Learning Outcome: LO1-Identify their own strengths and develop areas for growth // LO5-Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively.
My progress in culturama has been going quite well. Last session we were able to do a whole run through where we linked the individual dances through transitions. This was very important because sometimes we forget that our coordination as a team will be very evident on stage, and how we move and organise ourselves backstage will affect our entrance which is also the first impression we give the audience.
I am in 3 out of the 4 dances which means I have a lot of planning and remembering to do pertaining to which position I must stand in for what dance. It also makes a difference where I exit off the stage because that then decides where I enter from. Only me and 6 other people are doing 3/4 dances (everyone else does 2/4) which means it is up to us to be ultra aware of transitional details.
In regards to my previous dance experience, I can transfer skills because the Iranian dance is very precise and controlled much like classical South Indian dance. It has been really great to engage in a more traditional slower dance type, because it contrasts quite well to the dance I am doing outside of school. Doing two very different dances helps me as a dancer holistically.
We have a dress rehearsal coming up the week after and I will not lie I am quite nervous because I do not feel ready for a dress rehearsal. We have been through a lot of the steps but the formations on stage (which are complex in this dance due to spins and such) are critical. I am hoping that over the next two weeks we are able to string all the dances together and have more practices so that we get comfortable with the steps.
Culturama has also been a great way for me to get some time away from focusing on school. I love getting a break at lunch where I do something productive but more so in the arts field. I have not been able to pursue a dance class outside school, but doing Culturama makes me feel like I am not losing touch with dance. I notice my positivity and efficiency increasing in the day, after we rehearse at lunch.
Evidence (I am in the white jumper):