Final Year- EHU Fourth Week

Monday

A nice relaxed wake up I was in my drama class 2-6, where again dance and Pina Bausch was a large topic of the lecture. I always manage to get a lot of other work done in those lessons, and need to re-think my manifesto as it was turning into a research paper. The second half of the lesson we spent watching a documentary on Pina and then on a dramaturg (both females) showing what postmodern was in the art category. I was so immersed in these types of performance, and with the documentaries being in French was motivated to carry on my learning into the language.

I went to jazz technique class after, where I felt better on my sousou jumps on the left travelling across the space. My brains connection to a jump and into a plie is becoming more automatic so I left feeling good and that I am progressing.

The evening was spent watching 'truth to power' in the arts centre's rose theatre. he piece was about question what held power over us as the host did his introduction and back story through verse and then introduced guests onto the stage to talk about their opinion. This was an interesting concept- and some of the guests had really moving pieces. It wasn't my kind of piece but I did take ideas of concepts that work well or need developing, but I enjoyed seeing something new.

Tuesday

2-6 for class, and I decided not to go to the gym this morning like normal as I have an extra rehearsal this evening for a masters performance I am in and want to know how my body will feel with it before I push myself over the edge.

The class was like the rest of them, though we started with a technique session to start. The longer I spend warming up my achilies the less of a hinderance it becomes in my turnout (though stiffens quick again) I know some daily exercises I can do to slowly increase its range. We jumped across the floor with an African inspired track and I felt like I was flying. I really really miss these technique classes and am feeling the fatigue this semester with the decrease in technique sessions from when I was in Malta. As much as I try and make them up with extra curricular- a lot of classes clash with rehearsals or French, both of which I need.

After class I was straight on the train heading into a new end of Liverpool. I had never been here and LOVED seeing new scenery and the sky where it was still a red orange before it would be consumed into darkness in the next 30 minutes.

I found the Liverpool John Moores' campus and performance space where we will be in December. The theatre wasn't as nice as our one at Edge Hill yet the space was nice.

We began the session with guided improvisation as a warm up, a skill I need to keep practising as I get stuck on it when with new people (I am in a cast of 4- one girl I know as she graduated the year above me, and two people complete strangers). The more I let go, especially of my head, the more freeing and better it became. Fromm here- we were given tasks to create movement material and the layers upon it. I am excited to see where this piece develops to and to perform its final result. I am beyond proud and honoured to be asked to participate in such a piece. I was home by 10:30, showered and straight into bed after a quick meal.

Wednesday

I intended to do my food shop before University- but the theme of this week was me being tired (on reflection I can see how much my body shuts down when it is not as active as it normally is- I really have to push myself to be my most normal). 11-1 we had choreography class which was the best one we had so far. We got some nice phrase work done as a collective which showcases our talents and we watched Australian Dance Theatre's pieces which I think can really inspire my dissertation.

After the short break, it was onto third edge where I was asked if I wanted to lead an impromptu warm up. I didn't jump at the chance but will plan one and lead for next week with a range of things I have learnt from my time abroad. The class was really good and I enjoy it so much when I am there- everyday so proud of myself of how far I have come as I can really reflect back on myself in second year at these classes (and lack of) and now now in my fourth year. Straight after technique we had an audition for 'I do, a piece by 'wives tales' exploring the concept of marriage. Basically I got to run around and dance in a wedding dress. It honestly was the happiest day of my life, not quite but you know. I am so excited to begin the intensive for this and showcase the first performance in November. I also found out some new information on an upcoming music video I will be partaking in.

I am bad though, I never went to pole class. I figured I deserved a rest and became a little lazy. My version of lazy. I will be back next week as I did miss it.

Thursday

9-11 lecture ended up only being an hour and I STRUGGLED to get out of bed. I may have had 5 cups too many of tea before bed and things on my mind- but it would be ok if it meant I could write the next part of my proposal. Instead, we had a lecture on the library services and how to find research (which I have done for four years now). The session did give me time to start writing a dance CV and statement for my second gap year before my masters for dance courses. I am glad I had the time to do that, and meant I found work to do to make use of the lecture time. It is always helpful to know who is there and what the university provides but should be something taken for granted now we are in our final year.

Once home, I did a few mundane chores and then got ready for another job interview. I am finding the times I have free and knowing that saving now will help me later- especially as I now no longer have savings and have had my SFE cut by 2/3 a week before University. I am a proud person and as much as I know I have my familys' support want to balance the works/university scale and have enough money for life, social and extra training. I know not to overdo it as this is the most important year but I know that working alongside studying brings itself many important lessons. After the interview- which went well- I fell asleep I was EXHAUSED.

I woke up from my nap, spent some time with the flat and went to French class- where I came home to freshly baked cookies. I am really getting comfortable with the people I live with and am so lucky that I have them. They are lovely girls and through the dramas of the last few weeks have got close already.

French class was good, and I was more in tune with the topic of 'time and routine' than last weeks. I am confident I will be able to get by by the time I go to Madagascar.

Friday

Today was a very unrelated dance day. I was up early after another night of not sleeping the best and at Haydock racecourse. I do love working here and this time moved up a floor in the boxes- to the third floor and second most expensive. The customers I get in the boxes have always been so nice so far, and I have enjoyed my shifts though I am normally quite tired after. I ended up home by around 8:30 which was relatively early as the coaches were better today, meaning I had a bit of an evening to do some work and be productive. I have been struggling this week- having relaxed (which can be good) but that has driven me to really push myself again next week. I know the demands of the new week and how my body has been feeling, and now I have the wheel and gym to add to that.

Saturday

I was up relatively early for me and headed into town to get a new alan key for the wheel, after loosing the other but thanking god I had all the nuts and bolts. I was a bit scared Ormskirk wouldn't have any available but I found one, went back and fixed the wheel.

Its market day- didn't think this through. My friend came down and we carried it all the way to Uni getting loads of weird looks and 'hey that's a big hula hoop or a big game or netball'. It was a bit annoying towards the end but I realised we were kind of in a performance on the walk there anyway.

When there and attempting the basic waltz I realised it was not innate to me and I had to push through the frustration of being bad to get better. I did manage a few turns and know that once I overcome my fear of being off balance I will be alright. I felt I was more off balance than previous and then when filmed realised I was more held back. Its a slow work in progress.

After a short pracice session I went back home where I caught up on some emails and organising, before having a film and relaxed evening. I do struggle when I have spare time and feel its too late to go out. I did get invited to a music event but for specific reasons declined. I do hope to head down to London next month and hope that my schedule will allow me, as though I have the time to I tend to be working a random day in the middle meaning I do not have the gap to be there for a good enough time.

Sunday

It was the last day of the photo shoot, and I was quite productive during it. After laying out my company plan last night I was able to get through a few books of research and now have many more to get through. I don't mind having reading days. We were done by 4:30 and I finished up this blog and headed out for dinner. I am SO EXCITED to get back into the gym tomorrow and play on the wheel after jazz tomorrow.