Each week following an artist's post, reflection questions and research ideas will get posted. These are aimed towards college level courses (senior seminar, composition, dance education, and more), but of course anyone can read the postscript and find thought-provoking questions and activities.

Research: Role Models in Dance

Valerie mentioned about a dozen influential artists in her life, as well as key dance organizations such as the American Dance Festival. Review this section of the blog post again. Which names and places are familiar to you? Select 3 artists/organizations mentioned that you are unfamiliar with and do some reading on the internet about them.

Second, consider who are your role models in modern dance, whether they are teachers, dancers you personally know, or icons within dance.

Reflect: The Act of Performing

Valerie wrote about her current performance experiences as, "Now it's much more about communicating, about sharing something that we've taken time and care and thought and practice to create." Consider two of your current projects, or projects from the recent past. Reflect on the ideas of communication, sharing, time, and care. You can reflect on your own or discuss within a class.

Discuss: Advice on Teaching

Within a dance education course, re-read together Valerie's section on advice to young dancers on teaching. What are some "take aways" from this section? If you are currently teaching, answer the question, "What do you love about teaching?" If you are considering heading into teaching, consider, "What might I love about teaching? Why teach?"

Dialogue: Gifts as a Dancer

"Discover, know, name, and value your particular gifts as a dancer." Putting modesty aside for a few moments, journal about your gifts as a dancer. Consider your technical and virtuosic skills, performance skills, strengths as a choreographer, strengths as a movement generator….consider teaching, costume design, marketing, community connections, writing, and more. 

Find some time to discuss these ideas with a college professor, advisor, mentor, or close friend.

Ask this person to share back to you what he/she thinks are your gifts as a dancer.

While this conversation may feel hard to do, it is a valuable exercise to reflect and own your talents as an artist.