"How the light gets in"

One of the questions I have formed that is particularly spiking my interest in regards to research is:

2. Does working as a performer impact on an individual's mental health? Do the variables of a touring environment effect the spectrum more so than a resident production?

There has been so much press in recent years discussing various mental health issues. I believe the media feels that in doing so - people will feel less alone, therefore more comfortable speaking out and seeking the correct help. Mental health is one of the most isolating illnesses. I feel that the arts can definitely be a way of reaching out. Dance, theatre, TV, art, film, music etc are all ways of expressing your self. This has initiated research into ART THERAPY and how the arts can help individuals outside of the profession by way of releasing your emotions through music, drama or dance.

People that headline theatre productions, star in TV and film etc are lucky in one sense because they become celebrities - although it has its negatives, this status can be very INFLUENCTIAL and in such a positive way. Lots of celebrities in our industry have been speaking out more recently about their personal struggles. Check out these celebs who spoke out in Marie Claire. I plan to do some research into an inspiration and fellow thespian of mine, SHERIDAN SMITH, who has been in the press a lot over recent months regarding the production 'Funny Girl' and her role as 'Fanny Brice'.

There are lots of communities formed around the arts, such as amateur dramatic groups, educational theatre groups, dance projects. This promotes research into AFFILIATION and the need for individuals to feel part of something. If we can use these groups to inform and inspire others in regards to mental health then what an amazing achievement!

I often take class take Pineapple Damce Studios and follow their social media page. Upon browsing Facebook this morning, I found this really beautiful video below so do check it out.

'How the light gets in' explores the physical and emotional sensations of depression. Created by Great Lake Films and Sol Dans Company. Funded by The Arts Council, England : 

"Because art and culture help us build better places to live and work, and improve our health and well-being"

"Art and culture give us joy, make us healthier, let us reflect and help us empathise


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ydMM6xENs


I read a lovely article following this video called "The psychological aspects of a dancers life." By Erica Leigh.

                                                               Image by Carlie C, Portland, OR


"We watch them in their beauty as they flawlessly glide and leap across the stage, we watch them as they finish their routine just as the orchestra hits their final note and the crowd roars, we watch them with tears streaming down our faces as they perform an emotional piece, we observe if only for a moment, the life of a dancer as they perform on stage. When thinking of a dancer we think of beauty, long legs, flexibility, perfection, and confidence. What we don’t think of is the psychological aspects of a dancer’s day-to-day life. It never seems to cross our minds that what they do is both physically and mentally demanding." 

"The life of a dancer is something special, something that can be taken for granted, something that can take a turn for the worse, and something that completes a person."

"In conclusion we see that the life of a dancer is full of hard work, dedication, determination, confidence, and technique. If a dancer is not careful that world can be turned into injury, eating disorders, depression, other mental disorders, etc."

You can read the rest of the article Here



MIND is an amazing charity that supports all areas of mental illness and according to their website, anxiety & depression is the most common of them all.

"Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life.

In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live."

1st Skype Session of Module 2: Saturday 17th September 2016

Session led by: Paula Nottingham (COURSE LEADER) http://paulanottingham.blogspot.co.uk
Location: Costa Coffee, Swansea

Paula commenced the discussion by initiating personal introductions and giving a brief outline of what's to come, mentioning a few practical things such as where to access the readers and the changes in staffing etc.

Participants Introduction:
* Laura Hopkinson (M2) laurajayne14.blogspot.co.uk
* Lizzie Bell (M2) lizziebell92.blogpsot.com
* Tom Hullyer (M3)  tomhullyer.blogspot.com
* Bethany Huckle (M3) Hucklebethany.blogspot.com
* Charnelle La Touche (M3) charnellelatouche.blogspot.co.uk
* Adesola Akinleye (COURSE LEADER) http://adesolaa.blogspot.co.uk

Adesola suggested that we each say what skills we found particularly useful or not so useful in previous modules to help us move forward successfully with our studies.

Charnel mentioned 3 key things. TIME MANAGEMENT, FOCUS and COMMUNICATION. She said how getting together with peers at the university campus really helped her and how dedicating a time slot to uni work created structure and provided a focus to her studies. Communication is something I really want to work on as I felt a little isolated and out of the loop with my studies before. This due to being on tour and not being able to attend group sessions on campus etc.

Laura lives and works in a boarding school where there is always so much going on. She also struggled with INTERNET CONNECTION so found that MAKING NOTES and brief JOURNALLING throughout the week helped massively. She then sat down on a Saturday to go through the weeks happenings in more depth and do some work. I totally agree with Laura here. Many of my digs had really weak, sometimes temperamental or even no wifi and a lot of my work was done in coffee shops - much like this Skype session in costa coffee today. I also found that making notes on my iPad whilst at work really helped. My iPad was like a third hand - I took it everywhere with me as its so handy to use on the go.

I asked the module 3 students how they came to focus on a particular idea for inquiry?  What process did they follow when exploring areas of interest? I personally found in module 1 that I had so much I wanted to talk about that I ended up losing quality to quantity and the thorough explanation and reflection I'd had in my blogging was lost due to this. Bethany suggested BRAINSTORMING and then shortlisting the ideas. She also said that SECTIONING her chosen topics made it easier to begin research as it provided a structure and made it less overwhelming. I think these two methods will definitely help me personally as I like organisation and structure! She mentioned a book called 'how to research?' from the reader list that asks key things such as:

Will it actually benefit me and my practice?
Will I enjoy researching the topic?
Will it keep me motivated? *I believe this is the key question here, particularly as we are engaging in DISTANCE LEARNING. Self motivation is such an important skill*

Lizzie found that looking at other people's BLOGS was really useful  as it enabled her to identify the strengths and weaknesses in other posts before writing her own. I'd actually spoken to Lizzie prior to this session because I'd discovered her amazing charity work surrounding a particular interest of mine on social media. I hope to have further conversations with Lizzie regarding this topic!

Tom is currently working over in Ibiza. As part of his inquiry he was talking about communication between the different groups when putting on a production such as the hotel group hosting the show and the production company that creates the show. He spoke about both personal and professional relationships and difficulties you have to cross like the differences in people's training. I found this particularly interesting as one of my topic areas is about leadership roles when putting on a production - a big part of it being how the communication between different departments are affected and the problems that can arise. I'd love to chat to Tom further on this and discuss his current contract.

Our course leaders summarised the conversation. Adesola advised us to have clarity in terms of what needs to be handed in. What is the aim of the module? Focus on that and then work backwards in order to prevent going off on a tangent and losing the purpose of the module. She also reminded us of the importance of the Tuesday coffee shop Skype sessions. Chatting amongst modules really helps to refresh our minds from previous studies or inspire us for the future modules. Paula emphasised the use of literature, looking at which topics are spiking interesting conversation amongst the people in our industry, practice, community etc. They also stressed that the blogs are an important place to meet virtually, therefore regular posts and comments are essential in order to help one another. Peer feedback and review is key!

From this initial Skype, I am already feeling more relaxed and excited to get going with my studies. Being open to finding ideas as I go along without applying too much pressure will certainly help me personally, as well as continuous conversation and communication. I plan to spend the next week doing a bit of general research. This into a few areas of interest mentioned in my previous blog 'WELCOME BACK'. I look forward to seeing where this leads me and to reading other people's blogs as they also kick start their inquiry journey!

Live the dream.

September 14th: Swansea Marina


"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."


So it's a Wednesday morning and I've woken up bright and early at 7am - even though I didn't get to bed until around 1am. I imagine my subconscious is a little anxious as today, we have a cover run and the producers will be watching. After contemplating another attempt at sleep, I soon gave up on the idea and got up to make breakfast in my hotel room. Had a rather bad experience upon arrival in Swansea at my intended digs. Several small things like my door not closing, musky towels, temperamental wifi and cold temperature in my room all added up and caused me to have a little melt down. If I hadn't been as tired or the fridge hadn't frozen my entire food shop, I may have reacted differently, but instead I booked myself a hotel and phoned a cab straight away. After touring for the past couple of years I now care considerably less about money and much more about comfort when away from home. My colleagues were so sweet when I arrived at work offering spare beds and if I'd of been thinking more rationally, I would've text, but in the moment I booked an entire week in the local Premiere Inn straight off the cuff - never mind eh!

Anyway, back to the point. I had my breakfast, did a couple of hours work in prep for the cover run, had a bath and it was still only 10am. The sun was shining so I had to get out and make the most of it - especially seen as we had terrible thunder storms the day before and I was due to be in work from midday. I decided to go on a walk around the marina and along the front. It was so peaceful and isn't there something so relaxing about being near the water? I came across this piece of art work on the path and it made me stop for a moment and appreciate life.

Living in the moment is something I really struggle to do - as well as relaxing. As performers we are always looking for the next job, always expanding our horizons, adding new goals, creating new dreams, thinking how we can do better next time - maybe wondering if the grass is greener elsewhere. Unfortunately, I am now aware I do this a lot with normal life tasks too. We spend our entire lives doing this, even when we are working. Today I get to play my dream role in front of influential people. I have also already played this dream role to over a thousand people, including my boyfriend, in Ostend. I'm actually living the dream! Can you believe it?

Whilst writing this post, I am sat outside a fabulous bistro called 'Swigg' appreciating the small things in life like the sun shining, like being able to take my jacket off, like the awesome coffee I'm drinking - my apprehension about the cover run turning into excitement and being grateful for the quiz night and drinks we have planned post show this evening. It is so important to LIVE people and not get caught up in our dreams all the time. Always have them and always strive for them - but appreciate what's happening now and what's going on around you before these precious, little moments disappear.