Description:

Today we had our formative assessment for this module. We all performed and watched each other’s introductory talks and solo pieces and then gave feedback to each-other.

Feelings:

I felt nervous, as I have never performed a solo dance piece before.  However, after I finished the piece, I felt relieved and I gained encouragement from the feedback I received.

Evaluation:

Positive Feedback:

• Clear presentation, well explained and calm delivery.
• Great rationalisation of choice and excellent explanation of my process.
• Good range of movement, choreography and technique. The heavy, solid and more controlled movements accurately portrayed the character.
• Great reference to character and how to communicate this with Laban movement analysis.
• Effective characterisation and facial expressions.
• The song complemented the movements.
• The prop accentuated the piece.

Developmental Feedback:

• Be more confident in what I am saying
• Play with slowing it down more, adding in more pauses.
• Make parts of the piece more jagged.
• Add in some softer movements, as a contrast to the stronger movements.
• Describe the prop more in my introductory talk.

Conclusions:

The feedback I have received has enabled me to clearly identify my strengths and areas for development. Now that we have performed a solo in front of our peers, the formative assessment should be less daunting.  From observing my peer’s solos, I noticed they used repetition of certain movements at different points in their pieces. Jonathan Burrows, a dancer and choreographer, describes repetition as ‘a moment of recognition for the audience in a sea of change.’ (Burrows, 2010, P.8) Based on this, I believe adding in some repetition to my solo will enhance my piece and make it more relatable to an audience.

Actions:

Practice speaking more confidently and rehearse my talk in front of my peers.

Decide where I can add in some effective pauses and softer movements in my piece.

Add in some repetition to my piece, e.g. a movement performed softly, then repeated later more dynamically.

Make additional notes about my prop, including why I have decided to use the prop, what the purpose of the prop is, and add this into my talk.