Mini Update

In this month's edition of Mini Updates: Oireachtas, feiseanna, performances, and a giveaway!

Oireachtas Prep

• As much as I hate to say this, I haven't been practicing as much as I should.  My current practice plan was put on hold from when school started until essentially now.  This week, though, I'm getting back into doing a very focused 20 minutes of drills a day, whether it be stamina, or rhythmic bits from my hornpipe.
• I also suffered a minor set back last Wednesday that had me more scared than anything.  In the first dance practice of the fall and as I was running through my reel's second step, I twisted my ankle.  I judged it to be a minor sprain, as here I am a week later dancing.  Taped up, but dancing.
• This past Sunday was the first day of our Oireachtas team practices. I'm on two mixed teams, which I think is awesome.

Upcoming Feiseanna

• I have registered for both Rhythm of Ireland Feis in October, and the Coyle Feis in November.  More later on individual goals for each feis.

Halfway to St. Paddy's Day

• Performance number two (Fairfax Irish Fest) went very well.  We performed with a live musician, which was a great practice opportunity for the younger dancers performing about being flexible and adaptable with tempi.  I greatly enjoyed meeting with younger dancers from my school who I don't usually see due to being in a different class.

A New Look

• Right before school started, I cut off all my hair! (Well, not all of it, but a lot of it).  I have experimented with a bun wig to great effect.  I can still be the Star Spangled Girl With the Curls...my curls are just much smaller (and held in by many more bobby pins).

Do you want a free pair of ghillies? (Who am I kidding, of course you do!)

• Fellow Irish dance blogger and author, Christy Dorrity is releasing her very first novel for young adults entitled Awakening: Book One of the Geis.  The book is based in Celtic mythology and is about an Irish dancer, so she is hosting a giveaway to win a pair of Hullachan Pro ghillies.  To find out how to enter the giveaway, click here.

Awakening: Book One of The Geis
by Christy Dorrity
Photo: courtesy Christy Dorrity

That's it for me dance fans! Hope your next month goes smoothly!

Goals: Seriously, do your daily 20 minute drills. No excuses.
Days till Os: 73

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

Mini Update

Old Dominion Feis: My school's feis is in less than a week, and I'm very excited!

• I will be dancing in all sorts of fun competitions including: old ladies open champs, 3-hand, 4-hand, and 8-hand competitions.  This will be my first local feis where I do some ceilis!
• When I'm not dancing, I'm running all social media outlets.  For champ results and more on the day, be sure to follow @OldDominionFeis on twitter, and like the Old Dominion Feis 2013 page on Facebook.  I hope all my years of blogging don't let me down!
• This feis also marks the start of my 6th year of feising!

Solo dress for sale!

• My red plaid solo dress. $450 with free US shipping.
• Dress was made in 2011 by Jennifer Blackerby.  It has been worn for a grand total of two competitions.  The dress is covered in hundreds of rhinestones I hand-glued on. There is plenty of let out room as it was altered from a 35” bust.  It fits comfortably on me now; not too tight, not too loose.  The dress also come with two headbands, but no bloomers…sorry.
• Dress measurements: 34” bust; 27.5” natural waist; 32” dropped waist; 15” across back shoulders; 31” total length.  It was altered down from a larger size, so there is let out room!
• Optional: I have size 5 (27” waist) pants that match the dress’ plaid perfectly.  I’ll throw them in for an extra $25.
• Drop me an email (RinceGoBraghBlog@gmail.com) for more info.

Nationals: Is quickly approaching in less than a month

• I'm looking into renting a nearby dance studio for an hour at a time when the school years is over so I have a nice place to practice with mirrors and a sprung floor.  Between my own practicing and scheduled dance classes, I'm hoping to dance five days a week.  While I know two to three weeks isn't much time to fix long-term issues, I'm hoping to hit stamina hard.
• I'm busy brainstorming my outfits for the handful of days I'm there.  In a perfect world, there is free wi-fi at the Hilton so I can quickly blog about my outfits each day.

I'm overwhelmed with the amount of positive response I've received on my new solo dress.  I still can't express how awesome it makes me feel when I dance, and having other dancers compliment my design idea is truly icing on the top.

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and with it, my wonderful summer break!  I can't believe how fast my first year of teaching went.  Here's to many more fun years!

Goals: Drill reels.
Days till NANs: 25

Mini Update

Injury recovery

• I have finished my first round of physical therapy!  Already, my ankle is nearly back to full strength and flexibility.
• I began my second round of physical therapy three weeks ago and will finish the day before I leave for New Orleans.  This was recommended for extra strength since I'm still not 100% back with my dancing abilities.
• At my recent visit to my podiatrist, he said that everything was healing nice and tight like it should. 
• My dancing is improving on the daily.  As of Monday, my slip jig is finally feeling back to it's pre-injury self, I even added an over back into my lead!  My hard shoe focus is mainly getting my stamina back up.
• Fun fact: I use a roll and a half of athletic tape each day I dance to tape up both ankles for injury prevention and maintenance.  I own a case of athletic tape for this reason, and I will probably be halfway through this box by Oireachtas.

Oireachtas news

• My confirmed dances for the big day: solos (senior ladies), mixed four-hand, ladies eight-hand, and figure choreography.  It promises to be a long day since the southern region so lovingly puts all the senior solos and all teams on the same day.
• I designed the shirts you'll see my dance school wearing at this years Oireachtas.  I won't give any sneak previews, though.  You'll have to wait till the SRO to see them, but let me say, we will stand out.
• We recently were on a two week break with dance classes, and while it doesn't fall at the most opportune time, I was able to fit in small drilling sessions at home, which have had varying degrees of success.  Less success after Sandy hit and I got behind in job things.

Other dance things

• October has passed, and with it my five year dance-iversary!  Happy five years of dancing to me.
• This past weekend was Feis Culkin, which I chose not dance in.  I decided to save my ankles from intense competition until my Oireachtas marathon day.  Regardless, I did have nightmares the night before the feis about showing up late to dance even though I wasn't registered.
• Check out these pants.  Just look at how perfectly they match my solo.  Plan on me wearing them at the Oireachtas.

• Also in my Oireachtas fashion suitcase: this Captain America shirt to rock on the day that I'm dancing so I can be the Star Spangled Girl with the Curls.  I still have to do some tailoring for easy over the wig removal...

Goals: Stamina/sharpen steps

Days till Os: 25

Mini Update

Injury recovery

• I officially got rid of my boot this past Tuesday!
• Round one of physical therapy began three weeks ago, and already there is a huge difference in the strength and flexibility of my ankle.  My PT likes to joke with me that he's not needed, being I just went through with all of these exercises less than five months ago... I told him I just need him for his machines and massages.  Also, he's giving me exercises to strengthen other parts of my leg and my core, which are useful.

Dance tidbits

• Figure choreography practice is in full swing, and I can make it through dancing the figure!
• This week, I will be going back to doing solo classes as well.  It's an experiment, since I need to do some soft shoe re-choreographing to compensate for injured ankles.
• I will be dancing solos and teams at the Oireachtas.  I'm very excited and know that this year's journey will be appreciated 100% after the long string of injuries.
• I began taking a weekly class at a local dance center that combines ballet barre work, yoga, and pilates.  I'm only in my second week of class, but already I feel stronger, but that's probably stemming from being sedentary since July.

Life tidbits

• My first month of being a teacher is over!  Almost everything is getting easier since I'm settling into my schedule and routines.  The children are mostly adorable.  Except when they're misbehaving.
• My first paycheck is roughly the price of a new Gavin.  I can't complain, this is more than I've ever made in my life.

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

Irish Dance How-To: Ab workout

Ignore the dodgy video in the middle.  I have no idea why my camera did that, and I didn't feel like re-shooting that part of the video with my foot and all.

Goals: Keep healing!

Irish Dance How-To: Stretching

Enjoy my stretching routine!  I had more of a script for the speaking parts of the video so it flows better than the first one.

Goals: Work on slip jig because all you've been doing is hard shoe you silly girl.
Days till NANs: 147

Irish Dance How-To: Aerobic warm up

Welcome to my first Irish dance How-to video tutorial! This is the first of a 12-part Irish dance how-to series I will be featuring on my blog this year, AND it's the first of a three-part warm up sequence. Stay tuned for stretching (February) and ab workouts (March)!

Also, ignore the bad editing (Windows Live Movie Maker), and the stuttering. Speaking without a script is apparently difficult for me, and I did the best I can!

Goals: Smooth out transitions between steps

Days till NANs: 161

Mini Update

1. Feis Culkin: Out of 16 dancers, I got 16th. I was particularly disappointed in the moment because it was the best I had ever danced to date, and being that I placed so well at Rhythm of Ireland with so-so dancing, it was slightly upsetting.

2. I'm getting a new dress for the Oireachtas! Stay tuned for pictures as soon as it arrives. I also have a new wig I'll be wearing at the Oireachtas. (and with that, new make-up look, etc.) The coolest thing is that I have Hollister plaid that almost exactly matches my dress. Hello color coordination...

3. Also updated in my look is that I've started taping the strap on my hardshoes white so it blends with my sock. So far, my foot looks cleaner. I can't really tell when I'm dancing, so this needs peer review on our Sunday practice.

4. We have been working a lot of stamina in class (three, then four, then FIVE steps), and while I had a bad day with that in class the other day, I got a comment on my set from one of the guy dancers that you can tell I've worked really hard and am looking good. Practice really does pay off, and that positive comment gave me an extra boost to know that my hard work has not been in vain.

5. I have found that practice is a good stress reliever when I've had a tough day with my middle schoolers. It's so nice to put on my hardshoes and pound away the frustration on the dance floor, rather than to dish it out on the students.

6. All the extra practice brings me to a confession: I really want top ten at the Oireachtas.

Goals: Cross, stamina

Days till Os: 14 days, 15 hrs.

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!!)

Practice. It's what's for dinner.

This past Friday, I applied for my first U.S. passport. This whole going overseas thing? Is surreal. I have never been out of the U.S. in my life. Who would've known that when I started dancing three and a half years ago that I would be travelling to Ireland to compete in the world championships? That was not my goal or even an ulterior motive. I started dancing simply to dance, and now here I am, three years later at the top level of competitive Irish dancing.

This all just goes to show that hard work and practice pay off kiddos.

Beginner+ 20 minutes of practice 3 days a week for 3 months= Advanced Beginner in all your dances at your next feis.

Advanced Beginner+ 30 Minutes of practice 3 days a week for 3 months= Novice in your stronger set of dances, high placements in all the rest.

Novice+ 45 minutes of practice a day for 6 months= Open Prizewinner, Baby.

Prizewinner+ 1 hour of practice 3 days a week for a year= Preliminary

Preliminary+ 1 Hour of practice 4 days a week for a year= Open Championship

Open Championship+ 1 Hours of Practice a day (even on class days) for 2 years= Worlds Recall

So, according to my fellow blogger, IrishDanceTeacher, I am right on track to become a worlds recaller in five years, meaning two years from now, and that these statements have some validity to them. But let's get real here for a second. I am in my last two semesters of college. This semester I will be preparing for my music ed. voice recital, my MTEC II, VCLA, and Praxis II, while working 15 hours a week and remaining active in my sorority. In the fall, I will be student teaching and probably working 10 hours a week. Will I practice every day for the next two years? No. But maybe that just means I will never get a recall at worlds, and you know what? I don't care. Just saying I am able to participate in that sort of event is quite prestigious and a feat to be congratulated no matter what.

Goals: Turnout, finish learning Drunken Gauger

Days till worlds: 88

Phew, dance class.

First dance practice back after a month today. I am feeling much better about my lack of motivation to practice now. It seems that I just didn't know where I was going to be heading with my steps, but now that I do, I know what needs to happen.

Most of practice tonight was tweaking small things about my steps. I am learning this fancy new leap thing I can't even describe (or do well) for my slip jig lead. Two small parts have been changed in my treble jig, one to add variety in my second step, and another to fix (read: cover up) some rhythm part in my third step. There has also been a tweak to the beginning of one of my sets (The Hunt) which needs major practice as it involves something I've never done before. I am also learning the open champ version of Drunken Gauger. THAT will be a doozy to finish learning and to eventually perform for nationals and the Oireachtas (and other feiseanna too).

I did find out senior ladies is doing reel/hornpipe for nationals and the Os for this year. (YES YES YES!! OH MY GOD, YES!!) I ALSO found out that it's 99% confirmed that I will be attending the 2011 World Irish dance championships in Dublin! And probably not just for solos too, but we also might be taking the figure.

Okay, all this positive from dance class tonight, did leave one negative. . . my feet are killing me (blisters), and my muscles are weak, so I am sore. . .

Goals: Turnout and break in shoes

Days till worlds: 99

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 . . .

Three days out...

Tonight was my last official dance practice before this weekend. I feel ready now. I know before (ahem, yesterday) that I was losing my mind from stress and anxiety, but true to form, dancing has made me feel more sane. Yes, I'm still slightly nervous for the weekend (I know there are things that need more fixing, but what can I do about it now?), but I'm in a better mind set after a solid last practice. I'm actually really excited now.

I'm excited to dance with my fellow senior ladies.
I'm excited for our funky little 4-hand (we're gonna Oireachtas floor like dynamite). I'm excited to be a part of the figure, purely because it's my mom's favorite part of the Oireachtas.
I'm excited for after the dancing is done, when we can all breathe a sigh of relief, reap our hard-earned awards, and party in general.

It was kind of tragic tonight, one of the girls in the figure injured her ankle while doing her reel tonight. Hopefully it is a minor thing and she will be okay to dance this weekend. She is a really beautiful dancer, and I feel horrible for her. I know what it's like to injure yourself right before something big. The only time I have ever broken a bone happened to be the week before our regional competition, which I worked hard to qualify for at the state championships. I just landed wrong on a tumbling pass and, the next thin I knew, I was out of gymnastics for the next few months. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my fellow team member that it is only something minor.

I wish you an Oireachtas recall,
I wish you an Oireachtas recall,
I wish you an Oireachtas recall
and an awesome set dance!

Goals: Finish getting my stuff together
Days till Os: 3

Huge Update, Part 3: Oireachtas Prep

Less than a week out from the big day...

My SRO 2010 looks a bit like this: solos, four hand, and figure. Due to new Southern Region procedure, we now have a three day event. I don't know how I lucked out (cough, sarcasm), but all three of my competitions are all back to back on the same day! Saturday starts off at 8 am with solos (All three rounds. Hardshoe danced three at a time. 53 dancers, 7 from my school.). Immediately after lunch is the four hand competition. Maybe about an hour after that is the figure. So basically (in summary): three dresses, one pair of poodle socks, two pairs of tights, and two wig changes later and I'm done and on to awards.

In general, Oireachtas prep has been no different than last year. Attending lots of extra dance classes, coordinating my million activities around dance... Same old, same old. One helpful addition to my practice schedule this year has been weekly meetings of us four Maple kids that all go to college. We commandeer one of the rehearsal spaces in the music building and just do our thing. I feel that we all work together very well. There is no competition between of us as to who the best is. We understand busy schedules. The other dancers don't make fun of how much I suck...

Despite the seriousness of dance, I am managing to have a lot of fun. I have crafted headbands for my four hand, and today, we just finished making our matching four hand shirts, which was an adventure within itself, since my other team members have never puffy-painted a t shirt before. I have also decided to psych myself out pep myself up and wear Irish dance gear all this week.

Goals: Don't forget about school work, re-curl solo wig, more rhinestones on solo dress

Days till Os: 6

Almost NANs time...

Feis report: Old Dominion Feis

So I don't have any pictures for this feis, but let me just say... it's so nice to have a place on the podium. I am really proud of all my other Maple girls in my competition for sweeping third through sixth places. I ended up third place over all. I am really proud of what I did at this feis. It was that first stepping stone to me feeling ready for nationals this Sunday.

Up next: NANs, July 4th-5th

I am currently recovering from a minor freak out. My iTunes library decided to vanish as I was going to do my last practice before nationals run through. I had to wait 20 minutes for my poor laptop to find all the music files and put them back... I haven't even gotten to re-making my playlists. I don't know what this is going to mean for my iPod when I plug it on to charge it. Hopefully it doesn't act too lost...

Goals: PACK

Days till NANs: 2!!

Success!

Today, I'm having a very successful practice session:

1. I remember three treble jig steps! Mind you, the last step is not one of the new ones. It's the old third step I did at the Oireachtas last December. I can honestly say I dislike the newest third step, and not just because I can't remember the end, but because it has that stupid rhythm part at the end, which I know I will not do well ever in a million years because I have turn out and rhythm issues. Here's to hoping I can keep just that one old step. The other two steps are the new ones, and I'll have to admit, I did modify the end of the first to get rid of another stupid rhythm part. I totally "had" these rhythm parts back in January when I was obsessing over them before we found out we're not doing jigs for nationals. We'll see how my modification goes over at class tomorrow...
2. I just went through my hornpipe and was not dying at the end! I even went back and did my half step after waiting eight bars, and was perfectly fine. Guess that means my stamina is good, although this phenomenon may have something to do with the fact that I only have 8 feet to travel instead of a whole stage. All that running around (travelling) really tires you out.

What was not successful: Drunken Gauger. It took me about five tries before I got though it without forgetting something or messing up. C'est la vie... I guess I should practice The Hunt every once and while again. I'll need a contrasting set for worlds next year. :)

Goals: remember the slip jig, keep practicing Drunken Gauger
Days till Nans: 25

The feis gods are punishing me.

A few words of wisdom for all you younger dancers: Make sure you stretch and warm up properly before dancing. Always.

I was having the most awesome practice session of my life (kinda). I was really getting to hammer out things in my new set, when a muscle in my hip just decided it was time to stop practicing. I realized I missed a few stretches today when I was warming up, which I usually don't do. I'm generally meticulous about being warmed up. I know from my gymnastics experiences that things just work better after you have set aside about 10 minutes to really warm up properly. I guess I was too excited to work on pieces of my hornpipe today or something.

Here's to hoping that my hip hurts less tomorrow.

Goals: Stamina
Days till NANs: 37