As a group we decided the jazz technique looked more mature in a heel. We wanted to try this out but found that the shoe was slippy to work with, it took too long to get it off/on in time for the next section and we thought we would be able to dance significantly better barefoot as we haven't danced in these shoes enough to feel comfortable.

Here is some notes I had written to start working on my acting section.

As a strong dancer, I felt I needed to plan and write out emotions to portray this section of the piece to enhance my acting and not rely on movement. My acting solo includes themes of body dysmorphia and mental health, so I wanted to use physical touch and connection. This not only helped me to make the acting more realistic, but also allowed the audience to make the connection between body image and how this impacts a dancer in training with the use of our metaphorical mirror.

During our contemporary duet we felt we could try a more unique way of putting on the t shirt to symbolise ‘giving in to the burn out and exhaustion’. Allowing yourself to feel those emotions rather than pretending to be ok. Changing this meant we could both feel more emotional in the piece and have a meaning behind the t shirt. This was one of the final main changes I had made before the final performance and was grateful that myself and Michael had decided to look at this duet to further explore emotionally as well as physically.

As a group, we had discussed my solo involving some form of acting that represented Body Dysmorphia. Fortunately, I hadn’t experienced this type of mental illness that lots of dancers go through specifically during training. I decided to research what the causes and affects of body dysmorphia were, so that I could keep the performance clear and respectful to viewers. It also allowed me to create some sort of plan/ idea of what to do with my hands/posture etc as acting isn’t my strong point.

Through reading a journal I found that body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) is a very common disturbance in a dancers training and career, it’s a mental disorder that can cause depression and anxiety. Holmes (2013) states that it can cause dancers to avoid dancing as the mirror is a constant reminder that everyone can see you, and further lead into burn out not just through dance, but in everyday life.

“For dancers with body dysmorphic disorder, reality doesn’t match what they see in the mirror”

Using this information, I wanted to play on the use of the metaphorical mirror (the audience). As a way of signifying that I am alone and feeling insecure. I used lots of contact with myself, ensuring I looked through the audience rather than at them.

This was a challenge for me as it not only contrasted with the previous number in the piece but it was mentally challenging to act, however I am happy with the outcome.

This myth stood out to me as I felt I could not only tell it alone, but one that would challenge me creatively to use props and music I had never worked with before.

"I can't take it anymore" - the desire to open the box

"Climbing my way in a tree I saw a piece of heaven waiting impatient for me" -the nature and greek mythical concept that is run through out

"Take me home where I belong"- The need to put the box back after opening it

I specifically thought the setting and costume worked really well with my vision, it had modern elements whilst still keeping the traditional greek mythology setting.

I also liked my use of transition work, trying lots of angles allowed me when editing to find moments from different perspectives to the viewer. I did this by repeating sections of choreography where the camera is above/below/beside me rather than just front facing.

I would also try to play around with more times of day (night/day/sunset/sunrise) as well as weather (pouring rain, sun, fog, lightning) as I feel this would have developed the greek mythology narrative further, due to their myths/legends and beliefs involving lots of weather reflecting the mood (pathetic fallacy).