An Introduction for Module 2

Firstly, I decided writing an introduction for Module 2, reflecting about my holidays, my thoughts and already about our future tasks.

The last period of the Season with Dortmund Ballet was very intense. We went on tour in Russia and the Company supported the Young Choreographers project. The Tour in Russia was an incredible experience which I am so grateful to have had. Performing in another theater, for another type of public in a country, which is completely different from yours, is an unique experience. Our repertoire was quite modern for Russia, so I believe we were a big surprise for the local public. The country is so unusual in every aspect that I also received a cultural shock. Another interesting aspect from this trip was that I got to know better the others professionals from the theater. In a tour, more than the dancers, stage managers, make-up artists, costume department, lighting department and etc. also travel with us. So there, I could talk to them and see how much it takes for a big production to be done. 

The Young Choreographers project was an experience to reflect about the concepts we studied on Module 1. The piece I was taking part was out of my comfort zone and the choreographer as well: was one of her first pieces. Doing the process I kept my diary updated to reflect on my progress on the piece, find the best method to learn it and develop some identity on the piece. Also, thinking about the concepts of Cooperation and Affiliation I could think how that experience could bring advantages and disadvantages for me. When is about choreographic process communication is fundamental.

Finishing the Season I came back to Brazil with the focus not just to enjoy my time at home but also to work on issues that would help my development. This involved working on my contemporary dance technique and knowledge, getting a better sense of what is the dance community in Brazil and overseas (in the classical and contemporary field), on my artistic quality and approaching what is called, and so mentioned “professional look”. Working on my own confidence as well on my body conscious to avoid injuries and over working were other focus as well. So, I talked to many professionals, took part in many classes and workshops and watched performances. With this time for reflection and work, I could also look back at the first year at a professional company and at a university course. I can now much better recognize my doubts from the time, my issues, and my discoveries. Adesola got my attention on my final work from Module 1, for relating more the concepts worked to my daily basis and self experience. Nowadays, looking back can recognize and understand this requirement. It is almost like I avoided questions to myself. Allowing those issues to come, I began to interrogate me and maybe to see some possibilities for my inquiry: How can I develop my artistic quality, does our individuality comes more from the physical (body conscious) or emotional aspect , how to become a versatile dancer , how to become a classical and contemporary dancer , how can one technique help the other , how other types of training can help our development , how culture issues can affect our work and what is this so called “professional look” ?

Reading through Reader 4 and all texts required, I can conclude: we all have a long way to go!