Unit 6: Rehearsal Logbook

Review: Lesson and rehearsal commitment 08/10/20

Commitment-

In performing arts I am always committed to completing a task, and ensuring I give it my all wherever I perform. I'm more than happy to create extra time for rehearsals to complete a project, always striving for perfection. I always bring in the correct equipment, wether it's to dress appropriately for the session, or have a note book and pen to write notes. On the other hand I do end up attending late for several performing arts lessons, which means I'm losing learning time. To ensure this doesn't happen, I have to wake up at an earlier time to get busses when they're least busy. By doing this, my punctuality will increase...

Strengths- 

Creativity, mental motivation and facial expressions.

SMART Target-

When doing the warm-up routines, I would usually find some of the exercises difficult to perform. To improve on this I need to learn the proper technique to these exercises, and train myself to be stronger physically and mentally. Additionally I would like to incorporate levels more clearly when performing a dance routine; I would have to practice on specific weak points in the routine, remembering the whole routine on both left and right. One other thing is to exaggerate energy levels based on the type of dance which is being performed- this will make the performance more aesthetic visually.

I will work during the half term on these weaknesses and will be finished by the end of the week. If i have developed my skills thoroughly, i will use this as motivation to allow myself to push further. For forty minutes a day i will separate the timing so that i spend twenty minutes on rehearsing, and 20 minutes on my core strength. The core work out will act as the warm up. Until then folks :)

Physical, Interpretative, Vocal and Communication Skills-

Physical skills: 

Necessary to perform an action effectively and accurately. They are the skills you need to perform actions well and is the main skill which makes a performance aesthetic. E.g. Stamina- how long you are able to retain an action, strength- how much force/power you apply to something. This skill is very important as it helps to retain the audiences attention. It can help depict relationships between characters and the atmospherical mood of the scene.

Interpretative skills:

Interpretative skills are how the performer interprets the character and story of a scenario. Every performer may have their own interpretation of a character, allowing everyone to be unique- this is essential for auditions in the industry. E.g. How the performer conveys the emotion of the character. Everyone in this industry should be able to bring something different to the table, furthermore the being the different one among thousands of other people auditioning.

Vocal skills:

How the voice is controlled when performing. Different articulative devices can be used to convey a different character, or sing a song etc. Here is a list of some of the devices: tone, dialect and accent, pitch, control, inflection, articulation, register, modulation, breath control, projection, power etc... This is really important in opera musicals as the whole performance is dependant on the complexity and gracefulness of the voice skill.

Communication skills:

Communication skills are how the performer conveys or shares ideas and feelings effectively to an audience. This could strongly relate to interpretative skills, suggesting how a character may share their emotions towards other character or the audience. This is quite alike to relationships with set, characters, objects and the audience. This is why it is important for the audience.

Improvements needed:

• Positioning with the set and other characters to display relationships more clearly
• Interpetative skills to make my character more unique
• Character research to have a better understadning of the character
• Transitions into different parts of the choreography

Skills Analysis-

"Greed" A story told through Dance

Review- The dance is very emotional and action packed. In every slight movement there was a meaning. This contemporary performance worked really nicely with the beat, not only did the lighting compliment the performance, but the mirrors and costuming. I really liked this performance as it resembles how some relationships are today and I think that they have conveyed the meaning of "greed" sophisticatedly clear throughout the performance. Furthemore I really liked how their emotions in their facial expressions changed throughout each of the movement. The dynamic and creativity in the piece is spectacular. 

'You Can't Stop The Beat'- BGT 2020

The energy throughout the performance was phenomenal! I loved how dance, acting and singing was incorporated which was complimented by the rainbow lighting and vibrance of coloured clothing. What made this performance most interesting was the choreography, it makes the audience want to get up on their own feet and dance away! Additionally, having actors from the west end meant that the audience would be in for something big. Overall the I would say the incorporated disciplines was what retained the auidiences attention.

Mary Poppins @ The Royal Variety Performance 2019

This performance incorparates all three disciplines throughout the whole musical. I really like the colourization of the costuming amongst all the characters on set. I also like how there were different races involved throughout the famous song 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'. In particular, I liked how everyone was involved in the piece, and that they were performing a traditional, classic performance- 'Mary Poppins'. The ensemble was amazing! Additionally, I loved the comedic value within the piece, I definitely think that we should incorporate this into our future performances.

SMART Target (Review)

Im still on the way on achieveing my SMART target. After practicla lessons anad warm ups, I can feel more core tenser and more achy. This is a sign that my muscles are being put to good use and that they're growing. I haven't really looked into dancing on the left side of my body however I am still on route to accomplish this. Furthermore I can see a great improvement in my memory of the choreography, and dynamics. Something which I haven't worked on is rehearsing of several other dances. I need to make time for that. Encompassingly I have made brilliant progress and I'm still on route to the comletion of this SMART target.

SMART Target- 15/10/20

I'm going to push myself further and try and train my body to become much stronger and avoid junk foods. This is a huge leap for me but im going to retain this for two weeks starting from the coming monday. If it works out as a success, then I will extend to four weeks- slowly losing weight and gaining muscle through excercise.

Rehearsal Log- 12/11/20

Currently, in our diploma lessons, we are working our way towards three different choreographies. All three pieces are contemporary forms of dance, in which over time we'll piece each routine together. The most important skills required are speed, dynamics and stamina; this is because of the quick moves which are controlled with powerful dynamics. For the first dance- 'Anna' by Jon Waltz, I am most confident with these sets of phrases, being able to show good use of levels and energy. In contrast to this, I need to improve on my timing with each of the movements, alongside the music. Furthermore with 'Remedy' by Alesso, I'm confident with my positioning on stage, however need to develop my balance and control as I tend to forget what comes next mid routine. Lastly with 'Rainfall' by Stormzy, I'm confident with the whole choreography but find it difficult to perform the barrel jump and last hand to chest movement. 

Action plan:

Anna- Jon Wiltz:

I'm going to practice the routine consistently until I am confident with performing the routine in time, naturally. Also, this would help me see any small details which need fixing, and further becoming sure-footed with this dance.

Remedy- Alesso:

I will have to practice the routine until i remember the entire sequence, and will have to adjust to the speed of the music. Additonally I will record myself or perform with another dance member, and receive critiquing from them.

Rainfall- Stormzy:

For this choreography, I will need to take more risks when attempting the barrel roll. During lessons when the space is free, I will practice the jump. Additioanlly I will work on making the routine more fluid with practice.