6d. Delicious Account

I have just set up my declivous account. It is a brilliant way to collect and share all of my gathered research on physically integrated dance development. I personally found it extremely useful throughout the pervious task 6c.   I was surprised how quick and easy the site was to use. I feel this is going to be a brilliant beneficial tool throughout my inquiry plan and inquiry.

Here is the link to my delicious site: 

http://www.delicious.com/alice.joynson

6c. Literature and case study reviews.

Throughout this module I have been doing a lot of research surrounding my area of inquiry physically integrated dance development. I have been using different sources to gather this information from, the internet, books and journals. This meant for me personally I found it difficult to pick three pieces of literature to review.

My first piece of literature I am going to review is the well-established book “Making and entrance - theory and practice for disabled and non–disabled dancer” Written by Adam Benjamin.

Making an Entrance is the first ever practical introduction to teaching dance with disabled and non-disabled students. This clearly written, thought provoking and hugely enjoyable “manual” is essential reading whether you're just starting out or are already active in the field. Taking improvisation as his focus and as the starting point of choreographic exploration, Adam Benjamin asks what it has to offer as an art form and how it can be better used to meet the changing needs of dance education. In the theoretical section Benjamin explores the history of a disintegrated dance practice, placing it within the wider context of cultural and political movements. He questions what is meant today when we talk about 'inclusive' or 'integrated dance' and what we might expect of it. The book includes over 50 exercises and improvisations designed to stimulate and challenge students at all levels of dance. Benjamin also includes useful hints on the practicalities of setting up workshops covering issues as diverse a class size, the safety aspects of wheelchairs and the accessibility of dance spaces

The theoretical sections look into the history of a 'dis-integrated' dance practice, placing it within the wider context of cultural and political change It also was interesting to explore this area further as it related to the ethics and codes of conduct of physically integrated dance of which I have previously touched upon in this module. Adam Benjamin also questions what is meant by 'inclusive' or 'integrated dance' - and what we might expect of it and how it is pensive in the public eye. (I wish to carry on this research in my inquiry)

Throughout reading “making and entrance” it gave me a detailed insight into the teaching of integrated dance not only through a practical sense but through the use of expression and imagination. I would recommend this Book to any dancer who may or may not have an insight into the world of physically integrated dance as it is an inspiring and thought provoking read.

The second piece of literature I have chosen to reflect upon a case study carried out by Arts and Health - Dance4Health - Stratford Integrated Dance Case Study

http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/Corporate/Pages.nsf/Links/7A85452D8EDCE09D802576C80031DFE7

I Chose to evaluate this case study as it highlights the development which is being made in some areas of the country.  It also highlights the positive effect it has on the surrounding community in Stratford. As seen in the extract below.

“Feedback from the day highlighted that people had enjoyed taking part with a majority of attendees interested in becoming involved in Dance4Health, there was a lot of enthusiasm for the exploration of dance styles from around the world. It was suggested and agreed that the way to move the project forward would to be to run a series of taster sessions in a range of dance styles.”  

This case study demonstrates how one committee can change the views on physically integrated dance and promote a healthy image for other local communities. These projects that were involved in the case study provided evidence that these types of workshops can happen and can be taken elsewhere to widen the positive outcome.

These types of events has been made possible in Stratford due to the brilliant organisation and input of the local community this extract shows

“the support received by services, organisations and family carers was superb – this ensured success and meant that everyone who wanted to attend and was available to do so.”

This enlightening case study demonstrates that these types of projects can be established anywhere in the country as long as they coincide with a welcoming local council and support from the local community and local resources. This case study has inspired me to keep looking and pushing for projects like this to develop in Cheshire as this case study shows there are only positive effects.

The final piece of literature I am going to review is useful review of a recent integrated dance project “Making a sign and dance with an integrated dance project”

http://blogs.redcross.org.uk/fundraising-and-events/2010/07/dance-for-life-integrated-project/

This review shows detailed and honest interviews with the dancers who took part on the day and displays there thoughts and emotions. This extract displays this

“ Do you enjoy being part of the group?

Melissa: It’s amazing to be part of the group – it’s funny, it’s emotional and we have a great time. I spend most of my week looking forward to our rehearsals. It’s also a great way to improve our sign language, and everyone’s confidence and team skills.”

As it shows in this extract throughout the workshop the use of sign language was encouraged to help communication to everyone involved not only to dancers with hearing impediments. Not only do the dancer’s gain the experience of an integrated dance workshop but also a very valuable life skill also. This has inspired me push the use of sign language and body language in my workshops as it is displayed here it’s a beneficial element.

Another answer given in the workshop to “do you enjoy being part of a group?” was

“Michael: We get monumental amounts of pride out of it. It’s great to see all the hard work the group put in and what they get out. Anyone watching can see that you are capable of doing things that you may not have thought possible. It’s really quite humbling.”

This demonstrates that everyone taking part benefits from these workshops. I found it extremely interesting  to read though this review as it has given me the knowledge into what the dancers taking parts emotions and thoughts on integrated dance projects. I hope to further this research on emotions in physically integrated dance later on in my inquiry.  

Any comments or thoughts on these reviews would be greatly appreciated.   

6b. Pilot reflections Survey, Interview, Observation.

For my inquiry I am looking into physically integrated dance development. To enhance my research around this inquiry I have conducted a pilot survey interview and observation. Throughout these different tools I aim to get an insight into thoughts and ways to develop my inquiry and integrated dance.

Pilot Survey

I composed a survey using the website www.surveymonkey.com , this web tool was brilliant and easy and enabled me to gather all my results and evaluate without any trouble.  Thank you for everyone who took part and aided me in gathering my results.  

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FTW7GLR

Once I had Composed my survey I utilised the web 2 skills that I had learnt from the previous module WBS3002 by posting the http: link onto the networking tool Facebook. This allowed me not only to target professionals in the arts profession but also to a wider range of people. I also posted the link onto my SIG, once the link was published the number of results doubled. I would highly recommend using all Web 2 resources that are available to you to achieve maximum number of results.

The relation to the survey (to the right), I was worried that people would be somewhat “daunted” by the lay out and answers to the questions, also the questions them self’s. I tried to keep the survey questions sort and pacific but not losing any detail about the inquiry.  From feedback I have received I need to be aware of the vocabulary used as it can either aid or hinder a question or an answer.  From this experience I have also learnt that multiple choice questions are most effective and if a more detailed answer is required try to keep it sort and inviting.

This pilot survey has been a crucial source of research for my inquiry. it has given me ideas and opened my eyes into areas that I can research and inquire further. For example It showed that in London and Plymouth local Physically integrated dance projects were taking place although in Scotland and the midlands there was no evidence of such projects taking place. This has been very interesting as it has given me an insight into been developing integrated projects in the community.

For my inquiry into physically integrated dance development I am defiantly going to compose another survey to aid my research further. Thank you again for everyone who took part!

Pilot Interview

I was extremely lucky to be able to arrange an interview with a professional friend who has a lot of knowledge in Dance and the profession (wishes to remain anonymous). I was extremely anxious about conducting the interview and how to “go about it”. I sought advice from a colleague and she suggested I keep to interview casual and relaxed as people feel more inclined to discuss and go into detail about a topic if they are in a confortable environment. This is exactly what I did and the response I got was so in-depth and thought poking

I personally found it an uplifting experience talking to a professional who had an insight into physically integrated dance. As we both had the same approach and opinion on the inquiry it was difficult to keep it Professional and relaxed at the same time. Although during the interview we maintain the right balance.

I feel that due to the relaxed environment I was able to get honest and deep answers for example:

What are your initial thoughts on Physically integrated dance?

“I think it’s a great way for everyone of all ability’s and capability’s to come together and interact with one another. It’s a great way for everyone to feel equal. I feel it also a good way to give those with a disability a sense of normality and can be very inspiring to others. It opens up so many doors within the dance world of what can be achieved. Nothings impossible”.

        In my Development of my inquiry I aim to conduct more interviews with a wider range of professionals from ones with a lot of experience in this field and with other who have had no connection with physically integrated dance. For interviews I would strongly recommend a relaxed but professional environment as I feel it has established the most honest and reflective replies.

Pilot Observation

A few months ago I was lucky enough to observe a physically integrated dance workshop. With Independance Dance community company lead by Hazel Mayamba-Kasongo. It was an inspiring and uplifting experience. Throughout the workshop they created a dance piece based on breaking free. It was performed by 12 “non able dancer” with a mix of mental and physical impediments and 7 able dancers. During a short break in the workshop I asked one dancer who has Down syndrome if she was enjoying the workshop she replied with “what do you think I love it ! I wish there was one by my house.” This has inspired my inquiry and made me more determined to try and promote and develop  physical integrated dance in local communities.

Thank you To everyone who has made these pilot Tools  possible !