Respect and patience

Respect for the creative process. The ability to change in a second from one mood to another - from rigourous, concentrated training to relaxation, fun and laughter and - back again to focus; respect for the energy of sound and rhythm; respect for the space around you not only to find your own space on the dance floor but also to value the space around you in nature- not to leave litter in beautiful places-or anywhere. (Inside and outside the sports hall. Now the black bags are full and there is no litter to be seen anywhere!) One person can influence those around by example. Respect the planet - treat it as your best friend. Respect your peers- don't turn up your nose and consider yourself superior if the luck of the draw partners you with someone slow. Each and everyone has something to teach the others but to learn that lesson, you have to be strong in yourself. The challenge is always to be strong enough: on the stage to be strong in movement, to be strong enough to behave well, to be strong enough to stand alone.

Josef seems to welcome the not-so-good moments as an opportunity to explore such issues. Respect, of course, too for the choreographer, whose energies create the whole. It is disrespectful to him to arrive late and to seek to control the space in the theatre by bad behaviour.

It is hard to be on the side and just watch when others are rehearsing. But there is a way of waiting that does not allow your energy to drop and keeps you engaged with the process and development of the whole. From the wings you then still participate, seeing how the choreographer works, getting to know the music, learning from the work of your peers. A disengaged spectator makes life harder for everyone.

Every day, aware of your own mistakes, be looking to improve your performance so that every day a higher standard overall is achieved. The quality of your work comes from inside you and your ability to feel. Now half-way through the process, everyone realises what hard work is expected - on the one hand physically and on the other thinking, remembering, concentrating...

In life there is always a choice in what one does and what one does not do.

Viv