Journey of a Dancer: Self-Reflections on Being a Professional Dancer

• Main Authors: Li-Yin Chen 陳俐穎, 陳俐穎
• Other Authors: Yunyu Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/766eeu

碩士 === 國立臺北藝術大學 === 舞蹈表演創作研究所碩士班 === 99 === I am thankful and honored that I had the opportunity to be a graduate student at Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA). During my two and a half years study in the department (2009-2011), I have discovered new and profound ways of learning and have come to appreciate being a student again after professionally dancing in North America. I had the opportunity to meet different talents around Taipei and knowledgeable teachers at school. Coming to study at TNUA has given me a great chance to slowly getting to know the dance society in Taiwan. It does make difference to be a graduate student after having a real professional dance career for six years. It helps me to think and learn through a different process. I have found that the challenge of being a performer has had a larger impact on me more than the other roles I play as a student, choreographer, or teacher. I strongly feel that I need to be more aware of the aspects of the dance profession than presently challenges me. The thesis consists of four chapters. In the first chapter, I begin with an overview of my personal background. The second chapter explores critical reflection on two aspects of my dance career: schooling and professionalism. The third chapter offers a review of my graduate performance process of working with the dancers and the choreographers. The fourth chapter describes a summary of my understanding of the different aspects needed to be a successful and perceptive dancer.