Malta 2018- "week seventeen"

Monday

The weekly blogs are back for 2018! Quick catch up of my well-needed Christmas break. England was not as cold as I had expected. I spent two week away from dancing (which felt like forever and I am definitely feeling now, but was essential). I went out and forgot how expensive London was. Saw my family in Wales. Obviously celebrated Christmas and new year and returned to Malta I’ll as anything.

We did go back to university on the Thursday\Friday but had classes of four people as not everyone was back from holiday. The time was amazing to ease back into dancing, by including core workouts and stretching at the end of each session.

Today, I thought our evening theoretical classes were cancelled as most are, and so after having ballet and Cunningham spent time working towards my 2018 goals. Myself and Lee have spent the weekend and later half of today exploring new streets in Malta lapping up the gorgeous sunshine.

Up until early February, the weeks will feel disorienting with university still being in first semester (where at home we will be in the second) and missing some classes for exam period and then have another short break from dancing before beginning. The system does seem very strange to me, especially with such a physical subject such as dance that needs constant practice.

Tuesday

Last night I booked my first trip of 2018 to Athens at the end of this month and I am beyond excited. With a bit of sightseeing I’m hoping to find a class to attend so my body doesn’t completely relax like it did in the Christmas holidays.

Today, once again, was a shorter day with which I am enjoying the hours. I am finding enough time to train but relax and take part in other studies. I am unaware of what my timetable will be in second semester as most theatre modules clash with morning technique, but I am surprising relaxed this year in the unknown. I am just hoping it gets sorted before term begins. This morning we recapped the partnering duet in preparation for my exam on Thursday, and finished classes with Cunningham. I feel the improvements I have developed in my Cunningham classes and with it developing more awareness in my body (which is one of my weakest traits and is still being developed).

Wednesday

Today we were blessed with starting classes at 9:00 instead of the usual 8:30 Wednesday’s. We ran through parts of the ballet exam, and included use of a fan as a prop- which is a LOT harder than it looks. After class, we ran through Cunningham and partnering in preparation for first exams tomorrow. I am lucky that we get a trial run with examiner’s watching so I get a feel of how adrenalin and nerves affect my performance.

In my afternoon lecture, I learnt that I have a more flexible right wrist and a fighter left hip after doing some body-mind centering exercises. I am feeling ready, now after lectures this week, to finish my essays this weekend and with just two more practical exams be done with first semester.

Thursday

If today was my ballet assessment I would have been happy, as it was the most sustained and balanced centre work I had achieved all term. I do however now have my first injury. Yesterday after ballet I began to feel a twinge in my ankle which has now spread up the sides of my legs. I’m of too worried about it but am seeing it as a muscle repairing and getting stronger once I give it some rest. ASA result, half was through Cunningham it flared up and I spent the remained of class on a flat foot ready for the partnering assessment.

My first exam went OK. The harder lifts went well as well as musicality (though I know I still move quick and brought a faster pace to the duet) yet the easiest counterbalance we fell out of. All in all, I am glad that it is done and I can focus on my last two practical assignments.

My afternoon tutorial was postponed so I got to go back home to get chores done before head back into university for collective performance. 2 more months and we are performing!!

Friday

Today, I never went into University and was resting up. I am still baffled how the transition of semesters work here, with collective performance last night then not for another month- leaving just under four weeks to put together the show. I spent today uploading log books, and doing more of my essays. One more week and then I am off for two weeks.

We went out again as a flat, and it was so nice for us to be close after the break apart.

Saturday

Not the most exciting weekend but more essays, baking and films. I am looking forward to the second break to self-motivate where I didn’t very the holidays, and strengthen the aspects that I have noticed are weaker from these two weeks of dancing.

Sunday

I am beginning a new ballet choreography, which this year I aim to get filmed and edited. I still need to upload TOmeTOseeTObe, once my grade is released. I really want to push my choreographic skills and return to creating a short snippet, at least, each week. I also aim to have my first showreel this summer.