The creative arts industry has seen unprecedented change due to the global pandemic and the impact has been felt by everyone in the industry, irrelevant of their role and specialist area. The has led to a huge move towards the use of technology to keep the industry alive and well, with the increase of live streams for events, productions and performance and remote recording session where studios are closed. This changing environment has also led to the reflection and development of different skills sets and new considerations for marketing and promotion with a necessary emphasis on the portfolio career and transferrable skills. 

This theme will enable students to reflect on their own specialist areas and the adapting environment.

This funding is meant to save arts organisations from closing, and includes a £20 million package designed to protect the livelihoods of individual artists and freelancers whose incomes have been particularly hit by the government’s partial lockdown of the country.

How has Covid changed the daily running of your career?
Since the Covid 19 pandemic, the arts has been neglected, meaning that the support for performers has been at an all time low. Due to theatres still being closed, and dance classes only just starting up again, performers across the country have massively missed out on vital training, which may help them develop in their career. As a result of the neglection from the Government, after Rishi Sunak declared that those within the arts need to 'adapt' for new employment, performers across the country were highly offended. Due to all of the damage Covid has caused the arts, many studios and theatres have shut. Personally, it has effected my daily running, as I wasn't able to attend university, or my dance classes, due to lockdown. This has resulted in me loosing training, despite home learning, which I often struggled to feel positive about.

What are the long term implications that Covid might have on your career?
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the UK cultural sector awfully. Activities such as live performance, theatre productions, exhibitions and galleries, have all fallen through dramatically, due to the closure of venues, to maintain social distancing and prevent further outbreak. According to the Office for National Statistics, the arts and entertainment industry had a 44.5% reduction in monthly gross domestic product, GPD outcome, according to gross value added, GVA. This makes it one of the sectors worst hit by the pandemic. Furthermore, the impact on employment within the arts industry has been similarly recorded. Approximately 70% of workers in the arts and entertainment sector were furloughed under the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme. 

Due to the large battering that the arts has faced financially, it may be difficult for some dance schools and even theatres to rebuild when they are legally allowed to open. This could mean a reduction in rehearsal space and less classes available to take part in. This could have an effect on me and my career, as there aren't as many options available to help me progress further.

How has using technology changed the way audience access performances/ shows/ material during Covid?

Throughout Covid, theatres and performances were closed off due to the outbreak of this pandemic. It was safer to close these facilities, due to the rising number of deaths that were a result of this virus. However, many performances were showcased through live streaming, through Facebook, Instagram, Websites and even Zoom calls. An example of this would be Addict Dance Academy. They showcased their Winter Show,  by sharing a link with paying 'audience' members, through email, which led them to a site where they could watch the show. This show was recorded professionally, and created like a film. This shows that technology has impacted the arts during Covid, as shows were still able to take place, just without a live audience. It gave the performers a chance to showcase their work, and receive that training regardless of current situations. To pull this show together, not only would internet access be needed to access the online shows, but the standard lighting, music and editing of the pieces will have been needed when filming.

Additionally, due to classes being cancelled throughout the pandemic, performers weren't always able to take part in physical classes, meaning they would be loosing out on training. However, some companies turned to online learning, through Zoom and Teams video. This meant that, despite using available space at home, performers were still able to receive training during this long period. In personal relation to me, my university lessons were changed to online learning throughout Covid, which helped me keep on top of work, while still receiving training and feedback, instead of missing out on months of work.


Rea, N. (2020). Arts Council England Has Launched a $190 Million Emergency Relief Package for Creative Organizations and Artists. Available: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/arts-council-england-emergency-relief-fund-1814829. Last accessed 26th May 2021.

Tobin, J. (2020). Covid-19: Impact on the UK cultural sector. Available: https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/covid-19-impact-on-the-uk-cultural-sector/. Last accessed 26th May 2021.

Unknown. (2020). Covid: Rishi Sunak says people in 'all walks of life' are having to adapt for employment. Available: https://www.itv.com/news/2020-10-06/rishi-sunak-suggests-musicians-and-others-in-arts-should-retrain-and-find-other-jobs. Last accessed 26th May 2021.

Smith, J. (Unknown). It's virtual concert season!. Available: It's virtual concert season!. Last accessed 8th Oct 2021.

Abbott, M. (2020). It's virtual concert season!. Available: https://www.litandphil.org.uk/blog/posts/2020/september/its-virtual-concert-season/. Last accessed 8th Oct 2021.

● Remote performances and audience engagement 

● Online festivals 

● Social distancing in live events 

Elevated Triple Step:
Strengths:
Good 5th position of the feet
Balance on pas de bouree

Weaknesses:
Keep shoulders down when elevating
Use the plie before elevating


Elevated Triple/Pas de Bouree
Strengths:

During my assessments this term, where we learnt a choreography made by my teacher, I was set targets of adding more energy and sass. We can see that I have improved on this target when comparing my style within the in-lesson choreography, compared to the final Danceworks performance. I can see that I fulfil movements, and do not finish them early. Again, this was something I recognised that I needed to improve in order to create a stronger appearance of my movement, and to show strong commercial technique. Additionally, my tutor also noticed this improvement, and she praised me on my strong technique and style. After spending more time rehearsing with peers during breaks, lunchtimes and additional rehearsals, I believe that my technique naturally improved as I became more confident with the choreography. This then gave me the chance to focus on adding style, and improving dynamics, rather than just focusing on the movement itself. During lessons, I use facial expressions and performance, however, when I do not feel confident, or I am unsure of movements, I often loose the performance aspect of the routine. This improved massively for Danceworks. Again, I believe this is because I had numerous rehearsals to gain that confidence, whereas for assessments, I only had two lessons.  

Overall, I enjoyed learning and performing this piece, after such a long time of performing. I can see clear improvements of my targets already, and they are being noticed by my tutor. Moving forwards into the year, I want to ensure that myself and my tutor can see a clear development in my ability. In order to do this, I will ensure I am pushing myself throughout the lessons to ensure I am confident with choreography, and adding my own style. 

When comparing these comments to my targets in previous lessons, I can see that my energy has improved when performing on stage. This was also a target last term that I could see improvement on during Danceworks. After noticing that I have much more confidence during shows than in lessons, I have come to the conclusion that this may be due to pressure or the presence of an audience. In order to improve this, I will begin using the lessons as if they are shows. Hopefully this will allow me to add more energy, as I work well under pressure. It is good to see that my energy has improved, as this is key to showing a strong commercial style and technique, which my tutor stated that I have achieved. Additionally, I was advised to show dynamics in previous lessons. Within the final Unite performance, a praise I received was that I showed good dynamics. It is important to have good dynamics, as it shows your understanding of the music and timing, and how to use your body to resemble these elements. It shows professionalism, as well as making the movements more exciting and creating a fulfilled effect. One weaknesses I was informed of for this piece, was that I do not keep facial expressions constant throughout. However, I believe this is because we had limited time to learn the choreography, and I may have been focusing on the choreography and lost my expression. I believe this didn't effect my movement because of adrenaline and pressure of ensuring the movements is correct. Next time, I believe this won't be an issue as we will have longer to prepare. Overall, I believe I have improved my targets further, since last term and from lessons this term, as I am now strongly incorporating my own style, the use of energy and dynamics, as well as showing a strong and clear understanding of the tone of the piece. 

performing arts industry, but the performers who were emerging into it. I decided to research Eliza Shaddad, an emerging singer and songwriter who was ready for her big break as the Covid-19 pandemic struck. I wanted to focus around her state of wellbeing and emotions, through movement and effects, which she shared during and interview with Sky News. My end goal was for the audience to feel empathetic towards the woman portrayed. This is because throughout lockdown, the arts were disregarded as a false and unworthy career, but I want to educate others on the importance of the arts, and the impact it had on people’s lives when they couldn’t progress into their career. I

wanted to show how emerging artists had to consider a different direction in their career, what this meant

and what this could look like. This gives me the chance to create something around someone’s personal story and use her emotions to influence my movement. As an individual, I feel strongly towards emphasizing the importance of how

performers have been affected mentally by the lockdown and how this has set them back now things are

back to normality.

Overall the weeks, I held rehearsals with my two dancers, where I taught them choreography, and also allowed them to share their input with me as a way of helping me gain inspiration for my next choreographic session, before teaching them. Both of my dancers were happy with the theme of my piece, as they felt strongly towards the topic, as they are performers themselves. As stated within my proposal, I wanted to use special effects. However, I felt that this may loose the rawness of Shaddad's emotions, and may begin to focus more on the visual effect of the piece, rather than the message I am trying to convey. I wanted to use something that included something personal and relevant to Shaddad. After trying to reach out to Shaddad, to arrange an interview where I asked her questions relevant to my piece, I was unsuccessful in receiving a reply. I then had to think of ways of how I could show my audience how performers feel effected since the pandemic. Additionally, I then decided to ask the questions that I had chosen for Shaddad, on other students on my performing arts course. I felt this was a great way of showing a personal outlook to those who aren't emerging into the industry, but have plans to. Furthermore, I then decided to create a small video, sharing key moments from the pandemic, example being, the naming of the virus, lockdown restrictions and the neglection of the arts, especially by chancellor, Rishi Sunak. After this small video, I included the use of Shaddad's interview within the piece. I did this a way of directly showing the audience her story, and the effect the lockdown has had on her and her progression within her career. When choreographing, I wanted to focus on repetition of movements to share the repetition of the lockdowns, and how the arts is constantly being disregarded. It is a constant and continuous disrespect towards performers. My movements show a range of anger and upset, as well as using minimal movements to show lack of energy. 


Teacher Feedback:
Mirror Image:
Evaluate (agree, disagree, add evidence, how you would improve next time)


Industry feedback
Evaluate 

Personal Opinion
-Did i reach proposal 
-Things that went well (use questionnaire)
-Things that could be improved 
-Did I enjoy and why

Linking back to the previous two terms, I can see further development in my targets and my ability within commercial dance. For example, my movement memory has improved, as well as being able to incorporate my own style to this. This was something that was developing during Unite; However, we can see a clear development now. I kept good energy throughout, which is something that has majorly developed since Danceworks, as I often lacked energy and performance. This may be due to becoming more familiar with the commercial dance style, and understanding what works well for me and my personality within dance. Additionally, I have been able to give good attention to detail and fulfil movements which is something I personally noticed I wasn't as advanced at during the first two terms. I would often cut movements off too short. It is good to show this development, as ensuring movements are finished shows good understanding of the choreography, as well as timing, and what fits with the tempo of the music. This will benefit me when moving forwards as it shows full understanding of each movement. However, one weakness I was given from this assessment, was ensuring that I differentiate between grooves and powerful movements. For example, the second where you strongly place the hands and the body rolls. Placing the arms needs to be quick and powerful, whereas the body roll should look smooth. This is all about understanding the music, and the timings for each movement. This also relates to dynamics which is something I have been told to improve before. Although I have seen some development over the year, this is clearly something that needs improving further. In order to do this, I must ensure I am gaining familiarity with the music and how the appearance of each movement should be. This weakness could be present because I only had one lesson to learn and perform this choreography, and I didn't have the time to gain a full understanding of the movements and their timings. Overall, I believe I performed well, and showed good movement memory and style throughout. 

Like the previous assessment, I am showing constant improvement in movement memory, the use of energy and groove and incorporating my own style. I believe these are all elements that support commercial technique and style, as they show a good understanding of the requirements of this genre. Something that has improved from the previous assessment, and all other lessons throughout the year, is dynamics, and showing differentiation between movements. Within this assessment, I was able to show good dynamics. For example, the body pops which require groove and style into the leg locking section, which needs to be harsh and determined. I can see a clear and evident improvement on this skill, which will help improve the quality of my future performances. I was made aware my my teacher that I had a few hesitations throughout, but this didn't throw me off the choreography and I was able to continue forwards professionally, and maintain personality and energy. Again, this may be due to having a short period of time to learn the choreography. Overall, I have enjoyed these assessments, as I enjoy the pressure of the audition process and pushing myself and my abilities to be the best they can be.