Current hurdles and my practice

I began the week reading through the module 1 handbook. As you all know the concepts can be quite confusing/ hard to get your head around especially because I am so out of practice academically (due to 3 years of professional dance training, which didn't involve too much writing). Despite this, one section has stood out so far- how access, resources and participation are linked and how they effect the journey of individual growth and creativity.

In resent years the creation of web 2.0 has improved the majority's (those who are fortunate enough to have access to the technology) ability to interact and therefore learn from each other. 

When reading through this initial section (page 34-36) one thought kept nagging at me- how do encountering external challenges affect our practice? Especially in the light of the current economical situation most artists find ourselves in- having to undertake 'normal' jobs to afford travel to auditions and classes, and in most cases keep a roof over their heads. This problem, which is no secret, has worsened in the resent months. For many performers this financial strain has impacted their mental health, physical wellbeing and the structure of their lives. This could lead to many people finding that their practice has changed into something different and unique.

In these few pages I noticed a correlation between money, infrastructure, and skills. Financial support is important in gaining the technology (along with advancing it) and having a safe infrastructure (both physical and social) to develop skills which will, if made into a career, earn money. However, there are innovative ways to get around the problems.

There is a stigma/ stereotype that only people who are comfortable financially will attend dance lessons because they can afford to set aside this money to train. We know this may not be the case, as many of us do need help to attend classes. Initially, I would say that by being financially comfortable you will have more exposure to the arts and the routes to pursue it as a career. This is true to some degree, however with the invention of web 2.0 and 3.0 we are now able to access many articles and videos from classes to shows- now more than ever. The routes to professional training are accessible and clear, however one financial burden is travel to auditions and the audition fee, which will mean lost opportunities for many.

 A positive that has come out of COVID 19 is creativity and a feeling of togetherness in regards with many supporting each other emotionally. Thanks to web 2.0 we have been able to organise and engage in online classes, and projects, watching shows for a fraction of the price, each of these acting as a support system for the community, maybe not so much financially but socially and mentally which at times can be more important. Throughout this strange time, artists have used their creativity to connect with others too and have come up with some inventive ideas to find a way around the situation. 

Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies have helped to spark a change in this industry, in some ways it could be for the better. Initial rounds for auditions have moved online which cuts costs for travel and  accommodation; along with making the audition more accessible to a wide range of people. For example, if you are working 9-5, 5 days a week, you could be reluctant to attend a weekday audition. This way you can film yourself dancing after your shift and still be given a chance to attend a recall in person. This can also be good for people who become extremely anxious in auditions, as it would be done in the comfort of their home. However, this would only work if the technology you have is suitable and you have a Wi-Fi connection.

 I would like to research more about the support systems in place later on in my study and how people from different backgrounds overcome these hurdles and what I can do to help. This makes me think how lucky we all are to have access to technology that allows us to communicate from afar. I wonder would creativity and artistry not be given the chance to bloom if you have less money and access to some opportunities. Or would it be the opposite- does creativity come from adapting to hurdles thrown in our way?