Final Year- EHU First Week

It has been SOOO weird to come back. My year have graduated, I am back in the same place I was.

When I first arrived on the Sunday I HATED being back. I felt I was taking a step back, surrounded by old memories, and just wanting to get on with my 'life' outside of University. I knew it was a risk I would take taking time off, but now it was getting back into the swing of how EHU do things.

My family drove me up, we did a food shop ate out- went into Liverpool and then came my first Sunday. I am so fortunate that I know some beautiful, amazing girls in the year below (now my year() who were messaging and arranging meet ups, and I knew the two girls who did ERASMUS at the same time as me- going to Lithuania. I spent a day just being busy- in fact I had a week before University officially started.

I had a job interview- and now work on a casual basis at Aintree Racecourse. We had third year meetings and I had one on my ERASMUS time. Joined the gym, started pole day, I went into Liverpool and most importantly I SLEPT.

Now we are up to first week.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday

Today was just 2-6 of drama (on timetable). It was so nice getting to lie in but bad for my motivations. Normally I would try and be more active in the morning but I was now in relaxing mode. I will see how today goes and then build up slowly.

My first ever lesson of final year was theatre manifestos- I had seen these throughout the years as performances. Presenting an idea that you wish on stage or in a studio. Acting, dancing whatever your talent was and it always moved around a political stimulus. When in the actual lecture- it was explained that not only could you perform it but you could write a 3000 word manifesto, create your own webpage, or scrapbook or other forms of writing. THIS WAS TO DETERMINE THE TYPE OF ARTIST I AM. THIS IS MY MANIFESTO. It also inspired me to get my manifesto on the webpage PRONTO.

The first half of the lecture went on a bit, where I was thinking of my multitasking skills and bringing my laptop to update or blog as I go (just being honest and as long as you're engaged I don't see the harm). We were speaking of companies and shows on in the North East this season. Then we finally got our assignment for next week and then watched two examples of plays just 17 years apart seeing how varied it becomes. This fit nicely into my written manifesto idea. Drama has always let my mind relax in a way that more creative ideas will flourish- hence I always carry around a dance notebook.

The eveing was spent with society dance classes of jazz technique before trialing out trampolining- wow it had been a while since school. I then met my flat and went to bingo in the cutest bar. I am surrounded by lovely souls and am not half as worried as I was coming in as they feel just as old and past the freshers thing as I do.

Tuesday

2-6 again but this time dance. It was choreography and I couldn't think of anything worse than 4 hours of tasks. I LOVE making new pieces but its hit or miss with me- or so I thought. The lecturer at first didn't recognise me- well I thought he may have but didn't want to say. I chose in this moment to see it as a good thing to work on how I will stand out and having the confidence to now that I have done some of the training I sought after.

As one lecturer was off- the two groups merged where we got our assignment brief. Then had a short technique class. I felt strong and comfortable. I could understand body connections and really used my body, I was dripping after where I could see not everyone was- I know I am working well. I heard my lecturers from Malta screaming 'head-tail connection' and it made sense. I now know how to get the best out of the practical here at Edge Hill from some theory in Malta.

The last two hours were spent starting on some tasks to create movement material, and allocating jobs. I am 1/3 of the marketing team for our production and beaming with ideas already. I will take the skills I learnt here and put it into practice and really truly try and shine.

After class we were straight into Body conditioning. IT WAS TOUGH. My cardio truly needs to be improved.

We then watched 'Zero' which was a collaboration of human hood and the university of Birmingham bringing astrology and dance together. The scenography was amazing, the dancers, the concept. But the choreography became quite samey- as amazing as it was. I again got ideas randomly for dissertation set and then listening to how their collaboration came together in the Q+A.

Wednesday

11-1. Slowly we are getting earlier. The module continued from yesterday. My lecturer approached me before class saying he went to sleep knowing he had saw my face and it was a year before- thinking he saw me last year. It was nice to know I was memorable after 2 theory lessons in a large class. Again, we were given tasks and homework of material to create for next class.

There were workshops available but I didn't sign up in time so I had a nice early finish where I went back home and tried to organise everything. I didn't- I rested but then got back on the productive path. I went to the gym (the only place where I can also do a full stretch as my room is a lot smaller than my last one) and then went straight to pole class. Already I am feeling my progress, in both aspects, stronger and performing more. I am mentally prepared- being and feelings the person I want to be are starting to match up mentally and psychically.

Thursday

9-11. Here we are. I am finding it really strange not being in the same routine anymore. Having classes at different hours- knowing I have to be more self-disciplined and give myself waking habits for each day. This module (researching dance) is preparation for a dissertation in the first semester, and then professional portfolios in the second. We went through what was expected for us things to include and out deadlines, and then got into small groups and had a discussion around a dissertation idea. We discussed mine and formed a main question for it. It was helpful to have this idea from other people but also just reflected my own thoughts and its needs again but maybe made it more coherent.

I am also the only Dance and Drama person in third year- best be good at it then. I came back and started on my blogs both personal and now for Uni, alongside website developments and readings and assignments.

After a quick nap I was back up and at lyrical class, part of a society. I LOVED IT. I can see how far my technique has improved but saw how my performance came through. I am now ready to stand out a little more.

Friday

WORK WORK WORK. I was at Haydock racecourse and the day was long but I was so fortunate to be in a box, with another amazing member of staff. I was back late and so didn't have time for anything dance related

Saturday

Same as Friday but being back mid eevening I have had time to relax a bit before bed and work through company auditions and gym planning tomorrow.

Sunday

Company auditions for my society and a comedy show tonight. Can't complain- I got to lie in too.