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3- Robyn’s Jazz

Reflection Log :

Robyn’s Jazz number 

Session Summary:

In this lesson, we focused on catching up with other year groups by learning the high-energy choreography for Robyn’s opening jazz number to “Big Time,” an orchestral jazz track. Robyn did a great job breaking down the movements into sections, which helped us absorb the choreography more easily. I really appreciated that we started by learning the piece with lyrics rather than counts. Even though I rushed in some parts, I was able to match the moves with the lyrics. For example, the double turn into a pointed finger and lunge finish happened on the lyric "make them wait," and the next lunge with the left arm out and right arm low was on "always late." This approach helped me follow along better.

From the beginning, we were encouraged to focus on performance, and Robyn was excellent at drawing that out, even when I started feeling fatigued toward the end.

Personal Reflection:
One of my biggest challenges during the lesson was stamina. As we repeated the routine, I found that my performance worsened with each run. Robyn reminded us that building stamina is crucial for a career in the performance industry, where being able to keep up and be reliable is a key skill for reemployment and staying on track.

When I got fatigued, I struggled to maintain the details Robyn had emphasized, like holding a deeper jazz fourth position and keeping my arms and shoulders in front during jazz arm lines. There was a lot of focus on timing and placement, and because I’m catching up with the other year groups, it felt stressful trying to pick everything up quickly. However, Robyn reminded us that the industry doesn’t offer the luxury of long rehearsal periods. We have to learn how to adapt and pick things up under pressure, which will be valuable when we step into professional work.

I also want to use this routine for my showreel module, so getting the stylistic details right is important for showcasing that classical musical theatre style.

Research:

To improve my stamina as a dancer, it’s not just about running the routine repeatedly. Cross-training, interval training, and strengthening exercises for the core and legs are all essential for building general fitness and preventing injury. Mental conditioning, like visualization and breathing exercises, can help maintain focus and energy during long performances.

I wanted I find out why just running a dance repetitively isn’t enough to build good stamina, and this explanation was very useful: 


‘One reason is that repetition is limiting not only the muscles that are engaged, but the intensity of that engagement too. It’s sort of like when you watch a movie over and over again. The second or third time you watch it, you don’t have to pay attention as much or work as hard to know what’s going on in the plot. After repeating your dance routine a few times, your body starts to get used to it and relies on the familiarity of the movements; your body doesn’t have to work as hard, so it doesn’t’ (MacNichol, 2024)


Proper nutrition and hydration also play a key role in sustaining energy throughout rehearsals and shows.

According to studies the following foods help battle fatigue:

  1. Vitamin B12: clams, mussels, crabs, dairy products, eggs
  2. Folic acid: dark leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits
  3. Vitamin C: strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, oranges, broccoli, tomatoes
  4. Magnesium: nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains
  5. Zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, shellfish, legumes

Adding theses into my diet and making sure I eat healthy will definitely improve my stamina through this rehearsal process. 

Action Plan for Next Lesson:

  • Take detailed notes during class to refer back to when recapping.
  • Incorporate running the routine into my weekly practice schedule.
  • Focus on core and upper body strengthening exercises.
  • Ensure I’m doing proper warm-ups and cool-downs before rehearsals.
  • Make sure I am properly preparing nutritional meals

REFERENCES:

MacNichol, B. (2024). Building Stamina as a Dancer: Beyond Running the Routine Over and Over Again. [online] BodyKinect. Available at: https://www.bodykinect.org/post/building-stamina-as-a-dancer-beyond-running-the-routine-over-and-over-again.

Krans, B. (2015). Foods That Beat Fatigue. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-beat-fatigue.

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