An opportunity of a life time for the men

Hi all to the Men on the BAPP course,

I received an email last week from London 2012 for the chance to perform for billions of people and be part of history.
 All the details are below.
Break a leg to all the men who wants to apply to this once in a life time opportunity to perform to the biggest audience ever in the biggest show ever.


 'We are pleased to inform you that we have re-opened the applications to audition for the Olympic Ceremonies. Having completed our first phase of auditions, we now need more men – particularly if they have rhythm!
So if you have a friend, a brother, or a father who could be interested in joining the Olympic experience he can apply and find out more about the commitments involved by following the link:

http://www.london2012.com/games/ceremonies/get-involved/ceremonies-application.php

To be eligible he must be aged 18 years or older on 1^st March 2012 and able to meet the commitments for the rehearsals.

New auditions will be held between February -  March 2012. The closing date for applications is 9^th January 2012.


Kind regards,

London 2012 Ceremonies’

Reflective Theory

I found John Dewey theory about education streaming from experience and how this can cause full engagement to be a productive part of society very interesting. In the entertainment world most concepts, ideas and themes streams from people’s own personal experience to produce an entertaining product for the public. Most of these products can be very educational as well as entertain. However, it can only be educational to the receiver if that concept is relatable.

John Dewey's significance for informal educators lies in a number of areas. First, his belief that education must engage with and enlarge experience has continued to be a significant strand in informal education practice. (http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-dewey.htm, 5/12/2011). Also refer to the Reader on Reflection

I am in the middle of writing my own play. The setting for the play is in Newham and the cast is aimed at ethnic minorities. Even though the concept of the play isn’t educational, I consciously made the decision to choose this setting and to choose this group of people because my fundamental experience in life was in the London Borough of Newham and my surroundings were with ethnic minority. I could only write about what I know and what I have experience; it wasn’t taught to me in the conventional educational system.  I started to reflect using Dewey’s theories long before I have even heard of John Dewey. His theories will continue to influence my future writing projects and directing projects.

Dewey influence many people and writers with his experience and reflection theories. One of these people is Kolb and his four stages of the learning Circle. Kolb’s learning circle explains the different style of how individual learns and how we approach and relates to these styles of learning depending on the circumstances. He also stated that at some point all the key elements converge (experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting) to make a new (learning) experience. Also what makes it a learning experience is the ability to analyze and reflect on the experience and noticing when a new knowledge or experience has been gained.   

Kolb says that ideally (and by inference not always) this process represents a learning cycle or spiral where the learner 'touches all the bases', ie., a cycle of experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting. Immediate or concrete experiences lead to observations and reflections. These reflections are then assimilated (absorbed and translated) into abstract concepts with implications for action, which the person can actively test and experiment with, which in turn enable the creation of new experiences. (http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm, 5/12/2011).

 An example of Kolb’s learning circle from Google image search (5/12/2011).

As an actress I am constantly using Kolb’s learning circle. I use Reflective Observation (watching other people perform or other performances will give me access to new skills and will inspire my own performance to be better); Abstract Conceptualisation allows me to constantly scrutinize my character, my performance and other’s performance to give me the knowledge on how to improve my work for the better. Active Experimental is done during the rehearsal process. Getting up and exploring the character, the scene and the play that allows me to find the right emotion, right movement and right tone for the character, the scene and the play. This, with the Abstract Conceptualisation is probable the most important sections of the learning circle for an actor/actress. Concrete Experience is the fun part of the whole acting process. I am always using the learning circle, is just that I wasn’t aware of it until I did the BAPP course. I also need to learn how to use it in other area’s of my life.
Schon and Kottcamp’s ideas about ‘reflection in action’ or ‘reflection on action’, is very important in both of the profession I am in. It is all about self reflection and self analyzing to improve the work that is being produce. When I am in rehearsing (present to the future), I am always asking myself, what ways can I say this line to make it more real to the character and the scene?  How can I make my movement more natural and more connected to the character? After a performance (past to the future), I would ask; How can I make my reaction with other characters and the scenario more believable? What improvement do I need to make to my character, line, etc, to allow the audience to relate more to my character and believe the story? I also use this idea with my teaching. How do I need to explain and demonstrate tasks better? How do I deal and handle difficult children/situations? How can I make the lesson more fun and engaging?       

Garner theory about people using ‘different ways to engage in learning and understanding’, is very interesting. This theory has got me thinking about all the different methods I use for my student (all with different levels and attention span) to engage them in their learning and get the most out of the class. One of the questions I ask myself is; how do I improve my interpersonal skill? Garner has giving me the name of a skill, I would like to explore further in my teaching work (I use this in my acting work) and that is intrapersonal skill. Once I’ve learn to integrate this skill in my teaching work I think this will improve my teaching skills and make me a more rounded teacher.

My only saved draft copy of the BAPP video

This is the only draft of the BAPP video I can find because I throw the others away. Before the reflection session, I was embarrassed about showing my imperfection especially on a public site that can be seen by the world over. Now I realise that it is not point A-B that is important but the many different paths and the obstacles  you face that makes the journey much more worthwhile and knowledgeable.It is these paths and these obstacles that give us our experience and that allows us to gain our knowledge.

Can Literature be a form of Networking?

Talking about networking, my friend who was moving back to Spain gave me a book about teaching dance (“DansAthletic: A Teacher’s Resource” by Kathryn Sexton and Luca Silvestrini). This book is very useful to me because it will not only help me improve my teaching methods but also improve my dance skills. When we think about networking we always think about people and how people can help you move the career ladder. We hardly consider literature (excluding jobs hunting newspapers or academically related literature; for Example, University reading lists) as a form of networking. I think this is a form of networking because it is helping me in my career and is improving my performance which in return will help me gain the right attention to get more networks and to move up on my career.

The Network Professional

Wednesday 9 November 2011 campus session (3) with Alan was very interesting because it allows us to start thinking about ways we already use or can use to expand our business or future business; methods we can use to improve our careers.

I found this session very interesting and it got me thinking about both my professions (Actress and Drama/Dance Instructor) and other career paths I could take once I complete this course and reach the age limit of performing. I took all three groups ideas of networking and tried to relate it back to me and my professions.

I drew a diagram that was inspired both by the symbols of Transport for London and the London A-Z because I am always on the underground or on the road (mainly in London) going to auditions, rehearsals, performance, shows, teaching jobs, etc. I started to draw and write down all the different ways I network to help my businesses grow and I realised that a lot of my network has the skills and techniques that both group 2/3 (by their show case on the day of the session) were talking about. Group two were dealing with the importance of weighing each relationship in your life and how to time manage each relationship to help with your network/career. Group 3 talked about the paths we take and the lengths of each path to enable us to achieve what you need to achieve. Our group dealt with the different types of network we use. I tend not to use the new social network but I use the old social network. I am hardly on sites such as Facebook, Youtube, Myspace, etc but, I do use the telephone, emails, and go to shows to keep in touch with people. I prefer the face to face business dealings. I do know how important the new social networking is and this course is helping me improve on this area so that I can be able to develop and grow new business ventures I would like to pursue in the future.  I linked all three groups’ ideas into the way I network to try and gain more business dealings.

This session more than any other session in my humble opinion, allows you to analyze yourself and the situation you are in; the cards life has dealt you with and how to make the best of your situation. Group 3 dealt with this in their presentation. I also think that this session links heavily with session 2 about reflecting and experiencing. We are always reflecting about our work and experience and how we should improve on them, learn from them. When we do this, we make our work and life better and with better work and life, the opportunity will arise to increase our business.

Campus Session Two

This campus session took place on the 18 October 2011 and it was led by Miss Adesola. The title of this session was ‘Viewing the familiar as unfamiliar’.

There were three important elements to this session. The first was to Observe, to look at what we have just done. The second one was to Notice, to pay attention to it and the third was to reflect, to evaluate what we have done.  

This was a very interesting concept and very enjoyable session. At first I was a bit doubtful about some of the activities because they were very different and unique, but, after doing these activities I then realised the benefits it had to do with the session and with our professional life.

Most times we go about our every day life and we do not notice a fraction of what  we see or of what is happening around because these things may not have any benefit to us. We only notice and start to reflect on things that have some sort of benefit to us.

There was one activity that I have done numerous times at stage school, college, university and drama school. It is the activity where we worked with a partner and we had to balance two sticks using one finger at either end without dropping it. We had to move the sticks constantly using different heights and shape (with out using vocal communication). Adesola added a unique element to this activity by making us clap every time the stick drops. I found this particular element hard because I hate failing and in someway I am ashamed to fail especially in front of someone or in a group. By adding the clap when we fail (by dropping the stick) Adesola is encouraging us to accept and celebrate our failure because that is the only way that we can learn from our mistakes. By learning from your mistake, you can gain the experience you need to succeed. I think that this was a very valuable element to this exercise.

I will try to bare this in mind the next time I fail. Even though I’d always evaluate myself and my action; I tend to be my own worst critic and be really harsh on myself. From this task I will learn to celebrate my failure more and be less critical (this will be very hard) of myself.  

Later we had to be in a group of three and find three items (any items) with a paper that has a little hole. We had to look at these items through the hole. Then we had to write either words to describe the items or a poem. What I found fascinated about this exercise is that my group wrote a poem about the three items I chose; which describe some of my personality. I guess sub-consciously I was choosing items that relates to me even though I thought I was just choosing random items.  Also other group choose similar items to each other.

Our final task was to form another group of three/four and write down one of the many points we discussed in the session for those who did not make the session. Our group members were Phil Carroll, Charlie Ballard, Hannah Kenneally-Muir and myself. Our group decided to tackle ‘viewing the familiar as unfamiliar. We did this through thought provoking pictures. It is basically view something that is familiar to everyone however; at the same time it can be unfamiliar to everyone because each of us has a different interpretation depending of our life experiences, mood, lighting and angles of the subject/object.

Here are three pictures we took. Look at these pictures and write down your thought on it.  Then check out my thought (reflection) and see if we observe and reflect the same thoughts on each of the pictures. After that you can visit Phil, Charlie and Hannah’s blogs to view their take on these pictures.

What does this build mean to you at first glance?

    

I see a very grand and superior building with many apartments. The people who live these apartment have very little interactions with each other.

What are your initial thoughts?

I see someone entering a cold, dark soulless place, where their are unsure of what they might find.

How does this picture make you feel?

I see this opulent and playful stair case as warm and inviting. I can imagine children and adults having hours of fun sliding down the barristers.   

Please comment your thoughts and opinion on both the pictures and the session. I hope you found this very useful.

If you need any help or more information please contact me and I will do my best to help you out.

Sorry about the delay, I was very busy with auditions and fight my flu.

Stay safe and health.

Response to the Video comment

Sorry about this guys but I still can not make comments on my blog and most of the other blogs, so I am posting my comment instead.

Thank you very much for your lovely and comments, I really appreciate it.

I was dreading to make the video because I hate to see and hear myself on screen (even though I'm an actress, ironic I know) but when I watch pervious BAPP video that inspired me to do my video like this. I know you wanted some personal touches but I would have to asked about 40 or so people’s consent to show their faces (my last acting work) or get consent from schools and parents (too many people to count) for the teaching side of my career.

Thanks again for your comments and I would take it on board for the next video (if there is a next video). That would be a challenge (I love challenges).

Remixable Data and Transformations (Reader and Session 1)

Following the 4 October 2011 session about the discussion of our group (group 2) about remixable data and transformation, I came across a story in media about a well known artist who maybe getting sued over copying and remixing another artist work without their consent or acknowledgement.

http://bossip.com/472559/put-on-blast-latest-choreographer-to-get-jacked-by-beyonce-says-shes-not-mad-but-its-not-cute-or-flaterring12006/

This isn’t the first time this artist or other popular artists has used other people’s work without crediting them.

(here are the links to all these stories and artists)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1090014/Stop-thief-Copycat-Beyonc-images-shes-stolen-years.html

http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/02/14/rihanna-david-lachapelle-sm-video/

http://www.bet.com/news/music/2011/08/06/lady-gaga-sued-over-judas-.html

Originating in hip-hop and rap music, the notion

that materials can be reused and rearranged for a new purpose is central to web 2.0,

where we as users share photos, music, text, ideas and opinions and ‘riff off’ each other

to maintain and nurture dialogues. (BAPP Module (1) 3730 Reader 2011/2012)

This isn’t a new sensation in our industry and it has happened long before we knew technology as it is today. However, technology has made it a lot more accessible and a lot faster to use or get inspired by another artist work without crediting that particular artist. Also technology has giving the masses the tool to get inspiration not just locally nor nationally but, internationally as well; all this at a touch of a button or a click of the mouse. Whereas before, it took a much longer path for an artist work to be “stolen” by another artist or another person because that work would have to be seen by the multitude or given to someone who may be connected to the record company/label/artist.       

My question is; if well famous artists/producers/choreographer can remix other people’s work and may seem like they can get away with it, wouldn’t that encourage Joe public to do the same? If that is the case shouldn’t we have stronger laws to govern the internet to protect artists (whether popular or not) and their work.

It is ok to be inspired by other people; I just think it is courteous to credit these people that have made such an in pact to you as a person and to you as a professional.

I think it is great (to some extent) to become a “producer” and remix songs, movie etc to your liking and to your enjoyment or even to enhance your work because it teaches people new skills (may help them to have a deeper connection to their favourite artists) and helps people to progress in the world of technology and even in their profession.

Valtysson (2010) suggests that the blurring of the

distinctions between the people who make media and the people who consume it

encourages people to engage and participate in the media. (BAPP Module (1) 3730 Reader 2011/2012)

I just think you should credit the person’s whose work you used to help you achieve your own unique work.

BAPP Video

Finally I have completed this video. It took some time (also two weeks) but, I have done it.

Here is the youtube address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHTH-4dXAEs


Here is the video:

I hope you enjoy it

Link of some of previous acting work on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68592502@N06/6237777255/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68592502@N06/6237777397/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68592502@N06/6238300312/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68592502@N06/6237777561/

Everyone is welcome to leave a comment or two. I just added the pictures and that took a while; I will add more information about each individual picture in the near future.

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Acting CV

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yb77JMCXMv_j40F9UVdoou-oXpiHXBEPQGnoviAYyh8/edit?hl=en_GB#

The Empire of The Sun

This a story of the South American Civilisation told through dance and drama; now showing at Theatre Peckham. Shows are on the 23 and 24 September 2011 at 19:00hrs and on the 1 October 2011 at 19:00 For more information, visit the facebook web page http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Expresion-Inka/100000997403312

Welcome

I would like to welcome everyone and anyone who visit this blog site and I hope you find it an enjoyable and fulfilling visit.

I would also like to welcome all my fellow colleagues to the BAPP September 2011 intake course and I wish you a very successful and rewarding journey. It was nice to meet some of you on the Induction day and I look forward to meeting the rest during the campus sessions. BREAK A LEG EVERYONE!!