" The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done, we can see it, understand it, learn from it and change so that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger but in wisdom, understanding and love." - Jennifer Edwards
In the dance world unfortunately it is pretty common that a dancer gets injure or has to miss a competition. This means formation changes, and choreography changes. This can get very stressful very quickly for a dancer but you must remember to stay calm. With change comes mistakes. You have muscle memory of other choreography and different formation changes to the same piece of music and you have to teach yourself to not go on auto pilot but instead to focus and execute the changes. However, mistakes are inevitable, they will always be present. There are very few times when a group comes off stage and not a single person messed up, maybe everyone was on time, knew the choreography, and knew all their formations but someone might have forgotten to point their toes on a jump or something of the sort.
What seperates dancers in times of change is how they cope with it. Do they get upset? Do they take the challenge? Do the give up and be pessimistic? Or do they stay optimistic? I believe that in times of change a dancer should stay optimistic, change might mean a better spot in the formation, or practicing a new skill. It can even just mean moving your body in a different way. However all of these things contribute to them becoming a better dancer.
In the end you choose your own outcome you choose if you are going to find the good in life or focus and dwell on the bad. You choose if you make up for your mistake and push harder or let it effect you the rest of the dance and the rest of the day. So keep in mind there is good that can come out of everything whether it is becoming a better dancer or becoming a better person and learning a lesson and it is your choice to make stressful situations into learning experiences.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Learn how you Learn
"The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice." - Brian Herbert
Learning comes differently to everyone. Some people are visual learners while others are verbal learners and some are both. Some pick things up faster than others and some give up in the learning process. However, it is extremely important to figure out how you learn best. If you learn better standing in the front, or maybe in the back, centered or off to the side. One way of learning isn't necessarily better than any other, it just matters what way is most effective for you.
Once you figure out how you learn you can be more aware of yourself and then this is where you have to be a smart dancer. This means maybe not standing next to your best friend it means taking initiative and doing what is going to benefit you the most. By knowing how you learn best also can show you what you need to improve on. If you are more of a visual learner, try to work on learning verbally. It wont be easy but it will make you a more rounded dancer and improve your memory and retention which is a crucial part about being a dancer especially in an audition.
Now learning dances is not the only type of learning you do in dance, you also learn a lot of life skills like time management. You have to figure out when to do your homework, eat dinner, hang out with your friends, and make it to school events while still keeping up with dance. You also learn how to give and take corrections with a positive and constructive attitude. This will not just help you with dance but it will also help you when you enter the work force. Getting and applying corrections is very important and I believe there is no better place to learn this than at dance class. On top of this you also learn good team skills and commitment. While dancing you have to be there for one another pump each other up when it feels as if there is no oxygen left in the room. Dance also takes a bunch of time so it is a big commitment. Employers in the future will value this greatly.
So basically what I am trying to say is that if you can figure out how you learn best you will not only further your dancing abilities but you will also become a better person. What could be better? All it takes is a little effort and hard work.
Learning comes differently to everyone. Some people are visual learners while others are verbal learners and some are both. Some pick things up faster than others and some give up in the learning process. However, it is extremely important to figure out how you learn best. If you learn better standing in the front, or maybe in the back, centered or off to the side. One way of learning isn't necessarily better than any other, it just matters what way is most effective for you.
Once you figure out how you learn you can be more aware of yourself and then this is where you have to be a smart dancer. This means maybe not standing next to your best friend it means taking initiative and doing what is going to benefit you the most. By knowing how you learn best also can show you what you need to improve on. If you are more of a visual learner, try to work on learning verbally. It wont be easy but it will make you a more rounded dancer and improve your memory and retention which is a crucial part about being a dancer especially in an audition.
Now learning dances is not the only type of learning you do in dance, you also learn a lot of life skills like time management. You have to figure out when to do your homework, eat dinner, hang out with your friends, and make it to school events while still keeping up with dance. You also learn how to give and take corrections with a positive and constructive attitude. This will not just help you with dance but it will also help you when you enter the work force. Getting and applying corrections is very important and I believe there is no better place to learn this than at dance class. On top of this you also learn good team skills and commitment. While dancing you have to be there for one another pump each other up when it feels as if there is no oxygen left in the room. Dance also takes a bunch of time so it is a big commitment. Employers in the future will value this greatly.
So basically what I am trying to say is that if you can figure out how you learn best you will not only further your dancing abilities but you will also become a better person. What could be better? All it takes is a little effort and hard work.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Production
The Dancers Edge Company (competition group) always puts on a big production number that is always a hit. Every person in the company participates in this production number. This year their was 90 plus dancers ranging from ages five to eighteen years old. The Dancers Edge production numbers are always very well thought out and this weekend at Masquerade dance competition they received the creative concept award for the brilliance of the piece.
This year the piece is called "Field Trip" where a young group of school girls goes to visit the United States History Museum. On this trip two girls disobey the teacher and escape the group to go off and explore on their own. While they do this the museum comes to life. First they are startled and chased by statues. Then the five year old girls come on in six foot tall dinosaur costumes because they want to play catch the girls are startled and then realize they are friendly. After that the Tiki Warriors and Cave Women scare the dinosaurs away and dance with shields and spears. Next the security guards realize what is going on and try to get ahold of the museum people, only until they get distracted by a box of donuts and the warriors get away. The Huns then come on and fight the security guards away from the donuts. While a Hun is scaring the two mischievous school girls the wild west cowboys and girls save the day and lasso the Huns away. After the wild west hoedown they greet Cleopatra and her girls who then great the United States Presidents who are actually ten year old girls that entire from behind a giant American Flag. The best part about these presidents are that they are doing hip hop. After this all ninety plus students swarm on the stage and do some choreography together. The Museum then goes back to how it was and the school girls along with their class and teacher get back on the bus and ride back to school.
This piece is around eight minutes long and is a lot of work. It forces a lot of dancers to go out of their box to become characters other than themselves. Overall it is a huge hit and a lot of fun. It is a great way to be pushed and become a better dancer.
This year the piece is called "Field Trip" where a young group of school girls goes to visit the United States History Museum. On this trip two girls disobey the teacher and escape the group to go off and explore on their own. While they do this the museum comes to life. First they are startled and chased by statues. Then the five year old girls come on in six foot tall dinosaur costumes because they want to play catch the girls are startled and then realize they are friendly. After that the Tiki Warriors and Cave Women scare the dinosaurs away and dance with shields and spears. Next the security guards realize what is going on and try to get ahold of the museum people, only until they get distracted by a box of donuts and the warriors get away. The Huns then come on and fight the security guards away from the donuts. While a Hun is scaring the two mischievous school girls the wild west cowboys and girls save the day and lasso the Huns away. After the wild west hoedown they greet Cleopatra and her girls who then great the United States Presidents who are actually ten year old girls that entire from behind a giant American Flag. The best part about these presidents are that they are doing hip hop. After this all ninety plus students swarm on the stage and do some choreography together. The Museum then goes back to how it was and the school girls along with their class and teacher get back on the bus and ride back to school.
This piece is around eight minutes long and is a lot of work. It forces a lot of dancers to go out of their box to become characters other than themselves. Overall it is a huge hit and a lot of fun. It is a great way to be pushed and become a better dancer.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Core
Having a strong core is a crucial part about being an amazing dancer. Your core holds all of your control and is where all of your movement should initiate from. Many dancers believe their core is engaged and is being used correctly but recently my teacher at The Dancers Edge discovered that the majority of dancers are not using their core correctly. She explains proper core usage in three steps.
First: pull your core in, feel like you are getting your belly button all the way to your spine however you should still be able to breathe.
Second: pull your hip flexors upwards to create proper alignment and minimize the curvature in your back (a little curve is fine but there should be a noticeable difference from when you were standing relaxed and how you normally do.)
Lastly. lengthen through your spine separating each vertebrae out through the top of your head. While doing this it should push your shoulder down engaging your back as well.
This seems like a lot of steps but once you get the hang of it, it becomes natural and makes a huge difference. Not only does it keep you on your balance but it makes you look way more powerful and can improve your technical abilities. In just weeks by doing this I have added two more rotations on my pirouettes to get me up to five rotations now. Along with this it eliminates your shoulders from rising while dancing which is a problem many dancers run into and get comments on at dance competitions.
If it doesn't work for you the first time keep trying because you have to get worse before you get better because you are trying something new that you body isn't used to. So keep trying because I have yet to see this method fail. My teacher is a genius.
First: pull your core in, feel like you are getting your belly button all the way to your spine however you should still be able to breathe.
Second: pull your hip flexors upwards to create proper alignment and minimize the curvature in your back (a little curve is fine but there should be a noticeable difference from when you were standing relaxed and how you normally do.)
Lastly. lengthen through your spine separating each vertebrae out through the top of your head. While doing this it should push your shoulder down engaging your back as well.
This seems like a lot of steps but once you get the hang of it, it becomes natural and makes a huge difference. Not only does it keep you on your balance but it makes you look way more powerful and can improve your technical abilities. In just weeks by doing this I have added two more rotations on my pirouettes to get me up to five rotations now. Along with this it eliminates your shoulders from rising while dancing which is a problem many dancers run into and get comments on at dance competitions.
If it doesn't work for you the first time keep trying because you have to get worse before you get better because you are trying something new that you body isn't used to. So keep trying because I have yet to see this method fail. My teacher is a genius.
First Lasts
There comes a time in life where things you love come to an end and today I am experiencing my "first last" when it comes to dance. Today is the last time I will ever try out for the Kennedy Varsity Dance Team which I have tried out and been a part of for the last three years. It is very bitter sweet.
I will not miss the nerves of tryout week or having to be three places at once and being the "young duckling" on the team(what the seniors called us freshmen year). But I will miss getting the phone call and excitement of being told I am on the team, getting to meet many new people and welcome them into our Kennedy Dance Team family like they did to me 3 years ago, learning new choreography spending every day of the summer at early morning practices with my favorite people. I have one year left and I am going to make the most of this however this year will be very different from the past three considering I along with the other 7 senior girls have big shoes to fill and a lot of responsibilities to meet.
It is now our time after the long a waited three years to pick out the clothing we wear to football games and camp. What dances we do at half time, where to have team meals and what to have to eat at them. It is also our turn to lead the team and create a new powerhouse. Although knowing this is the first of many lasts I will experience this year I think it is time, I believe us eight juniors, soon to be seniors are ready for the challenge and to bring new ideas to the team. Not only do we need to lead the team but we need to also figure out and plan for our futures.
So in a way this year isn't only going to be a year filled with lasts, but also a year filled with numerous new beginnings that have been long awaited.
I will not miss the nerves of tryout week or having to be three places at once and being the "young duckling" on the team(what the seniors called us freshmen year). But I will miss getting the phone call and excitement of being told I am on the team, getting to meet many new people and welcome them into our Kennedy Dance Team family like they did to me 3 years ago, learning new choreography spending every day of the summer at early morning practices with my favorite people. I have one year left and I am going to make the most of this however this year will be very different from the past three considering I along with the other 7 senior girls have big shoes to fill and a lot of responsibilities to meet.
It is now our time after the long a waited three years to pick out the clothing we wear to football games and camp. What dances we do at half time, where to have team meals and what to have to eat at them. It is also our turn to lead the team and create a new powerhouse. Although knowing this is the first of many lasts I will experience this year I think it is time, I believe us eight juniors, soon to be seniors are ready for the challenge and to bring new ideas to the team. Not only do we need to lead the team but we need to also figure out and plan for our futures.
So in a way this year isn't only going to be a year filled with lasts, but also a year filled with numerous new beginnings that have been long awaited.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Share your Story
"Dancing is an art. The floor is the canvas. And I am the brush. And whatever I create comes from the heart." - anonymous
One of the biggest challenges of being a dancer is the performance aspect and "selling" the piece, making it believable. Some dancers are lucky and are born with it and others have to work extremely hard at it. However, the number of dancers who master it are slim, especially in a lyrical or contemporary piece. This is because it is easy to smile and be cheesy, but to look genuine while dancing a story about heart break or loss is hard to not over do and make it look believable.
The beauty of every lyrical and contemporary dance is not in big moves, sky high jumps, or powerful reaches; it is in the rawness and realness of the dancers. While dancing contemporary you can not force your face to look heart broken, or confused, helpless, hopeful, or anything you can imagine. You have to feel it internally and let it show out. You have to think of a time in your life and relate it to that and tell your story, and that's what is so beautiful about it. When watching a contemporary piece that is performed well you don't necessarily know each persons story but what you do know is that it is real. You are watching someone dance their feelings and share their story. That's as personal as it can get, and they are sharing it with people that they have never met before or maybe even people that put them in that place.
So something to help you reach this state of performance is to write out the story line, figure out what you are dancing about and then write your story down. Next listen to the words and let the music move you and tell its story. Then without a care or worry in the world. Allow yourself to share your story with out any words and have your story be where your mind is not on how high you can jump or how flexible you are. Have your mind on you.
One of the biggest challenges of being a dancer is the performance aspect and "selling" the piece, making it believable. Some dancers are lucky and are born with it and others have to work extremely hard at it. However, the number of dancers who master it are slim, especially in a lyrical or contemporary piece. This is because it is easy to smile and be cheesy, but to look genuine while dancing a story about heart break or loss is hard to not over do and make it look believable.
The beauty of every lyrical and contemporary dance is not in big moves, sky high jumps, or powerful reaches; it is in the rawness and realness of the dancers. While dancing contemporary you can not force your face to look heart broken, or confused, helpless, hopeful, or anything you can imagine. You have to feel it internally and let it show out. You have to think of a time in your life and relate it to that and tell your story, and that's what is so beautiful about it. When watching a contemporary piece that is performed well you don't necessarily know each persons story but what you do know is that it is real. You are watching someone dance their feelings and share their story. That's as personal as it can get, and they are sharing it with people that they have never met before or maybe even people that put them in that place.
So something to help you reach this state of performance is to write out the story line, figure out what you are dancing about and then write your story down. Next listen to the words and let the music move you and tell its story. Then without a care or worry in the world. Allow yourself to share your story with out any words and have your story be where your mind is not on how high you can jump or how flexible you are. Have your mind on you.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Stay Hydrated
As a dancer it is very important that we keep our bodies healthy due to the strenuous activities we put it through. One of the hardest things for me is to stay hydrated. Crazy I know. I am the type of person that thinks if I am not thirsty then I don't need to drink anything. However, this is very bad for my body because once you think you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. Hydration may seem like a minuscule of a problem but in the large scheme of things it can cause countless issues.
Not only does it cause big issues but it also causes small ones like headaches and such. Nobody likes headaches but if you drink the right amount of water you can reduce the amount of headaches you get by about half. I know this from personal experience. Not only does it do that but staying hydrated improves how you feel over all. Ever since I have stayed hydrated I have a lot more energy, I am more lively and talkative. It is easier for me to focus and I am a million times more productive. I am also happier. Not to mention I haven't got sick since I have been regulating my water intake.
So here are some things that you can do to make sure you are staying hydrated.
Set goals for how much water you should drink before a certain time and make sure you reach that goal.
Then you must make sure you always have a water bottle with you so you can actually drink it.
Next if you do not necessarily like water or would prefer to drink something else then you can buy water flavor enhancers. They make many different brands and flavors and they have zero calories. When ever I squeeze these in my water I can't stop drinking it because it is so good.
These silly trick have made my life more lively and fun. If I knew a year ago that all it would take was more water to improve how I felt then I would have been a happy camper. However, it is never too late to start a good new habit and keeping yourself hydrated is one that you will not regret.
Not only does it cause big issues but it also causes small ones like headaches and such. Nobody likes headaches but if you drink the right amount of water you can reduce the amount of headaches you get by about half. I know this from personal experience. Not only does it do that but staying hydrated improves how you feel over all. Ever since I have stayed hydrated I have a lot more energy, I am more lively and talkative. It is easier for me to focus and I am a million times more productive. I am also happier. Not to mention I haven't got sick since I have been regulating my water intake.
So here are some things that you can do to make sure you are staying hydrated.
Set goals for how much water you should drink before a certain time and make sure you reach that goal.
Then you must make sure you always have a water bottle with you so you can actually drink it.
Next if you do not necessarily like water or would prefer to drink something else then you can buy water flavor enhancers. They make many different brands and flavors and they have zero calories. When ever I squeeze these in my water I can't stop drinking it because it is so good.
These silly trick have made my life more lively and fun. If I knew a year ago that all it would take was more water to improve how I felt then I would have been a happy camper. However, it is never too late to start a good new habit and keeping yourself hydrated is one that you will not regret.
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