30 part deux

Following a good response from people regarding the previous post (30), I have further formulated a plan on what I want this piece to be about.

It seems to me that there are issues regarding and pressures put upon women's lives in a way that is not the case when it comes to men's lives. Of course this isn't exclusive to women aged 30, but it's still a milestone age and therefore some of the issues and pressures arise or become more prominent when a woman hits this age.

So here's what I'm asking: can you write one sentence (or more if you want) giving your thoughts or opinion on what an issue or kind of pressure might be? Even if you're not sure, just a few words on what you think could possibly may be an issue will do!

X d
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30

Some of you may be aware that last September I turned thirty. "So what?", you may ask. "Big deal". Well, that's what I thought until it happened. It's just a number and it shouldn't affect me really. But it did. So I decided to deal with it by turning it into a positive thing, i.e. create a piece about it. Here's what I'm asking of you, dear friends, family and colleagues:

Have you recently turned thirty? What difference did it make in how you see yourself or how you see the world around you? What did you expect before turning thirty and to what extend were your expectations met? How much do you think conventional ideas about youth and age have affected you in relation to being thirty?

Is thirty a distant memory? How do you remember behaving when you first passed the threshold of thirty? What advice would you give me or anyone else turning thirty? Does being older really make you wiser? If yes, how?

Are you so young that thirty seems ages away? Have you set yourself goals to achieve by the time you turn thirty? What are they? What's your understanding of age? How do you view people who are thirty and over?

Same deal as always, you can post anonymously if you want. Stories and anecdotes are especially welcome, as are thoughts, ideas and all sorts of philosophical ramblings.

xxx
Despina

Beddiquette

"Piece By Piece’s Beddiquette is a playful adventure into the journey of sleep. Opening with the skilled portrayal of the waking of a ‘not a morning person’, Steven Murphy’s movement captures that precious state between sleep and slumber. Completing the sequence on the floor, the mix of isolated body movement blended with elegant extension, suggests the disgruntled emergence from sleep. Creative use of props; a duvet, and comical detailing combine to achieve an encompassing insight into the world of sleep."Catherine Hooper

New project - please contribute!

The days are getting longer and the temperature has risen to above hibernation levels, so I thought it's time to make a new piece! It's hopefully for this July, but it all depends on the input of friends and colleagues.

So here's the deal: The starting point is bed etiquette. I would love honest anecdotes, habits, funny or serious, pleasant or unpleasant experiences etc. From the mundane to the downright crazy, anything you have will be most useful. As always, honesty is the key. You can contribute anonymously (unless you're dying to tell me who you are) by posting a comment to this blog.

Thank you all for reading and for contributing.

x Despina

Sometimes a twitter update just isn't enough. It just isn't. So here's the rant...

Places on dance degree courses are limited. People audition, and some get rejected. Some people who are really passionate might get rejected, because there are not enough places for them - and perhaps there happened to be others, better trained, maybe a bit more coherent or articulate in their personal statements or interviews, or with better A Level results, who got on the course instead. Then what?

How can someone with a dance degree not love dance? Why did they waste three years? Why not just study retail management or something, if that's all you aspire to? I get that not everyone is gonna make a career out of dance - it's a tough world, the one we enhabit. But come on! Do something with yourself! There are so many skills, so much broad knowledge we've gained from our course - apply it to better yourself! Oh, but hang on... you didn't do the same course as me, did you? Mine was one of classes and rehearsals, sweat and hard work, fun and laughs, creativity and inspiration, menthol fags and vending machine snacks. In the studio until 9pm Monday to Friday, 5pm on weekends - maybe 5:30 if the security guard felt generous! Yours was one of minimum input, let's sit this one out cos my little finger aches, if I sweat my make up might run!

I'll make one thing clear. This is not about people who have had to take on work that is unrelated to dance because of lack of dance opportunities. Or because of family obligations, or because of life demanding that they do. It's about those who waste perfectly good space on limited courses, when they don't really wanna be there, don't love it, don't work and sometimes make others' grades drop through failing to pull their weight in group work.

Rant over. Thanks for reading, comments and/or disagreements most welcome!

D