James Butcher MAPP DTP

I found it very interesting listening to everyone's experiences and current professional practices. Apologies for not chipping in today. As I listened to all the ideas, my brain was exploding with lots of different thoughts and relatable experiences. I'm naturally a pensive person and I almost needed 10 minutes in between each speaker give my brain time to digest all the information. Somethings that did resonate with me and my practice were what Ben and Lorraine were discussing about balance. When is it appropriate to demand discipline, pre-planned learning outcomes, and push the limits of the student and when it's appropriate to forgive technique and enable enjoyment of movement? This is something I've come up against with my teaching practice being part recreational, part vocational training, and part professional.  Because I teach Professional Dancers, does this mean I expect more or less from my recreational dancers?  Because I teach in vocational schools, does this...

I've just completed a mock exam for my Fellowship (Imperial Ballet) title with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). This exam requires dissecting the syllabus from the early training through to the final level of Advanced 2 and analysing the build-up of exercises, teaching methodology, and safe dance practice at all levels. For this exam, in particular, there is a creative process of piecing together an hour and a half Advanced 2 standard class as well as choreographing a solo at the same level. I will teach the students, whom I won't have met before, my class live in front of two examiners and then a further hour of viva-voce / reflective analysis. I'm gearing up towards this final exam (18th March) after two years of making my way up through the ISTD's initial dance teacher training and through the professional qualification process. I completed my Level 6 Licentiate (in lockdown) in October and am looking forward to holding the Fellowship status. This ...

It was great to meet Helen and the new and current learners on the introduction Zoom today. I particularly enjoyed hearing from the learners who are getting ready to start on the third module. The insight into others feeling apprehensive about tackling this sizable programme at the various stages was beautifully reassuring - so I'm thankful for that.  It dawned on me that perhaps I'll never feel ready or comfortable starting something as huge as an MA. Perhaps, it's the not being ready or comfortable which will push me into the new learning and understanding. As a ballet dancer, I'm certainly used to pushing myself physically but am I ready (and able?!) to put my brain through a similar workout...? Time will tell... On reflection, the general sense I've taken away is that we are all climbing up a different ladder towards the same goal of broadening our knowledge and improving our professional practices. It's a very personal journey but one that can't be don...