module 3- initial thoughts and topic questions

 Starting back into module 3 is extremely daunting but I am interested to find out how I manage with the new challenge of conducting the inquiry. For my inquiry topic I will be researching literature to aid future analysis and interviewing 5 self- identified professional dancers/ people who have trained at a full time dance school, about the topic of self-belief and performance. I am a professional dancer (specialising in Jazz/ MT), currently lucky enough to have been working this year throughout COVID. Prior to getting my first professional contract, believing in myself and as an artist has been challenged along with trusting my own artistic instincts and individuality both on and off stage. From reflecting on module 2, I have come to the realisation that self-belief isn't just a singular entity but instead intertwines and weaves between multiple different aspects like trust, confidence, motivation, performance, success/ failure- among others.

My first course of action is to continue my desk based research to further explore my topic for inquiry (self-belief and performance). I will also research how to word interview questions and refresh semi-structured interviews so that I am prepared for my interviews beginning of October. Then I will write my literature review and collect data via interviews alongside this. 

Whilst writing this blog multiple questions came to mind that I thought I would note down:

Is acceptance and trust key features to supporting high self-belief/ stable self-belief levels? How can we nurture this trait to improve self-belief and confidence? What can be considered aspects of self belief? 

Does self-belief levels determine self-identified successes, no matter how big or small? What is the relationship between these two characteristics (self-belief and performance)? 

What is it about environments (people/ relationships, attitudes, atmosphere, processes, terminology, teaching methods, auditions, rehearsals, performances)that affect an individuals self-belief and performance? What is ideal in these cases to increase levels of self-belief, confidence, trust etc. and therefore possibility for success?

What do professionals do to self-help/ improve their own self-confidence? Explore recommendations  by others that can help improve self-belief and performance. 

Why is the state of mind/ mental health so important/ how does it affect a person/ can be helped? Explore the thought that a negative relationship between self-belief and performance creates the mindset that any effort is futile, affecting job application and motivation to train, apply, network. what creates negative perception? (rejection, judgement etc.) 

 Explore the atmosphere of consistent judgement and pressure on people. 

explore how being trained in multiple disciplines (dance, acting, singing, other ) enhance, inhibit or not affect a performer. How can multiple disciplines inform/ not inform a professionals performance and view of themselves, and aid/ not aid their success?

Is the route to better self-belief external or internally sourced, or both? 

How can reward and punishment impact performance and self-belief? How does the concept of discipline in dance training and how discipline is used effect a dancers sense of self and their self-belief? Are certain methods favoured over others? describe the effects that different teaching styles and approaches have on performance. 

Initial Questions Of Inquiry from module 2:

-  how does fear, competition and observation of others affect the self-identified professional dancer’s self-belief and performance? The effect of the environment of auditions, training and shows

- if there really is a link between self-belief and performance

- experiences that dancers encounter in a professional environment and training that affects (both positively and negatively) self-belief and performance levels; and how these two stages of a dancer’s career compare