Class Act.

I was finally able to take my first official Boogiezone class and I absolutely loved it. The piece was such a refreshing change of pace for me and it felt good to be in such a determined, but stress free environment. One of the nicest things, however, was the amount of focus in the room. There was only one question asked throughout the entire class.

Now, I’m not saying that questions are bad. And I’m not saying that those who ask a lot of questions are bad people. But one of my biggest pet peeves as a dancer (right after tall people taking up the first row) is a needy class taker. I’m sure everyone has experienced this phenomenon. The type who asks a question every eight count, who asks for every single focus and every single hand placement. Their voice is the soundtrack to the class.

Again, not saying that questions are bad, but as a fully capable adult, one should be able to get by on observation alone. I used to think that it was simply because I am generally quiet and had gotten used to not asking questions in class, but now I know that everyone is capable of limiting their vocalizations. The answer to every question you could possibly have is very literally right in front of you: the choreographer. Watch them. Think of your question, then watch for the answer. I can almost guarantee that you will see what you were wondering. If after a few viewings you still have absolutely no clue about something, then you can ask. But I always kind of wonder about the people who ask something immediately after it is taught or freak out after a long sequence of choreography. Of course the choreographer is going to go over it. They know what it takes to learn a piece. Trust the choreographer to teach, then trust yourself to understand.

I deal with a lot of things at work, but my absolute biggest pet peeve is when a random adult will play a race game with a bunch of kids and keep the prize. Race games are the ones that require multiple players. You shoot water at a target and the first one to the top wins. Usually I don’t mind having an eclectic group play, but when I already have enough players to start (and they are all under 13) and someone jumps in at the last minute, it kind of bothers me. You could have waited for the next race to start. You could have given your $2 prize away. But no. You play against a bunch of kids that you are clearly going to beat and walk away with the toy. It breaks my heart to see their sad faces when they realize they aren’t getting a toy. You need to have some kind of nerve to do that to a kid.

utterbliss:

ronaldpbarba:

I’m grateful for every new week that I get to spend with the woman I have loved my entire life.

I saw this man on the Metro this past Monday, and asked him who the flowers were for. They were for his wife. They’ve been married for 47 years. FORTY-SEVEN. Every Monday, he brings her home flowers after work. My heart died at that moment. 

<3 is real.

Dance Goals 2012

1. Do an invert (I think this has been a dance goal ever since I found out what an invert was… But I’ve still never gotten the hang of it.)

2. Get better at elements

3. Get back into tap

4. Choreograph more

5. Work on my facials and performance

6. Learn more about the roots of different styles of hip hop

7. Be more flexible

8. Freestyle more

9. Take more classes

10. Audition for Disneyland again

It’s the little things I notice most; the subtle differences that make me wonder.

Everyday I’m realizing more and more just how much dancing truly means to me. Who knew some class my mom signed me up for as a kid would lead to such an immense passion. 

You Only Live Once.

Living more in the moment is definitely paying off. 2012 has been so good to me so far. 

Resolutions.

A few of these end up on my list every year, but that’s ok. Some of these are more goals than resolutions, but here it goes.

1. Get back into running shape

2. Develop a better wardrobe

3. Maintain a good GPA

4. Get better at drawing

5. Submit something to the Daily 49er

6. Train more in elements  (breaking, popping, locking, etc.)

7. Make it into a Disneyland parade

8. Get to know Long Beach better

9. Choreograph more

10. Live life to the fullest. Stop being scared, and just have fun. Each year I promise myself that I’ll crack my shell a little more. And each year I get a little braver, a little more spontaneous, a little less cautious. I’ve always been the type to look before I leap, and I think that will never completely change. But in challenging myself to live a bit more one year at a time, I’ve learned just how fun life can be. It won’t be over night, and the changes are never very big, but I’m slowly stepping out of my comfort zone. Each year I take more risks, and so far it’s paying off. I’m not as afraid to try new things anymore.