The other day I asked my students to write why they come to college and listen (sometimes), participate. I emphasised I don't want to hear, because they like it. They surely had a deeper reason for waking up and coming to college? I wanted them to admit, confess (not to the whole class, just to their piece of paper) why they do this.
The second part of the exercise they had to tell, what they enjoy? Again this is only to their piece of paper I was not fishing for compliments!
Then the third was what they had to do to achieve the qualification? This for some would be bring a pen, others it may be about pushing themselves further!
This to some seemed a pointless exercise, an exercise that I was using to fill time, this was not the point, I asked them to each time, they didn't come in because of the rain, or they were tired, or they couldn't get out of bed, to read there piece of paper... "this is your mantra" I informed them.
Because of this request to them, I thought it only fair I returned the request, so here is my answer...
My comedic side would say money, it would be a lie if this wasn't mentioned as I work to live not live to work!
However, an example of why is today, I start my session by looking at different works, three different works, 'Yesterday' by Jasmin Vardimon, "The Car Man' by Matthew Bourne and "Rooster" by Christopher Bruce. All three choreographers have inspired me in some way, Christopher Bruce was one of the first choreographers I studied at school, Matthew Bourne I thought was over rated until I went to New Adventures for my work experience after reading his book! In no way am I saying we are similar, and our views are the same, but I share certain values with him and u-turn I did after working with him! Jasmin Vardimon I find her use of dance theatre inspiring end of!
We analysed each of the works, well sections of each work, they then created their own version using only their notes. By the time we warmed up they had only 40minutes to create so we could show and reflect! I was amazed, the point of the exercise was to widen their minds to different works, I wanted them to be able to watch something form an opinion and decide what they wish to take from that and use this freedom to create some material that is challenging to them and develops their own movement vocab! The massive leap from last weeks choreography task!
It's for the hope that each day is like today, to see my students achieve at such a high level for their experience and knowledge of contemporary dance (this is a performing arts course so some do not like dance, some have little experience in any dance, let alone contemporary) I suppose half of it is self satisfaction that I have past on information to people who are the next generation (is this ok to half such selfish satisfaction?)! It's a buzz when you realise they have a light bulb moment, it's even greater when you see they have had that light bulb moment but have not realised it yet!!
I enjoy learning from the students, getting to know their experiences and personalities!
I enjoy talking and guiding them through and inadvertently guiding me through my life!
With regards to things that I have to do to achieve...
I need to be positive as soon as I walk in the room, I know sometimes I can be a grumpy old man!
I need to be prepared, not just with my resources but with my readiness to support for the students.
This is my mantra, this is what I need to look at each day!
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