Essay Of Studies

Jiamond Watson
Mr. Swinson
AP English 11
October 7, 2014 Essay “Of Studies” In the Dance Department curriculum it states that, “A rigorous professional teaching approach equips dance majors physically and mentally to pursue a dance career.” Reading that statement as an incoming freshman, I would assume that I would gain in delight, ornament, and ability. Now as a rising senior, I believe that the dance department equips their dancers in delight and ability but not in ornament. According to Francis Bacon, “delight is in privateness and retiring…” Dance is primarily a self-driven art form. As a dancer, I improve on my own, without a team effort involved. As a junior in the dance department, it is rare to be in the level 4 with the senior class. I moved up quickly in the dance department because my teachers quickly instilled in us as freshman that, “Students are to demonstrate their tenacity in their own development of body vocabulary, physical execution of movements, body dynamics and nuance characteristics through daily studio technical work, and an evaluation/assessment process.” Ability to perform the instructions given to you can enable you to make your own decisions in your art from. In a choreographed dance, similar to driving, you have to be constantly aware of the mistakes happening around you and how they affect you. When you have been taught to be aware of the things around you for three years, then you have to be able to adjust your path or position on the stage when someone falls and skips a step. Mistakes are not choreographed but because I have been taught to anticipate them and counteract the mistakes. I have not been cultivated in ornament, I do not believe that in three years, I have learned enough in the dance department to make my art form an accessory to my career or brand. As a dancer, I need to be able to brand my talent to have sustainable career in any aspect of dance. I don’t believe I have enough information to have a successful career by marketing myself alone. In the dance department, as a rising senior, I believe that I have only been prepared in ability, and delight but not in ornament. Dance is primarily a self-driven career, so in conclusion, I need to gain more in ornament in order to have a successful career.