Methods of Practice

Principles

 

As the facilitator of ‘Innovation Dance Company’ I intend to lead the group in a professional yet approachable manner. It is my aim to develop students communicative skills to converse with a mature and respective tone, relevant to the dance practice. Sessions will consist of challenging set choreography with a given impetus to help inspire students to develop and progress ideas and motifs. My personal goal in regards to the project will be that of student progression and creative enhancement. I will also draw upon ideas from participants in regards to their own personal goals and set in place measures to assist in realising their ambitions.

 

Processes

 

Methodology of Practices

 

The sessions will be based around contemporary dance technique fused with Latin and alternative rhythms. Each week we will meet for one hour after school covering set exercises, focusing on improving technique. Students will also use improvisation to create and develope their own choreography to eventually form a show peice which will contain a mixture of my choreography and their own work.

 

Complaints Procedure

 

If a student/colleague/ parent wishes to complain regarding my personal performance it will be dealt with professionally and fairly. Firstly I will aim to resolve the matter in an informal manner, communicating directly with the individual if appropriate. If the individual wishes to take matters further, a formal letter of complaint should be issued by the individual, addressed to the organisation that I work for, who will then adopt the responsibility of resolving the issue along with myself.

 

Equal Opportunities

 

Within the scope of my practise of 13-18 year old school students, I provide a platform for all students to take part in the group regardless of background, religion, race, gender or ability, conditional to successful audition.

 

Vulnerable People

 

I will create a company that is inclusive of participants with varying disabilities. I will ensure that I take necessary action to understand any adaptions to my work that may be needed for disabled students to become a member of ‘Innovation Dance Company.

 

 

Data Protection

 

In order to abide by data protection legislation I will personally ensure that all data collected by myself on behalf of students will be stored privately and safely.

 

• Store digital records on a private,  password protected computer
• Store hard copies of personal data in a locked filing cabinet for which I solely have the key.
• Do not disclose any information to any third parties.
• Only request information relevant and necessary to the participation in the company.

Mission Statement

 

As the facilitator of ‘Innovation dance company’ my aim is to provide quality dance training, guidance and expertise to students who wish to pursue a career in dance. By aiding students personal development, dance technique, creative exploration,  well being and social skills each student will profoundly benefit from taking part in the activity. The purpose of the company is to showcase work created by students on a national and international level.

 

Vision

 

I will organise and facilitate an extra curricular dance company called ‘Innovation Dance Company’ for 13-18 year olds, whereby students can engage in a fulfilling and challenging group.

Innovate Dance company will be part of a secondry schools weekly extra curricular activities. I will hold auditions for dance students who wish to become a part of the company, exposing them to the audition process if they choose to continue their dance training at a higher level. The specific aim of the company is to challenge students technically and creatively, developing a professional ethos within their work and exposing them to industry procedures and expectations.

 

Long Term Goals of the Project

 

I endeavour to create opportunities for students to showcase their work on a national/international platform. This will be achieved by:

 

• The ability to inspire students to create quality work of performance standard.
• Stay informed of local/national/international festivals/ events that will develop students confidence and knowledge of the field.
• Provide adequate resources and guidance during the creative process.
• Facilitate regular opportunities to perform work created as part of ‘Innovation Dance Company’.

 

Fundamental Principles of the project

 

• Use the body individually and collectively to create kinesthetically inspiring work that physically communicates subject matters in a predominantly expressive style.

• Establish a professional framework to which students become familiar with and comply to as preperational experience for higher education and work.
• Be inclusive of all students, granting places into the company based on work ethic and drive in addition to ability.
• Expedite the creative process and allow students to create sophisticated and demanding work.
• Value each company member individually and source work from their own personal experiences/ideas.
• Create valuable relationships with peers and leaders on a professional and compassionate level.

 

The ideologies of ‘Innovation Dance Company’ are that of creativity and personal progression whilst working as a collective. Individual development and becoming aware of the regime of professional dance practice are key aims for students understand and work to.

 

When developing the concept of ‘Innovation Dance Company’ I sourced inspiration from many leading organisations, particularly artsNK and Dance4. The educational approach in which Arts NK employ into leading the national curriculum within schools and delivering extra curricular activities influenced me to create the company. Available from the company’s corporate website as part of their mission statement the organisations key values are discussed, ‘To develop sustainable structures for extending understanding and ambition – by working within long term relationships to allow  participants, partners and groups to develop their levels of skill and scale of aspiration.(artsNK 2014). This notion is of particular relevance to the development of ‘Innovation Dance Company’ and artsNK’s core values are echoed by the ideologies of my proposed project.

The international platform for which Dance4 creates for their artist is of significant interest to me when developing performance opportunities for ‘Innovation Dance Company. I wish to channel their creative urgency by finding and creating similar opportunities for my students to showcase their work. Taken from Dance4’s Business plan, the importance of performing work regionally and internationally is exposed, ‘Dance4 seeks to develop a culture of advocacy, debate and dissemination across all aspects of its programme and is committed to both partnership working locally/regionally, and to delivering and engaging in work of national and international significance.’(Dance4, 2014). I will identify the company as an ambassador for international work and look to them for creative inspiration when proposing new opportunities for the company to take part in, whether in  the uk or overseas.

Code of Conduct

 

A duty of care is an outline of principles and rules that a dance teacher will/should adhere to. A duty of care is put in place as a standard of professional dance practice and defines a teachers  responsibility and dedication to the field.

 

Core Values

 

• Professionalism
• Responsibility
• Safe Practice
• Acceptance and Understanding of Others
• Compliance with Code of Conduct

 

Professionalism

 

As a dance teacher I have a responsibility to myself, colleagues and students to ensure that I deliver quality dance training to students in a safe and enriching environment. I will constantly expand my own skill set through ongoing professional development, enabling me to comply with specific standards set within the profession.

 

Fundamental Principles of Professionalism,

 

• Ensure I have relevant qualifications, experience and personal traits necessary for the role ahead.
• Work within my own personal boundaries whilst investigating and challenging new concepts.
• Be genuine in respect of relevant qualifications and experience required for the role
• Ensure I consistently employ my required skill set to every dance session I undertake.
• Endeavor to enrich my knowledge of the field and necessary skills required for the role  through ongoing professional and personal development.
• I Understand and work within the required health and safety regulations.
• I Understand and adhere to and respect the principles of equal opportunities and human rights.

 

Responsability

 

As  a dance teacher I understand the importance of my role and take extensive measures to ensure I act in a responsible, respectful and professional manner throughout my career. I persevere to bring credit to the dance teaching profession.

Fundamental Principles of Responsibility,

• Consistently work to standards set by myself that are expected within the field.
• Show an ongoing level of commitment to the work I do.
• Be honest and respectful in all professional relationships.
• Communicate principles clearly and show collaborative approach to students and colleagues.
• Be punctual and prepared for the work ahead, including any relevant paperwork or research.
• Ensure all students are safe and cared for when under my supervision.
• Evaluate my personal performance by the way of feedback from colleagues and students.
• Assure cover teachers are provided with a comprehensive breakdown of areas previously covered within the class, detailing any specific needs in relation to the students abilities.
• Establish a professional appearance and manner that is appropriate for the work place and setting of dance session.

 

Safe Practice

As  a dance teacher I believe that every student under my care deserves all necessary measures to be carried out to ensure their safety and well being. I am committed to and comply with current health and safety regulations and it is my personal responsibility to stay up to date with any changes within the field of safe practice.

 

Fundamental Principles of Safe Practice,

 

• I actively stay up to date with current health and safety regulations and employ and changes within my own practice immediately.
• Understand my personal responsibilities and liability in relation to the work I do and secure adequate insurances.
• Ensure I plan all dance sessions in compliance with safe practice.
• Take steps to be aware and understand set procedures of places of work.
• Understand any legal obligations which arise from working with children and vulnerable adults, take measures to hold a current DBS check.
• I do not undertake work for which I am not adequately qualified nor experienced.
• I personally inspect any space ahead of session to ensure it is suitable to perform the lesson in relation to health and safety.
• Set appropriate boundaries between students and colleagues to assure relationships are of a professional manner.

 

Acceptance and understanding of Others

 

Im my role as a dance teacher it is my responsibility to ensure that all students and colleagues are treated equally regardless of race/gender/sexuality/age/religion/ability or background. It is vital that I show respect and interest in all students that I teach and conduct myself in a fair and caring manner.

 

Fundamental Principles of Acceptance and understanding of Others,

 

• Employ a critical standard of equality when communicating with students and colleagues.
• Be sensitive to the needs of students and colleagues alike.
• Take measures to encourage diversity within the group.
• Have a collaborative approach when leading sessions, allowing input from students and colleagues.
• Value each student and colleague as an individual respective of their human rights.
• I will make myself easily contactable to ensure students and colleagues can voice any issues or queries regarding the dance sessions I lead.
• Communicate in an appropriate and inclusive manner, ensuring I am understood by all.

 

 

Commitment to Code of Conduct.

 

These fundamental principles will be the framework from which I practice on a daily basis as a dance teacher. If I fail to reach such standards, I will commit to;

 

• Provide regular opportunities for students and colleagues to evaluate my work.
• Take action to improve any areas that may be of concern to students or colleagues

Bibliography

 

 

Amans, D. (2008) An Introduction to Community Dance Practice. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

 

artsNK. (2014) artsNK- Experience Great Art. [online] Available from http://www.artsnk.org/[Accessed 10 October 2014].

 

artsNK. (2014)The artsNK vision. [online] Available from  http://www.artsnk.org/who-we-are/the-artsnk-vision/  [Accessed 20 October 2014].

 

 

Bartlett, K. and Stenton, C. (2009) Definitions, Core Values and A Code of Conduct for Community Dance. Animated the Community Dance Magazine,(winter) 35-38.

 

Brookfield, S. (2006) What Students Value in Teachers. 2nd edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

 

Dance4. (2014) Mission Statement [Online] Available from http://dance4.co.uk/ Acsessed 03 December 2014.

 

HM Government (2014) Data Protection. [online] Available from:https://www.gov.uk/data-protection/the-data-protection-act [Accessed 03 December 2014].

 

HM Government (2013) Working Together to Safeguard Children. A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.[online] Available from:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/281368/Working_together_to_safeguard_children.pdf[Accessed 03 December 2014].

 

Royal Academy of Dance (2014) Corporate Publications. [online] Available fromhttp://www.rad.org.uk/about/about-the-rad/corporate-publications-scheme [Accessed 02 December 2014].
Zotimer, M. (2013) Creating Space for Every-Body in Dance Education. Physical & Health Education Journal, 79 (1) 18-21.

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