Archive for December, 2009

I really hope that your holiday was everything that you needed it to be. Whether you needed fun filled action, lounging around the house, or maybe a little bit of both hopefully you are content. I am so happy that I was able to get away and visit family! We did the usual- ate a Christmas dinner so yummy I’m still thinking about it, hit the malls for the infamous after Christmas sales, and watched a lot of movies.

One of the things that I appreciate about this time of year is the great opportunity it brings to reflect on the year that is about to end, and to come up with goals for the coming year. I absolutely love goal setting, because it gives me something to work towards otherwise, I’d be all over the place. Here are some of my goals (professional and personal) for 2010:

• I’d like to nail down a schedule that works well for me in order to post more, at least 3 times per week
• For Urban Plie to conduct at least a year long dance program for girls/and or boys that builds self -esteem and develops creative expression through dance
• For Urban Plie to offer its first summer dance intensive
• To be committed to a healthier diet
• I’d love to move to a new home this year

These goals, as well as those I have not listed will keep me plenty busy. I would love to know what one of your 2010 goals is.

Hi all! I know there has been a huge amount of time since my last post. I am in my final year of graduate school and have been swamped with work. Well, last week was my last week of class for the fall semester. While I still have a few assignments to hand in, I am really happy about not having to run to class after having worked with my middle school students all day.  

I now feel like I can focus on Christmas, which is by far my favorite holiday! What is there not to love? the carols, the Christmas tree, family and friends. As a dance teacher I love working with my students around this time of year on a holiday dance. This year I focused on some of my middle school aged students. I taught them a tango piece using the jazzy music of Harry Connick, Jr. I am so proud of them all!      

The rehearsal process was a lot of work- to say the least. If you know anything about middle school children, then you are not surprised when I say that our rehearsals were full of drama (the good kind!), emotions and anxiety. They were excited yet really nervous about how they would look in front of their peers! Whenever my students have a performance, I am determined for them to perform well. More importantly, I want them to be proud of their hard work and accomplishments.

 The night of the show brought on even more anxiety and quite a bit of last minute changes. For example, I had dancers who had problems with their costumes, another dancer did not want to go on because, he was sure that he was going to forget the entire routine!! And, I had to replace one of my dancers at the last minute. The person who took that dancer’s place had to have a quick rehearsal. It just so happened that the new dancer sat in on many rehearsals, was attentive, and practically knew the dance. She got her moment to shine, and SHINE she did!! By the way, the fabulous christmas ornaments in the background were done by my friend and Visual Artist, Sean Council. They added that extra holiday flavor to an awesome performance!

IT’S SHOWTIME!

I think these two are ready for the prom! (Keith and Charity)

I know that today is Saturday, but I just wanted to share one of my favorite dance pictures with you anyway. This is me performing in New York City at my church’s praise and worship service.