Becoming passionate again in the current climate

In my current profession, I am not teaching dance as much I would like, compared to a full time role last year, I often feel I was spoiled with the opportunity to have a full time position. Quite honestly I have struggled with not teaching dance as part of curriculum in a role, but within external organisations and on an extra curricular basis. I can't explain the exhilarating feeling when I do teach dance weekly to students, I come out of the studio, feeling I have added some value to each individual and that is why I am proud to fight for dance education!

When I first completed my PGCE, I never thought I would be in this position, I thought I would be offering dance education to pupils on a daily basis and providing positivity and value within arts education. There is appreciation for being in a role in education currently, valuing learning in different environments and subjects, has developed my teaching practice, as first and foremost I am a teacher of learning. A phrase I learned as part of my PGCE, and it is so true!

It can be difficult not being fully immersed in dance all day every day, however stepping back, it has evolved my teaching practice as I have been able to reflect from a much clearer state of mind to improve my practice. Thinking about my MA this year, it has been one of the most developmental experiences so far in my practice. I see so much value in reflective practice, and with an independent approach to meeting deadlines, being lead by research and finding value in your own ethos and approach to your professional practice, my understanding of dance and education as one, rather than separate, has been of such value. 

In the current climate, not being able to apply your thoughts, ideas and research into your practice practically, is troubling as the information is stored but not used. As an activist learner, research is clearer to me when trialled and applied in my practice. I can imagine a lot of artists are struggling in this climate, as we are so creative, we live to learn, explore and create. For instance, starting to read safe practice in dance is so interesting but with the information not being applied within the studio, it becomes difficult to retain.  

I started to research surrounding reigniting my passion within my role, as the issue does not lie within dance, as it is apart of me as an individual, but in a position where I crave to teach dance more, feeling despondent. 

"Feeling passionate about your profession isn't a matter of having the perfect job. "If you can't be in the job you love, then love the one you're in," she advises. "Find a way to have some joy about the valuable contribution you make, however humble it is." (Spencer in Mcginn, 2006)

"PROFESS PROFESSIONAL SELF-WORTH: Acknowledge to yourself the things you do well. Ask yourself: What do I do better than most? How have I grown this past year? What are some of the most challenging things I've accomplished in this job? What is the biggest workplace lesson I learned last year, and how am I applying that learning this year?"

Being forced to slow down and actually think about our current position is scary, as being on the go all of the time is part of routine. But I guess what is important to me is the value of my practice and considering that less can be more in some scenarios. By being able to build a wealth of knowledge and experience when entering the studio, a passion and fire reignites when teaching dance, and although I am not teaching as much as I would like, by being in research based professional development, means I am striving to become the best version of myself for me and future learners. 

If anyone has great ideas to apply research to their practice, whilst in lockdown that would be amazing, as I am looking for ideas to exert some of my creativity for good use. 

MCGINN, D., 2006, Feb 11. Love the job you're with: Eight ways to put some passion back into your profession: [National Edition]. National Post, FW3. ISSN 14868008.