Multiple Intelligences - Where Do You Fit In?

My search for an inquiry subject has so far lead me from discussing how dance has become more about tricks than technique, to dance in competitions, to the changing of dance in the private sector, and now onto the acknowledgement of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner, H. 1983) in Dance Teaching, or something along those lines.

I touched on Howard Gardner's work while studying for my ISTD DDI Teaching Qualification and have always been interested in how we all fall under different categories and often used the excuse that I'm a 'Kinesthetic Learner ' so, therefore, rubbish at Math. (which is not necessarily true).

We touched on the subject again in Module 1 but I was concentrating more on the big ethical questions within dance teaching, so did not explore it further at that time. It is only now when I am looking for a subject that is relevant to my practice, will benefit myself and my students and also increase my knowledge for a future in Primary Education outside of Dance, I feel I can fully indulge my 'Wonders' and delve deeper into the theories and ideas behind Multiple Intelligencies.

Below are the 8 Intelligencies proposed by Howard Gardner, it's most likely that we all come under 2 or more intelligence, which compliments our transdisciplinary practices, but which Intelligence powers your practice?

Image (Study & Succeed, 2017)[online]

This diagram labels me as - Bodily-Kinesthetic quite clearly saying that a potential occupation for me is a dancer. But I also have Musical Rhythmic Intelligence, I can't play an instrument but I can Tap Dance (manipulating patterns in sound with my feet)  Spatial Intelligence is vital as a dancer and choreographer using the ability to read your own space and create a piece of work in a set space.

I also took an Online Test at - https://personalitymax.com/multiple-intelligences-test/

At this point, I am still reviewing the literature, and WOW there's a lot to look into, so I am not taking the above results as Gospel, but I find it interesting that my Kinesthetic traits are not as strong as I thought.

If you have 4 minutes to take the test I would love to hear your results in the comments along with what your practice is. [Link Above]

As a dance teacher in the private sector, the students that come to me will also fall under a number of intelligences. How can I acknowledge that while they have chosen to come to dance lessons, they may not have a natural Bodily-kinesthetic or Musical Rhythmic Intelligence? Is there a way to develop their skills using different techniques that will appeal to their personal intelligences? 

This is where my inquiry is taking me, I am finding some great scholars that I really resonate with, within the Dance Pedagogy Field and I'm looking forward to piecing it all together. 

Reference 

Image -Study & Succeed (2017). Multiple Intelligence. [image] Available at: https://studyandsucceed.com/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences/ [Accessed 21 Feb. 2019].

Image - Personality Max. (2019). Multiple Intelligences Test (Free) - Personality Max. [online] Available at: https://personalitymax.com/multiple-intelligences-test/ [Accessed 21 Feb. 2019].

Gardner, H. 1983 - Frames of Mind The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Is it dancing or just tricks?

One of the subjects that has always piqued my interest is the evolution of dance styles and what people perceive as being a dancer. At dance college, we all came from different dance backgrounds ISTD, IDTA, Disco Freestyle, Street and all had different levels of ability. But who determines who the best dancer is? 

This brings me to the BBC's newest talent programme, The Greatest Dancer. Dancers of all ages, styles, abilities perform in front of a studio audience and if they achieve 75% of the audience vote they are through to the next round. 

But what does a dancer have to do to receive a vote from an audience of mostly non-dancers?
By watching the programme, music choice does play a big part as well as doing something 'mainstream'! A group of dancing dads doing street dance got through instead of an experienced classical ballet dancer who had been performing for 15 years. The routines that are more aesthetically pleasing are considered better. At the point of judging who would come back as the final 9 dancers, one judge Oti Mabuse said " Is it dancing or just tricks?" when discussing a freestyle disco auditionee. 

Has dance become more about tricks? Is that now what an audience would expect to see? For many years I have found this quite frustrating, I personally trained in ballet, modern and tap, I could do a cartwheel and went to gymnastics at the age of 19 to master a walkover, but I'll admit I could not perform to the level now seen on TV. 



I worry that as a dance teacher, my students might get bored of the ISTD syllabus work and may prefer to replicate 'Dance Moms'. Continued Personal Development is integral to being a teacher, but does that now mean I have to learn to teach Acrobatics or Tumbling? 

However, if I was to ask a freestyle dance teacher their views, I'm sure they would see this as a positive and likely a boost to their business. 

While this isn't necessarily what I will propose as an inquiry topic, I wanted to note my thoughts and display how my thinking has started to change through this process. Having an unbiased view allows you to see things from more angles and to consider that sometimes your own opinions may obscure all the facts.

What are your thoughts? Is it all about Fouette turns and Illusions? 

Images Found at -

Image 1 -Shyla - https://tellymix.co.uk/gallery/390586-the-greatest-dancer-spoilers-first-look-at-this-weeks-latest-auditions.html

Image 2 - Yassaui Mergaliyev - (Photo: Tom Dymond/BBC/PA Wire)

Read more @: https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/greatest-dancer-debuts-against-the-voice-but-twitter-reaction-is-cool-as-great-dancer-misses-out/

Finding Focus

After our Skype call on Saturday, I was determined to make this week count. And in a flash its nearly over. Having read through the handbook for Module 2, I have spent some time mulling over possible Inquiry subjects and reflecting on how the last term went. 

As a dance teacher, looking to transition into primary education I am initially drawn to developing an injury plan that will support me in my next step. Expanding my current knowledge of teaching styles, understanding on motivation and explore discussions on discipline. However, I fear there may be many Ethical Considerations as I will possibly want to observe lessons and watch other teachers styles etc and this may be difficult with minors. I may also adjust how I teach to see if it has an effect on my students, which may be Ethically incorrect. I am still interested in a literature review of these subjects but may have to discuss a possible inquiry with my supervisor.

I am also interested in the career guidance and progression available to dancers, I have a network of dance associates from the past and present so am already thinking of ways I could interview them. However, I'm not sure how much 'Theory ' is on this subject and if I may be making it difficult for myself.

I feel that some of the discourses I mapped out in Module 1 are very big questions, such as body image and suitability of material and music found in the media for young audiences, I will wait to hear my feedback and then maybe break these down and make them more relevant to me and see if anything emerges that is Inquiry worthy.

I have set myself little goals this term, such as keeping on top of my reflection journal, making sure I manage my time efficiently and starting to get things down on paper sooner rather than later giving me more time to see what I might be missing. I'm also looking forward to re-connecting with everyone through our blogs, in order to share thoughts and ideas.

In order to Find My Focus in general, I am a list writer, specifically with coloured pens and timelines. 

How do you Find Your Focus?