When we deny it, we grow cold and empty” The film Strictly Ballroom, which is directed by Baz Lurhmann, demonstrates many aspects of belonging and not belonging including alienation and rejection, which focuses on the two main characters Scott and Fran, and also the conflict of cultures, where two worlds come together and collide. Scott is an expert dancer who has been dancing since he was six. He is very sexy, and this is illustrated through his clothing and his soothing actions. Although Scott comes across as a confident and even comfortable person, he actually feels alienated and rejected when he is told by Barry Fife “You can dance your own steps, but it doesn’t mean you’ll win.” On the contrary, we have Fran. A beginner dancer, who dances with a girl and does not fit in.
The competencies exercise revealed my top strengths to be leading, cooperating, coping with pressure, networking, taking initiative and innovating. I am someone who enjoys leading and developing others to achieve results. I can improve upon my critical thinking skills by knowing my strengths and accepting my weaknesses. This will also help with evaluating arguments in a meaningful way. When one knows their competencies they can step up and utilize their strengths and leverage others when needed.
ESSAY Every human being belongs or strives to belong to exclusive groups as it is a part of our human nature. Belonging to certain groups comes with benefits but also inevitable costs. An individual’s identity can be compromised, but, as well can be shaped by the influence of belonging. We are constantly changing and growing from the different groups that we become a part of until we move on to another, from which we gain an understanding about our own identities. Belonging to certain groups has its benefits, by which we gain a sense of security, confidence and the feeling of having a place in this world.
Unlike Disney’s Beauty and the Beast where we see the animated characters and music, in this ballet we can understand just by the simple movements the dancers are portraying by using their body and facial expressions for us as the audience to understand the plot of the story. 4. What are the “politics of gender” in Beauty and the Beast? I would have to say that beauty is in every living soul, which is why the “politics of gender” in this ballet. Instead of watching what roles males and females are playing we focus more on the way politics of gender govern the practice of beauty.
The ability of a ballet dancer is not only to dance with their body, but to train with their mind just as a great mathematician would. The key to success in the dance world is to combine one’s strength, intelligence, and heart. By doing this, one is certain to create remarkable performance. One example of the mathematics of Ballet is symmetry. A ballet dancer must always be very focused on the precise line of symmetry needed to perform adequately. This perfect symmetry is demonstrated through first position, when the dancer’s feet are turned out below them, heels touching.
In Fuller’s definition of modern dance she said that she allowed herself to get caught up in the emotion until her body feels as though “… life is suspended or even leaves the body altogether.” Wigman was often said to seem possessed during her performances. The grotesque motions that had captured the public eye and created her fame spawned from letting the energy of the sensation take over her body to create deeply existential experiences for both the audience and the dancer. Fuller started out as an actress in Vaudeville plays. Her background in theater greatly influenced the style of modern dance she was known for. She spoke of ignoring the conventional style of dance and to act on instinct alone.
Belonging is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. Sharing of similar values and morality between an individual and the community in which they reside, enriches their sense of belonging as a result of expectations being met. Complete conformity ensures an individual’s membership to a group or unity, therefore enhancing their sense of belonging. Individuals who do not conform to the norms and conventions of the society in which they reside are denied membership, and as a result, live a life of isolation and fail to belong. These comparative experiences of belonging prevail through Raimond Gaita’s memoir Romulus My Father, and Ed Sheeran’s song lyrics The A Team.
Gogol satirizes a society that is infatuated with the social status. Like other people in the city, Kovalev is also obsessed with the title, valuing his creditable titles such as “Master”, and “Collegiate Assessor”. His obsession with the title is relevant to his obsession with the nose. When Kovalev finally finds his nose, he shows a humble attitude towards the nose, which is contrasted with a nonchalant attitude of the nose. It shows that he cannot hold his high social position without the nose.
“Feathers” Q. Identify your interpretation of the main conflict and use appropriate literary vocabularies to describe the conflict, and say why you think this conflict is central/main. In “Feathers,” the contrast between the couples is a source of conflict, as is the trip to Bud’s house, and the supper Jack and Fran has at Bud’s place. However, the real, motivating conflict is predominately internally/psychologically-based that exists within Jack. It is that Jack lacks ambition and determination to step out of his comfort zone and alter his lifestyle with Fran.
Without relationships who would we be, what would we do and where would we belong? Relationships eminently seem to be the foundation of belonging, whether it is in a family, friendship, romance or otherwise. Relationships are able to enrich our identity and sense of belonging which can therefore lead to acceptance and understanding. Consequently, belonging can also have the ability to have negative repercussions for individuals involved in these relationships. ‘The Sandwich Generation’ by Julie Winokur and Ed Kashi as well as ‘Feliks Skrzynecki’ by Peter Skrzynecki both outline the understanding of belonging and what it means for those involved in the relationships.