MA Dance Pedagogy

I just had a really good chat with Paula and we discussed some interesting initial thoughts for Communities of Practice. When I first read reader 3 I had a horrible sinking feeling reading the Communities of Practice section. I didn't believe I had a professional network, a a really stubborn side of me said I didn't need one either. I felt a bit isolated. I have my own small business and although my Dad helps me out with my accounts, he has never danced in his life (apart from it you on 'A brimful of Asha'). So in the arts he isn't in my professional network. So I felt as always I was doing things independently and had never needed or had access to that support network. But after thinking and going on Facebook, my news feed was covered in dance - Ballet, Zumba, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Fitness, Shows, ideas and questions. I realised that subconsciously I actually had a very strong professional network, some of who I spoke to nearly every day! And they were from ...

A professional network is not an idea I've really thought about in depth before, but it's amazing to realise that you actually already have several you didn't even know about! I acquired my first professional network many years ago when I first started training at my dance school and local college. Even though I've moved away from home and don't see many of those in the network anymore, I still contact my tutors about decisions I make in my professional life (even about completing this course!) and they are still there for me. As are the people who were on my course - on social media they are the people most likely to post something about a dance related  inquiry , and just as I can help them they can then help me.  I also think its useful to have people in your professional network who do live in a different part of the country, or indeed another country, because it helps me as a dance teacher explore different markets for classes and what appeals in different ...

My Ballet Fitness class on Monday had 6 people in attendance. On reflection my advertising scheme has been to offer a trial class for free and over the past few months I have probably lost over £100 due to people who just come for one class. I think although I enjoy people being able to trial the class I do need to try and make a profit. This does come into my ethical considerations as I believe people should be able to try classes for free to encourage them to exercise. But I have to be professional and remember if I don't make any money I won't be able to provide any classes at all. And my classes are always to a professional standard and I believe they are worth the money every time. This week I did a track list based loosely on Halloween. I always try and change the class music and exercises each week to keep things interesting. Before the class a girl did mention she didn't buy into Halloween and I was slightly worried she wouldn't enjoy the class but she did lat...