Three-Part Reflection

1) Reflecting on the Overall DMA Course

I began the DMA course with what I would consider average new-media and technological skills, or at least I would say that I had a basic understanding of such mediums. I began with knowing how to work online using social media sites, and internet researching skills. Also, I had had some experience in the past working with image, video and audio (such as iMovie, MovieMaker, Audacity, and some experiencing editing images). Most of my knowledge and skill base came from having to learn media skills for academic coursework (for instance, I took a Radio and T.V. Media elective in high school, where I learned how to use  most of the programs I mentioned above). Before starting the course, however, I would consider myself to be media illiterate in some regards. In fact, my view of new-media and technology was somewhat negative and cynical before starting the course. In reality, I had intentionally avoided learning how to use more complex media and technology programs, because part of me likes to cling to old fashioned and simplistic ways. Therefore, there existed several programs and resources that we learned about and utilized in the course that I had no prior knowledge of, and certainly had no idea how to go about working with such media. After working with creating a website and blog, utilizing and exploring bookmarking sites (ex. StumbleUpon) looking at interactive sites, watching videos and tutorials, and acquiring skills in image, audio, and video composition software like Pixlr, Audacity, and Camtasia, I discovered that working effectively online as well as with new-media is not as intimidating as it seems. At times, I certainly found my interactions with the web and the programs a bit tedious and confusing, but when I truly just followed the instructions (especially the tutorials) and kept learning by trial and error, the work was manageable. I would certainly agree that my view of new media changed by the end. I went from avoiding new media, having only a small understanding and appreciation for it, to actually using it as a creative and educational outlook. I surprisingly found myself enjoying composing in new forms that I am not ordinarily accustomed to. In fact, I found it refreshing to use new-media as another means for me to express myself other than through dance, the performing arts, speech, and writing. I discovered how new media is a good fit or form for me to work with, because I am a kinesthetic and visual learner. I like being able to communicate in ways that involve the senses and that involve me physically doing something. Therefore, I liked how hands-on I had to be when working with new-media composition programs, and I enjoyed deciding the kind of aesthetic or visual presentation I wanted to convey. Basically, a whole new means of expression was presented to me through new-media composition, and it has definitely encouraged and influenced me to want to learn and do more with new-media. For instance, I would like to learn more about audio composition and editing as well as image and video composition and editing. I like the programs that we used in DMA, like Audacity, Pixlr, and Camtasia, because they are easily accessible for the novice like me, or for the general public. They are self-explanatory and practical. I would like, however, to work with more advanced programs one day, perhaps, especially on software made for professional photography, audio, and film work. Even if I do not become an expert, I would be interested in at least being exposed to new programs and merely seeing how they work (especially to witness the process of producing and editing a film). Moreover, I agree that by keeping on track with current new-media knowledge and training, I could become more self-motivated to develop more and stronger new-media skills. If I am being honest, though, I will admit, that I knowing myself, I will probably get caught up in the things that I normally spend my time on, and will most likely not go out of my way to learn and perfect my abilities in various media forms. I hope, however, that I will take the information and training I now have from this class, and at least apply it to further my education and career at UNCSA and beyond, at least, enhancing my abilities as a professional artist. For instance, I would like to take the knowledge I have on maintaining a website and blog, and using audio, image, and video programs to work on my own (or with others) on creative projects. In particular, I would one day like to have my own professional website, YouTube channel with my choreography and performances, and to be able to edit my own music and sound effects as well as my own dance reals, and more. Therefore, I believe that I will take my new-found appreciation and understanding for new media, along with some of the basic skills I acquired, to seek to improve my experiences as an artist and a student.

2) Reflecting on a Selection of Spring Semester Courses

Going into this semester, I did not originally think that these four courses (DMA, English Composition II, Music Perspectives I, and M1A Contemporary Technique) would share so much in common. The biggest connection I can make between all of them is how they involve work, and how really what I get out of the class is how much effort I put into them. In fact, even for my dance class, it isn't just about showing up, but it is about doing the work outside of class. For technique class, studying is involved just like doing research for DMA, English Composition II, and Music Perspecties involves. All four courses require me to investigate new material and to apply them. In DMA I would research and then compose in text and in new-media form; in English Composition II, I would research in web and print sources and then compose in text as well as share my opinions in class discussion. In Music Perspectives I, I would either research, read a textbook, or watch or listen to a performance to then compose my work. In my everyday technique class, although the material was given to me, it was up to me to be able to execute someone else's composition in the appropriate way that my body could compose the movement. Additionally, I discovered that in all of the classes, I was constantly being exposed to new material, resources, and activities that I knew little about before coming to this school. For instance, in my dance class, I was learning a new style of technique, in DMA I was working with new-media programs I did not know how to use previously, in English Composition II, I was reading from various genres of literature and various author's I had never been exposed to, and in Music Perspectives I , I discovered new music theory, history, and exercises. In all of these classes, I found challenges that I had to overcome. I discovered that the best way to learn was by doing, and I appreciated how although I could watch and listen in all of these classes, the most effective way I learned was by participating. All of the courses involved daily or regular practice, and therefore, they taught me discipline. In all, the classes taught me more about the arts, how to communicate better and to present myself, and really they taught me more about myself (my viewpoints, my response to change, and my work ethic and methods). I am grateful to have taken these courses and to see the inter-connectedness and usefulness of the courses, and I look forward to future courses throughout my time at UNCSA.

3) Reflecting on the School Year

I created this image as a symbolic way to represent my school year. The image consists of multiple layers of photos taken this past school year, since I have been at UNCSA. One of images is of my M1A class (meaning Modern 1A), who are the first year college Contemporary dancers at UNCSA. Another is a picture of me and a group of UNCSA students at the Color Run,where we volunteered, and two other pictures were taken on my spring brea in Miami, Florida (the one of me standing on a kayak in a life jacket with outstretched arms, and the other is a dance pose at the beach). I chose all of these images specifically, because I wanted to demonstrate the kind of lifestyle I have started since coming to UNCSA this year. The class picture is to represent the tight-knit community--especially of the dancers, and each class of dancers--that exists here, and how I have now become part of a new community since coming to school. Additionally, the kayaking picture and the color run image are there to represent adventure, and how this school year, I have constantly been able to try new things. Simply moving away from home and being at UNCSA is an adventure in itself. Additionally, the dance picture I choose of me on the beach is to represent my love for dance and how this school year, for me, has obviously been surrounded by dance. Also, the pose I am doing as well as the pose with the outstretched arms are both vulnerable and embracing the outdoors and sunshine. I choose those images with those poses because they show me being expressive, vulnerable, and ready to embrace something. The meaning I would like to share from this is that this year has been a year of countless of changes, a transition year, and I hope and believe that I have sought to soak it up--like I'm soaking up the sun in some of the images--, taking every opportunity and experience from my education here with a willing and open heart, mind, soul, body, and spirit.