DANCE MASTERS
Students encouraged to be inquisitive in their art form as part of new initiative
In many professions, sheer hard work and refinement of skills don't ensure a successful career. But a sound knowledge of your profession, creativity, originality and the ability to find solutions to work problems are qualities needed to improve your performance.
These theories can also be applied to the successful career of a professional dancer. Expressing precisely a choreographer's feelings through various forms of body moments and frequent practice may not be enough to become a top dancer. He, or she, must combine hard physical work with creative thoughts to achieve a higher level of professional performance.
The Academy for Performing Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance aims to enhance, not only students' performance skills but also their knowledge of dance, critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Local graduates are expected to contribute by creating original works and establishing new dance identities for Hong Kong.
'Our students are encouraged to be curious and inquisitive in their art form,' said Paulette Cote, head of academic studies in dance/MFA (dance) co-ordinator. 'Through our programme, students will gain the knowledge, skills and attitude to contribute significantly to their profession, regardless of the area of specialisation they choose.'
Students in the programme major in one of the three main streams - ballet, contemporary dance or Chinese dance. They can also take up minor courses such as tap dance or jazz dance. These students will be committed to future careers as either a performer, choreographer or educator.
Dr Cote said as part of its master's degree, students would discover new ways of learning and teaching, representing reflective pedagogy - a breakaway from the traditional form of teaching.
'Teachers were the centre and students received knowledge [from them] in the old teaching method. But under our new format, students are asked to reflect on their own experience and link with educational theories. They learn to use what they know.
'At first they may have little confidence in themselves and not be sure what they can contribute. But in their choreographic studies, they learn to create, choreograph, appreciate and interpret dance through the new ways.
She said students would also benefit from learning in an international environment with their classmates coming from Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Brazil and Australia.
'Most of our students are already professionals. They are taking their time off to study at the academy. They will likely return to their careers.' One of the students runs a dance school, another from China is in the choreography stream. Four other full-time mainland students are teaching in a conservatory.
Asked if the programme was intended to nurture more talent for the future development of the West Kowloon Cultural District, she replied that it was difficult to say as the programme was only in its second year.
'All our students have great passion for dance, are highly motivated to do well and are seriously committed to their future careers. We would anticipate that the local students who are not already employed as professional artists might seek employment in the professional bodies, schools and institutions that offer career options.'
The two-year master's degree was introduced in September 2006. Anita Donaldson, dean of the school of dance, contributed significantly to the establishment of the programmes. She wants to develop a science stream for dance through disciplines such as physiology and cognitive developments with social psychology.
