" 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.
10 reasons why I dance
Dance has been a huge part of my life since I was 2. Without dance my life would be completely boring and I would have half of the friends I do now. So here is the top ten reasons why I dance in no particular order.
1.) It keeps me in shape and it is a great way to exercise
2.) Dance has helped improve my memory which is extremely helpful in a school setting and just in life in general
3.) With having dance so often I have learned how to manage my time in an effective way. This is a skill that will be useful all through out my life time and something that everyone should learn.
4.) I have met a numerous amount of amazing, kind hearted, hardworking people through this art form. I have met many of my best friends through dance.
5.) It gives me an escape. When I'm sad or happy or frustrated I know that no matter what I can dance it out and feel better. It's something that will always be there for me and that no one can take away from me.
6.) It keeps me busy. I love to always be on the go and dance probably made me this way. With going from school to practice to another practice makes every moment exciting.
7.) You have the ability to not only let out your emotions but make others feel something. By dancing and doing what I love I have the ability to move people.
8.) There are no rules. You can be yourself and do what you want and no one can stop you because it's you, music, and an empty room.
9.) Being on stage performing is the best feeling that one can possibly experience. Knowing everything you worked for was for that moment and having it pay off is incredible.
10.) Dance has shaped who I am. It has made me more comfortable and confident with myself, and it has led me to the incredibly talented and loving people that are in my life today.
Dance has and always will hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to do it till the day I die.
1.) It keeps me in shape and it is a great way to exercise
2.) Dance has helped improve my memory which is extremely helpful in a school setting and just in life in general
3.) With having dance so often I have learned how to manage my time in an effective way. This is a skill that will be useful all through out my life time and something that everyone should learn.
4.) I have met a numerous amount of amazing, kind hearted, hardworking people through this art form. I have met many of my best friends through dance.
5.) It gives me an escape. When I'm sad or happy or frustrated I know that no matter what I can dance it out and feel better. It's something that will always be there for me and that no one can take away from me.
6.) It keeps me busy. I love to always be on the go and dance probably made me this way. With going from school to practice to another practice makes every moment exciting.
7.) You have the ability to not only let out your emotions but make others feel something. By dancing and doing what I love I have the ability to move people.
8.) There are no rules. You can be yourself and do what you want and no one can stop you because it's you, music, and an empty room.
9.) Being on stage performing is the best feeling that one can possibly experience. Knowing everything you worked for was for that moment and having it pay off is incredible.
10.) Dance has shaped who I am. It has made me more comfortable and confident with myself, and it has led me to the incredibly talented and loving people that are in my life today.
Dance has and always will hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to do it till the day I die.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Core
"Practice like you have never won. Perform like you have never lost." - anonymous
Many people do not think of dancers as being strong and muscular; they think of them being small and dainty. However, dancers are some of the most muscular athletes you may come across even if they don't look like it. Football players and dancers both have to have a lot of core muscle to perform well, but how they build that core muscle is quite different. Football players core muscles are built outwards and bulge to create the six-pack affect. This is very effective and efficient for them, although, it is not for dancers. Everyone has multiple abdominal layers, and what dancers do is focus on the inner abdominal muscle, and build from the inside. Even though a dancer might not look like they have a six-pack they still might have a stronger core than football players.
This is an effective way for dancers to build muscle because your core is also your back and your sides. The studio I attend (The Dancers Edge) likes to think of your core like a cereal box, there are all sides including a top and a bottom and if you take one side out of the box all the cereal will spill out. If a dancer doesn't properly use all the sides of her core simultaneously her/ his alignment will be all out of whack causing an issue in her/ his dancing.
I have been taught that to properly engage your core as a dancer you must complete three steps.
The first step is to tighten your abs, however while doing this you must think of sucking your belly button into your spine. This does not mean just suck in, you should be able to breathe easily while completing this step.
Next you have to also engage your gluts and hip flexors, your hip flexors should be pulled up, decreasing the curvature in your spine.
The last and hardest step is to separate each vertebrae and lengthen up, while doing this you must pull your shoulders back and down and let your head grow a few inches taller.
By engaging your core the proper way like this you are ensuring great alignment and lowered shoulders through out your movement and technical steps. On top of all of this it also gives your movement more power to add to your performance.
Many people do not think of dancers as being strong and muscular; they think of them being small and dainty. However, dancers are some of the most muscular athletes you may come across even if they don't look like it. Football players and dancers both have to have a lot of core muscle to perform well, but how they build that core muscle is quite different. Football players core muscles are built outwards and bulge to create the six-pack affect. This is very effective and efficient for them, although, it is not for dancers. Everyone has multiple abdominal layers, and what dancers do is focus on the inner abdominal muscle, and build from the inside. Even though a dancer might not look like they have a six-pack they still might have a stronger core than football players.
This is an effective way for dancers to build muscle because your core is also your back and your sides. The studio I attend (The Dancers Edge) likes to think of your core like a cereal box, there are all sides including a top and a bottom and if you take one side out of the box all the cereal will spill out. If a dancer doesn't properly use all the sides of her core simultaneously her/ his alignment will be all out of whack causing an issue in her/ his dancing.
I have been taught that to properly engage your core as a dancer you must complete three steps.
The first step is to tighten your abs, however while doing this you must think of sucking your belly button into your spine. This does not mean just suck in, you should be able to breathe easily while completing this step.
Next you have to also engage your gluts and hip flexors, your hip flexors should be pulled up, decreasing the curvature in your spine.
The last and hardest step is to separate each vertebrae and lengthen up, while doing this you must pull your shoulders back and down and let your head grow a few inches taller.
By engaging your core the proper way like this you are ensuring great alignment and lowered shoulders through out your movement and technical steps. On top of all of this it also gives your movement more power to add to your performance.
Nashville
" See your goal
Understand the obstacles
Create a positive mental picture
Clear your mind of self doubt
Embrace the challenge
Stay on track
Show the world you can do it." -anonymous
This quote is a great example of what Kennedy High Schools Varsity Show Choir Happiness inc. did at show choir nationals in Nashville Tennessee this weekend.
Happiness inc is generally a very competitively successful group. Winning many grand champions and even winning showchoir nationals before and being named Americas favorite show choir. However this year was an off year for them. With the evolution of show choir some individuals didn't love the show and some didn't understand that their wasn't a theme throughout. Even though their show wasn't translating and they didn't get all the out comes they had wanted, they still continued to work hard and push through.
After going back through to clean their choreography and taking out a whole number they headed to Nashville Tennessee. They were lucky enough to be able to stay at the Gaylord hotel and perform in one of the most iconic music venues in all of history; The Grand Ole Opry. Just that was a once in a life time opportunity.
Happiness went out and did their best show knowing that the judges may not be in their favor and keeping in mind that the future is unknown. However despite the odds Happiness made finals and finally got rewarded for their hard work. They wanted to attempt to move up in finals but that didn't happen however they still are the 6th best showchoir in America.
To get their they had to take some risks. An acapella ballad with out a conductor is one of them. No one else did that and it is a very difficult thing to do. They also took out a whole number, a whole number that they just took out and decided to never do again. Some people would think these things are outrageous things to do but happiness did them and finally go the outcome they wanted and deserved.
Understand the obstacles
Create a positive mental picture
Clear your mind of self doubt
Embrace the challenge
Stay on track
Show the world you can do it." -anonymous
This quote is a great example of what Kennedy High Schools Varsity Show Choir Happiness inc. did at show choir nationals in Nashville Tennessee this weekend.
Happiness inc is generally a very competitively successful group. Winning many grand champions and even winning showchoir nationals before and being named Americas favorite show choir. However this year was an off year for them. With the evolution of show choir some individuals didn't love the show and some didn't understand that their wasn't a theme throughout. Even though their show wasn't translating and they didn't get all the out comes they had wanted, they still continued to work hard and push through.
After going back through to clean their choreography and taking out a whole number they headed to Nashville Tennessee. They were lucky enough to be able to stay at the Gaylord hotel and perform in one of the most iconic music venues in all of history; The Grand Ole Opry. Just that was a once in a life time opportunity.
Happiness went out and did their best show knowing that the judges may not be in their favor and keeping in mind that the future is unknown. However despite the odds Happiness made finals and finally got rewarded for their hard work. They wanted to attempt to move up in finals but that didn't happen however they still are the 6th best showchoir in America.
To get their they had to take some risks. An acapella ballad with out a conductor is one of them. No one else did that and it is a very difficult thing to do. They also took out a whole number, a whole number that they just took out and decided to never do again. Some people would think these things are outrageous things to do but happiness did them and finally go the outcome they wanted and deserved.
Inspire
"Do it for the little beginners who used to watch the big girls in their sparkles dresses and think I want to be her someday." -anonymous
Many dancers find themselves watching other amazing dancers and comparing themselves to them. Wishing and wondering why they can't be them, why they aren't as talented or gifted as them. Well, this is the exact opposite of what you should do. Doing this will just decrease your self confidence and lessen your talent because you will play it safe and be worrying about what you look like and who is judging you. Now, what you should do is let other people's talent inspire you. Make others talent a tool for your improvment.
As a dancer it is very very important to be inspired whether it improves your performance or your improv or just makes you want to move more and work harder. To be inspired is important and a feeling that everyone should feel at least once in their life time. However, not only is it a great thing to be inspired but it is also a great feeling to inspire
Whether you know it or not you always have someone looking up to you; a little girl, a class mate, or even a teacher wishing they had your abilities and passion when they were young and nimble like you. You can lead the young girls that look up to you in a good or bad way, and hopefully you choose to make it a good way. The little girls don't just watch you dance when you are giving it your all on stage under the hot lights, but they also watch you in class. This being said they often pick up your class and rehearsal habits along with this.
The little girls that think the world of you might not understand yet that talking in class is not the most effective way to improve your dancing abilities and achieve your goals in a timely manner. They also may see you not always giving one hundred percent and this will cause them to do the same. In other words, being an older girl at the studio is a big responsibility, basically the studio is in your hands. Although it is a lot of pressure it is easy to make the right decision and set a good example to the little ones you inspire. While doing this you will improve and further your talent even more. It's a win win and it is just as easy to inspire as it is to be inspired.
Many dancers find themselves watching other amazing dancers and comparing themselves to them. Wishing and wondering why they can't be them, why they aren't as talented or gifted as them. Well, this is the exact opposite of what you should do. Doing this will just decrease your self confidence and lessen your talent because you will play it safe and be worrying about what you look like and who is judging you. Now, what you should do is let other people's talent inspire you. Make others talent a tool for your improvment.
As a dancer it is very very important to be inspired whether it improves your performance or your improv or just makes you want to move more and work harder. To be inspired is important and a feeling that everyone should feel at least once in their life time. However, not only is it a great thing to be inspired but it is also a great feeling to inspire
Whether you know it or not you always have someone looking up to you; a little girl, a class mate, or even a teacher wishing they had your abilities and passion when they were young and nimble like you. You can lead the young girls that look up to you in a good or bad way, and hopefully you choose to make it a good way. The little girls don't just watch you dance when you are giving it your all on stage under the hot lights, but they also watch you in class. This being said they often pick up your class and rehearsal habits along with this.
The little girls that think the world of you might not understand yet that talking in class is not the most effective way to improve your dancing abilities and achieve your goals in a timely manner. They also may see you not always giving one hundred percent and this will cause them to do the same. In other words, being an older girl at the studio is a big responsibility, basically the studio is in your hands. Although it is a lot of pressure it is easy to make the right decision and set a good example to the little ones you inspire. While doing this you will improve and further your talent even more. It's a win win and it is just as easy to inspire as it is to be inspired.
Line Dancing
Being a dancer, any opportunity to dance is very exciting for me. Luckily for me, on my trip to Nashville not only did I dance on the Grand Ole Opry stage, I learned a new dance style on the floor at the Wild Horse Saloon.
Upon walking into the saloon I was overwhelmed with excitement. The first thing I saw was a large group of people who were my age, having fun on the dance floor. I grabbed my all of my friends right away and ran out to the floor. Everyone was doing something called line dancing. Line dancing isn't just standing in rows dancing, which is what I thought it was prior to this trip. What makes it different from other dance styles is that it is interactive. This means that usually, someone is teaching the group a dance or even is dancing with the group. In my case, there was a woman up on the stage, located right in front of the dance floor, teaching us the dance. Once she decided that we had practiced enough, she turned on some music and we showed off our new skills. For example, we learned a dance called the triple step. It's a short dance sequence with different variations of step-touch moves. For me, the dance was very easy to learn, considering my past as a dancer. On dance team or in classes at the dance studio I attend, you have to be able to catch on to the dance you are learning rather quickly to be able to keep up with the group, and keep the learning process going. So, with such simple moves, and in a easy going environment, learning this dance was no challenge for me.
I had so much fun learning a new dance style in Nashville. Being able to experience dance in new ways with unique people and different cultures is one of the reasons I love dance so much. No matter where you go, there is always a way to dance. The styles practiced around the world are all so different. They can have different music, beats, style, speed and more. Every dance is truly unique. It excites me when I am allowed the opportunity to share my talent with people from all over. In situations like this one, I feel as though all of these years of hard work have finally paid off. I get personal joy from dancing at home, but I know that at the Wild Horse Saloon, I was able to show off my skills, and spread joy to others.
Upon walking into the saloon I was overwhelmed with excitement. The first thing I saw was a large group of people who were my age, having fun on the dance floor. I grabbed my all of my friends right away and ran out to the floor. Everyone was doing something called line dancing. Line dancing isn't just standing in rows dancing, which is what I thought it was prior to this trip. What makes it different from other dance styles is that it is interactive. This means that usually, someone is teaching the group a dance or even is dancing with the group. In my case, there was a woman up on the stage, located right in front of the dance floor, teaching us the dance. Once she decided that we had practiced enough, she turned on some music and we showed off our new skills. For example, we learned a dance called the triple step. It's a short dance sequence with different variations of step-touch moves. For me, the dance was very easy to learn, considering my past as a dancer. On dance team or in classes at the dance studio I attend, you have to be able to catch on to the dance you are learning rather quickly to be able to keep up with the group, and keep the learning process going. So, with such simple moves, and in a easy going environment, learning this dance was no challenge for me.
I had so much fun learning a new dance style in Nashville. Being able to experience dance in new ways with unique people and different cultures is one of the reasons I love dance so much. No matter where you go, there is always a way to dance. The styles practiced around the world are all so different. They can have different music, beats, style, speed and more. Every dance is truly unique. It excites me when I am allowed the opportunity to share my talent with people from all over. In situations like this one, I feel as though all of these years of hard work have finally paid off. I get personal joy from dancing at home, but I know that at the Wild Horse Saloon, I was able to show off my skills, and spread joy to others.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Sacrifices
"Working hard becomes a habit, a serious kind of fun. You get self satisfaction from pushing your self to the limit, knowing that all the effort is going to pay off." -Mary Lou Retton
Every serious dancer has had times when dance doesn't seem like the most fun thing to do at the moment, or their friend calls and asks them to hang out and do something fun. The most common response from a dancer is probably "sorry i am busy" or "sorry I have dance". This can be really difficult through the teen years. Friendships can be weakened, grades can plummet, and stress can heighten. It is hard to balance all these things, dance, a social life, and school. But these things are what sets dancers apart.
Every teacher wants to work with a passionate, dedicated dancer and sadly they aren't always easy to come around. Growing up as a dancer I have been lucky that school tends to come easy to me but what has been hard is balancing a social life and dance. However, dance pretty much is my social life. Most of my best friends I've meet from dance but not all of them share the same love for it as I do or go to the same studio. I also have best friends that don't dance which is also important. But with this I have realized that to be the dancer I want to be I must make sacrifices that means staying up till midnight most Wednesday nights even if I have a huge test the next day. It means getting my homework done on Fridays before I can hang out with friends, dancing all Sunday, and in competition season not hanging out with some of my friends for weeks on end. This can be hard and make you grow apart from friends but it is a decision you have to make if you want to reach your full potential.
Now, I'm not saying drop all of your friends and never have fun all you can do is dance. You need to also make time for those things as well because there is a lot more to life than just dance; but you need to manage your time. I go to almost all of the football and basketball games I've gotten to go to every school dance and spend many weekends having fun with my friends. But I also have had to be willing to give up those things once in a while to improve or have extra rehearsals.
In the end the hard work will pay off, you will reach your goals and your true friends will stick by your side and encourage you on your journey their. Their certainly is more to life than just dance but being a dancer certainly is a life style and one that is not for everyone.
Every serious dancer has had times when dance doesn't seem like the most fun thing to do at the moment, or their friend calls and asks them to hang out and do something fun. The most common response from a dancer is probably "sorry i am busy" or "sorry I have dance". This can be really difficult through the teen years. Friendships can be weakened, grades can plummet, and stress can heighten. It is hard to balance all these things, dance, a social life, and school. But these things are what sets dancers apart.
Every teacher wants to work with a passionate, dedicated dancer and sadly they aren't always easy to come around. Growing up as a dancer I have been lucky that school tends to come easy to me but what has been hard is balancing a social life and dance. However, dance pretty much is my social life. Most of my best friends I've meet from dance but not all of them share the same love for it as I do or go to the same studio. I also have best friends that don't dance which is also important. But with this I have realized that to be the dancer I want to be I must make sacrifices that means staying up till midnight most Wednesday nights even if I have a huge test the next day. It means getting my homework done on Fridays before I can hang out with friends, dancing all Sunday, and in competition season not hanging out with some of my friends for weeks on end. This can be hard and make you grow apart from friends but it is a decision you have to make if you want to reach your full potential.
Now, I'm not saying drop all of your friends and never have fun all you can do is dance. You need to also make time for those things as well because there is a lot more to life than just dance; but you need to manage your time. I go to almost all of the football and basketball games I've gotten to go to every school dance and spend many weekends having fun with my friends. But I also have had to be willing to give up those things once in a while to improve or have extra rehearsals.
In the end the hard work will pay off, you will reach your goals and your true friends will stick by your side and encourage you on your journey their. Their certainly is more to life than just dance but being a dancer certainly is a life style and one that is not for everyone.
High School Dances
Dancing brings many people joy, people often find themselves dancing around their rooms, the grocery store, when they are with their friends and many other places. Even people without rhythm Dane when they are having a good time. The best thing about dance is the vast amounts of different ways you can dance.Now, school dances are nothing like competition dancing, although surprisingly they do have some similarities.
School dancing is a lot more free than competitive dancing, you can do whatever you want because there isn't certain moves you have to do at a certain time with certain music. It is just you dancing with your friends and classmates having a good time. You are squished in a room with everyone and it is very possible that your body is touching multiple people at once because everyone is squished in the center. School dances consist of a lot of jumping, singing, and fist pumps to the top radio hits and of course some classics like the cha cha slide, YMCA and the Cupid shuffle. Also it is extremely hot, sweaty, and humid at school dances.
The similarities between competition dancing and school dances is the amount of time girls put in to get ready. They spend a great amount of time making sure their hair and makeup looks perfect. They do their hair different than everyday and they generally apply more makeup than usual just to look their best for one night. Along with this also comes stress because of course your hair in makeup is never going to look perfect and girls usually always find something that could have looked better. Also it can be expensive just like competitive dancing, boys and girls go out and buy new outfits, shoes and all just to wear once. They also go out to dinner and pay for tickets to get into the dance, not to mention paying for pictures at the dance as well.
Some of your best memories in high school can be from the days of school dances because you are surrounded by a bunch of beautiful people having fun together. What could be better? I encourage everyone to go to every school dance they get a chance to go to and go in with in open mind. Who knows, you might have the best night of your life.
School dancing is a lot more free than competitive dancing, you can do whatever you want because there isn't certain moves you have to do at a certain time with certain music. It is just you dancing with your friends and classmates having a good time. You are squished in a room with everyone and it is very possible that your body is touching multiple people at once because everyone is squished in the center. School dances consist of a lot of jumping, singing, and fist pumps to the top radio hits and of course some classics like the cha cha slide, YMCA and the Cupid shuffle. Also it is extremely hot, sweaty, and humid at school dances.
The similarities between competition dancing and school dances is the amount of time girls put in to get ready. They spend a great amount of time making sure their hair and makeup looks perfect. They do their hair different than everyday and they generally apply more makeup than usual just to look their best for one night. Along with this also comes stress because of course your hair in makeup is never going to look perfect and girls usually always find something that could have looked better. Also it can be expensive just like competitive dancing, boys and girls go out and buy new outfits, shoes and all just to wear once. They also go out to dinner and pay for tickets to get into the dance, not to mention paying for pictures at the dance as well.
Some of your best memories in high school can be from the days of school dances because you are surrounded by a bunch of beautiful people having fun together. What could be better? I encourage everyone to go to every school dance they get a chance to go to and go in with in open mind. Who knows, you might have the best night of your life.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Nuvo
This past weekend I attended the Nuvo dance competition and convention. It was a long, sweaty, fun, inspirational weekend that I will remember for a long time. One of the coolest parts of Nuvo is their amazing faculty. Nuvo is directed by Ray Leeper, and some other big names that are apart of their faculty are: Travis and Denise wall, Stacey Tookey, Kim Mcswain, Ivan Koumaev, Chebar Williams, Jason Parsons, Mark Meismer, and many more. Most dancers likely know a few of these professional dancers.
My favorite part about Nuvo and its faculty is how accepting and encouraging they are. They make sure you know you are special and know that where you are is a safe place where you can take risks. It is very important to take risks as a dancer and to push your limits to improve, and the staff did exactly that. They made sure you knew that just because someone was better than you today, you can always be better than them tomorrow if you work for it. The staff just put off a good positive vibe that was very encouraging. This lowered the pressure and made the weekend a lot more fun.
Another great thing about Nuvo is that they had a wide variety of classes. They had Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, hip hop, heels, tap, and ballet. Surprisingly one of my favorite classes was tap. This is strange because I do not take tap and haven't since I was probably around five years old. This was one of my favorites because of the teacher Anthony Morigerato. Not only was he an amazing teacher and a huge inspiration but he also holds the worlds record for the most amount of taps in one minute. Anthony understood that tap wasn't a lot of the dancers strong suits or may have seemed like a foreign language but he still encouraged everyone to try. To my surprise I still remembered basic steps from when I was younger and even picked up on a few ones but despite that I probably looked like I had two left feet. That didn't matter though because I was trying and having fun.
The whole weekend was one to remember I grew a ton as a dancer and even as a person. I have been inspired and look at learning choreography in a new way, I also feel a lot more confident because I know new things I can work on and have different tricks to approach things I need to fix. Lastly I got to dance with the best of the best and that is something I will never forget.
My favorite part about Nuvo and its faculty is how accepting and encouraging they are. They make sure you know you are special and know that where you are is a safe place where you can take risks. It is very important to take risks as a dancer and to push your limits to improve, and the staff did exactly that. They made sure you knew that just because someone was better than you today, you can always be better than them tomorrow if you work for it. The staff just put off a good positive vibe that was very encouraging. This lowered the pressure and made the weekend a lot more fun.
Another great thing about Nuvo is that they had a wide variety of classes. They had Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, hip hop, heels, tap, and ballet. Surprisingly one of my favorite classes was tap. This is strange because I do not take tap and haven't since I was probably around five years old. This was one of my favorites because of the teacher Anthony Morigerato. Not only was he an amazing teacher and a huge inspiration but he also holds the worlds record for the most amount of taps in one minute. Anthony understood that tap wasn't a lot of the dancers strong suits or may have seemed like a foreign language but he still encouraged everyone to try. To my surprise I still remembered basic steps from when I was younger and even picked up on a few ones but despite that I probably looked like I had two left feet. That didn't matter though because I was trying and having fun.
The whole weekend was one to remember I grew a ton as a dancer and even as a person. I have been inspired and look at learning choreography in a new way, I also feel a lot more confident because I know new things I can work on and have different tricks to approach things I need to fix. Lastly I got to dance with the best of the best and that is something I will never forget.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Healthy Dancers
Everyone knows that it is important to have a good diet, well dancers generally know that this is crucial. When doing so much physical exertion it is important that you are getting all the nutrients that you need.
Water is your new best friend. I especially have trouble with this on,e I forget to drink water or I just simply don't want to. Reality is that I have to suck it up and drink it anyways to keep me healthy. Not only does staying hydrated keep you healthy but it also decreases the probability of receiving a cramp. I think every dancer knows how it feels to be in the middle of a bar combination and have their foot cramp and have sharp excruciating pain. Luckily water can solve these minor road blocks.
Carbs are also very important. It is misconceived that carbs are "bad" for you when in all reality they are necessary for carrying out living functions they give you energy. Yes their are certain types of carbs that aren't as good for you like white bread and white rice. The only reason they are bad though is that they aren't natural they have been stripped of important nutrients.
Protein this can be received through shakes or bars, or regular food. Proteins are one of the most important foods you can be eating because they are considered "the building blocks of life." They just like carbs help carry out necessary functions to keep your body going. The only downfall of protein is if you get a protein over load causing strain on your kidneys. Luckily this is not common and would take outrageously immense amounts of protein which would make you feel sick before you got to the over load point.
These are only a select few of the important things that you need in your diet to keep you going through long hard dance practices. Make sure you keep a well rounded healthy diet all the time.
Water is your new best friend. I especially have trouble with this on,e I forget to drink water or I just simply don't want to. Reality is that I have to suck it up and drink it anyways to keep me healthy. Not only does staying hydrated keep you healthy but it also decreases the probability of receiving a cramp. I think every dancer knows how it feels to be in the middle of a bar combination and have their foot cramp and have sharp excruciating pain. Luckily water can solve these minor road blocks.
Carbs are also very important. It is misconceived that carbs are "bad" for you when in all reality they are necessary for carrying out living functions they give you energy. Yes their are certain types of carbs that aren't as good for you like white bread and white rice. The only reason they are bad though is that they aren't natural they have been stripped of important nutrients.
Protein this can be received through shakes or bars, or regular food. Proteins are one of the most important foods you can be eating because they are considered "the building blocks of life." They just like carbs help carry out necessary functions to keep your body going. The only downfall of protein is if you get a protein over load causing strain on your kidneys. Luckily this is not common and would take outrageously immense amounts of protein which would make you feel sick before you got to the over load point.
These are only a select few of the important things that you need in your diet to keep you going through long hard dance practices. Make sure you keep a well rounded healthy diet all the time.
Unused Potential
"Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities." - anonymous
Dancing is abstract exotic movement, it can be beautiful, unique, intense, anything you want it to be and the only person stopping it from being what you want is yourself. Many dancers are scared to try new things and put their self out there for the fear of messing up, or being judged, or possibly even ruining their image. But what we as dancers need to realize is that others simply do not care enough to judge you. Dancers are so focused on their own selves and their own self images that they have no time to judge one another. If you thing about it, while you are dancing, do you judge anyone around you? No probably not. So why do we tell ourselves that other will?
The first step is to stop being your own worst enemy is to stop caring what the dancers around you think because chances are they aren't thinking about you in the first place. You are the only one holding yourself back from being better. What a shame it will be when your time as a dancer is up and you haven't reached your full potential because you were scared.
If you see a cool new challenging trick, try it. If you see a girl that is dancing bigger than you, try to dance even bigger than her. If you see movement quality or style you like but have never tried it now is the time to do it. Don't let the fear of messing up or looking weird or spastic stop you from increasing your talent level. You will be able to tell if you look crazy or your teacher will tell you. If or when this happens take it as a learning experience and not an embarrassing comment. In the end it is only going to help you improve.
Us dancers need to come together to help encourage one another to get out of our comfort zones and push each others boundaries. Do not let your potential go unused and wasted because what a waste that will be when your time as a dancer is up.
Dancing is abstract exotic movement, it can be beautiful, unique, intense, anything you want it to be and the only person stopping it from being what you want is yourself. Many dancers are scared to try new things and put their self out there for the fear of messing up, or being judged, or possibly even ruining their image. But what we as dancers need to realize is that others simply do not care enough to judge you. Dancers are so focused on their own selves and their own self images that they have no time to judge one another. If you thing about it, while you are dancing, do you judge anyone around you? No probably not. So why do we tell ourselves that other will?
The first step is to stop being your own worst enemy is to stop caring what the dancers around you think because chances are they aren't thinking about you in the first place. You are the only one holding yourself back from being better. What a shame it will be when your time as a dancer is up and you haven't reached your full potential because you were scared.
If you see a cool new challenging trick, try it. If you see a girl that is dancing bigger than you, try to dance even bigger than her. If you see movement quality or style you like but have never tried it now is the time to do it. Don't let the fear of messing up or looking weird or spastic stop you from increasing your talent level. You will be able to tell if you look crazy or your teacher will tell you. If or when this happens take it as a learning experience and not an embarrassing comment. In the end it is only going to help you improve.
Us dancers need to come together to help encourage one another to get out of our comfort zones and push each others boundaries. Do not let your potential go unused and wasted because what a waste that will be when your time as a dancer is up.
Dancing for free
Dancing is an activity that many possibly hundreds participate in to fill their time with something they particularly love to do. Dancing is - contrary to belief - a physically demanding sport that is something that I especially like to indulge in, with full participation. Although dancing like everything, has its downfalls, the biggest thing being the time and how costly it is. It being timely is not a big issue for die hard dancers that love the art, but money sometimes is an issue.
Being a competitive dancer costs an immense amount of money from studio time, to choreography costs, to costumes, to competitions, to travel costs, to hotel expenses and many other things. Luckily I have amazing parents that support me and will do whatever they have to, to give me the best opportunities to do what I love. For that I am endlessly grateful. However, just because you can't afford dance doesn't mean that you should let that stop you. There have been many extremely successful dancers that didn't have money on their side on their journey to the top. One example is Misty Copeland. Misty danced at her local boys and girls club and now is known as one of the most successful and influential dancers of modern time.
Generally boys and girls clubs will have average quality dance lessons adequate for most, but another option is to ask for a scholarship at a studio. Many studios are willing to give financial aid to young dancers with big hearts, goals, and dreams. You would have to already know basics and have a good foundation for them to be willing to do this. I would guess that an application and essay would need to be written for this as well.
Another great idea would be to start teaching your self on your own at first. Even some great collegiate dancers have done this. This is uncommon but it is a possibility. It is easy enough to look up YouTube videos and master skills, or stand in front of a mirror and see what moves or style you like best. It doesn't have to be costly to be a gifted dancer you may already have natural talent that is going undiscovered currently that you haven't tapped into yet. The worst thing you can do is let money keep you from doing something you love. It costs virtually nothing to find an empty space and move, not be told how to move but to move how you want to move. "It will cost you nothing to dream, and everything not to." - anonymous
Being a competitive dancer costs an immense amount of money from studio time, to choreography costs, to costumes, to competitions, to travel costs, to hotel expenses and many other things. Luckily I have amazing parents that support me and will do whatever they have to, to give me the best opportunities to do what I love. For that I am endlessly grateful. However, just because you can't afford dance doesn't mean that you should let that stop you. There have been many extremely successful dancers that didn't have money on their side on their journey to the top. One example is Misty Copeland. Misty danced at her local boys and girls club and now is known as one of the most successful and influential dancers of modern time.
Generally boys and girls clubs will have average quality dance lessons adequate for most, but another option is to ask for a scholarship at a studio. Many studios are willing to give financial aid to young dancers with big hearts, goals, and dreams. You would have to already know basics and have a good foundation for them to be willing to do this. I would guess that an application and essay would need to be written for this as well.
Another great idea would be to start teaching your self on your own at first. Even some great collegiate dancers have done this. This is uncommon but it is a possibility. It is easy enough to look up YouTube videos and master skills, or stand in front of a mirror and see what moves or style you like best. It doesn't have to be costly to be a gifted dancer you may already have natural talent that is going undiscovered currently that you haven't tapped into yet. The worst thing you can do is let money keep you from doing something you love. It costs virtually nothing to find an empty space and move, not be told how to move but to move how you want to move. "It will cost you nothing to dream, and everything not to." - anonymous
Monday, February 29, 2016
Change
"It will cost you nothing to dream and everything not to." -anonymous
Every athlete has had low points, times in life when they want to quit and throw everything that they have worked for right down the drain. This is when you must take a step back and evaluate what you really want, and think about the consequences you would go through if you just simply gave up and quit. My advice is don't. I too have been to this point where I'm sore, tired, and beyond stressed. For a short amount of time what you love isn't fun anymore, well it won't stay like this forever.
Maybe like I did you just need a change of scenery. I switched studios my 12th year of dance and the change made me realize why I feel in love with dance in the first place. Not only did I get out of my quitter brain I was offered many new and amazing opportunities that I forever will be grateful for. I realize now that I would rather have a million hard practices to the point where I puke and succeed at what I love than slack off and just have fun at practice. Yeah, fun practices are always great but what won't be great is not doing as well as you want at competition, or not making it onto the college dance team that you've always dreamed of because when you were given a challenge and the opportunity to work hard, you didn't. The biggest mistake is regretting and opportunity you didn't take. Working hard may suck now but it won't later and it will create a great reputation for you. Everyone wants to be known as a hard worker and motivated and they will also want that person on their team.
Another thing is that failing to work hard will not only hurt yourself but also will hurt the others around you. Negative energy is more contagious than positive energy. Make sure you are always the positive energy that is ready to work and contribute to the teams competitive success.
Every athlete has had low points, times in life when they want to quit and throw everything that they have worked for right down the drain. This is when you must take a step back and evaluate what you really want, and think about the consequences you would go through if you just simply gave up and quit. My advice is don't. I too have been to this point where I'm sore, tired, and beyond stressed. For a short amount of time what you love isn't fun anymore, well it won't stay like this forever.
Maybe like I did you just need a change of scenery. I switched studios my 12th year of dance and the change made me realize why I feel in love with dance in the first place. Not only did I get out of my quitter brain I was offered many new and amazing opportunities that I forever will be grateful for. I realize now that I would rather have a million hard practices to the point where I puke and succeed at what I love than slack off and just have fun at practice. Yeah, fun practices are always great but what won't be great is not doing as well as you want at competition, or not making it onto the college dance team that you've always dreamed of because when you were given a challenge and the opportunity to work hard, you didn't. The biggest mistake is regretting and opportunity you didn't take. Working hard may suck now but it won't later and it will create a great reputation for you. Everyone wants to be known as a hard worker and motivated and they will also want that person on their team.
Another thing is that failing to work hard will not only hurt yourself but also will hurt the others around you. Negative energy is more contagious than positive energy. Make sure you are always the positive energy that is ready to work and contribute to the teams competitive success.
Competition Season
"Don't practice till you get it right. Practice till you can't get it wrong" -anonymous
With competition season on rise this time of year is particularly one of the busiest for adolescent dancers: extra rehearsals, people striving for perfection, and stressed out instructors come along with this. However, I can assure you this will all pay off once you are on the stage with the stage lights warming your skin, doing what you love. The gift of performance will always be more rewarding if you work hard before hand.
Another thing sometimes dealt with around this time of year at studios is restaging. Dancers get injured or may have a conflict with a competition and have to miss one. This creates and immense amount of stress for the other dancers in the group and tests their maturity and ability to adapt, which is important in becoming a great dancer. This is another reason that extra practices are scheduled. Restaging doesn't always mean just new spots but it also means learning new parts most of the time; occasionally dancers might basically learn a whole new dance.
These mandatory extra rehearsals will definitely be time consuming but they will be crucial in your groups success. This may mean giving up you Friday nights with friends or Saturday and Sunday mornings, or ever Tuesday and Thursday school basketball games for a couple weeks. Yes, that sucks and you are only in high school once but later in life you are not going to remember having to miss a basketball game that your friends are in; you are going to remember doing what you love and doing it well and succeeding.
Keep in mind through this strenuous part of being a competitive dancer that you must work now and be rewarded later. Before you know it competition season will come to an end and you want to make sure you give every last ounce of energy to your team like they will do for you. Unfortunately not everyone gets the opportunity to dance competitively so prove that you indeed do deserve it. You won't get to compete forever so make it great while it lasts so you can bathe in the memories later.
With competition season on rise this time of year is particularly one of the busiest for adolescent dancers: extra rehearsals, people striving for perfection, and stressed out instructors come along with this. However, I can assure you this will all pay off once you are on the stage with the stage lights warming your skin, doing what you love. The gift of performance will always be more rewarding if you work hard before hand.
Another thing sometimes dealt with around this time of year at studios is restaging. Dancers get injured or may have a conflict with a competition and have to miss one. This creates and immense amount of stress for the other dancers in the group and tests their maturity and ability to adapt, which is important in becoming a great dancer. This is another reason that extra practices are scheduled. Restaging doesn't always mean just new spots but it also means learning new parts most of the time; occasionally dancers might basically learn a whole new dance.
These mandatory extra rehearsals will definitely be time consuming but they will be crucial in your groups success. This may mean giving up you Friday nights with friends or Saturday and Sunday mornings, or ever Tuesday and Thursday school basketball games for a couple weeks. Yes, that sucks and you are only in high school once but later in life you are not going to remember having to miss a basketball game that your friends are in; you are going to remember doing what you love and doing it well and succeeding.
Keep in mind through this strenuous part of being a competitive dancer that you must work now and be rewarded later. Before you know it competition season will come to an end and you want to make sure you give every last ounce of energy to your team like they will do for you. Unfortunately not everyone gets the opportunity to dance competitively so prove that you indeed do deserve it. You won't get to compete forever so make it great while it lasts so you can bathe in the memories later.
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