This program has been really incredible, and I’m enjoying everything we’ve done so far; however, I’ve been feeling really stressed out over all the work we have. I’m exhausted after being here for only four days, and the work just keeps piling on. Each day we’re given a new task, performance to set up, class to teach, blog to create, or people to work with (which is why I haven’t been able to blog much over the past few days). It’s as if the program is really solidifying while we’re here, and as each aspect becomes more concrete and manageable, another requirement is added to the project. This is understandable considering the program is so new and full of potential, but the ideas are becoming a bit overambitious for three people in my personal opinion.
The first portion of this program has been jam-packed with activities, collaborations, and work. Most are really interesting and worthwhile; however, having them all occur within one week makes it that much harder to plan for these events (like our workshops for example) and really enjoy them. Here’s our typical timeline during week one:
7:00 am – Wake up and finalize concepts and logistics for interdisciplinary workshops that day
9:30 am – Arrive at Beijing No. 4 High School and begin workshops with students (2 workshops in the morning)
11:30 am – Lunch break
12:30 pm – Continue workshops with students (1 more)
1:30 pm – Begin dance workshop with students (teach choreography and various styles of dance)
2:30 pm – Assist students with independent projects for SITAC
3:30 pm – End workshops (students dismissed)
4:00 pm – Beijing dancers arrive at No. 4 High School to begin collaboration piece for Sunday Arts Festival (choreograph and perform the piece to show intersection of various cultures and dance styles)
5:30/6:00 pm – Finish collaboration with Beijing dancers and head back to hostel
6:45 pm – Shower and find dinner
9:00 pm – Begin preparations for next day of workshops
12:00 /1:00 am – Sleep
That’s a lot of stuff going on in one day. As a result, it’s been really tough to find time to actually explore Beijing and get accustomed to the city. The work we do is extremely rewarding, especially the workshops with the students, but things get really tough. Many of these projects are constantly evolving and becoming more complex, and I don’t think I can put 100% into each aspect. It’s like a “give and take” scenario; in order to do well in my meeting with the UNESCO official (which we had the other day), I have to sacrifice time and energy for my workshops at No. 4 High School. I personally believe we should be putting 100% of our effort into our work. Unfortunately, however, the design of this program hasn’t really allowed that. I think this program has amazing potential; the overall mission is extremely impressive and ambitious, but I also think that the logistics should be reevaluated.
