KAUPAPA

To me, Respect, Humility, and Authenticity are the most important core values when it comes to how I am with myself and others. In the industry, the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” gets thrown around a lot. In my perspective, it’s not what or who you know, but rather how you conduct yourself in relation to both. If I know everything and everyone but I’m rude, disrespectful, and inauthentic then what does my knowledge matter? What do my connections matter? Knowledge may be power, but it is when knowledge is authentically delivered in love, humility, and respect, that it is valuable.

As a student, I have had many teachers over the years and each one has taught me core values and how to build character. I learnt more from the way each teacher conducted themselves than I did from the material they were teaching. From each teacher, I take the things that I appreciate abut how they conduct themselves and I apply it to my own practice and teaching. Discipline, kindness, work ethic, empathy, respect, passion, humility, connection, authenticity… these are just some of the values exampled by my teachers that I have responded to and applied to my own understanding and character as both a student and a teacher myself.

When stepping into my creativity I allow for other values to take place, adding to the aforementioned core values. Making room for freedom and growth, I delve into making curiosity and discovery a priority. This requires vulnerability and willingness to take me out of my usual comfort zone to find something that is neither comfortable nor uncomfortable. It is a place of learning and a journey to understand, to discover new things about both me and my body. It is this which gives meaning.

METHODS

Always researching, developing, & learning. Allowing time & space to complete tasks.

Procrastination has always been a issue for me. Throughout all of my academic education I have left homework, projects, assignments and the like till the last minute. As a way to combat this I will apply key time management methods to my daily practice, and create an efficient and sustaining environment. The two most valuable & achievable time management methods for me are the Eisenhower Matrix & The Pomodoro Technique. These methods will be an integral part of practicing discipline, self-regulation, awareness & commitment for my academic & creative process. By setting goals and identifying the most urgent and important of them, I will be able to better use my time which I will manage with the Pomodoro Technique.

Always being Curious. Searching deeper than the surface answer. Exploring my interests.

Creatively I always fall back into my old habits when i feel bored, disinterested, or uncomfortable with a task. I have always found it easier to improv rather than choreographing on the spot, as improvisation requires quick decisions and comes with no pressure to remember it. By thinking critically about how I approach creative tasks, I can engage deeper into the ‘Why’ and ‘How’ rather than the ‘What.’ By questioning my thinking, gathering and applying information, considering the implications, and exploring other points of view, I can then learn to venture deeper into my creativity.

Guarding and Sustaining my relationships, health, home life, routine, eating, and sleep.

Self-care is the most important things in life, especially when it comes to self-sustainability (Kaitiakitanga). In my daily practice I will make time for relaxation, self-regulation, and familial commitment. It is also important to me to prioritise individuality and authenticity as a way of keeping myself in check. I will do this by taking on constructive criticism from those I respect and trust. By allowing myself and others to question my choices and actions, I will develop a stronger and more genuine character that is in line with my core values or Kaupapa.

CODE OF PRACTICE

I will practice and exemplify the following core values in my everyday life/practice…Authenticity, Curiosity, Honesty, Reliability, Determination, Empathy, Gratitude, Humility, Kindness, Love, Respect, Discipline, Freedom, Growth, Loyalty, Leadership, Passion.

I will ensure that my actions reflect my character, and that my character will reflect that of those who came before me. I will uphold integrity over ego.

I will practice and encourage inclusion of my loved ones, peers, colleagues, and students as a pathway to connection and relationship.

I will hold fast to my beliefs and create a safe and welcoming environment for all those around me to do so as well.

I will value and practice Respect, Humility, and Authenticity over how much knowledge I have and exclaiming all the ‘important’ people in the industry that I know.

I will practice Kaitiakitanga for environment, others, and myself. I will guard, protect, and sustain that which I can, and I will speak up that which I cannot.

I will avoid the temptation of procrastination by being disciplined in the methods I have laid out for myself of time management and critical thinking.

I will use the Eisenhower Matrix technique to establish and prioritise the tasks and goals that are the most important and urgent.

I will implement the Pomodoro time management system into my routine to make sure that I progress at and even pace and to efficiently complete each task on time to avoid procrastination and laziness.

I will practice commitment, discipline, awareness, and self-regulation as a result of using the Eisenhower Matrix technique and the Pomodoro time management system.

I will equally prioritise my academic career, my creative career, and myself as an individual.

I will make clear choices and be responsible for my actions and their outcomes.

I will practice and prioritise self-love, self-awareness, and self-care.