National Dance Day: Why Dance Matters

I was going to make this really awesome video of me Irish dancing in various well-known DC locations to celebrate National Dance Day in our nation's capitol.  However, recent injuries say no, which brings us here to this interesting post: why dance matters.  Here are a few of my reasons.

Dance is fun.  It is my hobby.  But more than that, it's my passion.

Dance keeps me fit.  It keeps my mind strong.

Dance can be difficult, but there is always a lesson to learn, always a positive benefit.

Dance brings people together.  All races, all ages, all genders.

Dance brings me joy.

Dance matters.

Why does dance matter to you?  
Join the movement and check out http://whydancematters.org/

Goals: More healing
Days till Os: 125

Injured: The happy ending

I went to my very last doctor's visit yesterday morning.  The funny part about this appointment was that I spent more time waiting around than him actually visiting me.  He came into the room, looked over the note from my physical therapist, and asked if I hurt and what I was doing.  After assessing all this, he said I didn't have to see him again, but to still take it easy if my ankle hurt (I did tear three ligaments after all).

Today, I graduate from physical therapy.

Because of all this wonderful news, I decided to register for the Nation's Capital feis next month.  I am feeling extra motivated right now, especially after attending Old Dominion feis to run stages.  Being there without dancing was bittersweet: I know I would not have done all that well since I began easing into dance a month ago, but being there all day had me really itching to put my solo dress on...

Last night was my first hardcore practice since my time easing back into dance last month.  Inspired by being cleared by my doctor and by the feis this weekend, I decided to run through all three rounds, including the new slip jig steps I tweaked.  In honor of this practice, I wore a new Pinterest and Feisonista-inspired outfit, which came in especially handy in my lack-of-circulating-air practice area.

I am lucky to have a practice area that I can use at essentially any time.  It's a racquetball court, so the downsides are no mirrors and it's extremely loud, but the floor is nice and it's spacious.  I am very much lacking in stamina and general leg strength due to being out for so long, but I am planning on practicing in my space two or more times a week until the feis.  Have a video montage of last night's practice session, including all my wonderful brain farts:

Goals: Stamina and cross
Days till Os: 163

Summer weekly workout: Ballet Conditioning

My summer TV schedule is always chock full of dance shows, the usual being Fox's So You Think You Can Dance and Lifetime's Dance Moms.  I am addicted to all things about that show, even though it seems rigged for contemporary dancers.  No hate though, because  an Irish dancer was featured last year.

This summer is especially exciting with the premier of Breaking Pointe on the CW and Bunheads on ABC Family.  This basically means I am completely interested in the whole ballet more so than normal.  (Did I mention I almost got serious with ballet after college instead of Irish?)  I'm so interested in ballet that when I saw this workout DVD in my public library the other week I got inordinately excited.  Mostly because ballerinas are known for their exacting technique (read: turnout), so any extra help in that department is welcome, but also partially because maybe I had found a workout DVD that wasn't too cheesy or too easy!

I was expecting some excellent stretches and barre exercises.  Nothing so difficult that a dancer who's currently training couldn't handle.  I had taken ballet classes a year ago in my preparation for worlds and had really noticed a difference in my dancing.  This DVD, however was much more than expected.  It was hard.  The gentle beginning stretched led into difficult plié sequence at the barre that left your thighs burning.  The plié sequence flowed on into tendus that left me questioning why I cannot balance while holding my leg up, a skill I thought I mastered as a child.  It was a wonderful workout that left me with jelloid legs and the resolve to be better the next time.  I decided I will do this 50 minute video once a week this summer until it is easy.

Have you tried a workout DVD that pushed your limits or strength or flexibility?  Would you give into the ballet craze and try this workout?

Goals: Do the weekly workout

Days till Os: 167

Why I've been MIA

At dance class two weeks ago, I had one of those moments. You know, the "what the heck am I doing?" moments. Sometimes, especially these past two weeks, I feel like I took on too much. Who's brilliant idea was it to procrastinate classroom observation hours and finding someone to student teach with, prepare for the world championships, AND plan a voice recital the week after that? Oh yeah, mine. The entire dance class, all I could think of was how I was NOT ready. How I had too many other things to get done. When was I going to find time to practice? When would I sleep?

It took a pep talk from two other dancers and my dance teacher to realize that in the grand scheme of things, I shouldn't worry or put too much pressure on myself. At the time, that'e not what I really wanted to hear. A week and a half later, it's exactly what I needed. Yes it's the world championships. Yes, I care how I do (I do want to get a smidgen of a point). Here's what I was told: It's my first world championships. I should go out there and enjoy the moment. I got this far, to even say I qualified is an honor. I have put in my time practicing since I found out I had the slightest chance of going. I get to travel to another country and participate in something prestigious. My turnout has actually improved. Breathe. Enjoy it.

And a week and a half later, it all makes sense.

The last official dance class I had this past Wednesday went well though. I could breathe and make it through my steps. I was definitely more chill. So I may not be top ten material (Congrats Miya S.!!), but I will do my best, and that's the best I can do.

So, why I've been MIA: I have been using every spare moment to put towards school work, or dance, or sorority, or work. My Google calendar would scare most people.

Goals: Pack

Days till worlds: 4 (leaving in 2!!)

The dilemma right now.

It is so hard to motivate myself to practice.

I know I have all these goals for the year. I know if I want to break in my shoes and better my turnout that I need to work on it every day.

Part of my lack of motivation that I haven't done any physical activity since the Oireachtas. And since classes finished, my usual schedule has been disrupted, so my drive to get stuff done (practicing dance and music) has diminished.

Another part is that I don't know what I should be doing to improve my turnout. I have been told to do a bunch of different drills. I've been told to watch my feet while I dance (and I can totally see that I'm not turning out). I give it my all when I dance and my feet still look straight. So that brings me to: is my body structure just that kind where I am just going to have minimal turnout?

I'm stuck here. Any tips readers?

Goals: Turnout, break in shoes

Days till . . .