Planning my research project

It was great to get back in touch via skype on Sunday. Now I need to get back into ‘the zone’, after focusing on the beginning a new, and very busy, term at my school. I have been mulling over numerous ideas for my research project since starting Module one back in October, but, never having attempted anything like this before, I wasn’t sure if my ideas were suitable for this MA. I am very interested in researching whether, as dance teachers in local dance schools, we can provide a safe and creative environment for ALL children, regardless of body shape, physical facility, and rhythmic and memory cognition, to gain confidence and self-esteem, as well as enjoy, and gain skills in, varied forms of dance, specifically classical ballet. My concerns are, that against a background of curriculum, examinations, competitions and auditions, in a ‘world’ where aesthetics are paramount, that we are setting children up for disappointment, or the feeling of ‘never being quite good enough’.

After the skype on Sunday, I realised my ideas were relevant, and the discussion that followed opened up more angles that I could approach this subject from.  We discussed how I would have to challenge my own perceptions of what being a dancer means, as well as look at the perceptions of pupils and their parents. I could also look at how or if there has been a shift in values, and can dance be a more embodied experience in this environment?

I am now very excited to get going! I’m not really sure how to start though – probably do the tasks in the module handbook and order some books on how to plan a research project!