Literature

I have started investigating literature relating to my line of inquiry and I have come across a series of articles produced by www.communitydance.org.uk which are very informative. I particulary like this article http://www.communitydance.org.uk/DB/animated-library/conflict-content-and-context-in-the-ageing-body.html?ed=14041  where the author has literally created a piece of reflection on her creative practice which deals with the ageing performer but also talks about older teachers that have inspired the author. It also lists other articles, pieces of literature which are relevant to this topic, so I am looking forward to further reading.

More to come.....

Task 4a- Questions,questions,questions??

Having spent the last week pondering over my questions and which line of enquiry I was going to follow, I think I have finally made my decision. Having spoken to Alan yesterday, it became clear to me that I needed to focus on a line on enquiry that would be of benefit to me in developing MY professional practice.

I have, therefore decided to pursue the topic of the mature teacher. I am hoping to learn from this how people perceive the older dance teacher, both students and younger teachers, and also maybe challenge my own thoughts on how the more mature teacher is perceived.

Therefore:-

• Do older dance teachers command more respect from the students? Do they command respect from younger teachers? Should older teachers EXPECT to have more respect shown to them?

• What are perceived by mature teachers as the pro's and cons of being older?

• How do younger teachers perceive older ones and vice versa?

• Is physical ability essential to be a good teacher or are limitations acceptable?

• Should age be seen as a negative in a teacher/choreographer?

• Why do many advertisements for teaching vacancies apply an upper age limit?

I am certain that more questions will develop as I start to speak to other colleagues. I am not certain how many other students on the course may find this line of enquiry relevant to them, but I will be using other teaching friends and colleagues as targets for my enquiry.

Please feel free to comment on the relevance to you and your teaching. Thank you !