I really like this song right now:
Max Richter-"On the Nature of Daylight."
As I said in my previous post, I'm so loving instrumental music these days! Can't seem to get enough!
And when I listen to this one I just want to start dancing :)
Tonight, artistic inspiration makes me happy :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 155: March 29, 2011.
My modern art midterm is overwith.
And I'm breathing again.
Today, that makes me happy :)
And I'm breathing again.
Today, that makes me happy :)
Day 154: March 28, 2011.
I got three and a half hours of sleep last night. I can't remember the last time I got that little sleep! All I can say is I wasn't the happiest of campers when I watched the clock change to 4 AM and I knew my alarm would be going off in three and a half hours to begin a morning of dance and a day of classes, and although I somehow maintained a fairly high energy level pretty much the entire day, it was a little rocky at times. The worst was during the break I have on Mondays between dance history and comp class, though from 3:30 until 5. That hour and a half break is too short to go home because I'd get home in time to turn right back around and head back out, but it's too long to be sitting and doing nothing. I always bring homework but, as you know, my brain isn't digging the whole homework thing these days so that's always short-lived.
Today, I finally made use of my break productively and after getting a little studying done, I had the best nap I've experienced in a loooong time! The couches on the second floor of the dance building are really old and really pretty gross, but theyr'e the most comfortable couches I've ever sat on. So this afternoon I decided to listen to my body for a minute, close my textbooks, put in my ipod, curl up and take a little cat nap.
And boy, was it a great 25-minute sleep!
Today, even the smallest pockets of time to sleep make me happy :)
Today, I finally made use of my break productively and after getting a little studying done, I had the best nap I've experienced in a loooong time! The couches on the second floor of the dance building are really old and really pretty gross, but theyr'e the most comfortable couches I've ever sat on. So this afternoon I decided to listen to my body for a minute, close my textbooks, put in my ipod, curl up and take a little cat nap.
And boy, was it a great 25-minute sleep!
Today, even the smallest pockets of time to sleep make me happy :)
Day 153: March 27, 2011.
These days I'd so much rather be dancing than studying, and I'm having a hard time focusing on the schoolwork I really need to be focusing on these next few weeks. So today, while I was kind of "studying" for my dance history test I have tomorrow I wound up doing some music seraching on Youtube (which ended up lasting more hours than it should have!). I'm on an instumental music kick these days, so when my friend so wonderfully sent me the link to Antoine Darfour's acoutic cover of Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek", that's what really fueled the fire and got me going!
I've come across the music of Andy McKee and other acoustic instrumentalists and have absolutely fallen in love with the artistry of their talent! Before, I thought being an "acoustic guitarist" or a musician of the like meant to pick up an acoustic guitar and simply play a cover of a song. I never realized just how incredible it really is as an art! SO beautiful!!
Tonight, new music discoveries and honed, artistic finesse make me happy :)
I've come across the music of Andy McKee and other acoustic instrumentalists and have absolutely fallen in love with the artistry of their talent! Before, I thought being an "acoustic guitarist" or a musician of the like meant to pick up an acoustic guitar and simply play a cover of a song. I never realized just how incredible it really is as an art! SO beautiful!!
Tonight, new music discoveries and honed, artistic finesse make me happy :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 152: March 26, 2011.
Tonight I spent some time in a dance studio rehearsing two stunning dancers for a new duet I'm setting here at school.
I left the studio completely inspired. And thankful. And feeling incredibly blessed.
Tonight, being a dancer makes me really happy :)
I left the studio completely inspired. And thankful. And feeling incredibly blessed.
Tonight, being a dancer makes me really happy :)
Day 151: March 25, 2011.
The first week of the last quarter of my second year of school is over.
We are in the final stretch and it feels good.
Today, making it through another Friday makes me happy :)
We are in the final stretch and it feels good.
Today, making it through another Friday makes me happy :)
Day 150: March 24, 2011.
Today was actually, dare I say it, a bad day. From the very second my eyes woke up this morning I knew I was in for a totally off day, but I didn't know that I would actually stay cranky for the entire duration of the day. But the hours went by, my mood didn't change, and I just couldn't find motivation to make myself turn it around. But alas, everyone has days like this, and it's totally okay! It is what it is, we get through them, we move on and it becomes a mere thing of the past! My family and friends were awesome in helping me keep my head up today, just as they ALWAYS are! I know that I can always count on them at all times, and today I was reminded of just how lucky I really and truly am!! They were so positive and encouraging all day, I couldn't help but smile regardless of the negativity in my heart!! :) I even had some great laughs in my painfully long Thursday night class!
Today, the power of real friendship makes me happy :)
Today, the power of real friendship makes me happy :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 149: March 23, 2011.
I started a new piece today and I couldn't be more excited about it. Some of my current favorite music comes from the soundtrack from The Social Network, so my tentative song choice is:
Hand Covers Bruise
It's so simple yet so haunting and really goes along with my emotional connection to the piece. It's going to be a duet and only Rachael was able to make it today so we went into the studio for an hour and started building some choreography. We walked out after an hour with enough choreography to almost take us to the end of the 4:18 piece of music, so I can't WAIT to get in the studio with both Rachael and Ross on Saturday and really start building and playing with what we've come up with! I am SO excited to develop the piece and see where it goes...I'm thinking it's going to be a good one! :)
Today, choreographic exploration makes me happy :)
Hand Covers Bruise
It's so simple yet so haunting and really goes along with my emotional connection to the piece. It's going to be a duet and only Rachael was able to make it today so we went into the studio for an hour and started building some choreography. We walked out after an hour with enough choreography to almost take us to the end of the 4:18 piece of music, so I can't WAIT to get in the studio with both Rachael and Ross on Saturday and really start building and playing with what we've come up with! I am SO excited to develop the piece and see where it goes...I'm thinking it's going to be a good one! :)
Today, choreographic exploration makes me happy :)
Day 148: March 22, 2011.
I really enjoy rehearsing. Especially these days...The pieces I'm in are so much fun to dance, and I'm loving being in the studio for as many hours as I am. Tonight I had rehearsal for Diego's jazz piece for the fifth student showing at the end of April and it's just so much fun! Fun music, fun choreography...I can't wait to keep going! :)
Tonight, some good jazz dancing makes me happy :)
Tonight, some good jazz dancing makes me happy :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 147: March 21, 2011.
The first day back after any break is always tiring, no matter how excited I am to get going again.
So today, simply having a successful Monday back makes me happy :)
So today, simply having a successful Monday back makes me happy :)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 146: March 20, 2011.
My Facebook status currently reads as follows:
I love being able to call New York City my home :) I really do, and that has just been further affirmed by the wonderful spring break week in Virginia...It's becoming much less urgent to "go home" at every opportunity available because I'm already there! Being with family and friends is more necessary than the actual location. And let me tell you, finally feeling so sure about that is a great feeling :)
Today, the feeling of assurance makes me happy :)
I love being able to call New York City my home :) I really do, and that has just been further affirmed by the wonderful spring break week in Virginia...It's becoming much less urgent to "go home" at every opportunity available because I'm already there! Being with family and friends is more necessary than the actual location. And let me tell you, finally feeling so sure about that is a great feeling :)
Today, the feeling of assurance makes me happy :)
Day 145: March 19, 2011.
From 8th-11th grades, I was a Junior Apprentice/Apprentice with the Loudoun Ballet Company. During those years I was blessed to be able to dance roles in full-length performances of ballets like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake that not many kids that age are given the chance to dance. They were years and experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything, which is why I do all that I can to be in the audience for both the ballet company and jazz company performances. The hard work and commitment put in by each and every dancer is astounding and SO inspiring, and I really, really love to be there and be able to see the finished product of weeks and weeks of rehearsing.
Today I was able to see my sister perform along with the rest of the Junior Apprentices, Apprentices and special guest artists in the Loudoun Ballet Company's 2011 production of Swan Lake. This is a four act ballet, close to three hours long, and with the exception of a few roles, almost all the kids are on stage the entire show, dancing multiple roles (some dancing three or four different roles! Talk about costume changes!), and even if they're not performing in every act, they're understudying, meaning that their brains and bodies are being bombarded with choreography and they are to be ready at a moments' notice to jump right in and pick it up if someone gets sick, injured, etc. Keep in mind that professional companies who put on a production like this rehearse every day, six days a week...It's a full-time job! So taking that into account, knowing that these dedicated dancers of Loudoun County have put a show on in less than two months (rehearsals began in early-mid January) only rehearsing Friday nights, Saturday nights and some Sundays really is an INCREDIBLE feat!
I sat in the audience for the whole show, crying my way through all four acts. (Just call me Cathy! Ha!) The girls were stunning, the ballet itself is just a beautiful and emotional story, the memories running through my mind of performing this wonderful ballet were making me nostalgic...It was an emotional afternoon and I loved every moment of it!
The biggest thing though was how proud I was to know the dancers up there. The majority of the dancers this season are in the 9th-11th grade range I think, some younger and a few seniors. Every time I go home and watch these groups perform I am humbled and, like I said, inspired. It takes time, effort, teamwork, poise, grace, technique, and optimism, among many other things, to put on the shows that they do and to the caliber that is expected of them. I know that I left the theater yesterday wanting to put on a tutu, get into ballet class, and start dancing right then and there. I was totally reminded why I love the beauty of live performance and why dance is such a stunning, moving art form.
Today, getting to know such an amazing group of younger kids and being able to receive the artistic gifts that they're constantly offering make me happy :)
Today I was able to see my sister perform along with the rest of the Junior Apprentices, Apprentices and special guest artists in the Loudoun Ballet Company's 2011 production of Swan Lake. This is a four act ballet, close to three hours long, and with the exception of a few roles, almost all the kids are on stage the entire show, dancing multiple roles (some dancing three or four different roles! Talk about costume changes!), and even if they're not performing in every act, they're understudying, meaning that their brains and bodies are being bombarded with choreography and they are to be ready at a moments' notice to jump right in and pick it up if someone gets sick, injured, etc. Keep in mind that professional companies who put on a production like this rehearse every day, six days a week...It's a full-time job! So taking that into account, knowing that these dedicated dancers of Loudoun County have put a show on in less than two months (rehearsals began in early-mid January) only rehearsing Friday nights, Saturday nights and some Sundays really is an INCREDIBLE feat!
I sat in the audience for the whole show, crying my way through all four acts. (Just call me Cathy! Ha!) The girls were stunning, the ballet itself is just a beautiful and emotional story, the memories running through my mind of performing this wonderful ballet were making me nostalgic...It was an emotional afternoon and I loved every moment of it!
The biggest thing though was how proud I was to know the dancers up there. The majority of the dancers this season are in the 9th-11th grade range I think, some younger and a few seniors. Every time I go home and watch these groups perform I am humbled and, like I said, inspired. It takes time, effort, teamwork, poise, grace, technique, and optimism, among many other things, to put on the shows that they do and to the caliber that is expected of them. I know that I left the theater yesterday wanting to put on a tutu, get into ballet class, and start dancing right then and there. I was totally reminded why I love the beauty of live performance and why dance is such a stunning, moving art form.
Today, getting to know such an amazing group of younger kids and being able to receive the artistic gifts that they're constantly offering make me happy :)
Day 144: March 18, 2011.
One of my favorite fancier dinner restaurants is this place:
And my favorite menu item is this appetizer:
(...which is Bang Bang Shrimp in case you've never had it! If that's the case, I highly recommend that you try it at the soonest possible opportunity! It's incredible!)
Tonight, as you can probably guess, we went there and ate that (among plenty other delicious plates!)
So. Delicious.
Tonight, nice family (birthday!) dinners make me happy :)
Day 143: March 17, 2011.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!! :)
Today was a stunning day here in Northern Virginia! The weather was perfect dress-wearing weather, I broke out my TOMS shoes for the first real time of the season, and I got to visit with a family that I love as if I were an immediate family member. I always love being able to spend time with them and to catch up, so getting this extra visit in during my week in Virginia was a wonderful bonus! :)
One thing I love about going back home and hanging around NoVA during these school breaks is the freedom I have to sing. Just sing! Because we don't have neighbors or roommates to be mindful of, I take full advantage of the singing time! (Unless you count my sister whose room is between my room and the bathroom, meaning she really can't escape it!) The two places that I miss having easy vocal freedom while I'm gone is A) the shower (laugh all you want, but you know you love to sing in the shower too ;)) and B) the car. I've never been a fan of driving--now that I don't drive on an everyday basis I don't mind it when I have to, though I've always liked the convenience of it more than the actual act!--but on gorgeous spring and summer days like today when I can roll the windows down, turn the music up and enjoy some "me" time driving along the beautiful rural landscapes of northern Loudoun County on my way to visit one of my favorite families, I am a happy camper :)
Nothing really incredibly huge happened today, but the perfect combination of so many smaller things is what makes one very, very thankful girl!
Today, the familiarity of my favorite moments from the past and the simplicity of the joy caused by beautiful spring weather makes me happy :)
Today was a stunning day here in Northern Virginia! The weather was perfect dress-wearing weather, I broke out my TOMS shoes for the first real time of the season, and I got to visit with a family that I love as if I were an immediate family member. I always love being able to spend time with them and to catch up, so getting this extra visit in during my week in Virginia was a wonderful bonus! :)
One thing I love about going back home and hanging around NoVA during these school breaks is the freedom I have to sing. Just sing! Because we don't have neighbors or roommates to be mindful of, I take full advantage of the singing time! (Unless you count my sister whose room is between my room and the bathroom, meaning she really can't escape it!) The two places that I miss having easy vocal freedom while I'm gone is A) the shower (laugh all you want, but you know you love to sing in the shower too ;)) and B) the car. I've never been a fan of driving--now that I don't drive on an everyday basis I don't mind it when I have to, though I've always liked the convenience of it more than the actual act!--but on gorgeous spring and summer days like today when I can roll the windows down, turn the music up and enjoy some "me" time driving along the beautiful rural landscapes of northern Loudoun County on my way to visit one of my favorite families, I am a happy camper :)
Nothing really incredibly huge happened today, but the perfect combination of so many smaller things is what makes one very, very thankful girl!
Today, the familiarity of my favorite moments from the past and the simplicity of the joy caused by beautiful spring weather makes me happy :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 141: March 15, 2011.
Today I got to spend a wonderful couple of hours being "pampered" with Mom! I've never really been one who regularly gets to the nail salon to get manicures and pedicures, but today we both went and I got the works! (For all you beautiful ladies out there who want an afternoon off, treat yourself to some time at Beautiful Touch Day Spa here in Ashburn! It's a nice little place and I definitely recommend it to all!) It was such a relaxing afternoon and getting to enjoy it with Mom was the best part of it all! We got to chat and have some good conversation, which is something I miss being able to have with my family while I'm gone at school! So at the end of the session, I walked out with smooth skin, polished nails and a lot of gladness and thankfulness for the company I got to share the time with! :)
Today, Mommy/Daughter time makes me happy :)
Today, Mommy/Daughter time makes me happy :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 140: March 14, 2011.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!!!
Today's been a wonderful day! It's Dad's birthday and I decided to attempt to make him birthday cupcakes from scratch. After a failed first attempt I think I got it right (or hopefully close at least...We haven't eaten them yet!), but thanks accidentally misreading an ingredient amount, the first batch came out totally wrong and I had to redo them! (I'll just say that Paula Deen would have been very proud of the amount of butter that was used for that first batch! Haha! Oops!) But we've now got some homemade yellow cupcakes with homemade vanilla buttercream frosting waiting on the counter for the family for after they get home from Swan Lake rehearsal!
Other things making me happy at the moment: season one of Gilmore Girls and my couch. Feels great to have downtime like this :)
Tonight, taking the advice to try again if at first you don't succeed makes me happy :)
Today's been a wonderful day! It's Dad's birthday and I decided to attempt to make him birthday cupcakes from scratch. After a failed first attempt I think I got it right (or hopefully close at least...We haven't eaten them yet!), but thanks accidentally misreading an ingredient amount, the first batch came out totally wrong and I had to redo them! (I'll just say that Paula Deen would have been very proud of the amount of butter that was used for that first batch! Haha! Oops!) But we've now got some homemade yellow cupcakes with homemade vanilla buttercream frosting waiting on the counter for the family for after they get home from Swan Lake rehearsal!
Other things making me happy at the moment: season one of Gilmore Girls and my couch. Feels great to have downtime like this :)
Tonight, taking the advice to try again if at first you don't succeed makes me happy :)
Day 139: March 13, 2011.
What a beautiful Virginia Sunday morning it was :)
I woke up this morning well before my alarm, as was expected (it was 7:15 and my alarm wasn't set to go off until 9!), but I minded less than usual today!
It's amazing how our senses pick things up without us being consciously aware of it. I'm talking about sound and noise in particular. In New York, I never really realize how loud the streets really are until someone comments on the noise level. I never have a problem sleeping at night and for the most part I don't even really hear it when I'm outside and a part of all the action. It's amazing, though, how quickly we take note of things like these when they're absent. Laying in bed in the early hours of this morning, taking my time to slowly wake up, enjoying my oatmeal from the comfort of my bed, watching the sky change from a combination of pastel layers to a beautiful blue, the most wonderful thing to me was how quiet and still the house and the neighborhood was. Not even the bark of a dog was to be heard! It was one of the most calming environments I've found myself in in a very long time, and I've never appreciated the presence of silence quite like I did this morning! The other beautiful thing about this morning was the fact that because I didn't have anything immediate to be done or get ready for (after all, I woke up almost two hours early!), I ended up falling back asleep before having to get up for church, getting a wonderful nap in before 9 AM! Haha!
School breaks are really, really great :)
Today, peace and quiet and early mornings at home make me happy :)
I woke up this morning well before my alarm, as was expected (it was 7:15 and my alarm wasn't set to go off until 9!), but I minded less than usual today!
It's amazing how our senses pick things up without us being consciously aware of it. I'm talking about sound and noise in particular. In New York, I never really realize how loud the streets really are until someone comments on the noise level. I never have a problem sleeping at night and for the most part I don't even really hear it when I'm outside and a part of all the action. It's amazing, though, how quickly we take note of things like these when they're absent. Laying in bed in the early hours of this morning, taking my time to slowly wake up, enjoying my oatmeal from the comfort of my bed, watching the sky change from a combination of pastel layers to a beautiful blue, the most wonderful thing to me was how quiet and still the house and the neighborhood was. Not even the bark of a dog was to be heard! It was one of the most calming environments I've found myself in in a very long time, and I've never appreciated the presence of silence quite like I did this morning! The other beautiful thing about this morning was the fact that because I didn't have anything immediate to be done or get ready for (after all, I woke up almost two hours early!), I ended up falling back asleep before having to get up for church, getting a wonderful nap in before 9 AM! Haha!
School breaks are really, really great :)
Today, peace and quiet and early mornings at home make me happy :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 138: March 12, 2011.
Currently sitting on a Bolt Bus on the New Jersey Turnpike headed home for spring break.
Had a great photo shoot this morning with a great friend.
Now headed home to a week of my family, friends, my couch, movies, SLEEP, a big 'ol spa day at Nana and Pop-pop's, cooking, Swan Lake, sister time...You know, all the good stuff :)
Who needs tropical vacations when you can go home to family?!
Not this girl :)
Today, a completely calm mind and excitement for what the coming week will hold make me happy :)
Had a great photo shoot this morning with a great friend.
Now headed home to a week of my family, friends, my couch, movies, SLEEP, a big 'ol spa day at Nana and Pop-pop's, cooking, Swan Lake, sister time...You know, all the good stuff :)
Who needs tropical vacations when you can go home to family?!
Not this girl :)
Today, a completely calm mind and excitement for what the coming week will hold make me happy :)
Day 137: March 11, 2011.
SPRING BREAK!!!!! :)
Today, that feeling one has upon completion of the final academic class and week before a school break makes me really happy :)
Today, that feeling one has upon completion of the final academic class and week before a school break makes me really happy :)
Day 136: March 10, 2011.
Hello, Thursday! There's nothing like an unexpected class cancellation to add to an already lighter day as far as typical class load goes! :) Don't get me wrong, I love, love, LOVE being able to finally take voice lessons, and I hate that the reason that it's cancelled is because my instructor isn't feeling well, but I will be the first to admit that I'm loving that extra little break!
Lunch breaks are always really nice :)
Also, tonight is the first performance for showing four! Let's GO!! :)
Today, being literally STEPS away from spring break makes me happy :)
Lunch breaks are always really nice :)
Also, tonight is the first performance for showing four! Let's GO!! :)
Today, being literally STEPS away from spring break makes me happy :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 135: Marcy 9, 2011.
Sleep. Praise the Lord for sleep!!!
Today, fitting in a much-needed nap makes me happy :)
Today, fitting in a much-needed nap makes me happy :)
Day 134: March 8, 2011.
I really don't like having big assignments looming over my head. I equally don't like having to sit down to do big assignments. Because we started classes late this morning (due to seventh inning stretch, which I mentioned yesterday) I was able to wake up early and knock out the last part of my take home midterm for one of my academic classes. It was probably one of the easiest assignments I could have been given, but I find that sometimes it's the easiest things that I have the most difficulty finishing! But it was due at 5 PM today and I really didn't feel like going into this day feeling rushed and stressed to get it done and turned in! So I'm glad to say that I can now go into the rest of the afternoon without having to think about it one bit!
Today, crossing things off the list makes me happy :)
Today, crossing things off the list makes me happy :)
Day 133: March 7, 2011.
Today begins the final week before spring break! I can't believe at how quickly this semester has absolutely flown so far, but I also can't believe the amount of things that have to be accomplished this week before I head on home for the week Saturday afternoon!
This week is also what's known as "7th Inning Stretch" here in the dance department. Each semester we do two dance rotations, simply meaning we get two different sets of dance teachers, switching after seven weeks. As a way to wind down as one rotation comes to a close (usually right before a break like this) and in order to give us a little bit of a break, we only have one dance class each morning. This is VERY much appreciated, seeing as we then either have a longer break after ballet (which is still scheduled at 9) or we get to sleep in, not having to be at the studio until modern at 10:45. Like today, we had ballet this morning from 9:05 to 9:35 and then no other dance classes, so I had a nice long break from 10:35 until dance history began at 2. As I look ahead into the week at everything to be checked off the list and as I think about the level of physical and mental exhaustion I'm experiencing these days, seventh inning stretch couldn't come at a better time. With one of our spring showings happening this Thursday and Friday night, tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday include a good deal of tech and dress rehearsals, so some extra time in the morning is really great to have!
And it's the perfect way to head into spring break! :)
Today, heading into the home stretch before a much-needed school break makes me happy :)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 132: March 6, 2011.
Ahh, Sunday :) I love Sundays. More often than not I wake up on Sunday mornings feeling absolutely fantastic, no matter what is needing to be done before school starts on Monday. Today's been one of those days! Waking up early, having a great rehearsal, and now it's time to think about heading out for church! All elements of a fabulous day :)
Today's weather is also making me happy, and surprisingly so! The sun is nowhere to be seen and it's been raining off and on all day. Usually I love days like this if I have no other tasks to accomplish other than wearing pajamas and watching movies snuggled up on the couch all day. Especially on a rainy weekend! But even though I've had places to go and can't remain totally inactive all day, I found myself really happy while walking home from rehearsal. The air is fresh and spring-y. The temperature is relatively "warm." It's definitely not a winter's day in my opinion...Spring is here :) I could feel it in the sun all day yesterday and I can feel it in this peaceful, calming rain that's come down today.
The seasons are definitely changing, my friends :)
Today, on this beautiful, grey Sunday, the gentle, relaxing spring rain makes me happy :)
Today's weather is also making me happy, and surprisingly so! The sun is nowhere to be seen and it's been raining off and on all day. Usually I love days like this if I have no other tasks to accomplish other than wearing pajamas and watching movies snuggled up on the couch all day. Especially on a rainy weekend! But even though I've had places to go and can't remain totally inactive all day, I found myself really happy while walking home from rehearsal. The air is fresh and spring-y. The temperature is relatively "warm." It's definitely not a winter's day in my opinion...Spring is here :) I could feel it in the sun all day yesterday and I can feel it in this peaceful, calming rain that's come down today.
The seasons are definitely changing, my friends :)
Today, on this beautiful, grey Sunday, the gentle, relaxing spring rain makes me happy :)
Day 131: March 5, 2011.
So I feel like I've been talking a lot these days about two things: my family and how awesome they are, and dance and how much I love this gift I've been lucky enough to be blessed with. In tonight's post I'm going to focus on the latter.
I've mentioned several times both in this list and in my (many) Facebook status updates and tweets how much I love Calen's Saturday night contemporary jazz class at Broadway Dance Center. (To all my dance friends reading this I really recommend trying to get into one of his classes...You'll leave there having been both informed about the body anatomically as well as having been given the opportunity to really push yourself artistically through the physical movement and the emotional connection you have to it. It's REALLY amazing!!) Tonight's class was, yet again, another fantastic class. It was harder than usual; I don't know if it's because I'm just exhausted or because the pace of the phrases was so unlike what I'm used to dancing these days or a combination of both, but I haven't danced that hard or sweated so much in a dance class in I don't even know how long! But I do know it's been awhile. And let me tell you, it felt good. Really, really good. I found that I was surprising myself with some of the things that came out while I was dancing at times--how when I thought I wasn't going to be able to execute something, it didn't matter because whether or not the step came out exactly as I'd liked it the emotional side of it was the driving force and I wasn't even thinking about the steps half of the time.
It. Was. Amazing.
That was a two hour dance class that I was definitely needing big time :)
Tonight, being pushed to the limits while doing what I absolutely love makes me happy :)
I've mentioned several times both in this list and in my (many) Facebook status updates and tweets how much I love Calen's Saturday night contemporary jazz class at Broadway Dance Center. (To all my dance friends reading this I really recommend trying to get into one of his classes...You'll leave there having been both informed about the body anatomically as well as having been given the opportunity to really push yourself artistically through the physical movement and the emotional connection you have to it. It's REALLY amazing!!) Tonight's class was, yet again, another fantastic class. It was harder than usual; I don't know if it's because I'm just exhausted or because the pace of the phrases was so unlike what I'm used to dancing these days or a combination of both, but I haven't danced that hard or sweated so much in a dance class in I don't even know how long! But I do know it's been awhile. And let me tell you, it felt good. Really, really good. I found that I was surprising myself with some of the things that came out while I was dancing at times--how when I thought I wasn't going to be able to execute something, it didn't matter because whether or not the step came out exactly as I'd liked it the emotional side of it was the driving force and I wasn't even thinking about the steps half of the time.
It. Was. Amazing.
That was a two hour dance class that I was definitely needing big time :)
Tonight, being pushed to the limits while doing what I absolutely love makes me happy :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 130: March 4, 2011.
FRIDAY!!! :) Woohoooo!
Wow, this has been one of those never-ending weeks! And I'm not going to lie, I'm not too sad to see it go! Overall it was just fine, but I'm ready to just keep on moving forward and keep getting things done!
This beautiful Friday is made even better because it just happens to be library research day for dance history, meaning class is cancelled :) Twice this semester, our dance history teacher gives us two classes off so that we can use the time to go to the library and get working on our term paper. I can't say I've used it for that purpose (I'm going uptown to the performing arts library tomorrow morning!) but I can say that I couldn't appreciate the afternoon off more than I do right now!
Being done with school-related things today at 11:15?! Can't complain about that!!! :)
Today, the beauty of this day makes me happy :) It's just a great day :)
Wow, this has been one of those never-ending weeks! And I'm not going to lie, I'm not too sad to see it go! Overall it was just fine, but I'm ready to just keep on moving forward and keep getting things done!
This beautiful Friday is made even better because it just happens to be library research day for dance history, meaning class is cancelled :) Twice this semester, our dance history teacher gives us two classes off so that we can use the time to go to the library and get working on our term paper. I can't say I've used it for that purpose (I'm going uptown to the performing arts library tomorrow morning!) but I can say that I couldn't appreciate the afternoon off more than I do right now!
Being done with school-related things today at 11:15?! Can't complain about that!!! :)
Today, the beauty of this day makes me happy :) It's just a great day :)
Day 129: March 3, 2011.
It's the Thursday of the 6th week of the semester's first dance rotation (our semesters are broken up into two seven-week dance rotations, simply meaning we switch teachers halfway through). This means that fatigue has officially set in and it's becoming harder and harder to stay motivated to power through early morning dance classes. Well, for me at least! I won't speak for everyone in the dance department, but I will surely speak for myself when I say that I've got bruised bones, aching muscles, joints that don't want to cooperate...It's all part of the game! But it's the part of the game that's never too much fun! Luckily though, here at Tisch we've got some awesome dance teachers who see this and really acknowledge how tired our bodies are getting. Sometimes, depending on the teacher, they'll take a day toward the end of the rotation to have a "talking day"...No dancing, just conversation. Thankfully today was that day in modern class :) We sat in a circle and had a great discussion about aspects of being a dancer...We talked about broader topics that got us thinking about where we're at ourselves at this point, we were able to learn things about our teacher and about each other, AND we were able to rest up a bit. I was really glad today's conversation happened because things were brought up that had me thinking the whole time, making me aware of what my own thoughts are, where I am, where I want to be, and what needs to get done in order to get there. So even though we were taking the class "off," we were still plenty productive! Just in a different way! :)
Today, on this long Thursday, consideration by teachers and alternatively beneficial uses of time make me happy :)
Today, on this long Thursday, consideration by teachers and alternatively beneficial uses of time make me happy :)
Day 128: March 2, 2011.
Today started off absolutely wonderfully, all thanks to one simple thing: I finally had the chance to get a long, sound, good night's sleep last night! Having been able to get 10 solid hours of sleep last night was exactly what my body had been desperately needing for a few weeks now, so being able to have had that last night is something I'm very thankful for!
I'm a huge fan of sleep. I love a good nap, I love going to bed early during the week when possible (most nights the past few weeks I've had some late rehearsals so getting to bed early doesn't happen, but when possible, lights are out by 10:30! And more often than not, I'm out like a rock only moments later!), but the older I get and busier life gets, it's becoming tougher to come by. Moments of rest and long stretches of sleep are so necessary, but not always the easiest to factor into daily schedules. Because of this, I'm learning--and learning fast!--to really appreciate good nights' rest as I can get it!
So today, feeling energized and ready for the day from the moment the alarm sounds in the morning makes me happy :)
I'm a huge fan of sleep. I love a good nap, I love going to bed early during the week when possible (most nights the past few weeks I've had some late rehearsals so getting to bed early doesn't happen, but when possible, lights are out by 10:30! And more often than not, I'm out like a rock only moments later!), but the older I get and busier life gets, it's becoming tougher to come by. Moments of rest and long stretches of sleep are so necessary, but not always the easiest to factor into daily schedules. Because of this, I'm learning--and learning fast!--to really appreciate good nights' rest as I can get it!
So today, feeling energized and ready for the day from the moment the alarm sounds in the morning makes me happy :)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 127: March 1, 2011.
I love journaling. I love sitting down and actually writing. Typing is okay, but as much as I enjoy keeping this blog and being electronically connected, I will always prefer pen and paper to technology. (The same goes for calendars...I'd be totally lost without my day timer! I don't think I've ever stored one thing in a calendar on a computer or phone! I forget that I record things when I do it that way!)
I'd been really bad about keeping up with my journaling so far this school year, and it's something that I really miss when I don't do it regularly. I really find it helpful to actually write out my thoughts, my prayers, my questions, the things that have made me happy throughout the day, really anything on my mind. It's really great getting these thoughts that bounce around chaotically inside my mind all day out of there and onto paper, where I can either read them again or never have to look at them again! That doesn't so much matter, for while I'm writing I'm very aware of what's on my mind, I'm thinking about what needs to be thought about, and then I can move on; usually writing either allows me to solidify a thought to the point where I'm at a better understanding of whatever it is and I can move on past it, or it opens up a new level of thinking about the subject at hand, allowing me the chance to further grasp it without stressing and dwelling on something that I just can't seem to put a finger on.
It's just another way I like to spend my "me" time :)
So tonight, before I turn in early for the night (YAY!), sitting down with my Moleskine journal, a pen and a full, productive day behind me (and tonight, "The Office" reruns on TBS!) makes me happy :)
I'd been really bad about keeping up with my journaling so far this school year, and it's something that I really miss when I don't do it regularly. I really find it helpful to actually write out my thoughts, my prayers, my questions, the things that have made me happy throughout the day, really anything on my mind. It's really great getting these thoughts that bounce around chaotically inside my mind all day out of there and onto paper, where I can either read them again or never have to look at them again! That doesn't so much matter, for while I'm writing I'm very aware of what's on my mind, I'm thinking about what needs to be thought about, and then I can move on; usually writing either allows me to solidify a thought to the point where I'm at a better understanding of whatever it is and I can move on past it, or it opens up a new level of thinking about the subject at hand, allowing me the chance to further grasp it without stressing and dwelling on something that I just can't seem to put a finger on.
It's just another way I like to spend my "me" time :)
So tonight, before I turn in early for the night (YAY!), sitting down with my Moleskine journal, a pen and a full, productive day behind me (and tonight, "The Office" reruns on TBS!) makes me happy :)
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