Ethics for the greater 'Good'

ETHOS: (Greek Word)
the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

This week I have been looking into the matter of Ethics; I believe a term that we take for granted a lot of the time, since the nature of our practice in Dance/ Performing Arts lies firmly within rules of discipline and perfection (classical dance especially) . That is indeed a strong asset to acquire in society, as moral values in a professional environment are highly valued by employers. 

By studying Reader 5, focusing Professional Ethics, I now have a better understanding on what the term really means and the many possibilities and differences there are in way of approaching issues ethically, which is what makes it a debatable subject among society. Due to the differences in beliefs, upbringing, religion, values, it will be difficult to get a 'right or wrong' answer. As it is described in Reader 5, it is the 'grey areas' that we need to investigate and take into consideration when working on our Professional Inquiry, and these are the ethics that influence our lives, culture, media and eventually our future.

To begin with there are three basic Groups when looking at ethics.

Personal Ethics

Professional Ethics

Organisational Ethics

.

.

.

Society: Social Good!!

   Personal Ethics should involve what by own morals an values are. As an adult and employee I have the responsibility to take care of my own decisions. By raising certain issues, I can identify what I believe is 'good', for myself an the others around me. A big part of Personal ethical decision would have to do with the upbringing of the individual. Things like religion, family influence, education and conscience play a big part what your beliefs are as an independent adult. 
-good presentation
-good work ethic
-punctuality
-respect to my collegue/tutors/studio rules etc.


  Professional Ethics would include the codes of conduct of a workplace, a Union, and the Research/Inquiry Ethics of Middlesex University.
A booklet of rules for all employees and personnel was handed to us on the very first day:

'All personnel shall collaborate in a collegial spirit, and in their relations with the media and the public display the needed discretion'.

This was a rule present in my previous company. During a time of crisis, it is crucial to not compromise the name of the company, for their own reputation, but for your own also. 

Professional Ethics 'govern our actions and guide the decisions we take in the things we do'(Reader 5)

  Organisational Ethics - how we do things around here?
-work Contract
-according to organization/environment (Culture)

This is where the issue of Ethics -or Ethos- varies among every dance company/ country you work in. 

Whereas, in Russia for example, the ballet training could be considered somewhat extreme harsh to the western countries- yet very traditional to their roots, In Western Europe a greater attention is given to Health and Safety and Precautions to the dancer's future, as well as more contemporary training. One can argue which is best, however, both sides could be supported. It is where, ethics will play a big role to each individual when giving their opinions. 

I can relate this to McIntyre (1967), who states that their are no universal norms. 

'What is good for one society or time may not be the same in another'

In such case, during my research, considering the context/background of interviewer or history of Company I am researching about would be a good idea.

According to Hobbes (1651) purpose of ethics are the result of 'social harmony and good' . 'In order to achieve peaceful, co-operative social order we need to adhere to a set of moral rules'

------------------------------------------------------


With the topic of dance evolution in mind, I started questioning myself of what my beliefs the future of dance. Taking example from Reader 5, Case Study 1, which questions where the responsibility of a big issue like this lies, and how Personal, Professional and Organisational Ethics can affect each other, I have been asking myself: 
-How responsible are the performers for the progression in classical dance entering a modern era, and how much is it an external influence? 
-Taking into consideration a company that is transitioning from ballet to a more contemporary base company, if the classical dancers spoke against this, would it be considered 'wrong'? What conflicts/tensions would it cause? 
-Can certain rules be changed for the happiness of a company?

With the above question, what we are doing is taking into account the majority of people for the benefit of the maximum 'good'. This theory is called CONSEQUENTIALISM and was considered a moral obligation by Jeremy Batham and JS Mill. What we call the 'Greatest good for the greatest number'. In my eyes this related a lot to democracy.  

This theory contrasts thoroughly the idea of DEONTOLOGY, which is an 'ethical action based o duty' . This theory goes by the books, seeing from the way Kant describes it in his book Critique of Pure Reason (2007) . 


Another Approach to moral dilemmas is by using VIRTUE ETHICS, which takes into account moral behaviour and where character is as important as the action. 



 I would like to take the word RISK as an example... 

"Dancers at Berlin's Staatsballett are challenging the appointment of choreographer Sasha Waltz as one of the company's new directors, rejecting the appointment as "insulting" and politically-tinged."

http://www.thelocal.de/20160913/berlin-ballet-furious-at-political-appointment

A huge scandal had exploded in September 2016 - dancers signing petitions against this event of having, even though one of the greatest contemporary /dance theatre choreographers worldwide, Sasha Waltz** (Bio in link below-references), run one of the world greatest Ballet Company. Articles mentioning she is 'unsuitable' for their role. Not questioning her talent, the appointment of a contemporary practioneer running a traditionally classical company would naturally mean change, just like the Royal Ballet of Flanders. Whereas many are frowning upon this governmet decision, others are expressing that this a step into the future of dance. 

Many are arguing the RISK that this. Their are two sides of this RISK. But there is a grey area also which brings uncertainty to this issue.  But it will be interesting to see how ethics will play their part for the future of Berlin State Ballet. 

Will the rules be followed as they are? (DEONTOLOGY)
Will the majority (dancers/staff/audience) make change? (CONSEQUENTIALISM)
Will Sasha's actions and plans for the future of the company will be taken into consideration? (VIRTUAL ETHICS)

The events at StaatsBerlin and my current working company (Royal Ballet of Flanders) have strongly influenced my Profesional Inquiry. 

Since the contemporary movement is growing, are we perhaps lookinging into a telescope of the future of ballet? 


Reasearch Ethics

In order to find out more information on the importance of ethics in the company, and the value of a dancer's voice in political matters, I have kindly asked permission from the president of Equity Union, who happens to be a respectful co-worker of mine at Royal Ballet of Flanders, and organised a meeting after work hours, which will hopefully inspire the progress of my dissertation in my 3rd Module eventually. 

Things I need to ensure are:
-the manner in which I will be interviewing 
-the security of the data collected
-the Accuracy of information 
-the beneficial factor > how will this interview help me and perhaps him, as well as the rest of the company. 

It has been a challenging topic to expand on. Ethics is usually something i let my consience run, however I feel like I have learnt a lot a can't wait to fish out more information for my research! 



References:

Reader 5 (2016/2017) http://mdx.mrooms.net/pluginfile.php/631105/mod_resource/content/2/Reader%205%20Professional%20Ethics%202016-17.pdf

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethos

http://www.thelocal.de/20160913/berlin-ballet-furious-at-political-appointment

http://www.ijpsonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ethos.jpg

http://www.gramilano.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Save-Staatsballett-Berlin.jpg

https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/choreographers/waltz/

I am a Dancer, hear my Voice

On the 16th of November 2016, a meeting took place at the studios of Ballet Vlaandered between the Board of Committee and dancers of the ballet company. The Board of Committee is a new recently formed establishment, and what it consists of is a couple of the more experienced dancers (ie: principals/soloist), who's job is to organize meetings, such as this one, and make sure that any requests, questions from the dancers could be passed on to the staff of the company and board of direction. 

The aim is to create a 'bridge of communication' as mentioned by our principal dancer, an idea I was very fond of, especially after learning about the importance of communication in my BAPP Performing Art studies.

The main point of our practice is to raise an issue and be able to investigate its source and progression, in order to make a positive change to yourself and your working environment. And the only way this can be done is by communicating with the people who you are involved with professionally or are linked within your professional circle. 

Being a new member, I was not aware of the reasons behind this meeting or if it would involved me, being a dancer in the company. Therefore, I decided to sit in a corner quietly and treat it as an exercise, taking notes (WBL) like a good student, of anything I should take into consideration for my work and my studies. Before the meeting started I wrote down a few questions, which I thought could be helpful in understanding the purposes of the meeting:

-What is it about?
-Who does it involve?
-What issues are raised?
-Are there any codes of conduct?
-Was the meeting beneficial?
-What did you learn from it? 

Indeed, the meeting was very helpful and has proved me the significance of good communication, which I feel that a lot of the time, it is taken for granted. What was highlighted in this meeting was the importance of having our voice as dancers heard!! 

The company has been going through a transition period during the past coupe of years introducing more contemporary works in the repertoire. As I am very new to this place, I have not experienced this transition, therefore, I cannot speak for myself in this particular issue. I can only relate to my own personal transition from a strictly classical company to one that encouraged a contemporary outlook on art. 

After any change, whether a personal one or one of a company, there is excitement but there can usually be a general confusion in the atmosphere and time is needed for adjustment.

As explained really clearly to us at the meeting, the way to avoid any complication or uncertainty in the workplace is to speak up!! 

The dancers are encouraged to evaluate our recent premiere and share our thoughts with the board of directors. This would not be a file of complaints, but rather, a letter taking account the making of the production (teaching, rehearsals, schedule, touring process, organization, dancers well-being) and mentioning what is good about it, why it is good, what would work better perhaps, and any suggestions of how we can improve for our working environment. An online survey of multiple choice answers has also been shared among the dancers, in hope to 'provide insight in the state of affairs in the performing arts..as well as in your (our) organization.'       

In general, issues concerning dancers/performing artists, are very often assumed of their existence. Perhaps people know that the problem is there, but not the extend of its importance. Hopefully by expressing our thoughts and feelings as dancers, any kind of our issues, small or big, personal or collective, will be taken into consideration, and we can start working as a team!! 

Healthy and Constructive Communication = Happy Dancers :) 

Reflection
Critical Evaluation 
Expression
Communication 

should should be part of our every day lives (not just in ou BAPPs!) 


With the arts, expanding and moving forward:

What are we experiencing?
How are the dance companies moving forward? An how are they adapting to change?
What needs to be taken into consideration?
How important is the dancer's say/opinion? 

I would love to expand more on this issue and would love to hear your thoughts and questions on this as well! Any opinion is welcomed :) 


references:
podiumkunsten.be
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiQxu_9iLPQAhXEWxQKHbDNA2EQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoablog.ashevillenc.gov%2F2012%2F08%2Fwanted-your-voice-for-the-noise-ordinance-survey%2F&bvm=bv.139250283,d.d24&psig=AFQjCNFgjUe2-3ipZXL_UDt2Y0MHjiUY8g&ust=1479584722328155

Introduction to theme: Moving Forward

During the course of my study in BAPP Module 2, I have taken on interest many topics that I would love to discuss. But my dissertation is just one, and therefore, I have to focus on what I feel most passionate about. That is Art itself. A pretty general term that could account for vast possibilities and options. Just like what my tutor, Paula, described with the findings of 'love'. 

Since my first module I have been interested in the way that Performing Art has evolved and the ways it is progressing into the future. Especially today, I feel like I have found myself in the perfect place for this research. I am currently working with Ballet Vlaanderen (formerly known as Royal Ballet of Flanders before it had joined with the Opera). The company itself is going through a transitional period entering a 'contemporary space'. The aim of the company is to maintain the strong classical training it always held throughout it's history, yet marrying the two worlds of classical and contemporary dance to create something new; to represent the present day and perhaps inspire the future of dance. The company has the honour to perform works by world re-known choreographers who have either marked there significance in the dance world, or are on their journey of doing so now. Ofcourse, with this transition comes a very much expected debate concerning the future of the company and the county's culture. I am hoping that, with the methodical and ethical research, through interviews and my own personal experience, especially after working in a very traditional ballet company, I can investigate the issue. How does history and tradition mend with the future?



Credits: Filip Van Roe - Ballet Vaanderen in 'Pond Way' - choreography by Merce Cunningham: one of the best choreographers and innovators in contemporary dance.


It is very interesting to see the change the industry has gone through between the 19th up until the 21st century, especially in ballet, and I can't help but notice how fast it is moving now. We see ballets being re-staged, traditions being broken (for good or bad) to match the present day, and the works of innovative minds influencing the world of dance and it's perception. To take an example: Akram Kahn's new premiere of Giselle, which has been a huge success for the English National Ballet. 

"One of the most anticipated dance events of 2016, Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Akram Khan creates a brand new version of the iconic romantic ballet Giselle for English National Ballet." - Sadler's Wells

Giselle, the world known ballet originally choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot to the score by Adolphe Adame, and premiered way back in 1841. Amazing to think that this ballet has lived on until this very day where Romanticism is rare nowadays; where everything has become virtual and accessible. Perhaps this is the very reason that the Ballet lives on proudly. It is where the fantasy lies which is really just the reality of a simpler time we maybe long for.

Balanchine mentioned in an interview  

 "Like Hamlet, Giselle is a classic: it is not only important historically, it also happens to be good (…) People go to see Giselle and to see ballerinas dance it for the same reason we go to see new interpretations of Hamlet: the work is such a good one that we always discover something in it we hadn't seen before…" - George Balanchine


(What is perceived as 'good'?)

It is such a precious ballet, that the story line and romantic style are significant to its history and will often be left untouched. Some steps may be tweaked to suit the company, choreographers (reviver's) preferences and the costumes will be a variation to the original. But, there is a rare amount of choreographers who would attempt an new creation in the name of Giselle. The expectations would naturally be high. Indeed, the example of David Dawson's and Akram Kahn's original and individual interpretations of their Giselle, has been very successful according to many reviews and the audience's reaction. Fresh air was brought on stage with the imagination and new vision the choreographers today carried.

With the passing of the years, the ballet world has been charmed by the magic of many choreographers who have made breakthroughs introducing innovative ideas to the stage and approach in dance/training, while influencing a bigger mass of society and audience to get involved into this world of dance. 

The dance world has become Universal. Companies are accepting dancers all around the world. Art has been challenged, it has bloomed, transformed because of the greatest minds and biggest talents over the years. It has endured prejudice, discrimination and has fought its way to creating the escape for man from all these global problems they are facing in the real world. Because of Social Media, the world of dance is becoming for available to the greater society. If we think about it, the stigma is only for an eclectic group of people, has vanished, so much that the anyone can watch a performance of dance/opera at the cinema nowadays! Everything seems to be moving so fast, with the influence of new choreographers, contemporary dance, the competition and transition to the requirements of today. 

But I wonder really-relating this to real life examples as well...Are we able to catch up with our mentality towards this change? Is there a generation gap? 

With this theme in mind:

What defines 'moving forward'? 

How far is this evolution going?

Is tradition compromised?

How important is tradition?

Should history that should be taken into consideration for the future? If yes, in what way?

Is this an issue to be raised by dancers or are we a means of this transition?

Has this transition had an effect on the dancers today. If yes, how has it affected them?

These are questions which have been surrounding my mind for years, however, with experience and working on my BAPP,I am able to express it and hopefully find some answers. I believe this is not a right or wrong questionnaire, but rather a research of debate that would help my understanding as an artist, an aspiring choreographer (What is the audience looking for? What should be taken into consideration?) Hopefully this can help fellow peers and dancers to speak up about their thoughts on this and perhaps adapt and live up to today's requirements as an all rounded artist. 

Please feel free to comment, discuss or even argue some points as I would love to hear your thoughts on this!! :))

references:

https://operaballet.be/en/the-house/blog/sidi-larbi-new-artistic-director-of-royal-ballet-flanders
http://www.mercecunningham.org/merce-cunningham/

https://prezi.com/kb7h8e8lmpyt/imperial-russian-ballet-the-classical-era/
http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2016/english-national-ballet-giselle/
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/oct/02/giselle-akram-khan-review-english-national-ballet
http://www.scene4.com/archivesqv6/apr-2011/0411/renatestendhal0411.html
http://www.theballetbag.com/2011/01/11/giselle/
http://criticaldance.org/semperoper-ballett-giselle/