Lewis Wheeler (closed): Slump
Monday, Sep 15 2003, 02:35
I have no idea why but after this afternoon's "dance history and video analysis" class I've just completely crashed. Like coming off a sugar high without the fun of the sugar first.
As I'm in a bad mood I'll rant first (its my therapy) -
Last exercise of the ballet class today - a wee pas de basque enchainement with a nice arabesque, fondue (excuse all the rubbish spellings) and pas de beret (I really really don't know how to spell that one) with a port de bras to third to finish. Very nice, very pretty. Not very nice or pretty when a stupid idiot who has no respect for other peoples space or the fact THAT THEY ACTUALLY TRY TO DANCE in a DANCE class decides to walk straight through your (trying to be) well placed arms in third. How thick can someone be - My first ballet teacher would always make us finish an exercise properly no matter how badly we did it as opposed to just looking ugly and untidy.
Can't do that when someone doesn't even have the spatial awareness to see an arm right in front of them. I was so close to hitting the person - and I'm being uptight but I don't care because that person never ever puts a comparable amount of effort into anything in any class. The person (being so careful not to give away the identity...) was even taken aside after one class early on and told to stop dancing like such a wuss (by the teacher!). Well they're just getting worse!
Why why why why why don't people try hard enough in class. What's the point of being there at all if your not going to work hard while you're there. Stick to leisure time classes if you're not going to push yourself - you're an absolute lost cause in professional training if your not dying to succeed and trying to get better every day. GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.............
Ok - am trying to breathe - nice and deeply. I don't really want to rip fellow class"mates" heads off.
After watching a loooooooong documentary on the mystical magical marvellous Martha Graham - (at least she's more interesting than her choreography - cradle snatching, alcoholic, dragon woman) we did an almost enjoyable (it's gonna take lots of tea and fairy cakes to cheer me up today) motivational exercise.
R - I - V - A - S
Result, Intention, Visualisation, Action and Support. In short we had to choose a dance/course related result that we wished to achieve, how we intended to do it. Visualise ourselves fulfilling our intentions and ultimately getting to the result. What Actions were necessary to fulfill our intentions (setting alarm for 6.30 to be in class earlier etc) and what support from other people we would find useful.....here's mine:
Result
To "drastically" (Dave used that word about this in Cont. this morning) improve the forward tilt in my pelvis - a 45degree angle in 2nd and definately a 45degree angle in parallel.
&
To stop panicking while stretching
Intention
To spend time after every practical class stretching.
To focus on and try to enjoy breathing while stretching.
To foucs on myself and not other people.
Visualisation
Can't write that down.
Action
Hip opening stretches before hamstring stretches - esp. adductor stretch - lying on front with turn out and demi plie and gluteas medius stretch - front leg turned out and shin parallel to torso - other leg stretched out behind.
Film myself stretching then film myself again in a month and compare them.
Support
Have someone do partner stretches with me - Normally I'm doing the non stretching role in partner stretches.
Well, lets see how it goes. Although - this weekend I have discovered that I can get my head on my knees like I blogged before but this morning I wasn't going anywhere. Why when teachers ask me to stretch do I become a huge sandcastle (cos I can't think of any other word) of tension? Stupid stupid me. Grr.
I'm definately making fairy cakes this evening - I need them! I've got really cool multicoloured sprinkles to put on the top as well. Happy thoughts.
somehow just managed to delete whole entry and then got it back again with bits missing - ARGH! WILL NOTHING GO RIGHT TODAY???????
As I was just saying - On the friday night performance by Scottish Dance Theatre - whenever that is - I'm going to be asking members of the audience questions and get paid £16 for it - and I get to see the show for free! Easy easy money! This week I have £1.60 to live off - I'm deciding whether I want to buy milk or orange squash (have been addicted to it ever since I was v.small). I've got lots of salad and carbohydrate type foods hanging around but hardly any protein - uh oh. Tis the life of a student who has a huge bursary (well not huge but they're gonna give me £76/week!!!) but needs to hand in more forms. Normally I like paperwork but sometimes it just refuses to get done!
I think its time to do the washing up and find something to eat - I think blood sugar levels are all over the place.
mmm sugar.
Filed by Article19 at 2:35 PM | 
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