Recent observation

I would like to share a recent experience that occurred last cruise whereby I compared this occurrence  to another that was presented to me when I had first started the shows onboard my current contract.

Myself and the cast onboard the 'Carnival Paradise' have now been performing the shows for 4 weeks, we do approximately 8 shows a week. A while back, just as we had opened our shows I'd asked a guest who was in her early twenties, white, american and single about her reaction to the previous nights performance. I'd gotten my hopes up for a complimentary, enthusiastic reply as myself and the cast felt we had done a good job. To my dismay her reaction was quite timid and unenthusiastic, her choice of words being: 'Yeah it was nice'. Although a little disappointed at her reaction, I told myself that everyone is entitled to their opinion and findings. It may have been that I set my reaction too high, she may have been tired, caught off guard or perhaps her mind was elsewhere. Whatever the resigning behind her response, I still have to take this as a valid source for research.

In contrast, to my pleasured surprise, last cruise I was waiting in line to get served food, my body language was more closed than usual as I was very hungry and tired from the days rehearsals and duties, I didn't feel like socialising and interacting with guests until my mood had been lightened somewhat. A guest that was also waiting in line had sparked conversation with me, when she saw from my name tag that I was a dancer her eyes widened and she immediately started praising me and the rest of the cast on the 'awesome, broadway style shows we always give'. She told me it was the reason why she and her friends come and cruised, it was her favourite event on the ship and she comes to every show when she cruises. This lady was a mid twenties, african american single who enlightened my mood more than sleep or a full stomach could have done that afternoon.

It brought to my attention how people show and formulate different findings and views of performance. There is no right or wrong, good or bad, its all perception. Reflecting back on these cases, it raises my questioning of whether the data I collect will be valid and mutual... Is there going to be a definite formula for a great performance or is it matter of opinion? Perhaps I shouldn't try to predict this or force a more likened response, I have to conduct my inquiry and utilise my research whatever my results may be.