Monday 26 February 2018

Talking together, learning from each other

One Saturday we had our Narrating the Somatic Symposium at Middlesex University. It was a great day of people coming together to share their practice through ways they felt appropriate.  We had Elders from the dance community, young people, artists, post graduate students, academics, performers and we enjoyed learning together about each others approaches to life through movement, talks, film, reports on projects and news of different festivals taking place.

Coming together, talking with others we believe is really valuable in learning. It is important on the BAPP programme that you make the most of being part of a community of learners, all coming from different perspectives, different areas of practice but with a common ground of studying together on this programme here and now. We offer the discussion groups via skype so that you have the opportunity to come together and have conversations with each other about what you're doing. It is really important that you make every effort to be a part of these conversations, to learn from and with others on your programme.

Your advisors are there to support you on your BAPP journey of course, but a one-to-one conversation with us cannot replace the interaction and more open conversation of the discussion groups. Please do make use of these, and join the conversations of your learning.

The dates of all these skype discussions are published at the start of the year in your Academic Calendar, so you know ahead of time when they are, to be able to plan your schedule accordingly. Adesola will then post on her blog the day of the Skypes asking you to sign up by commenting, which conversation you would like to join (12.30 or 5pm (UK time).

Please do check the calendar if you're unsure of dates and be sure to comment on Adesola's blog so we know you want to be called.  There are two skypes today!!

Look forward to more conversations together...

Wednesday 21 February 2018

Open Discussion

Tuesdays 1230 Open Skype Discussion was great to start the conversations of the term between those in modules one, two and three. We talked about the role of literature in our learning, when to look more broadly (mapping the field of our interests- creating a guest list for a party themed by our interests) and when to deepen the focus (identifying the VIPs of the party) We tried to move away from the feeling of needing to look to the literatre, to what others have said, in order to affirm our own thoughts (finding books that 'agree' with our views), and equally, the notion not only of looking for either/or comparisions in the literature (I found some books that agree with my thoughts and some that contradict so I can compare them), but to using the literature to develop a discussion around your subject area with many layers, different perspectives for you to be able to paint a picture rich in many colours.

Those in module one used the discussion to unpack what they were understanding in the readers about Web 2.0 and its relationship to their developing professional practice. As those in other modules shared their experiences and interpretations of this, Matt offered a great example describing Web 1.0 as information being given (suggesting a one-way process of passive learning) and Web 2.0 as information being given in order for you to interact with it (a transaction of learning). This opened discussions of communication, learning by interaction with others, being a part of a community (BAPP) and using our blogs to sound out ideas.

Those in this discussion will blogs further thoughts for you all... do comment with your blog post to help direct everyone to your thoughts so they can comment!

Matt S
Syanne
Jess S
Jess D
Naomi E
Jen S
Rachel 
Jae
Laura S
Eleanor B

Monday 12 February 2018

A New Term Begins...

Welcome to the start of the new term on BAPP!!

We had some great conversations via the Skype sessions on Friday and Saturday and good to meet those of you new to the programme this term.

As we start the term do take time to clear space (physical space, space-time, clutter...) to allow your studies to be a part of your work/life schedule and take time to figure out or re-balance the rhythms of all the 'things' you do. The beauty of BAPP is that it is about YOUR professional practice, so learning to feel the study as integral to the development of your practice is really important so that it is valuable and relevant to you rather than a 'thing' to have to 'fit in'.

Clear some space at home, find a coffee shop with a space you can work in (and great coffee of course!), listen to your body - when do you work well; early morning...late into the night?? Introduce yourselves and share your 'getting started/getting back into study' tips through your blogs.

Make a note of the skype sessions and campus sessions if you're able to join us in London and check out our symposium coming up later this month as a great place to network, listen, do, think, talk, move with other artists ...


https://mailchi.mp/b959eb62f05e/narrating-the-somatic-symposium-workshops-performance-and-papers-2658705?e=896d46dbef

Saturday February 24th 

Key Note Speakers: Rosemary Lee and Richard Walsh
Key Note Movement Workshop: Jackie Guy
Workshops, performance, film and discussion with...
Namron, Sandra Golding, Pawlet Brooks, Louise Kateraga, Mary Grigg, Chikukwango Cuxima-Zwa, Akosua Boakye, Dominique Rivoal, Jacqueline McCormick, Tom Hobden, Anton Califano, Adesola Akinleye, Helen Kindred,
Stephanie Scheubeck, Eline Kieft, Nina Atkinson & Vivian Barbosa.
and ISTD Open Day

also the launch celebration of the new book edited
Narratives in Black British Dance: embodied practices.

Where: Middlesex University, London Hendon, Grove Theatre
When: 9:00 for 9:30 start to 6pm Feb 24th 2018
Tickets for the day: £5 (students), £10 (individual), £20 (institution)
Book on-line here

This Symposium follows on from August 2016 event
Watch video 

Questions: a.akinleye@mdx.ac.uk & h.kindred@mdx.ac.uk