Malta 2018- week thirtysix

Monday

Our last classes before our exams were two completely contrasting ones. Release was intense, running full out and fast paced- though we are still stopping for corrections. We have never done the class without a pause so we have no idea how long it will be or what our stamina will be like- lets see.

Ballet was about marking through and having fun. We did the class to a pop playlist. We were able to visualise our corrections from last week- that were written down- to know where when and how we can do it whilst still conserving energy to make it through the entirety of the exam.

As soon as classes were done I was straight at home resting up. I cannot wait to get these done with so I can get back to my fitness plans that to be honest I have been slacking on the last few weeks due to fatigue. I am already feeling weaker in my arms which is scary how quickly a little strength can go away.

Tuesday

Today we got a partial lie-in. With the ballet exam at 11, I could take my time getting ready and ensuring my ballet bun would stay in and then head to the studio early for a good warm up.

This was my most confident exam out of the two- i wished we would finish on it but oh well. The irony is the things I normally do really well were average (but the ongoing assessment will be able to keep those scores 'higher') and the parts I struggled with pulled together more. I know I did everything I could and I really enjoyed the exam. We finished with a solo variation- which was the best time I did it and I really got to perform.

With a 30 minute break before a rehearsal for release, I filmed my peers in the other year and gave feedback on the videos. Every day I am reminded of how much I love teaching, as a nice reminder of a skill and something the world seems to be pushing me to.

Release- we went through what our improvisation task would be at the end of the exam, and then worked through sides or exersises we were less sure on. The 1.5 hour coaching was helpful to go through, but was still more about giving feedback on our marking and not going slowly through routines. We were told that our release material had aspects of counter technique, Cunningham and more. This would have been useful to have known from point one- but has given me a greater knowledge of types of fused work.

Wednesday

RELEASE EXAM! OMG. Worst exam I have ever done. Again though, the bits I could never do I did and performed the best- but music was tried for the first time and was a completely changed tempo, beats everything. It was a shamble. Just so glad to be done, but at the same time want more classes and time here.

Thursday

Even though I am done with the structure I've had for the last 36 weeks, it was so weird to wake up and not be 'at uni' but be at uni. I got a bit of a extra lie-in before heading in for a mock presentation, for my healthier performer project.

This ended up running over and eating into another rehearsal I had scheduled for a postmodern piece I am performing in. I felt really bad but am having another one tomorrow and I am quite good at picking things up quickly.

After a lot shorter of a day, I began my research for my phenomenologically analysed essay but found myself distracted quicker. Loosing my routine has made the theory side harder to maintain, now that in my brain most of University is done and for me finishing with an essay is strange.

On the positive side, I have got back into my pattern of workouts and exercises everyday (which I lost during exam period). I feel more me when I have my daily checklists.

Friday

Early morning start- I walked into one rehearsal using Accumulation processes which, though the movement was simple, was taxing on the mind. I am so excited to be performing again soon, even if they are only shorter pieces to those last semester. During summer I can already feel withdrawal from dancing, so I will have to find time to choreograph again and maybe deliver morning fitness/yoga classes outside of schedules.

Tonight in Valletta is Malta Fashion Week 2018, so to prepare I went shopping and just discovered one of the best shops which was right by my house. Everything was 6E and I got some clothes I have been searching for for a while- which is 'warm enough' for the UK.

I never made it to Fashion Week as the; heat, stress and lack of sleep caused me to nap right through my alarm. Some things aren't meant to be I guess.

Saturday

The craziest Saturday to date? Still going with the workouts, I was able to do a partnered version with my friend today- I am going to miss being surrounded by dancers.

AHH I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE EVERYONE HERE :(

Nicoletta's (dancer) parents came to Malta, whom I met and got to 'practice my Italian' as her parents speak no English. Moments like this I can see how far I have come in something I have learnt and its a very rewarding feeling.

Her mum tried out the hair extensions for Nico's choreography which worked really well. I wish my hair was naturally to the floor.

I spent my first Saturday in a while watching films and doing my checklist- reading myself for my first Sunday night out in Malta at the famous Cafe del Mare which opens for Summer.

Sunday

Essay- tanning- food shop. It's such a hard life.