North American Nationals, Everything Else

I arrived at LAX and was delighted to share a Super Shuttle van with dancers from Boston and Vancouver.

I checked into the Hylton and was excited that I had a room that faced Disneyland, basically in-line with Cinderella's Castle.  I got to enjoy Disney fireworks from the comfort of my own hotel room for three of the four nights I stayed in Anaheim.

I spent some time practicing to limber up after a five and a half hour flight.

I met the amazing dancers of TapTronic.  They were truly the celebrities of nationals, especially with their live performances before awards on the 4th and 5th.  I was able to catch both performances, and even got a (slightly crummy because of the lighting where I was) video of Crave You, that you can watch by clicking here.  They have also released their own video of their time at nationals, which you should totally check out.

I met new friends and was able to hang out with other dancers in my region who traveled alone.  I can't wait to see them again at local feiseanna and the Oireachtas in December.

               

 

I had a really fantastic time at my photo session with Prine Photography that I won from the instagram contest.  There are a ton of fun pictures, and they all turned out wonderfully! (Some of my favorites are below)

                

 

Most importantly, I spent some quality time by the pool to enjoy the beautiful California weather.

Goals: Eat clean, train dirty!
Days till Os: 123

North American Nationals, Dancing Edition

Let's take a trip back to January of this year when I set my goals:

For 2013, my goals include to:

• Continue to improve my turnout and cross technique in my dancing, 
• Begin to place more consistently in my competitions at feiseanna,
• Recall at nationals, and ultimately
• Qualify for the world championships as a soloist.

At my first Oireachtas, my biggest confidence boost happened the morning of my competition when I was warming up. I felt that same way the morning of my solo day at nationals.  Before my hard shoe round, I was in a photo on livestream taken by the gorgeous Ciara Sexton (who's outfits were classy all week long!).  I had two fairly solid rounds, even with being the first person in round two!

After the seniors finished their two rounds, my group decided it was time for lunch, so we went to grab some Baja Fresh and chill, figuring we had somewhere around two hours before they announced recalls.  I went back to the hall immediately after eating, not wanting to miss a second, while others went to their room briefly.  I laid on the floor, trying to rest or nap, be calm, and wait for the announcement of when recalls would be announced.

Without warning, a lady announced over the microphone that she had the recalls, and started reading immediately.  Never has anyone jumped off the floor faster than me.  I scrambled to get my program and pen to circle those who recalled, and waited with bated breath as the numbers got closer and closer to 31.  My number was called.  I may had said something along the lines of, "Oh my God," but mostly I started crying and shaking.  I have finally checked off one of two long-term goals I have had for myself:  I finally recalled at nationals.

There was an immense calm that I felt that afternoon and evening.  The kind of calm and sense of accomplishment that can only come with reaching a long-term goal.  I felt no pressure when I went back on the nationals stage for a third time to dance my set.  I looked out into the hall and saw, well, mostly people who don't know who I am, but the small core of dance teachers and friends who helped me get to this moment were there, and that's where my focus was.

The last time I stepped foot on the nationals stage was to receive my medal for placing 38th.  I am completely happy with cracking the top 40, and I was only five spots away from being a world qualifier.  I could tell my dance teachers were proud of me (and of course wanting more for next time!).  I am looking forward to working hard this fall so I receive that world qualification at the Southern Region Oireachtas this December.

Goals: Start building stamina again.
Days til Os: 128

Pre-Nationals Mini Update

Nationals: Here I go, off to my second north american championship!

• My goal is to recall, but I don't think I'll be bothered if I don't.  I have made excellent progress in my dancing since the Oireachtas, and I'm feeling good about where I stand, regardless of a nationals recall or not.  I'm trying to take this major with a no-pressure attitude.
• I'm looking forward to spending a relaxing five days in California at essentially a convention for one of my favorite things in the world.  I'm traveling alone, so Disneyland is probably out of the picture, but I'm hoping to spend lots of time pool-side with a book and an adult beverage when I'm not dancing, and/or making new dance friends.
• I won second place in the last instagram contest!  My prize is a photoshoot with Prine Photography while I'm in Anaheim, and also to be featured on the poster they are making.  Now, do I go buy a toy Cap shield for this?  I'm thinking yes.

• If you see me (or a version of me being Captain America), don't hesitate to say hi!  I arrive on the 4th (tomorrow!), dance in senior ladies A split on the 6th, and leave on the 8th.  I will be doing my best to send many updates through social media as I can in Anaheim. [Follow Rince go Bragh on twitter] [Follow sekubik on instagram]

Old Dominion Feis

• I placed 6th in open champs out of 15 dancers!  This continues to be a huge confidence boost for me, not only because I actually placed in open for the second time in my life, but especially so since my dad took a video of my set and it actually sounds fabulous!  After three years, my set is really becoming awesome.  I hope I can dance it at nationals.
• All three of my teams dances won!
• My social media updates were awesome (if I do say so myself).

Happy girl.

Goals: Don't become a head case
Days till NANs: 3