Stretching

Stretching is so important when it comes to dancing and any other sport. Stretching is sometimes a pain and a hassle, but it has many benefits even if your not a dancer. Most people believe that stretching is a waste of time and that it doesn't do anything. But that is definitely not true, stretching is extremely necessary when warming up. It can help prevent injury and it increases the blood and nutrient supply to muscles. Stretching correctly is also very important. If you don't really know what your doing, you could hurt yourself. You should hold each stretch for 1 to 3 sets of 10 to 60 seconds. It shouldn't feel pleasant, you should feel the stretch and a little pain. Not only should you stretch before exercise, but you should stretch after also. This can help to relax and balance tension on muscles. I know stretching can be a pain, but taking a little time before you exercise is better then becoming injured.

Auditions !

Throughout these next few months, dance company's will be auditioning everywhere for their summer intensives. A summer intensive is just like a summer camp. They usually are about 5-6 weeks long. In these intensives you dance pretty much the whole time. It is very intense ! Attending these camps is very beneficial if you plan to pursue dance as a career. They keep you in shape over the summer and gives you a taste of what it would be like to dance professionally. You do have to audition for summer intensives. Sometimes they will even give out scholarships. I have attended a smaller version of these camps 2 years ago. It was for the Orlando Ballet and it was only 3 weeks. I plan to audition for several places, but my goal is to get into the Houston Ballet summer program and attend it !

Christmas !!!

Christmas is right around the corner ! Everyone is holiday shopping and looking for the perfect gift. There are a plethora of perfect gifts for dancers. Leotards, legwarmers, massage gift cards, and even Icy Hot are all great gifts for a dancer. For younger dancers, ballerina teddy bears, key chains, and tutus will do the trick! Below is a website full of great gift ideas for the dancer !

http://www.allaboutdance.com/

R.A.D. exams

R.A.D. stands for Royal Academy of Dance. The R.A.D. exams are ballet exams that test your technique in ballet. They test you in stages (grade 1-8, elementary, intermediate, advanced, and advanced 2). It is a very hard exam to take. You have to memorize a whole syllabus. You wear a number and you are tested in a room with one or two girls. It is quite scary ! You either fail, pass, get a merit, or a distinction (which in is the highest). This exam is taught throughout the 70 countries. Every dancer memorizes the same syllabus and then you take the exam in certain places. Taking these exams looks great for college. It is a huge accomplishment to pass these exams, which depending on which level you are taking takes at least a year to learn. I took my intermediate exam last year, and I am working on my advanced exam this year. I passed the intermediate exam with a distinction. If I get a distinction on my advanced 1 and 2 exams, I will be eligible for the "Genne International Ballet Competition." It is basically the ballet Olympics. Last year it was held in Singapore, and this year it will be held in London. Below is a video that explains the competition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_vRamS4jhs

Dedication

Dedication is so important when it comes to Ballet. Ballet is extremely hard, time consuming, and painful ! You have to love it and have a passion for it. I definitely am dedicated to Ballet. Ballet is my life, the dance studio is literally my second home. I am always there. The feeling I get when I am on stage is incredible, if only everybody could experience it. But the time and effort it takes to be a ballerina is tremendous. You have to work like crazy to improve your technique, which means lots and lots of classes. Today I was at the theater from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. getting ready for the five shows we are getting ready to perform. Now I have to do the rest of my school work because I am missing school. You have to have dedication to live this life. But it's definitely worth it !

Nutcracker !!!

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I will be performing in the Nutcracker. It is a ballet for anyone who didn't know. We will be doing two shows Friday, two shows Saturday, and one show Sunday. It is my studios 10th anniversary, so this years Nutcracker will be bigger and better ! It will take place at the "Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts." Tickets will be sold at the box office the day of the show. The link below has the times and pictures. I'm sure everyone would enjoy it, and it will get you in the holiday mood !
http://www.ida-dance.com/Company.html

Benefits from Yoga

The other day I took a yoga class. I really enjoyed it because it stretches you and relaxes you at the same time. Also, after the class you feel great ! Yoga refers to traditional mental and physical disciplines originating in India. When people think of yoga they think of meditation. Meditation is a form of yoga, but there are many forms of yoga. Meditation is one of the more relaxing types. What many people do not realize is that yoga is so beneficial mentally and physically, especially for dancers. Physically it stretches your body giving you more flexibility and increases the range of motion in joints. Also, yoga builds strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles. Better posture is also a benefit that comes from yoga. Health benefits include better breathing, less stress/more calm, and concentration/mood. It is also said that yoga lowers the risk of heart disease ! It decreases Cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as a boost in immune system function. Clearly, there are many reasons to take a yoga class. Even though you may be a little sore the next day, just try it and see if you like it !