Dance is innately competitive. We all look at the girl next to us and want to be able to do something that she can do. Little do you know, she's looking at you the same way. How many times have you seen a friend do something amazing? And how many times have you shouted at them "STOP! Why are you so amazing?! I wanna kill you, oh my god," or something of the like?
This is the mindset that'll get you down. This goes slightly along with my post "Chase the Dream, Not the Competition", but it's become a pet peeve for me because I find myself caught up doing it too. I hate myself for doing it, but sometimes I can't help but feel that way. In our basic human instincts, we compete for survival. If you take out the one stronger than you, you've got a better shot at surviving, right? Same deal - you innately want to take out the dancer you think is better than you so you have a better shot at getting noticed, getting hired, booking the gig, improving, etc. You think you'll have a better shot at reaching your goal.
The truth is these thoughts are a complete waste of time. Stop hating the dancers who can do things you can't and start learning from them. Ask them to teach you how to improve or "get" certain tricks. Observe them closely and analyze the secrets of their success. Channel your negative energy and frustration with yourself into making yourself better. Compliment them on what they do well! Maybe you'll be surprised by what you get in return. A compliment in return? A smile? Maybe they'll ask you to teach them something you can do! Imitation is the highest form of flattery in dance, so don't feel bad about "copying" the girl next to you. And never forget your love for what you do.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Common Things Dancers Should Avoid: Part 2
These are some risks you take as a dancer, and some of them require lifestyle changes. Even though you probably like to keep your dance life and your home life separate, there are times the two lives fuse. It is these times when you need to be extra careful and think twice. Here are more things I've noticed that should be avoided:
Stretching without warming up.
Oh-so-dangerous, but one that most of us don't think about. How many times do you walk into rehearsal (or any type of dance-involved activity with no organized warm up) and just plop into a low second grande plie with your elbows propped against your knees? Or a lunge? Stretching cold muscles can lead to tears, strains, and ultimately even worse injuries. I'm not saying you need to do your full set of tendus and plies before you stretch, but do 20 jumping jacks, do a silly dance in a circle for 30 seconds, whatever will get your blood flowing a little before you start stretching.
Partner stretching.
Sometimes a partner is useful to push you in a way you can't push yourself, but be careful. Your brain is connected to your body via your own nerves. Your partner cannot feel your pain. Good communication is crucial or you will hurt yourself and possibly your partner. Unless you have someone you really trust and you really need someone else to help, avoid partner stretching.
Not staying warm.
Put on a jacket and long pants over that sports bra and booty shorts when you're not dancing, or you'll have to warm up again!
Wearing jewelry in class/rehearsal.
This is kind of a gray area - stud earrings are alright most of the time (watch the shoulder rolls), rings that are flush with your skin are usually not a problem, but items like bracelets, necklaces, dangly earrings, and large fashion rings can really hurt someone or cut into your own skin. Hoop earrings? Forget it - unless you're willing to chance it snagging on your clothes or someone's finger and having it damage your earlobe.
Not bandaging cuts/scrapes/wounds that have scabbed over and have not healed.
Dance studios are a great place to share germs - one person gets sick, everyone gets sick. You're constantly leaping in the air, rolling on the floor, touching the barre, and coming in contact with one another. Colds and flus are most commonly caught from studios, but blood or other bodily fluids (not sweat) on the dance floor can mean different and more serious diseases, like mono or athlete's foot. Bandage your open wounds and make sure you use antiseptic wipes if blood becomes involved.
Dancing through injuries - the dangers of "I'm okay."
'Nuff said - don't hurt yourself.
Wrapping injuries.
Sometimes it's good to tightly wrap/brace a strained body part in athletic tape/wrap/brace, but sometimes, such wraps just restrict bloodflow to an area that needs blood to heal. Check with a doctor or therapist if you have a chronic injury/problem that you constantly need support for and work with your teacher so that you don't end up hurting yourself more.
Sharing personal items.
It's alright to ask another dancer for a tampon or band-aid, but be more wary of sharing items like deodorant, tennis balls, and even water or food. They're great ways to transmit germs, rashes, and fungi.
Stretching without warming up.
Oh-so-dangerous, but one that most of us don't think about. How many times do you walk into rehearsal (or any type of dance-involved activity with no organized warm up) and just plop into a low second grande plie with your elbows propped against your knees? Or a lunge? Stretching cold muscles can lead to tears, strains, and ultimately even worse injuries. I'm not saying you need to do your full set of tendus and plies before you stretch, but do 20 jumping jacks, do a silly dance in a circle for 30 seconds, whatever will get your blood flowing a little before you start stretching.
Partner stretching.
Sometimes a partner is useful to push you in a way you can't push yourself, but be careful. Your brain is connected to your body via your own nerves. Your partner cannot feel your pain. Good communication is crucial or you will hurt yourself and possibly your partner. Unless you have someone you really trust and you really need someone else to help, avoid partner stretching.
Not staying warm.
Put on a jacket and long pants over that sports bra and booty shorts when you're not dancing, or you'll have to warm up again!
Wearing jewelry in class/rehearsal.
This is kind of a gray area - stud earrings are alright most of the time (watch the shoulder rolls), rings that are flush with your skin are usually not a problem, but items like bracelets, necklaces, dangly earrings, and large fashion rings can really hurt someone or cut into your own skin. Hoop earrings? Forget it - unless you're willing to chance it snagging on your clothes or someone's finger and having it damage your earlobe.
Not bandaging cuts/scrapes/wounds that have scabbed over and have not healed.
Dance studios are a great place to share germs - one person gets sick, everyone gets sick. You're constantly leaping in the air, rolling on the floor, touching the barre, and coming in contact with one another. Colds and flus are most commonly caught from studios, but blood or other bodily fluids (not sweat) on the dance floor can mean different and more serious diseases, like mono or athlete's foot. Bandage your open wounds and make sure you use antiseptic wipes if blood becomes involved.
Dancing through injuries - the dangers of "I'm okay."
'Nuff said - don't hurt yourself.
Wrapping injuries.
Sometimes it's good to tightly wrap/brace a strained body part in athletic tape/wrap/brace, but sometimes, such wraps just restrict bloodflow to an area that needs blood to heal. Check with a doctor or therapist if you have a chronic injury/problem that you constantly need support for and work with your teacher so that you don't end up hurting yourself more.
Sharing personal items.
It's alright to ask another dancer for a tampon or band-aid, but be more wary of sharing items like deodorant, tennis balls, and even water or food. They're great ways to transmit germs, rashes, and fungi.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Common Things Dancers Should Avoid: Part 1
There's a lot of things that lots of us dancers do without thinking about, but once you learn a little about the human body and how it works, you realize that many of your routines may not be the healthiest thing for you. Of course, it's not just dancers that do such things, normal people do some of these too - but their body isn't necessarily what's determining how they do their job, is it? This is a list of common practices I've noticed that should be avoided:
Not drinking enough water.
The bane of everyone's existence - not drinking water. Dehydration is common in the normal population, and dancers are among the number of athletes for whom water is extremely important. Not drinking enough leads to retention of water (bloating), skin problems, disrupted sleep, and generally non-optimal (and sometimes bad) health.
Not showering right after dancing.
I'm a victim of this one too, and it's understandable - there simply isn't a shower in reach every time we're done sweating. But it's important - you don't want to keep all the toxins you released by sweating on your skin or in your system.
Standing in cold air when sweating.
I'm sure you've heard this one, but it has to do with the previous problem, as well as the shock of cold.
Drinking cold drinks.
Cold shock. Room temperature or slightly cool water is much better than refrigerator-temp water or ice water.
Using ice to nurse injuries/reduce swelling.
Not always a bad thing - if you've just landed really hard and you have a bump, use the ice. But if you're just sore after a long day, heat will work much better. Ice will freeze your joints, induce stiffness in your muscles, and cause blood to move out of the area. What you want is blood to carry nutrients into the area to help it to heal faster, which is what heat will help. Icy-Hot doesn't count. Treat the problem, not the symptoms.
Snacking on carbs/sugars/prepackaged foods.
Generally unhealthy, but these foods will cause you to crash in a short period of time. If you are going to eat something carb-laden or sugary, eat protein with it. For example, a handful of almonds (protein) and an apple (faster burning sugars) for both an instant kick and long lasting power.
Not eating before practice/class/rehearsal/performance.
As much as you may think you perform horribly and feel sluggish on a full stomach, dancing on an empty one is even worse. Fluctuating blood sugar is unhealthy, and letting your body starve until you don't feel hunger anymore is probably the worst thing you can do to it. You need the nutrients to perform optimally, and if you can't stomach a full meal, eat a good-sized snack - not an energy bar or drink.
Sitting down to rest right after exertion.
Surprisingly, sitting down is bad for you when your heart is pumping. Runners don't immediately sit down after they run, they walk half a lap or so to cool down. You should do the same.
Wearing open-toed shoes.
It's always a risk to wear flip flops - they're not safe for your feet in any way. They flip and they flop and they will trip you and allow your friends to kick at/stomp on your feet, flip a nail, and cause you to be unable to take pointe for a week (or maybe that's just me). If you have a choice, don't do it!
These are some risks you take as a dancer, and some of them require lifestyle changes. Even though you probably like to keep your dance life and your home life separate, there are times the two lives fuse. It is these times when you need to be extra careful and think twice.
Not drinking enough water.
The bane of everyone's existence - not drinking water. Dehydration is common in the normal population, and dancers are among the number of athletes for whom water is extremely important. Not drinking enough leads to retention of water (bloating), skin problems, disrupted sleep, and generally non-optimal (and sometimes bad) health.
Not showering right after dancing.
I'm a victim of this one too, and it's understandable - there simply isn't a shower in reach every time we're done sweating. But it's important - you don't want to keep all the toxins you released by sweating on your skin or in your system.
Standing in cold air when sweating.
I'm sure you've heard this one, but it has to do with the previous problem, as well as the shock of cold.
Drinking cold drinks.
Cold shock. Room temperature or slightly cool water is much better than refrigerator-temp water or ice water.
Using ice to nurse injuries/reduce swelling.
Not always a bad thing - if you've just landed really hard and you have a bump, use the ice. But if you're just sore after a long day, heat will work much better. Ice will freeze your joints, induce stiffness in your muscles, and cause blood to move out of the area. What you want is blood to carry nutrients into the area to help it to heal faster, which is what heat will help. Icy-Hot doesn't count. Treat the problem, not the symptoms.
Snacking on carbs/sugars/prepackaged foods.
Generally unhealthy, but these foods will cause you to crash in a short period of time. If you are going to eat something carb-laden or sugary, eat protein with it. For example, a handful of almonds (protein) and an apple (faster burning sugars) for both an instant kick and long lasting power.
Not eating before practice/class/rehearsal/performance.
As much as you may think you perform horribly and feel sluggish on a full stomach, dancing on an empty one is even worse. Fluctuating blood sugar is unhealthy, and letting your body starve until you don't feel hunger anymore is probably the worst thing you can do to it. You need the nutrients to perform optimally, and if you can't stomach a full meal, eat a good-sized snack - not an energy bar or drink.
Sitting down to rest right after exertion.
Surprisingly, sitting down is bad for you when your heart is pumping. Runners don't immediately sit down after they run, they walk half a lap or so to cool down. You should do the same.
Wearing open-toed shoes.
It's always a risk to wear flip flops - they're not safe for your feet in any way. They flip and they flop and they will trip you and allow your friends to kick at/stomp on your feet, flip a nail, and cause you to be unable to take pointe for a week (or maybe that's just me). If you have a choice, don't do it!
These are some risks you take as a dancer, and some of them require lifestyle changes. Even though you probably like to keep your dance life and your home life separate, there are times the two lives fuse. It is these times when you need to be extra careful and think twice.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Youtube Best of the Best: Inspirational/Motivational (Updates 9)
In lieu of a post I did a while ago on success, I wanted to search out the videos on Youtube that are so inspiring that I teared up or started crying. These videos fit the bill...and I hope that they motivate you as much as they've motivated, inspired, and moved me.
The most inspiring video you will ever watch!
The story of a man named Roger who set out with three goals - health (shed pounds from obesity and reach a healthy weight and nutritionally balanced diet), passion (a goal to run the Boston marathon), and love (raise awareness and money for cystic fibrosis research, an ailment that has befallen his niece).
thatpplguy - How Bad Do You Want It?
The most inspiring video you will ever watch!
The story of a man named Roger who set out with three goals - health (shed pounds from obesity and reach a healthy weight and nutritionally balanced diet), passion (a goal to run the Boston marathon), and love (raise awareness and money for cystic fibrosis research, an ailment that has befallen his niece).
thatpplguy - How Bad Do You Want It?
Another sports story, but the message is inspiring, all the same. The story of a man who comes with almost nothing, works to achieve his goal, and rises from poverty. "How Bad do you want it? Are you willing to seek out the best trainers? To work hard? Are you willing to endure the pain success requires? Are you willing to drag yourself up from the bottom to the top and do whatever it takes?"
MBelinkie - 40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes
Even better, they're from movies.
...and finally, a dance video or two.
Anaheim Ballet - Ballet: Dancers
Not sure if I've posted this one before, but it's lovely.
Zhao Limin - She without arm, him without leg - ballet - Hand in Hand
I've posted this at least 2 times before, but I can't help but put it on the list of inspirational videos. Because if this isn't inspiring and tear-wrenching, I'm not sure what is.
MBelinkie - 40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes
Even better, they're from movies.
...and finally, a dance video or two.
Anaheim Ballet - Ballet: Dancers
Not sure if I've posted this one before, but it's lovely.
Zhao Limin - She without arm, him without leg - ballet - Hand in Hand
I've posted this at least 2 times before, but I can't help but put it on the list of inspirational videos. Because if this isn't inspiring and tear-wrenching, I'm not sure what is.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Youtube Best of the Best: Updates 8
This update has some young dancers, some old featured choreographers from previous updates, and is bursting with generally awesome people. Oh! And happy 2012 to the dancers of the world :)
V Kabaniaev for Miko Fogarty - Casta Diva
This little beauty is 13. 13. 13. I can hardly believe it, she has such star quality and ability. I found this video when I was watching the trailer for the documentary "First Position", which will be coming out in May 2012. It appears that Miko is featured in the film! Can't wait to hear her story, can't wait to see the film!
Kyle Hanagami and Ian Eastwood collab. - Sexy and I know it
You're probably thinking that I promised to introduce different people and different videos on my updates. I can't help it though, Kyle and Ian collaborated! Chachi (I.aM.mE) danced it with them! It can hardly get any better than that.
Rock Dance Project - Men
Real men do ballet.
Weightless by Erika Janunger
This is completely a self-made project, and it's completely stunning. Incredibly conceptual and artistic. The real challenge is to see if you can figure out how she did it.
Alexi Orohovsky Le Corsaire
He's adorable. And doing something completely age-appropriate for a 4 year old! And if you read the article - that 8 year old doing the Swan Lake Black Swan Variation? Can be found here. I think she does a ridiculously fine job of it...but it scares me that she's 8.
V Kabaniaev for Miko Fogarty - Casta Diva
This little beauty is 13. 13. 13. I can hardly believe it, she has such star quality and ability. I found this video when I was watching the trailer for the documentary "First Position", which will be coming out in May 2012. It appears that Miko is featured in the film! Can't wait to hear her story, can't wait to see the film!
Kyle Hanagami and Ian Eastwood collab. - Sexy and I know it
You're probably thinking that I promised to introduce different people and different videos on my updates. I can't help it though, Kyle and Ian collaborated! Chachi (I.aM.mE) danced it with them! It can hardly get any better than that.
Rock Dance Project - Men
Real men do ballet.
Weightless by Erika Janunger
This is completely a self-made project, and it's completely stunning. Incredibly conceptual and artistic. The real challenge is to see if you can figure out how she did it.
Alexi Orohovsky Le Corsaire
He's adorable. And doing something completely age-appropriate for a 4 year old! And if you read the article - that 8 year old doing the Swan Lake Black Swan Variation? Can be found here. I think she does a ridiculously fine job of it...but it scares me that she's 8.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Healthy Supplements for Dancers
I can't really say I believe in taking food supplements. I really think that the healthiest way to get all your essential nutrients is from real food, not from a pill. However, sometimes it's the easiest way to get nutrients, or maybe you need more of something in particular, or maybe you just don't like the way a particular food tastes. Here are some things that I take/have taken, or have heard good things about:
Fish Oil
Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important to your metabolism. The worst thing? Your body doesn't produce omega 3's. A few ounces of fish per week is recommended at a minimum to get your omega 3's. Other alternatives include flax seeds, walnuts, and kale (recently described as a "super food" by Dance Magazine). Of course, if you don't like any of these foods, the pills are easy enough to take.
Glucosamine
This may or may not be one you've heard of, although your parents might have. It's actually the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplement. What is it? Glucosamine is a component of healthy cartilage and is used to treat osteoarthritis, especially for the knees. Your body does make glucosamine when you're young, but natural production will stop at some point. I take glucosamine currently because my ligaments are too stretchy - extra glucosamine stabilizes my joints and ligaments.
Turmeric
If you eat curry, you're good here. Turmeric is a powdery spice noted for it's sharp flavor and ochre color. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, anti-bacterial, likely to help prevent several different cancers and diseases, a natural liver detoxifier, speeds healing, and is a natural painkiller. I first started taking turmeric pills (you could eat the powder straight, but good luck with the taste) to fight acne, but even Dance Magazine has mentioned the many health benefits of turmeric. You really have no reason to not want to take it.
For disease prevention: Elderberry and Garlic
Students of any kind are around disease literally all the time. Professionals don't have time to be sick. You can fight the common cold and flu with garlic tablets, orange juice, and Emergen-C. I'm currently battling diseases around me - my best friend, both my parents, and the dance department I left behind have given me germs that my immune system has not yet submitted to (knock on wood), but I know my body is straining. I've been supplementing the past few days with Rainbow Light's Get Well Soon, which is good for both prevention and soothing symptoms. These tablets deliver both symptom relief and an immune system boost, strengthening your body's natural defenses so that it can fight better and faster.
My last warning is be careful of the supplements you take. Some of them may help, some may not. It is always better to eat the actual food than take a concentrated pill form. Why? There's a reason these compounds aren't found by themselves in nature - an orange contains a lot of vitamin C, but there are other elements and compounds in the orange that will simultaneously nourish the body and help it to process and use the vitamin C to its fullest potential. You get lots of fiber, some vitamin A, and a wee bit of iron - a combination that may give your body more than just a concentrated heap of vitamin C. This idea was introduced to me by someone I respect very much, and while I have no scientific evidence to back it, I think it makes sense. Sure, I can take a fish oil pill, but I'd rather eat the actual fish. It's the way nature intended food and nutrition to be.
Fish Oil
Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important to your metabolism. The worst thing? Your body doesn't produce omega 3's. A few ounces of fish per week is recommended at a minimum to get your omega 3's. Other alternatives include flax seeds, walnuts, and kale (recently described as a "super food" by Dance Magazine). Of course, if you don't like any of these foods, the pills are easy enough to take.
Glucosamine
This may or may not be one you've heard of, although your parents might have. It's actually the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplement. What is it? Glucosamine is a component of healthy cartilage and is used to treat osteoarthritis, especially for the knees. Your body does make glucosamine when you're young, but natural production will stop at some point. I take glucosamine currently because my ligaments are too stretchy - extra glucosamine stabilizes my joints and ligaments.
Turmeric
If you eat curry, you're good here. Turmeric is a powdery spice noted for it's sharp flavor and ochre color. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, anti-bacterial, likely to help prevent several different cancers and diseases, a natural liver detoxifier, speeds healing, and is a natural painkiller. I first started taking turmeric pills (you could eat the powder straight, but good luck with the taste) to fight acne, but even Dance Magazine has mentioned the many health benefits of turmeric. You really have no reason to not want to take it.
For disease prevention: Elderberry and Garlic
Students of any kind are around disease literally all the time. Professionals don't have time to be sick. You can fight the common cold and flu with garlic tablets, orange juice, and Emergen-C. I'm currently battling diseases around me - my best friend, both my parents, and the dance department I left behind have given me germs that my immune system has not yet submitted to (knock on wood), but I know my body is straining. I've been supplementing the past few days with Rainbow Light's Get Well Soon, which is good for both prevention and soothing symptoms. These tablets deliver both symptom relief and an immune system boost, strengthening your body's natural defenses so that it can fight better and faster.
My last warning is be careful of the supplements you take. Some of them may help, some may not. It is always better to eat the actual food than take a concentrated pill form. Why? There's a reason these compounds aren't found by themselves in nature - an orange contains a lot of vitamin C, but there are other elements and compounds in the orange that will simultaneously nourish the body and help it to process and use the vitamin C to its fullest potential. You get lots of fiber, some vitamin A, and a wee bit of iron - a combination that may give your body more than just a concentrated heap of vitamin C. This idea was introduced to me by someone I respect very much, and while I have no scientific evidence to back it, I think it makes sense. Sure, I can take a fish oil pill, but I'd rather eat the actual fish. It's the way nature intended food and nutrition to be.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all the lovely dancers of the world :)!
I'm spending my new year's eve at home this year, curling up on the couch with my dog, my family, and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, watching the ball drop in Times Square! May 2012 bring you all of the goals, dreams, desires, wishes, and gigs that you set/dreamed about in 2011! Hope 2011 was a lovely year for you, and hope that 2012 is even better.
I'm spending my new year's eve at home this year, curling up on the couch with my dog, my family, and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, watching the ball drop in Times Square! May 2012 bring you all of the goals, dreams, desires, wishes, and gigs that you set/dreamed about in 2011! Hope 2011 was a lovely year for you, and hope that 2012 is even better.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Dance Resolutions for 2012
I hope everyone had wonderful Christmases, if you celebrate, and if you don't, I hope you're having wonderful holidays and breaks. My Christmas was a lovely, relaxing day...
So now that the new year is approaching, I have some dance-related resolutions to make:
#1) Get in shape, lose weight
Classic, right? Almost every girl wants to lose weight. But as dancers, it's not just part of looking good - it's part of the profession, the demand comes with the territory. To achieve this, I'm going to create a diet that works for me, go to the gym (which I have yet to set foot in) and ride the stationary bike or use the elliptical, and stretch after (almost) every shower. In turn, losing weight will not only help me feel physically better, but also will help me develop a stronger body/self image of myself as a dancer and person. I was lucky enough to get a bike as a gift, so I'll be using that over breaks to get my exercise when I'm not in class.
#2) Post more on both this blog and my Youtube channel
I said I'd post at least once a week on this blog, and even though few people read it, I'm glad I can help a few people out there who might be looking for specific things. I started this blog in order to motivate myself to keep up with the dance world, to watch dance, to stay inspired, and I kind of lost my way in the past few months. Likewise, I posted my last video on my Youtube channel at the end of the summer, and even with as few views as I get, it's another motivation for me to keep creating dance.
I also have a goal to convince some of my friends to guest post on this blog! I'm sure more than one perspective will be a welcome change.
#3) Do pointe more
My college doesn't offer a pointe class, sadly. However, we're allowed to do pointe at the barre during normal ballet classes. I only do it once every few weeks, but starting next semester, I'll be taking ballet 4 days a week. My goal is to do the barre en pointe at least once a week from now on.
#4) Keep sleeping!
I got so much sleep this semester - the most sleep I've gotten each night since before high school, I'm sure. It was glorious - even if I'm still tired a lot of the time, I have energy to do things and pay full attention in class. My dancing benefits from 7+ hours of sleep a night too. Even though I am taking a much harder load next semester, my goal is to sleep at least 6.5-7 hours a night (even though studies show that teenagers need 8-9 hours, 7 is better than the 4 I got in high school).
#5) Drink more water.
It promotes health, clear skin, proper bodily functioning, disease prevention, etc etc...basically, life. I don't drink nearly enough. 'Nuff said.
That's about all, I think! Of course, there are lots of smaller goals, but these are goals for the rest of my school year. What are yours?
 |
| Clara & the Nutcracker on my tree |
#1) Get in shape, lose weight
Classic, right? Almost every girl wants to lose weight. But as dancers, it's not just part of looking good - it's part of the profession, the demand comes with the territory. To achieve this, I'm going to create a diet that works for me, go to the gym (which I have yet to set foot in) and ride the stationary bike or use the elliptical, and stretch after (almost) every shower. In turn, losing weight will not only help me feel physically better, but also will help me develop a stronger body/self image of myself as a dancer and person. I was lucky enough to get a bike as a gift, so I'll be using that over breaks to get my exercise when I'm not in class.
#2) Post more on both this blog and my Youtube channel
I said I'd post at least once a week on this blog, and even though few people read it, I'm glad I can help a few people out there who might be looking for specific things. I started this blog in order to motivate myself to keep up with the dance world, to watch dance, to stay inspired, and I kind of lost my way in the past few months. Likewise, I posted my last video on my Youtube channel at the end of the summer, and even with as few views as I get, it's another motivation for me to keep creating dance.
I also have a goal to convince some of my friends to guest post on this blog! I'm sure more than one perspective will be a welcome change.
#3) Do pointe more
My college doesn't offer a pointe class, sadly. However, we're allowed to do pointe at the barre during normal ballet classes. I only do it once every few weeks, but starting next semester, I'll be taking ballet 4 days a week. My goal is to do the barre en pointe at least once a week from now on.
#4) Keep sleeping!
I got so much sleep this semester - the most sleep I've gotten each night since before high school, I'm sure. It was glorious - even if I'm still tired a lot of the time, I have energy to do things and pay full attention in class. My dancing benefits from 7+ hours of sleep a night too. Even though I am taking a much harder load next semester, my goal is to sleep at least 6.5-7 hours a night (even though studies show that teenagers need 8-9 hours, 7 is better than the 4 I got in high school).
#5) Drink more water.
It promotes health, clear skin, proper bodily functioning, disease prevention, etc etc...basically, life. I don't drink nearly enough. 'Nuff said.
That's about all, I think! Of course, there are lots of smaller goals, but these are goals for the rest of my school year. What are yours?
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