Malta 2018- week thirtyfive- 'study week'

Monday

So this week is our study week where there should be no classes. I understand the importance of still dancing, especially with practical exams next week, but was thinking this week would be a little more relaxed.

As always I start my week and morning with release. Not everyone was in and it caused the class to start with some tension. We ended up going into detail with the beginning half of the exam work, which I feel more confident in so I am hoping the end of the week is more focused on the later end.

In ballet, again we went through our exam work. (i wonder if you can get the theme of this weeks classes).

After a short break where I got to go home and quickly make food before being filmed for one of the 'dance and the camera projects' I headed back to the studios for a workshop with Verve dance company. They were teaching some of their rep from choregrapher Lenka Vagnerova- where they looked at birds. We began class with Ice breakers and warm up games, before then doing a guided improvisation, to finally learn some rep and then tailor it in smaller groups to make a small performance. It was really warming to see how close the company members were, and the love and commitment they had. The workshop was at a lesuirly pace and after I was able to speak to the memebers from the UK. It was so nice to hear an accent from home again properly, and find out one of the dancers is from the town next to my hometown. Small world. I was able to help them find their way around Malta, giving advice and knew tomorrow when I help front of house for their show there are a few faces I recognise.

I am feeling like such a part of this Island now, even being approached to be in a singing project this summer which I unfortunately had to turn down due to working in the UK.

Tuesday

I'll get to the chase- morning: release, then ballet exam work.

Regardless of this week as a study week, we still had dance and performance theory in the afternoon which was very interesting, but tiring. We looked at the tip of the iceberg of globalisation- especially in Indian dance and it's development with ballet. It reminded me of my essay I wrote- that you can find in Last Years Blog posts- for an idea of some issues brought up in class.

After 'University finished' I went back to do more filming for dance and the camera project one and then headed into Valletta. The company had a great turnout for their 4 works, and offered the show on a donation basis.

Each piece was so different but I was glued to the stage. I LOVE THIS COMPANY. The people, the energy, the way they move. Without bias, my favourite piece was the bird one we did in the workshop entitled- Riders. On paper it sounds like a 'fluffy dance' but it was so strong with really complicated and intricate transitions weaving through people and formations. The technique was beautiful.

Wednesday

Release

Ballet

I came home and DIED, I am beyond exhausted. I literally did nothing else with my evening. After my tutorial yesterday for my last essay, I am confident in my research and know the best time to write my work is after these practical exams where I have time and energy to produce my best work. I feel like a walking zombie- anyone who meets me at the moment would question if I have any memory issues or am 'with it' as we are all done. I am in two minds- one I cant wait to get these exams done so i can begin to rest again, but also am dreading having my final technique class here. It has been such a big part of my life and will be weird to know it will stop. When I am back in Liverpool, i will struggle without ballet everyday and will have to find classes around to fulfil this new need.

Thursday

Release

Ballet

My rehearsals for the two choreographies I am in was rescheduled so I got to go home at a human time and make the most of the beautiful weather Malta is giving us now. I need to tan enough to last my the year in the UK.

I was honoured to be asked to be in postmodern choreography, next month which of course I took up. Rehearsals will begin after Next Wednesday- where I now have a presentation, essay hand ins and two shows left of my time on this Island.

Friday

I had to take the day off. My sleep pattern is so messed up. I am waking up in the middle of the night without fail struggling to breath. Everything is becoming a lot and I am remembering the importance of self care- and though it kills me to take time off and leaves me feeling guilty I have to remember how dedicated I am and that by getting ill or injured further wont help me in the long run.

In the evening I went to see 'El Tango' in Valletta which was created by one of my ballet teachers. One moment stuck in my mind from the show and it was the creativity of light, shadow and two people. Normally you will see someone be cast into a shadow and how they move. Instead, the two dancers were stood far apart from each other yet the shadows were close- first in two separate boxes of light that moved to bring them together. Angles were forever changing as we saw how these two characters grew apart and together, whilst fighting through levels, closeness and being in front and behind the screen. Words cannot explain how spectacular it was.

Saturday

Early in the morning I had filming in Valetta for dance and camera project two. I am so excited to see how they come out- and hope I can use them for my showreel which I need to build this summer (at some point).

Once we were all done I finally got to have a cute coffee date with my girls where we finally got to have a good catch up- and talk through everything going on not in our dance lives. Even though we see each other every day its crazy how little we can really be with each other when so busy. We then headed to the beach and tanned. I know I am having a 'non-dance weekend' which is still surrounded by dance. Even when I am relaxed and feeling more lazy (like now I am making an effort to slow down to avoid burning out) I just cannot stop my love of dance and the projects and opportunities it brings.

Sunday

In reflection, I keep looking back on my time in Malta feeling the end getting even closer. I am looking forward to potentially coming back in the end of summer to see everyone, but definitely in my reading week next year where I can also take part in the classes.

Tonight I go back to Valletta to see my third show of the week- Transitions Dance Company.