on lines/reactions during the small scene before Everybody Out.

- Fidgeting in Storm Clouds.

- Try and freeze in the moment during Storm Clouds.

Reflection:

Overall, my focus is a main issue. I think that’s due to the fact that I have rehearsed the same song/scene repeatedly and it’s causing me to lose concentration. It’s affecting my professionalism as it’s showing that I’m not really in the correct mind set for rehearsals and it isn’t fair on other members of the cast. I need to stay focused on the task at hand. Whether that will be marking reactions in my script, watching other scenes or actually being a part of the scene. This will improve my overall performance as it will cause me to be more engaged within my work. I also need to consider my reactions in a lot of scenes. To do this, I should think about my character and how my character would react in that certain situation. I should then write those reactions down in my script and rehearse them. In addition, I need to be more aware of what is happening. There are a lot of scene changes that I could be helping out with so it’s vital that I am aware and ready to move set. This will help make the transitions a lot more smooth. I also need to be aware of when I’m coming on stage for a scene change and I need to consider what my objective is whilst moving that piece of set. To do this, I should consider what scene just happened, or what scene just happened in order to understand and portray the emotions and mood.

NCFE Dance - Blog 3

We began this session with a warm-up. However, instead of doing our usual routines to the warm-up, we decided to a circuit instead. In addition, we still did an isolation movement routine before we did the circuit. This was to make sure our joints were warmed up to help us prevent any injuries. After the warm-up, we then moved onto some new technique exercises.

Back Strengthening

Skills used: Control, flexibility, timing, strength and focus.

This exercise is designed to improve our back strength. Control is used to control the movements of our arms up and down as we could sustain an injury if we don’t control our movements. Flexibility is used when we move up. A good flexibility allows us to strengthen our back more. Timing is used in order to take our time and pace ourselves within this exercises. Again, this means that rushing this exercise could cause us to sustain an injury. Strength is used in our arms due to the fact that our arms are held in certain positions and strength is also used in our back to hold ourselves when we move upwards. Focus is used in this technique exercise to ensure that we are concentrating on our movements. This is so that we don’t get distracted and end up straining and hurting ourselves without realising.

This exercise is floor based. We begin by lying on our stomachs with our legs together and straight. We keep our toes pointing and we place our arms in a W position. Then, we lift the front half of our bodies up slowly. This means that our heads are in line with our arms. It can hurt and strain us if our heads are not in line with our arms. We then lower ourselves back down onto the floor and repeat another two times. Next, we move our arms into a Y position and repeat the exact same three times and do the same when we move our arms into a T position.

When we first did this exercise, I found it very strange. It felt unnatural and odd when I stood up afterwards. However, I began to find it easier and I found it manageable to move my arms into all of these positions. I have noticed that I am sometimes slightly out with timing. I noticed this by watching the person in front of me or whoever was diagonally to my left or my right. I was sometimes ahead in the movements and I didn’t realise that I could hurt myself if I rush these movements. Also, I have noticed that I sometimes raise my legs and my feet when I move upwards. I need to keep my legs and my feet down to the floor to avoid an injuries.

Kicks on the Floor

Skills used: Posture, strength, control, flexibility and timing.

This exercise is designed to improve our flexibility slightly. Posture is used in this exercise as it’s important that we lay completely flat on the floor, or on our sides in order to prevent any injuries. Strength is used in our legs in order for us to carry out strong kick movements. Control is used in this exercise to ensure that we can carry out smooth movements with our legs up and down and flexibility is used within our legs. Timing is important in this exercise as it helps us to take our time with each movement and not rush it. Rushing the exercise defeats the object or trying to improve our flexibility. Our legs have to be straight and our toes have to be pointed at all times.

Firstly, we begin this exercise by lying on the left sides of our bodies with our left arms stretched out above our heads and our palms flat on the floor. With our right legs, we kick upwards twice. The third time we kick, we then grab the back of our thighs or our calves and gently pull our legs towards us. It’s important that we don’t grab the back of our knees as it can cause our leg to bend when it needs to be straight. Then, we move onto our backs. We kick with our right legs, then our left legs, then we kick with our right legs once more but grab the back of our thighs or calves and gently pull our right legs towards us again. Next we move onto lying on the right side of our bodies. We then kick twice with our left legs and then on the third kick, we grab the back of our thighs or our calves and pull our left legs gently towards us. Finally, we move onto our backs once more. We kick with our left legs, then our right legs, then we kick with our left legs, grab the back of our thighs or our calves and pull our left legs gently towards us.

At first, I found this exercise slightly uncomfortable, due to the fact that I wasn’t used to doing it. Although, after a while, I began to find it easier. I found it easier to point my toes more in this exercise compared to other technique exercises and I began to know the movements very well. However, I’ve noticed that my legs begin to bend slightly when I pull them gently towards me. I think that’s due to the fact that I’ve been trying to get my legs close to my body as possible. This defeats the object or trying to improve my flexibility if I am bending my legs. I’ve also noticed that I’m rushing slightly which caused me to have less control over my movements.

Travelling Kicks (front, side and back)

Skills used: Alignment, strength, posture, control, core strength, timing.

Alignment is used in this technique exercise. Our arms need to be in line with one another and our legs need to be in line with our hips. Our legs need to be straight and our toes need to be pointed at all times. Strength is used in our legs so we are able to create strong and smooth movements. Strength is also used in our arms so we are able to hold ourselves and guide ourselves through the movements. Posture is used in this technique exercise to help us hold ourselves properly and carry out the movements smoothly. Control is used in this technique exercise so we are able to control our kicks up and down so our movements are smooth. Core strength is used in order to help us keep our balance and keep our weight placement central. Timing is used in this technique exercise in order to help us not rush our movements. The majority of this exercise requires us to be on one foot. Therefore, rushing this exercises and becoming out of time, can cause us to lose our balance and topple over.

Firstly, we begin with our arms outstretched, palms facing the floor, and by stepping on our right foot. We then kick with our left legs then step onto our left foot and then kick with our right legs. Then, we step onto our right foot and kick with our left legs. However, when we step onto our right foot, we turn our foot to the side in order to create a side kick with our left legs. As we create a side kick, we turn our palms so they are facing outwards instead of towards the floor. After a side kick with our left legs, we bring through our left legs to step on our left foot which which causes us to turn and face towards the back. As we do this, we bring our right legs through to create a back kick behind us and we bring our arms through so they are outstretched with our palms facing one another in front of us.

When we were first introduced to this technique exercise, I found it difficult to get in time with the rest of the group. I was unfamiliar with the movements and I found it difficult to get my legs higher. However, over time, doing kicks across the space, it became a lot easier. My kicks were improving and my timing was improving massively. I felt confident within my movements. Although, there have been several occasions in which I have lost focus and have began to lose my balance. I have also noticed that my legs aren’t always straight which affects the strength of my kicks.

Chaines

Skills used: Timing, posture, balance, strength, core strength, spotting.

Timing is used in this technique exercise as it helps us to be able pace ourselves and control our movements. Posture is used in chaines in order for us to be able to hold ourselves properly and create strong movements. Balance is an important skill that is used within this technique exercise as we do this whole exercise on the balls of our feet. Therefore, it is important that we keep our balance in order to prevent us toppling over as move across the space. Strength is used in our arms. We hold our arms out in front of us, therefore, strength is important as it means that our arms won’t droop or weaken throughout the exercise. Core strength is used as engaging our cores allows us to keep our weight placement central, as well as help us with our balance. Spotting is an important skill used withing this technique exercise. This is where you focus on one area of the room and you return to looking at that exact area after you have done a turn. This also helps with direction as it means that we will travel in a straight line and move towards the area in which we are looking at.

We begin this exercise by standing sideways whilst looking at the area in which we intend to move towards. We stand on the balls of our feet with our knees slightly bent and with our arms outstretched in front of us as if we are holding an imaginary beach ball. Next, we step outwards with our left legs and as we do so, we open our arms. Then we bring our right leg to meet our left leg and we also bring our arms together, so, we return to our original position. Next, we step outwards again with our left legs and open our arms, like before. Then we bring our rights legs in to meet our left legs, close our arms and we turn on both feet.

When we were first introduced to this technique exercise, I found it quite difficult and had to spend quite a while practicing it. After a while, I began to find this technique exercise a lot easier. I became familiar with the movements and I feel a lot more confident doing this exercise. However, I have noticed a number of issues that I need to improve on. For example, I have noticed that my arms begin to droop after a while. Therefore, I need to improve my arm strength in order to help my improve this problem. I don’t always use my spotting properly and I often find myself feeling dizzy after doing this technique exercise.

Triplets/Travelling Steps

Skills used: Posture, control, timing, core strength, alignment, balance.

Posture is used in this exercise as leaning forwards or backwards can cause us to topple over. We need to be stood up straight with our shoulders down and back. Control is used in order for us to control each movement to help us move across the space smoothly and timing is need in this exercise in order to prevent rushing through the movements. Core strength is needed as it helps us to keep our weight placement central and our alignment is used to help keep our alignment central. Balance is essential for this technique exercise as it is grounded. This means that we are moving on the balls of our feet with our knees bent. Therefore, it’s important that our balance is up to a good standard so we don’t topple over when moving across the space.

We begin by stepping across with our right foot and then bringing our left foot round and stepping on that. We then do a slight lean so our weight is placed on our left foot and then we step on our right foot once again. We then step across with our left foot and bring our right foot around and step on that. Then, we slightly lean on our right foot and then step back on our left foot. We then repeat this so we are able to move across the space.

I found triplets incredibly difficult when we were first introduced to them. They are so simple to do but yet, I found it confusing and frustrating to do. After practicing, I became familiar with the steps and I felt a little bit more confident. My posture was very good throughout as my back was straight and my shoulders were down and relaxed. However, I have noticed that I focus too much on my feet. Instead of holding my head up and focusing on where I am moving towards, my head was down and I was constantly watching my feet. I also noticed that my timing was off slightly as I was rushing. Rushing the exercise can cause me to think too far ahead in the movements and not realise what I am doing at that moment in time which can result in me losing my balance or losing focus.

Action Plans:

1) Practice kicks on the floor - To do this, I should think about how I actually do the movements. I need to complete the exercise at my own pace so I can focus on keeping my legs straight and not hurting myself by pulling my legs to far towards me.

2) Practice chaines - I need to focus on keeping my arms held in a strong position and work on my spotting. To do this, I should consider doing this technique exercise from one corner of a room to the other I may choose to film myself to help myself what areas need further improvement.

3) Practice triplets - Now that I am familiar with the steps, I should keep practicing this exercise so I become more confident with it and I keep my eyes up instead of looking at my feet. I also should work on my timing within this technique exercise. To do this, I should choose the song in which we do this technique exercise to during session. This may help me to become more in time and have more rhythm within my movements.

Made in Dagenham - Character Sheet 2

1) Full name?

- Catherine Jane Hill

2) Date and place of birth?

- Barking, Dagenham on 16th May, 1937

3) Where did you grow up?

- I spent three years living in Barking, but then I moved to Dagenham in which I grew up.

4) Education?

- Eastbrook School.

5) Where do you live now?

- In a small two bedroom house in South Dagenham.

6) Information on parents?

- My mother died five years ago and my father moved back to Barking after her death. I don’t see that much of him very often.

7) Family life in general?

- I get on quite well with my family. We’re very good at forgiving and forgetting after an argument. My daughter, my husband and I tend to argue quite a lot when things get a bit stressful sometimes but we learn to forget small arguments and move on. Family life in general is quite pleasant, regardless of those arguments that we have from time to time.

8) Any relations?

- My family is fairly small. I have one parent due to my mother’s death five years ago. I have one brother who is 4 years older than me. He has a son and a daughter. As far as I’m aware, I don’t have anymore than around 30 cousins. However, there could be cousins that I don’t even know about. I have two grandparents on my mother’s side and two grandparents on my father’s side. They are all still alive but they are very old and are becoming quite ill.

9) How wealthy are you personally?

- I’m not wealthy to the point in which I can buy something and not feel guilty for doing so. I have just enough money to live on. I’ve always been a part of the working class life. My parents were exactly the same as me. They could afford to put food on the table and clothe us, but they could never afford to buy anything more.

10) Hobbies and interests?

- Working in a factory has never been my ‘dream’. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer. Due to this, I often spend my spare time reading books about the law and reading the newspaper about recent court cases. I find it fascinating. I also have an interest for photography, but I’ve never been able to afford a decent camera to work with, so, I tend to just look at pictures in art magazines and just really admire them. As for hobbies, I don’t have that many, due to the fact that I spend nearly all of my time cleaning the house, cooking and just generally doing every day house chores.

11) What do you look like?

- I have light brown long hair and I’m about 5′3″ or 5′4″ in height. I’m relatively pale and I have hazel coloured eyes.

12) Any love interests?

- My only love interest is my husband, Jeremy Liam Hill.

13) Bad habits?

- My only and major bad habit it biting my fingernails when I am nervous.

14) Most valued possession and why?

- My most valued possession is a locket necklace that my mother gave to me before she died. The locket was passed to her from my grandmother before she died. Inside the locket is a picture of my mother as a young girl. It’s my most valued possession as it makes me feel closer to my mother.

15) Employment?

- Currently employed as a sewing machinist at the Ford factory in Dagenham.

16) Any secrets, problems, challenges and/or difficulties?

- I don’t hold any secrets. I think what I find difficult and what challenges me most is being able to stay positive when things are going wrong. Whether that will be at work, at home or elsewhere, I find it incredibly difficult to keep a smile on my face when I’m worrying about something.

17) What makes you laugh/cry?

- The women who I work alongside with in the factory make me laugh. There’s never a dull moment and I think that’s what makes the work easier. Instead of sitting in silence waiting for the end of the day, I can actually converse and joke about the smallest of things. However, what makes me cry is seeing my daughter’s face every time she talks about wanting to be a lawyer. Her face is so full of hope and excitement every time she talks about the subject and it just breaks my heart because I know that I won’t be able to afford to send her to law school.

18) What have been the most significant events in you life?

- The most significant event that has happened in my life so far was the death of my mother. The reason as to why it’s so significant to me if the fact that it showed me that life is too short to be miserable and full of regrets. I need to take risks and enjoy every moment as much as possible because it won’t be long until death takes me too.

19) Describe your personality.

- I am usually fairly quiet and I like to keep to myself sometimes. I can be quite loud and boisterous when I want to be and I am also very passionate. I’m someone that doesn’t like to see my friends get hurt and I will stand up for what I believe in. I can be quite outgoing sometimes, especially when I’ve had a drink or two.

20) Any hopes, dreams and/or fears?

- My biggest dream is to become a lawyer and become a role model for my daughter. I hope to finally stop working at the Ford factory and actually go out and enjoy life. I want my daughter to be able to achieve what she wants to achieve and I wan’t my husband to carry on with his love for writing short novels. My biggest fear is losing my job and being unable to provide for my family.

- NCFE Dance: Peer Assessment

- Made in Dagenham fundraiser - 6/3/17 - For this event, we all contributed and worked together as a cast to make it a success. We divided out specific jobs for people to do for the fundraiser as well as for the production. The female ensemble all worked together on creating price tags and decorations as well as sorting out the raffle tickets and what items would be on each stall. The male ensemble worked together to find costumes that would best fit them and also suit the era in which Made in Dagenham was set.

- Made in Dagenham: Meeting 3

Made in Dagenham - Character Sheet 1

1) Who am I?

I am 31 year old working class woman and I work in the Ford motor factory. I am a mother to one girl and also a wife.

2) Where am I?

- Scene 1 - I am in my house ironing before I set off for work. At this particular point in time, I am also trying to get my daughter ready for school as well as being in a rush.

- Scene 2 - I have just arrived at work and I am meeting with the men before I start my job.

- Scene 3 - I am in the factory shed cutting up material for the car seats.

- Scene 5 - I am still in the factory shed cutting up material for the car seats.

- Scene 7 - It’s the end of the day and it’s also pay day. At this particular point, I am entering a club, ready to enjoy a night out.

- Scene 12 - At the beginning of this scene, I am in the factory shed using a sewing machine. We then decide to go on strike in retaliation to being evaluated as Grade B: unskilled. At this point, we leave the factory to go on strike in the streets. Then, in order to gain some solidarity, we then travel to Liverpool, which is where this scene ends.

- Scene 14 - During this scene, we are still on strike and outside on the streets doing so.

- Scene 18 - I am outside at this particular point in time.

- Scene 19 - During this scene, I am in Eastbourne, ready for the TUC meeting. I have only just arrived there.

- Scene 20 - I’m at the TUC meeting in this scene. Firstly, I am stood in the audience and I then leave the audience in order to be near Rita to show that we are a team.

3) What time is it? / When is it?

- Scene 1 - It is early in the morning. This is due to making sure that the whole family is ready for school and work.

- Scene 2 - It’s still relatively early as I will have just arrived at work.

- Scene 3 - During this scene, it’s still morning, but it’s drawing close to lunch time.

- Scene 5 - During this scene, it is late afternoon and drawing close to the end of the shift.

- Scene 7 - It’s late in the evening.

- Scene 12 - The beginning of this scene starts as another day in the factory shed. We then decide to go on strike. Towards the end of the scene, it is a couple of weeks later, due to striking and then having to travel to Liverpool to recruit more Ford workers.

- Scene 14 - During this scene, it it has now been almost two months into the strike. It is another day on the strike and the day ends towards the end of the scene.

- Scene 18 - This scene takes place is a few months later when it’s almost time to have a meeting with the TUC.

- Scene 19 - We’ve just arrived at Eastbourne in the early afternoon. It’s towards Summer time.

- Scene 20 - During this scene, it is the meeting with the TUC. This is just before the Equal Pay Amendment becomes part of the TUC policy.

4) Where have I just come from?

- Scene 1 - I have just come from my bed room to the downstairs part of the house in order to iron clothes and get breakfast ready.

- Scene 2 - I have just come from my house to arrive at work.

- Scene 3 and 5 - I have just come from outside of the factory in the cold.

- Scene 7 - I have just come from work at the factory to arrive at the club for a night out.

- Scene 12 - I begin this scene by working in the factory. Then I move from the factory to being on the streets striking. Then, I move from the streets of Dagenham to Liverpool in order to recruit more Ford workers and then I move from their factory to the streets of Liverpool to strike.

- Scene 14 - I have come from more house to stay for another day on the strike.

- Scene 18 - I have come from my house to be outside for a walk.

- Scene 19 - I have come from my house in Dagenham to be at Eastbourne.

- Scene 20 - I have come from my accommodation in Eastbourne to be at the TUC meeting.

5) What do I want?

- Scene 1 - At this particular point on stage, I want to get out of the house, get every chore sorted and make sure my daughter gets to school safely.

- Scene 2 - In this scene, I just want to get into work and get the job done quickly.

- Scene 3 & 5 - I just want it to be the end of the day. I want to work in an environment that isn’t so hot and inadequate and I want to be paid at C Grade so I am able to provide for my daughter.

- Scene 7 - I want to be able to forget all the troubles regarding management and just have a good night out.

- Scene 12 - In this scene, I want to go on strike and prove to the management that we are skilled workers.

- Scene 14 - Towards the beginning of this scene, I want to give up the strike and go back to work but towards the end of this scene, I want to carry on and stay on strike until equal pay is achieved.

- Scene 18 - I want to prove to my husband that we could achieve so much if we stayed together but it’s not worth it if he doesn’t wish to stay by my side.

- Scene 19 - I want to be able to be able to enjoy a nice bank holiday but I also wish to carry on with this strike and achieve equal pay.

- Scene 20 - In the this scene, I want to be able to rebuild my life back up again and encourage my daughter to do great things.

6) Why do I want it?

- Scene 1 - I want to get out of the house quickly in order to get to work and not risk being late and getting in trouble.

- Scene 2, 3 & 5 - I want to get the job done quickly so I can go out and enjoy myself.

- Scene 7 - I want to have a good night out to enjoy myself and forget all the troubles about management.

- Scene 12 - I want to go on strike in order to prove to the management that we are skilled workers so we can achieve C Grade again and carry on with our lives as normal.

- Scene 14 - Towards the beginning of this scene, I want to give up on strike and go back to work because strike pay is incredibly difficult to live on and I have a daughter to provide for. My husband doesn’t earn much as a librarian so I mainly provided the main source of income. However, towards the end of this scene, I want to carry on with the strike as I believe that we are capable and strong enough to achieve equal pay.

- Scene 18 - I want to prove to my husband that we could achieve so much if he stuck by my side because at this particular point in time, I need him the most so I’m desperate to get him to stay.

- Scene 19 - I want to carry on with the strike to prove that women deserve equal pay but also prove to myself that I’m a strong woman who my daughter can look up to.

- Scene 20 - I want to rebuild my life back up again to prove to myself that I am capable of great things.

7) Why do I want it now?

- Scene 1 - I want to get out of the house now so I won’t be late. This means that I’ll be rushing around and yelling at my daughter to hurry up and get ready for school.

- Scene 2, 3 & 5 - I want to hurry up and get the work day over with so I can go and enjoy myself. This means that I’ll perhaps be rushing my jobs within the factory or just wasting time waiting for it to be the end of the day.

- Scene 7 - I want to forget about management and enjoy myself. This is why I am ‘drunk’ in this scene so I am able to enhance my chance of having a good night out.

- Scene 12 - I want to go on strike now to provide a better life for my daughter and a better childhood. This is why I am adding emphasis to my actions to show the audience how much I need this.

- Scene 14 - I want to give up on the strike towards the beginning of this scene as I’m struggling to live on strike pay. This is why I’m reluctant to hold up my picket sign, my body language is closed and I’m looking down as if I’m ashamed of myself. However, I want to carry on with the strike towards the end of the scene. This is why my body language is open, I’m holding up my picket sign and I’m making eye contact with the audience.

- Scene 18 - I want to prove to my husband that we could achieve so much now because I know that once the strike has finished, we’ll be able to live a happier life. This is why desperation is a main emotion portrayed in this song.

- Scene 19 - I want rebuild my life up again now in order to provide for my daughter and give her the best education possible. This is why I’m excited and confident for the TUC meeting but also fed up and tired of being on strike.

- Scene 20 - I want to prove to myself now that I’m capable of achieving great things to feel good about myself and to give myself a bigger sense of purpose. This is why pride is one of the main emotions that is portrayed within this song.

8) What will happen if I don’t get what I want?

- Getting downgraded to unskilled grade means that I’m learning less money. As a mother, that means there will be more pressure on me to pay for food, clothes, gas, tax, rent, etc. My husband doesn’t earn that much working as a librarian, therefore, the main source of income has to come from me. When I decide to go on strike, I don’t really think about how difficult life can become which gets to the point in which I want to give up. It starts with just wanting C Grade but then it turns into being an equal pay debate. If I don’t get equal pay, it means that life will become very hard. My daughter’s dream is to become a lawyer but I won’t be able to pay for and provide her with the best education. I’ll end up feeling like I have let myself down.

9) What obstacles must I overcome?

- Psychologically, I must overcome this constant feeling of being fed up. I have to do something about what bothers me instead of just burying my head. Physically, I work in an environment in which it’s hot and also dangerous. This means that I need to overcome this by either getting used to the temperature and staying out harm’s way, or actually talking a stand against it and proving to the management that the environment I work in appalling.

10) How will I get what I want?

- I will achieve equal pay by striking and not giving up. Giving up will cause me to feel like I’ve let my husband and my daughter down. I will stay with the rest of the factory girls and not give in to any offers, no matter how tough the strike gets. By striking the management will see that we aren’t messing around and some kind of compromise or deal is the only solution.

NCFE Dance - Jumps exercise in first and second position - I need to focus on pointing my toes when I am in the air. - I am not always bending my knees when I am about to jump or when I land. - I should consider placing my hands on my hips so my arms don't throw me off balance.

- Made in Dagenham rehearsal (13/3/17) - Everybody Out - We have noticed, as a cast, that our harmonies were sometimes slightly wrong during this song. To rectify this, we decided to group together, sing the song fully and help anyone that is unsure of what the harmonies should be.

NCFE Dance - Skills Audit 3

Strength: 4

Reason: My strength has improved due to the warm up exercises that we participate in. They have allowed me to build strength within my core, my arms and my legs. However, I still struggle to hold certain positions sometimes. For example, when it comes to holding a demi-pliè position, my thighs begin to shake after a while. This shows that I need to further improve my leg strength so I am able to hold these positions.

Control: 4

Reason: My control hasn’t really improved. I have recognised areas in which my control needs to be improved and I have spent my spare time trying to work on this. The landing for my pirouettes are a lot more controlled than what they used to be which shows that my control has been improved. However, in other exercises, more control is needed. For example, in the kicks technique exercise, I have noticed that more control is needed when bringing my legs up and down.

Balance: 4

Reason: My balance has improved quite a lot during sessions. I have noticed that I am able to hold myself, in certain positions, a lot better than what I did to begin with with. For example, when I participate in Chaines, I am required to be on the balls of my feet throughout. To begin with, I struggled to hold my balance and I did topple over sometimes. Now, I am able to control my Chaines a lot better and my balance has improved which allows me to move across the space smoothly.

Coordination: 3

Reason: My coordination has improved due to the fact that I am becoming more used to each technique exercise and what movement comes next. This means that I am familiar with what my hands and feet should be doing differently at the same time. However, in some technique exercises, I sometimes become confused with the movements and therefore lose the standard of my coordination.

Flexibility: 3

Reason: My flexibility is still as the same standard as what it was a few weeks ago. I can still grab the top of my foot when taking part in stretches, but I am still unable to do splits. I think that taking part in stretches in a weekly routine will allow me and will help me to improve this skill.

Stamina: 4

Reason: My stamina has improved ever so slightly. I don’t become so tired and out of breath quickly when doing the usual warm-ups. However, doing circuits for warm-ups has been challenging, but I’m getting used to it and I’m beginning to find it easier each week.

Alignment: 3

Reason: My alignment has improved slightly. I have noticed that in most technique exercises, my alignment is a lot better than what it was to begin with. For example in the tendu technique, my alignment has improved in the sense that I have managed to keep it more central than what it has been. There are still moments in which I lean in opposite directions to the movement of my feet which shows that I still need to work on my alignment.

Posture: 4

Reason: My posture has improved slightly as I have noticed in the mirrors, during sessions, that my posture is always upright and my shoulders are always down and back. There are a few moments in which lose this posture slightly during some technique exercises.

Focus: 4

Reason: My focus hasn’t really improved as such. It’s still at the same standard as what it was a few weeks ago. I focus and concentrate really well when it comes to the work. However, I often get distracted and I will talk to my peers when I perhaps shouldn’t be.

Timing: 4

Reason: My timing is still at the same standard as what it was a few weeks ago. I am becoming a lot more familiar with the movements which allows me to be able to carry out the next movement without really thinking about it. This causes me to stay in time with the rest of the group. However, in some technique exercises, in which I am unsure of the routine to, I become out of time with the rest of the group due to not knowing what movement comes next.

Expression: 1

Reason: My expression hasn’t improved due to the fact that I am focusing more on the techniques and skills that are required for each exercise. I haven’t really considered my expression and what my expression should be like.

Spatial Awareness: 5

Reason: My spatial awareness has improved slightly as I am a lot more aware of the space in which I am moving in. I had an issue with bumping in to people when I moved across the space but I have now rectified this by spacing myself out more. Ever since that I have done this, I am moving across the space a lot more smoothly than before and I don’t encounter any obstacles.

Action Plans:

1) Improve my flexibility - Although my flexibility has improved due to the stretches that we do at the end of each session, I think that doing an extra set of stretches outside of session to allow me to improve this skill further. To do this, I may choose to create my own routine of stretches to complete once a week in an evening.

2) Improve demi-pliès - I now know the routine to this but I always forget what comes next. This causes me to become out of time compared to the rest of the group. I need to practice this in order to know the routine very well. I may choose to practice this routine once or twice a week in an evening.

3) Improve tendu and kicks exercises - Although I feel comfortable and confident with the movements, one thing I have noticed is that I need to focus on keeping my legs straight and toes pointed at all times. To do this, I may choose to film myself to see which points I begin to lose this. Also, I should consider repeating the movements and watching the lower half of my body whilst doing so.

Professionalism: 8/10

Reason: I am still turning up to class on time and in the correct clothes. My focus and concentration is up to a good standard, although there are moments in which I become distracted. When my peers are dancing or carrying out a technique exercise, I observe and learn from them, rather than wondering off to the back of the room. I listen to what I am being told and I am beginning to remember and recognise what skill is required for each exercise. Although my professionalism has improved slightly, there are still moments in which I will talk to my peers and discuss or laugh about something completely irrelevant to the session which shows that I don’t keep my focus for very long. There have still been a few moments in which I have denied what I am capable of when I am struggling to complete a technique exercises, however, I have now been doing less of this as I am becoming more familiar with the routines.

Previous Action Plans:

1) My previous action plan was to improve my pirouettes and control my landing a lot more. I have achieved this to an extent as I my landing is a lot more controlled than what it was to begin with. I land with my feet almost touching together which is a lot better than what it was when I first added in a turn. However, my landing is a lot more controlled when I turn clockwise rather than anti-clockwise. This shows me that I need to focus more on my landing when I turn anti-clockwise.

2) My previous action plan was to improve my demi-pliès. Due to the fact that this has been mentioned above in my action plans, it is clear to see that I have not achieved this action plan.

3) My previous action plan was to improve the side and back kicks that have been added in to the routine. I have achieved this to an extent as I have practiced this routine, just not as much as what I could have done. However, due to the fact that we have been practicing them a lot in session, I am now becoming a lot more familiar with the routine and I’m becoming a lot more confident with it.

NCFE Dance - Blog 2

We began today’s session with the usual warm up that consisted of isolation movements, cardio, arm movements, leg movements, stretches and core exercises. This helps us to be able to build up strength in our bodies, improve our core and be warmed up and ready for the session. We then moved on to technique exercises.

Demi-pliés (small/half bends):

Skills used: Strength, core strength, control, balance, alignment, posture.

I have been practicing this technique exercise in my spare time and I am still finding it difficult. This is due to having to remember what movement comes next as well as remember how my body should be during this exercise. I still find it strange and unnatural to stand and do this technique exercise which shows that I am still not used to it. I lose my control when I forget what movement comes next as I begin to try and rush the movements to catch up and be in time with the rest of the group. However, regardless of these issues that I faced, I noticed in the mirror that my posture is good as I kept my back straight and my shoulders down and relaxed. I also noticed that the strength in my arms is beginning to improve as they don’t look as weak as what they first did as what they did when we were first introduced to this technique exercise.

Tendu Exercise:

Skills used: Control, balance, alignment, core strength, posture, strength.

I still find this exercise manageable as I remember the movement quite well. Remembering the movement and what comes next allows me to be able to focus on all the skills that are required for this particular technique exercise. I have been practicing this technique exercise as home and I have began to notice that I’m pointing my toes a lot more than what I used to do. However, I still forget to point my toes as much as possible in some parts of this exercise. During session, I watched myself in the mirror whilst doing this technique exercise and I noticed a number of things. I noticed that my posture is still good as I kept my back straight and my shoulders down and relaxed. I noticed that my legs are also straight. However, I also noticed that I still lean in the opposite direction when extending my legs to either my left or my right. This shows that my alignment isn’t kept central when it should be for this exercise. In addition, I noticed that I didn’t fully extend my legs backwards as I was worried that I would lose my balance.

Kicks:

Skills used: Control, balance, strength, alignment, timing.

This week, we added side kicks in addition to our front kicks. To add these onto a front kick with our right leg, we would then step behind our left leg and step on our right foot. We would then step onto our left foot by bringing it next to our right foot. At this particular point, we would be on our tiptoes. We then crossed over our left foot and stepped with our right foot. Our right foot would be flat on the floor whilst facing forwards and then we would swing through and kick with our left leg. We would then repeat the same on the opposite side by bringing our left leg behind our right leg and then stepping onto our left foot.

To begin with, I had to spend time trying to think about the placements of each foot and where they should go, etc. As soon as I understood this, I began to find this exercise relatively easy and quest manageable. I kept in time with the rest of the group and I felt confident within the movements. I noticed in the mirror that my posture was at a good standard as my shoulders were down and relaxed, my back was straight and I stood upright. However, I noticed a number of skills that I need to improve on. I need to remember to keep my legs straight and my toes pointed at all times instead of focusing on getting my kicks higher and I need to keep my alignment central at all times so I don’t lean forward when I kick. I also need to keep my arms strong throughout.

Pirouettes:

Skills used: Balance, control, alignment, core strength, leg strength, spotting.

After practicing this technique exercise in my spare time, I am now confident with the preparation for a pirouette, therefore, I have now added in the actual turn. To begin with, adding in the turn was actually quite daunting due to it being new to me. Therefore, I began to practice in my spare time in order to gather some confidence with it. I feel confident with this to an extent as I know the movements and the preparation for the turn helps me to build some momentum. After watching myself in the mirror during the session, I could see that my landing is rather unstable which shows that I need to control it. I also knew that I wasn’t spotting as I was focusing too much on actually doing a 360 degree turn. Spotting is a skill that I need to improve on as it will help me and prevent me from becoming dizzy. I noticed that when I bend my knee and bring it up and next to my other leg, during the spin, I actually stick my foot of my bent leg outwards instead of keeping it tucked in and right next to my other leg. This will throw off my balance as it is causing my alignment to be distorted.

Corner Work:

Kicks:

Skills used: Control, balance, strength, alignment, timing, spotting.

Kicks across the space included a sequence of two front kicks, one side kick and then one back kick. Control is needed in this exercise as we need to be able to control the movements of legs up and down. If we didn’t control our kicks very well, it could throw off our balance. Balance is needed as we are mainly stood on one foot most of the time so it’s important that our balance is up to a good standard to prevent us toppling over as we move across the space. Strength is needed in our legs so we are able to perform strong and controlled kicks, rather than weak ones. Strength is also needed in our arms so we are able to hold ourselves in strong positions as well as use our arms to guide us through when we do a back kick and help retain our balance. Our alignment needs to be kept central in this technique exercise in order to help us keep balance and control of of our movements and timing is needed in order to help guide us and allow us to move smoothly across the space. Spotting is an important skill that is needed in this technique exercise. Spotting allows us to move towards the area in which we are moving towards as well as help prevent us from getting dizzy. Spotting is needed when we do a back kick and go straight back into a front kick, so it’s important that we use this skill to help us move towards what we are looking at.

To begin with, I had to think about how I moved from one movement to the next as well as what foot I stepped on first, etc. Once I understood this, I found this technique exercise moderately easy to an extent. I knew the position of my arms for each kick and I felt quite confident and comfortable within the movements that I was doing. My kicks weren’t very high due to the fact that I was more focused on keeping my legs straight and my toes pointed. I need to improve the strength in my arms as I could see in the mirrors that they began to drop a little after a while. I believe that this was either due to the fact that I was holding them up for so long or because I was more focused on my legs and what I was doing at the time. I also need to work on my balance as I begin to shake and wobble slightly when I do a back kick.

Chaines:

Skills used: Control, balance, arm strength, spotting, timing.

This technique exercise consists of a chain of turns on both feet. We begin by standing on the balls of our feet and holding our arms out in front of us as if we are holding an imaginary beach ball. We face the direction in which we are going and step outwards. As we step outwards, we open our arms outwards too. Then, we bring in our other foot and turn on both feet. At the same time, we bring in our arms so they return to the position in which they were in to begin with. We then repeated this across the space. Control is needed for this in order for us to be able to carry out smooth turns and balance is needed as we are on our tiptoes at all times, so it’s important that we balance ourselves in order to prevent toppling over and sustaining an injury. Arm strength is needed to be able to give us slight momentum as we bring our arms in to turn. Similarly to kicks across the space, spotting is needed for this technique exercise to help us go in the direction and move towards what we are looking at. Timing is important as rushing can cause us to lose our balance, therefore, it is important that we pace ourselves and stay in time with the beat to the music.

I struggled with this technique exercise when we were first introduced to it. Now, after a bit of practice, I am beginning to feel more confident with chaines. However, there are a number of things to work on. I am confident and comfortable with the movements and I am always facing the direction in which I am going. Although, I am still finding it difficult to not look at what I am doing instead of looking at the opposite side of the space in which I am moving towards. This is due to the fact that I want to be able to watch myself in the mirror and focus on areas that don’t look right but I have to focus on spotting. Although I am facing the direction in which I intend to move towards, I still feel dizzy after doing this technique exercise which shows that I need to improve my spotting skills. Also, balance is vital in chaines and there have been many moments in which I have lost my balance. To rectify this, I should practice this at home in order to get used to being on the balls of my feet.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

During today’s session, a main strength for me has been focus. I have been focused on what technique exercise I am doing and I have carried them out to the best of my ability. I have been watching my peers in order to learn from them. Although there have been moments in which I have lost concentration and joked around with my peers, I quickly regained this focus when it came to doing these technique exercises. Another strength has been the strength in which I have developed in my legs due to the warm-ups at the beginning of each session. I have noticed that my legs don’t shake as much as what they used to and I am able to hold positions a lot better than what I could do at the beginning of NCFE Dance. Again, a big weakness for me has been remembering the movements. However, I am beginning to get used to what movement comes next but there have been quite a few cases in which I have forgotten what to do next or I just generally don’t know and I have to watch other people instead of focusing on myself. I struggled a lot with remembering what movement comes next when it comes to doing demi-pliés. To rectify this quickly I should consider picking out the area in which I always struggle with, make a note of it and practice it in my spare time. My alignment has also been a weakness again in today’s session. Although it has improved slightly, there are many times in which my alignment is not kept central as I notice that I begin to lean in some directions in some technique exercises. To improve this, I need to work on engaging my core by standing up straight with my shoulders down and back and tensing my abdominal muscles.

Previous Action Plan:

- Practice demi-pliés - I stated in my previous action plan that I need to practice this technique exercise in my spare time so I am able to remember the movements in order to allow me to focus more on the skills that are required for this technique exercise. I met this action plan to a certain extent as I have practiced this routine but not enough to the point in which I remember what movement comes next.

- Practice kicks - I previously stated that I wanted to practice this technique exercise in order to gain height in my kicks. I have practiced this routine various of times but not to an extent in which my kicks have become higher. Therefore, I had only met this action plan to a certain extent.

- Practice the preparation for pirouettes - I stated in my last action plan that I wanted to practice this to the point in which it was strong so I was able to move to the next stage and add in a turn. I suggest videoing myself in order to see what needs improving. I have met this action plan as I am now completing a turn in session. Although I didn’t video myself at home, I have watched myself do this technique exercise, in the mirrors, in session as I have noticed that my arms need to be a lot stronger.

Action Plan:

- Practice tendu exercise - Although I feel confident with this exercise, I need to work on my alignment in order to prevent myself from leaning either to the left or to the right. I also need to work on keeping my legs straight and my toes pointed at all times. To do this, I should consider repeating the routine numerous times, in front of a mirror, and picking out what needs to be improved and trying to improve it the next time around.

- Practice demi-pliés - I am becoming familiar with the routine but there is a specific point in which I always forget what I am doing and therefore, become out of time. To improve this, I need to make note of what moment I always forget and practice in my spare time. As soon as I know the movements, I will therefore, be able to focus on and improve the skills that are required for this technique exercise.

- Practice chaines - Although I do feel confident when doing this technique exercise, keeping my balance is something that I worry about as I can always feel myself shaking slightly as if I am ready to topple over. I need to practice this in my spare time in order to feel more comfortable with being on the balls of my feet.

Musical Theatre Research - Stanislavski Part 1

https://onedrive.live.com/edit.aspx?resid=C44BF55364099113!127&app=PowerPoint&wdnd=1&wdPreviousSession=3525055c-6ac9-4441-91fd-27447c72ec9a

NCFE Dance - Tendu exercise - My posture is good as my back is straight and my shoulders are down and relaxed. - My legs are straight. - Good alignment during the demi-pliés as my toes and knees are in line with my hips. - My toes aren't pointed. - My alignment isn't kept central as I begin to lean slightly to the left when I point my foot to the right. - My knee isn't turned out to the side when I point my foot to the back. This prevents me from being able to flex my foot well.

NCFE Dance - Skills Audit 2

Strength: 3

Reason and Progression: My strength has improved due to the warm-ups at the beginning of every session. I am beginning to find each routine easier which highlights to me that body is getting used to it. I mentioned in my last skills audit that my thighs begin to shake after a while when it comes to doing the demi-pliè technique exercise. My thighs only begin to start shaking towards the end of the routine, whereas, before, my thighs began to shake halfway through the routine. I still need to build up more strength in my legs and also improve the strength in my arms as they begin to ache if they are held up for a while.

Control: 4

Reason and Progression: My control has improved in the sense that I am beginning to recognise areas in which my control is weak and I have begun to work on this. For example, in the preparation for pirouettes, I didn’t have a very controlled landing. However, after practice, my landing is more steady than what it was. I am still able to control most of my movements to an extent in which my alignment doesn’t become distorted.

Balance: 2

Reason and Progression: My balance still needs to be improved on massively. However, I have noticed it has improved slightly as I’m not toppling over as much. For example, when we do the spotting technique exercise, we are on our tiptoes and to begin with, I was wobbling about. Now, I have noticed that I am beginning to maintain my balance a little better.

Coordination: 1

Reason: The majority of the technique exercises that we have learned and worked on, requires our arms to be in different positions to our legs at the same time. I struggle with this in some routines. For example, in the routine that we do for demi-pliès, I begin to struggle half-way through as our arms are doing different things to our legs and it begins to confuse me.

Flexibility: 3

Reason and Progression: At the beginning of NCFE Dance, when it came to doing stretches at the end of the session, I could only just reach my toes with my fingertips. Now, I am able to grab hold of the top of my foot. My flexibility needs to improve with my legs, however. I struggle a lot with being able to do the splits, which highlights to me that I need to do more stretches to be able to achieve a better flexibility.

Stamina: 3

Reason and Progression: My stamina has improved a huge amount since the beginning of these sessions. I no longer become too tired during the cardio part of the warm up. However, I still need improve on my stamina in the sense that the routine for our legs and the core part of the warm up still tires me out very quickly.

Alignment: 2

Reason: My alignment hasn’t really improved. In some areas, I am able to keep it central and keep in consistent, but in other areas, my alignment is all over the place. I think this is due to me worrying about what movement is meant to come next, rather than focusing on all the skills that are required for each technique exercise. I believe that once I know each routine well, I will be able to focus more on my alignment.

Posture: 3

Reason: I have noticed that in the majority of routines to each technique exercise, my posture is mostly at a good standard. For example, during the kicks routine, my back is straight and my shoulders are down and relaxed. I manage to keep this consistent throughout. However, there are some areas in which my posture begins to lack slightly. For example, during the demi-pliè technique exercise, I begin to lean forward slightly which causes me to lose the posture in my back.

Focus: 4

Reason: My level of focus is still at a good standard. I’m beginning to concentrate more and watch others to learn from them. However, there are some points within each session in which I begin to talk to the people around me when I should be paying attention to what is happening.

Timing: 4

Reason and Progression: As I am becoming a bit more familiar with the routines, I am able to keep in time with the rest of the group. However, my timing begins to lack slightly in routines in which I don’t know what movement is coming next.

Expression: 1

Reason: Due to the fact that I am focusing more on techniques and skills that are required for each movement, I haven’t really considered my expression as I am trying to learn and remember what I am doing.

Spatial Awareness: 3

Reason: I am very aware of the space in which I am using and how much space I actually have to use. However, during exercises in which we are moving diagonally across the space, I have noticed that I begin to move slightly and almost clash and get in the way of the person in front of me.

Action Plans:

1) I intend to improve my pirouettes. I have acted upon my last action plan for this and I am now able to do a spin. However, I need to improve this by controlling my landing. I intend to do this by slowly doing the turn and controlling it and then start speeding it up. I hope to see an improvement in the next few sessions and I hope to see that my landing is more steady.

2) I intend to improve my demi-pliès. To do this, I intend to take a mental note of the routine or record someone doing it so I am able to remember what movement comes next. This way, I won’t have to worry about what comes next and I am therefore, able to focus more on the skills that are required for this exercise. I hope to see an improvement in the next few sessions by watching myself in the mirror and watching others to see if I can remember the movements as well as remember all the skills that are needed.

3) I intend to practice and improve my kicks. We have recently just added in side and back kicks and I believe it would be beneficial for me to practice these in my spare time so I am able to keep in time with the rest of the group. I hope to see an improvement in the next few sessions by watching myself in the mirror to see if I am getting all the steps right and that I’m staying at a consistent pace.

Professionalism so far: 7/10

Reason: I am arriving to class on time and I am making sure that I am in the correct clothing. I have never turned up to these sessions wearing jeans or skirts or any other item of clothing that isn’t suitable for dancing. I keep a bottle of water nearby to retain hydration. I listen to what I am being taught and what my peers say. I also listen and learn from my peers when they are helping me with something that I struggle with. However, there are moments during these sessions where I’ll often stand and talk to the person next to me about something completely irrelevant instead of paying attention to what’s happening in front of me. There has also been plenty of moments in which I have stood still and said that I ‘can’t do it’ which is highlighting that I am not in the correct mindset for these sessions. Instead of just denying the fact that I can’t do something, I need to think more about how I am able to achieve things if I just practice.

Previous Action Plans:

1) Improve pirouettes - My previous action plan for this was to practice the preparation for a pirouette and then try adding in a spin. I have met this action plan as I am now adding in a turn during session.

2) Improve kicks - My previous action plan for this was to do a series of stretches every other night and practice kicks in my spare time. I have met this to a certain extent as I have been practicing my kicks whenever I had a few minutes to spare but I haven’t yet completed a series of stretches to help me get my kicks higher. However, I have noticed that my kicks have gotten a little higher than what the were to begin with but I also need to keep in mind that my legs need to be straight and my toes need to be pointed.

3) Improve core and leg strength - I stated in my previous action plan for this that I would complete a routine every other night that consisted of exercises that are designed to improve my core and leg strength. I have not met this target but I have noticed a small improvement in my core and leg strength due to the routines that we complete in the warm-ups at the beginning of each session.

NCFE Dance - Blog 1

In today’s session, we took part in a number of exercises and techniques to help develop our skills and to also help us build our strength for each particular exercise. I am quite new to dancing so I have found great difficulty in the majority of the exercises that we have done. However, I intend to practice at home and see improvements over the next few weeks.

We began today’s session with a warm up/workout. Each routine focused on different parts of the body. The first routine consisted of isolation movements. These were small movements that just helped us to warm up our joints. The second routine was a cardio workout. This allowed us to get our blood pumping around our bodies so oxygen was sent to every muscle as well as help us to build up our strength and stamina. It’s important that we build up our stamina so we don’t become too tired quickly in the middle of a routine. The next routine was to build up the strength in our arms. Building the strength in our arms allows us to be able to hold our arms lines correctly. Then, we did a routine that was focused mainly on our legs. This helped us to build up the strength in our legs so we are able to hold ourselves properly. The next routine consisted of stretches. This allowed us to help keep our muscles warm and stretchy for the dancing further on in the session as well as improve our flexibility. The very last routine that was part of the warm up was a core work out. The core exercises that we did were leg raises, crunches and a leg extension exercise. This routine helps us to build up our core strength as engaging our core in dancing is vital to help us keep our alignment as well as hold our postures well.

After the warm up, we moved on to a number of techniques that are mentioned below.

Demi-pliès (small/half bends):

Skills used: Strength, core strength, control, balance, alignment, posture.

Strength is needed in our thighs so we are able to hold ourselves properly. It is also needed in our arms, as we extend them, in order to improve our postures. It helps us to be able to have strong movements. Our core strength is needed so we are able to balance ourselves and help keep our weight placement central. Control is needed so we are able to keep each bend at a consistent pace and controlled in a way that doesn’t make us lose our posture or our balance. Balance is needed so we don’t lean in different directions or topple over as we bend. Alignment is used in this exercise as we keep the alignment of our bodies central. This means that our shoulders, hips, knees and toes are in line with each other and when we bend, our knees go over our toes. We keep our arms in line with one another which is also part of our alignment. Our alignment can affect our postures and balance if it is not correct to the technique exercises that we are doing. Posture is very important in this exercise as it helps us to be able to apply the correct technique. For this, we need to have straight backs, our shoulders down and back, our pelvis’ to be tucked under and our stomachs to be tucked in.

Firstly, we began by standing in first position. This meant that we stood with the heels of our feet either touching or close to touching one another so our toes were pointed outwards and were in line with our knees and hips. We placed our hands just below our stomachs. We began a routine which consisted of bends with our arms outstretched either to the side or above us and then we repeated that routine in second position. Second position was where are feet were widely apart from one another but they were still kept in the same position as what they were when we first began this exercise.

I found this technique exercise quite difficult. It has hard to remember how our postures should be like as well as remember the movement and what comes next. It felt quite unnatural and strange. However, when I watched myself do this technique in the mirror, I noticed that my posture was upright, so therefore, my back was kept straight throughout. I believe that I need to actually know and remember what the routine is like so I am able to focus more on what my body should be like during these exercises instead of worrying about what movement comes next.

Tendu exercises:

Skills used: Control, balance, alignment, core strength, posture, strength.

Control is needed during this exercise as we need to be able to make sure that the movement our legs, going in and out, is controlled steadily. Balance is needed in this technique so we don’t fall over when we balance on one foot and our alignment is needed so our hips are in line with our knees and toes and it also needs to be central. Core strength is needed to help us to balance as well as retain posture. This means that our legs can move in any direction and it won’t affect the placement of our upper bodies. A good posture is needed for tendu exercises so we are able to have a correct weight placement and good balance. To have the correct posture, we need to have a straight back and our shoulders need to be down and back. Strength is needed in our feet when we point them and extend them. However, this exercise is designed to strengthen the muscles in our feet.

We began this technique exercise by standing in first position. We then pushed through our feet so our right foot was extended and was pointed either in front, at the side, or behind us. On the third extension, we point our foot as normal but we then flex it and then return back to first position as normal. We then repeated the same steps with our left foot.

I found this technique exercise easy and manageable to an extent. I remembered the movements and I kept my legs straight throughout. My posture was good in the sense that I stood up straight and my shoulders were down and back. However, I didn’t really keep my alignment central as I found that when I extended my left or my right foot to the side, I began to lean in the opposite direction. This also affected my balance as it was hard to extend my foot out again if I was leaning to the side. This technique exercise felt strange and unnatural to begin with but then I began to get used to it and I think that with practice, I will have improved.

Kicks:

Skills used: Control, balance, strength, alignment, timing.

Control is needed and is vital in this technique exercise as we need to be able to control the movement of our legs going up and down. We need to control the kick and make sure that we keep our legs straight and our toes pointed whilst doing so. Balance is needed as we need to be able to balance on one foot whilst we are kicking with the other leg. Keeping our weight placement central should help us to be able to achieve good balance. Strength is needed in our legs we able to perform strong and controlled kicks, rather than weak ones. Alignment is also another important physical skill that is needed for this technique exercise. When our arms are extended, they need to be in a straight line and our toes need to be in line with our knees and our hips. Our alignment also needs to be central in order to help us be able to keep our balance and control. Timing is an important interpretive skill that is needed for kicks. This is due to the fact that being out of time can cause us to rush to keep up with the rest of the group which effectively, causes us to lack in the physical skills that have been mentioned above.

We began this technique exercise with our feet together and our arms extended as is we were mimicking a T shape. We then stepped backwards onto the tiptoes on our right foot and then stepped back onto the tiptoes on our left foot. We then stepped forward onto our right foot so our foot was flat on the ground and then we swung our left leg forward to create a kick which consisted of a straight leg and pointed toes. From kicking with our left leg, we then stepped back onto the tiptoes on our left foot and then stepped onto the tiptoes on our right foot. We then stepped onto our left foot so it was flat on the floor and then kicked with our right leg. We repeated this so we had a sequence of kicks with both legs.

When we first began this, I was quite confused with the steps and I became out of time with the rest of the group. After practicing a few times over, I began to understand what I was doing and I was able to keep in time. I kept my legs straight even though my kicks weren’t very high. I kept my back straight and my shoulders were down and back so I was quite relaxed. I need to remember to keep my toes pointed and engage my core to help me keep my balance.

Preparation for pirouettes:

Skills used: Balance, control, alignment, core strength, leg strength.

Balance is an important skill that is needed for this technique exercise as we are on our tiptoes during the turn and just before we are about to turn.Therefore, it is important for us to have a good balance so we don’t topple over. Control is needed in order for us to make sure our turn is steady and that it isn’t rushed as the technique will incorrect. We also need control for our landing so we don’t topple over or lose our balance. Alignment is needed in our arms when we extend them or bring them in to our chest; they need to be in a straight line as it also helps our balance and weight placement. If our arms were extended in a way that meant that they weren’t in line with each other, it would cause us to lean slightly, Core strength is needed so we are able to help keep our postures and retain balance and leg strength is needed in order for us to make a strong turn and also ‘snap’ our legs in quite strongly before we turn.

We began by standing with our legs together and our arms against our sides, then we outstretched our right legs to the side with our toes pointed. We also extended our arms out to the side of us too, so they were in line with one another. Next, we brought our right legs behind, outstretched, and bent our left legs, almost as if we were in a lunge position. As we brought our right legs behind, we also brought our right arms into our chests so our elbows were facing outwards and the palms of our hands were facing our chests. Then, we quickly brought our left arms into our chests whilst bending and bringing in our right legs. At this stage, both of our arms were folded in and facing our chests, we were stood on the ball of our left foot whilst our right legs were bent and brought in so we were now balancing on one leg. This was the preparation for a pirouette. For us to do the actual turn, when we bring our right legs in and our left arms into our chest, we use the momentum from this to turn clockwise. We then repeated this with our left legs being brought in instead of our right legs.

This week, I decided to do the easy option and practice the preparation for the pirouette first before I then begin to add in the actual turns. I made this decision as I wanted to make sure I got the technique right first. To begin with, I found this quite difficult as I noticed that balance was all over the place and my arms weren’t strongly aligned. I also noticed that my landing wasn’t really controlled as I kind of just descended with all of my weight straight away instead of controlling it to make it steady.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

During today’s session, a major strength for me has been my focus. Although there were a few moments in which I joked with the person next to me, I still managed to focus on the lesson and learn new skills and techniques which I have never used before. In most cases, my posture was also a strength as I watched myself in the mirror during particular technique exercises and my back was straight and my shoulders were down and relaxed. For example, I had a good posture when we did the kicks. Another strength from today’s session has been my ability to quickly recognise what skills were used in each exercise. For example, I quickly identified that the first routine in the warm up was isolation movements and this was to warm up our joints. A major weakness for me has been trying to remember the movements for particular technique exercises. For example, for demi-pliès, I got confused with what movement came next and it caused me to forget about tucking my pelvis under, or engaging my core, etc. Another weakness would be my flexibility as I noticed that during the stretches, within the warm-up, I couldn’t bend very far. I believe I will be able to improve on this in the next few weeks after doing many stretches. Another major weakness for me has been my central alignment. In most cases, each technique exercise that we do, our alignment needs to be kept central. I have noticed that I begin to lean either to the side, or forwards, or backwards. To improve this, I need to practice engaging my core to help me keep that central alignment as it can affect my balance and overall posture.

Action plan:

- Practice demi-pliès - I need to practice the routine to this technique exercises before I am able to remember anything about posture, weight placement, etc. This will help me in preparation for future lessons as I will be able to keep up with the rest of the group and work on all the skills that are required for this exercise. To do this, I may choose to film someone during lesson to help me know what movement comes next, or take a mental note of what bit I struggle with and practice that at home.

- Practice kicks - Make sure I know the steps and practice trying to get my kicks higher. To do this, I may choose to find the soundtrack to this and practice in my spare time. I shouldn’t force my kicks to be higher as it could affect my overall posture. I need to remember to keep my back straight and my legs straight.

- Practice the preparation for pirouettes - I need to make sure that I know the steps to this and I need to focus on making sure I have a strong alignment in my arms and in my legs. To do this, I may choose to video myself practicing this each time and pick out what needs improving. I should also practice when I have time to and then try adding in a turn to see how that will work out for me.

- Made in Dagenham rehearsal: Everybody Out

- Made in Dagenham: Meeting 2

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