learning diary 2

This past few weeks has been a bit of a relief to be honest, before upon receiving the handbook and attending the first session on campus I was overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. I now feel I have little bit of direction.
I found the second chapter of Bell's "Doing your research project" perticularly helpful and relevent to my situation.
At the time I found the first chapter of her book very informative but rather alot to digest all at once so I was pleased when I checked the blogs after the second Campus session,which I was unable to attend and found a nice break down of research types and Peter's slide. Although I was not there I found the slide really imformative and helpful.
Firstly it made me consider if my topic would be worthwhile? This made me consider what it was that prompted me to come up with my topic, and think about who i would be helping with the results.
In order to complete the research design I need to develop a way to collect and analyse information that can be used to solve, answer, prove, inform, explore, describe your topic. I need to make a plan that enables me to design my research effectivly and that includes my objectives to ensure that I gather the appropriate information efficently.
The slide also focused on PRIMARY and SECONDARY research.

SECONDARY research is information that already exsists, for example research already undertaken by others, census data, features in journals, newspapers,databases internal company documents like memo's and annual reports.

PRIMARY research is info collected directlyby the researcher and is gathered to address the problem at hand. This includes instruments such as survays, interviews and focus groups.

I thought about my topic ideas and what types of research i might have to undertake and what resourses I have available to me.

I hope this week to continue defining my project. To look for data and continue thinking about my approch.

Upon receipt of the module handbook for 3835, I swiftly began reading through it and it wasn’t long before my mind had wondered and negative thoughts of how overwhelming everything was and how I had no idea of what was being asked of me.

I realised then that it was imperative I attend the first campus session on the 16^th of February.

It was the only session I can attend this module and I am really pleased I could. I had attended 2 campus sessions during the last module and hadn’t really felt they were always as productive as I would of liked. This was completely different.

It was run in a way, I have learned from embarking on this course that I love.

It was well planned and efficient in delivering all the information we needed to start this module. Although it was similar to previous sessions in that it was thought provoking

Paula and Rosemary covered all topics such as research, learning diaries and project ideas. I had a better understanding of what was needed.

The main thing I realised from the session was that I had no idea what I wanted to research, A few really helpful pointers were given about choosing a topic.

Firstly it must be something you are passionate about, as you will be spending the best part of a year researching it.

Secondly it must be a worthwhile project with an outcome of some use. Who will the results of the research effect and what could the consequences of the results be?

Thirdly it is important to consider your circumstances and access to resources.

This was particularly relevant for me as I will be moving to China at the end of the month and will have limited access to the large network of professionals I have met throughout my training and career. Also Most of my research for this module will have to be done online. Although I will be back in the UK in July I have no idea how long for and by the time it comes to actually carrying out the project who knows where I’ll be! So I have arrived at the conclusion I will need to do a fairly self-contained project that I am able to undertake anywhere in the world.

So the big question I ask my self now is what will that project be? I am in two minds here, The reason I started the degree was so I could broaden my horizons and set myself up in a better position for when I hang up my dancing shoes. So I feel to do a project about performance and possibly end up with a degree title along those lines would be a cop out and perhaps be less beneficial I the long run.

However, that’s me, that’s my life and what I am living through at the moment. It’s my professional practise and what the course is all about so who knows what I will decide.

So, what I have learnt about myself so far?

I am a lover of minimal information; The handbook for me was inefficient. I need to be told what I need to do and I will do it. No

I am a self confessed panic merchant (a dramatic one at that)

Things take a few days to really sink in after my initial panic of “ I have no idea what I’m doing” And few hours of beating myself up for being stupid for not understanding straight away what I should do.

After a few days of digesting information I am fine.

I do love list making, the highlight of the session for me was the checklist we made of what we needed to be thinking about and what we needed to be doing.

So there’s a little about my week and what’s been going around in my head. I am really trying to think about a project topic but also this week my mind is consumed with moving to China, getting there, starting a new job, a new culture and of course leaving the familiar behind, again!

I am just wondering if anyone had received receipt of their work? I haven't and sent it 3 weeks ago so getting a little worried!
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the fact January is nearly over!!
Tara. xx

Academic writing, draft 2

Why is the Moulin Rouge so Famous?

The Moulin Rouge has a history as a cabaret dating back to the 6th October 1889 when Joseph Oller opened it.
The cabaret has, throughout its time been a crowd puller.

“As soon as the cabaret opened it attracted crowds, appealing to Parisians who were looking for the extravagant.” Anne Rohan, 2009.

“ For 110 years, the most legendary cabaret in the world has welcomed millions of spectators who have come to admire the famous shows”
www.123europe.com

Today the cabaret is world famous, but what are the factors that have attributed to that fame?

The Moulin Rouge is famous for being the birthplace of the French dance, the cancan.
People wishing to see this dance in it’s original home have been coming to the cabaret for the past century and it is still possible to see the cancan today.

“This dance is still the main feature of the shows today.” Wikapedia.

The cancan has been drawing people to the cabaret and it is one of the main attractions of the cabaret.

It is also known that the French artist Henry Toulouse-Loutrec{1864-1901} immortalized the French cancan and according to Rohan{2009} “was himself a faithful customer.”
Toulouse-Loutrec was a post-impressionist painter and The Moulin Rouge along with the Parisian area of Montmartre where the cabaret is based are the subject of many of his paintings.
As well as being publised by the Lautrec paintings, the cabaret has boosted it’s publicity by inviting famous people to perform on it’s stage.
Dating back over 90 years ago Misinguett, {real name Jeanne Borgeois} who was famous for her risqué cabaret routines, she first appeared at The Moulin Rouge in 1907, going on to become the highest paid female performer in the world at the time. {Independent.co.uk} In 1919, her legs were insured for 500,000 Francs.{Traveltipz.com} Her signature song was “mon homme” recorded in 1916. Barbra Streisland made the English version “my man” famous in the “Funny girl” movies.
La Goulue {real name Louise Webber} was known as the queen of Montmatre. Her speciality was to drink the customers’ champagne between high kicks, which is why she was named the La Goulue {the glutton}. La Goulue was the subject of one particular Toulouse-Lautrec painting “One evening in December 1891, about three thousand copies of this poster were pasted on walls across Paris.” The poster advertises the Moulin Rouge dance hall and its featured performer La Goulue. By advertising a specific celebrity rather than anonymous beauties, Lautrec infused his poster with star power. The poster created a sensation, and fuelled the popularity of both La Goulue and Lautrec. {National gallery of art,2005} The fame of these two performers and the publicity they brought the cabaret has attributed to its fame.

More recent stars that have performed on the stage here have included French singer Edith Piaf. Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Elton John and Josephine Baker. {Travel tripz.com 2009}

There have also been in total six movies made with the title “Moulin Rouge”. These movies have raised awareness of the cabaret aiding in its fame. Edward Andre Dupont directed the First in 1928. The following movies were released in 1934. 1939,1944,1952 and not forgetting the smash hit directed by Baz Luhrmann, staring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor released in 2001.

The movie was released worldwide in 70 countries, and made $177 million. {IMBD} The name Moulin Rouge became household and the cabaret become known by millions more.

The cabaret used the release of the film to show the world what they could do, travelling around and showing excerpts of the show.

“We travelled a lot for the premiere of Moulin Rouge, the movie - In Cannes, in London - for Prince Charles, Vienna, gala in Canada with Air France, Hong Kong in May, we are going to Australia in August.” Fanny Rabase, 2003, publicist, The Moulin Rouge.

Since the film was released in 2001, the cabaret has become more of a household name but the cabaret have worked towards publicizing itself since it opened, firstly with the help of the paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec. And with the continuous performances of famous guests aimed at boosting the profile of the cabaret.


References

WWW.MoulinRouge.FR ,2009, “Histoire>sommaire”. Available at http://www.moulinrouge.fr/html_fr/historic_sommaire.htm [accessed 05/12/09]

Wikapedia ,2009, “Moulin Rouge” Available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_Rouge [accessed 05/12/09]

www.123europe.com 2009. “The moulin rouge cabaret” available at
http://www.123europe.com/europe/france/paris/cabarets/mou-roug.htm [accessed 05/12/09]

Gorokhovich, M,2003. “what does it take to be a Dorris girl?” Explore dance.com 20/03/2003. Available from www.exploredance.com/moulinrouge32003.html [accessed 05/12/09]

www.Cometoparis.com ,2009. “Le Moulin Rouge” Available at
http://www.cometoparis.com/interact4/www/come6.php4?doc=50 [accessed 05/12/09

Dugan, E, 2007, “Christie’s auction: show girl with $1m legs” .The Independent UK (online). 18/05/07. Available from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/christies-auction-showgirl-with-the-1m-legs-449360.html [accessed 30/12/07]


Rohan, A, 2009. “History of the Moulin Rouge cabaret”. Paris sweet home (online) Available at http://www.parissweethome.com/parisrentals/art_uk.php?id=91 [accessed 05/12/09]

National gallery of art, 2005. “Cafes, cabarets and dance halls” N.G.A (online) Available athttp://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/toulouse/cafes.shtm [accessed 05/12/09]

www.Traveltripz.com 2009. “Paris isn’t Paris without a show” Available at http://www.traveltripz.com/2009/05/09/paris-isnt-paris-without-a-show-moulin-rouge/ [accessed 05/12/09]

The internet movie database, 2009. “Moulin Rouge, 2001” Available athttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203009/releaseinfo [accessed 06/12/09]

Marketing piece, draft 2.

What do you think?

Heading to Paris this Christmas? Be sure not to miss out on the most famous cabaret in the world, Le Moulin Rouge.
Paris is famous for cabarets and no trip to this beautiful, historic city is complete without seeing one. The show includes something for everyone. So skip the rest and head straight to the best!

The Moulin Rouge has been bringing shows to audiences from across the globe since 1889. Situated on Boulevard de Chlicy, in the Pigalle area of the city it is close to the beautiful area of Montmatre, home of the Sacre Coeur{Sacred Heart} basilica. As you wonder through these quaint, winding streets, you will see our famous red windmill standing tall at the base of the hill.
Famous for introducing the world to the French cancan, the Moulin Rouge prides itself on bringing you a show full of breathe takingley beautiful dancers, hand picked from all over the world, as well as acrobats and clowns. No less 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins all hand made in the best Parisian workshop. Not to mention the outstanding sets designed by Italian artists just for the show. 80 musicians and 60 singers also recorded the 69 songs included in the show especially.

The current production “Feerie” is now showing and tickets are selling fast! So to avoid disappointment book today to come along and see the show featuring the world-renowned French CanCan and you are guaranteed a night of top class entertainment.

There are performances throughout the year nightly at 21h and 23h and throughout the winter {November- march} on Sunday afternoons at 16h.

Why not join us our dinner and show package?

Dinner* at 19h, prepared by Laurent Tarridec, an award-winning chef. Entertainment while you dine by the Moulin Rouge orchestra and singers. Followed by the show at 21h.

Alternatively join us for our “champagne” show nightly at 23h.

*Menus vary in price.{A la carte also available}

Please see website for prices, full menu and booking information. Or visit our reservations desk situated in the theatre Foyer {Nearest metro Blanche}. Booking in advance is highly recommended as tickets on the door can not be guaranteed.

blog help!

Does anyone know how to receive feeds on your comments?
I have the setting to receive an e-mail when someone comments on my blog, but when I write on someone elses and then they comment I am none the wiser.

Does anyone know the answer?
Thanks,Tara.

descriptive piece, draft 2

Please comment, all help gratefully received!

As you stroll along the Boulevard de Chlichy, lined with neon lights and bustling with people, the first thing to catch your eye is the giant red windmill standing tall above the other buildings and drawing you closer to the flashing red lights and grand entrance of this world famous cabaret, The Moulin Rouge.

After queuing outside before the performance you are ushered inside to the warm lobby where a sparkling chandelier and jewel-encrusted carpet await you.
There is little time to admire these, or the various artefacts around the lobby before you are escorted to your table and take your seat for the performance.
The salle {auditorium} is filled with wooden chairs covered in soft red velvet, each one placed closely to the next ensuring that every available space is used. You are packed in like a sardine, each time you dare to move, your arm brushes against your neighbours.
Taking a moment to look around you will see various scenes of Paris painted on the walls in a post impressionist style.

As the lights dim, the sound of champagne corks popping will fill your ears and the bubbles will tingle on your tongue.
The lights go up as the beat of the music kicks in and a stage filled with 40 dancers covered head to toe in sparkling sequins is revealed. You will be shocked to hear the tearing sound of poppers as each girl rips off there trousers in perfect unison revealing thirty pairs of long, luscious legs. As the dancers filter from the stage, trousers in hand, those sitting at the front are so close they could almost touch them.

The cast of sixty, entertain you throughout the show, in which forgetting all your troubles you are transported to a fantasy world full of feathers, rhinestones and sequins. Allowing yourself to be whisked away by the music your mind wonders through the world of cabaret. You are brought abruptly back to real life when as if from no where the front stage moves back and a huge tank full of live snakes appears, squirming around they instantly create an uncomfortable feeling.
A girl launches herself into the tank and begins wrestling with the snakes underwater. Sigh’s and gasps fill the auditorium and it becomes clear who the thrill seekers among us are.
Once again you cannot believe your eyes when six miniature horses take the stage, mostly trotting enthusiastically but one can’t help but noticed the slightly more laboured black horse at the back! His only enthusiasm comes when it is time to exit the stage.

The smell of the horses lingers, but before you have time to notice, the moment you’ve been waiting for arrives. A gust of energy fills the room, high-pitched screams and yelps bounce from the walls and fourteen high kicking girls appear in front of you. They are dressed in red, white and blue with a cheeky pair of frilly knickers to match and a garter that sits mid thigh. They all kick their legs to their ears, cartwheel around the stage and dance with such enthusiasm, that before long everyone in the audience is clapping along and willing them to kick higher and higher. The dance finishes with the dancers jumping high into the air before they land in splits. Your stomach flips as you feel their pain.

Feeling exhilarated and sure that nothing could top the cancan, the grand finale. Girls in g-strings and bra’s with huge fluffy pink feather back packs. The lights dim and the backpacks light up perfectly in time. A sea of bright white lights among pink feathers gleams as the dancers take their bow and leave the stage for the last time.

As you take your finale sip of champagne and filter back out towards the bright neon lights and the night air of Paris you feel exhilarated by this amazing spectacle.