During the 5 month preparation process leading to the performance of the UNITE Dance Concert, 2021, I was presented with a range of challenges and commitments that enabled me to develop a range of skills and capabilities. However most notably, throughout the choreographic process and the performances, a key capability in which I experienced personal growth was collaboration. As part of the personal elective I participated in, ‘Dance Technique’, during Semester 1, 2021, my classmates and I were tasked with assisting with the choreographic process of two pieces for the upcoming concert. We worked alongside our teacher, Kara Beatty, within our Contemporary style, and guest choreographer Matthew Holiday – who challenged us to work in an alternate style, Hip Hop.
We employed a range of strategies during this process to ensure we collaborated effectively, not only with the other dancers but with the leading choreographers. Firstly, we focused on developing effective communication techniques within our group, which proved vital to our collaborative efforts. Our group would sit in a circle and individually share our views and ideas, learning to clearly express our ideas and listen to others. After this discussion, we participated in various exercises, occasionally lead by our various choreographers, to develop the choreography needed. By communicating in a diplomatic and respectful manner, we were able to have the discussions and shared creative input necessary to collaboratively create our pieces for the concert.
Secondly, we utilized Microsoft Teams as a collaborative medium, keeping us organized and an alternative form of communication. Videos of the choreography were uploaded within the ‘Files’ tab so that any members absent from the group could learn anything they missed and provide their feedback on the work. Additionally, the ‘Chat’ function enabled us to collaborate on any ideas, discussing choreographic devices, and design elements within our pieces to convey our choreographic intent – as well as keeping all group members informed about any relevant information. This ensured our group could collaborate effectively throughout the process.
