Sad News and the End of the Intensive!!

Hi!!! So, it has a been a LONG 2 weeks. Camp has been crazy, and I've definitely gained a lot from it. On top of that, I've also learned some tap along the way!

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Unfortunately, two slightly sad events have occurred over this past week. ( I'll give you a description of the past 5 days of camp (sadly I still could not get a hold of my camera charger! URG!! I'll have to get some friends to a send me their pics). You'll have to read the descriptions to find out what the sad events were :(.

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MONDAY

We had ballet, which was good but hard, as well as jazz (we learned an awesome jazz number) and contemporary.

TUESDAY

The good news is I finally got my left leg splits!! Eeeek!! (Before I could only do right leg). Although it's just barely and it still huts insanely... but with time and stretching I am confident I will become comfortable in it.

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WEDNESDAY

Lots of ballet on Wednesday which was awesome!

THURSDAY

I wasn't feeling too well, but you know us dancers, always trying to get up and dance anyway... maybe that wasn't such a good idea. So the first bit of sad news is that I asked my teacher if I'd be able to go on pointe (since it was Thursday and she said maybe as soon as camp was over) but she said no... :'( I guess it's not that sad as it will happen one day... but I really thought I had what it took. She said my feet and ankles were probably strong enough but I needed to "polish my technique". She's probably right, and I know a true dancer needs to be able to take moments like these. But anyway, as I said in my very first post, I'm probably switching schools in the fall anyway and things will change.

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FRIDAY

The second bad/sad event was I think I really overdid it and just got sick from overuse, especially since on top of camp I had classes. So I had to miss today (Friday) which was going to be the presentation! :'( :'(


Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you're having a great summer!


How did your dance intensive go? (If you went to one)

Are you on pointe? What does it take, and what advice would you give to someone dying to get on it?


P.S. I know it just says (pic) right now where there are supposed to be pictures, the photo thing on my computer isn't working I'll g back and edit in pictures on another computer soon.

Bad News about the D.I. Diaries!!

Hi guys!!!! So listen, I am about to confess something and I feel TERRIBLE. But don't worry, I will make up for it!!!!


The truth is... it turns out... I'm not superwoman. I am utterly exhausted. And tomorrow I'm going to be in the dance studio from 10 am to 8 pm. Or maybe just till 5:30, depending. But either way, that's a lot to withstand and I am dying from heat and exhaustion here.

Soo... I don't think I'll be able to do a post everyday. I sincerely wish I could but it's just not realistic considering I also have a part-time job on top of dance these 2 weeks, so I think we'll have to put the Dance Intensive Diaries on a hault.

HOWEVER, at the end of each week, I will do an extremely detailed/descriptive piece chock-full of tips, advice, descriptions, pics and tons more, so I'm not totally flaking on you! It will have each day listed and describe them in short paragraphs too. Enjoy!

Again, so sorry! Please forgive me!

D.I. Diaries: Entry 1- FEET!

PART 1: OW. OWWWW. OW OW OWWWWWW!!!! That is what I wish I could do out loud. Just howl with pain. My feet hurt sooo bad. That was a lot of dancing. *Exhales for about 10 seconds, exhaustedly*. And sorry I'm not going to add images to the ones this week I left my camera charger at a friend's.

So in case you're not up to date with some random person on the internet's (my) life, I just started my first day of a 2 week dance intensive.

We had 2 hours of ballet, which was fun, but tiring. Next we had lunch (at 12) and after that had stretching & conditioning, then jazz & contemporary. And just like that, 5 hours had flown by!

PART 2: This part is for tips/advice. So the focus on Entry 1's Part 2 will be feet, since they get sooo sore. I only sat once that whole day, and that was at lunch. So tips for keeping your tootsies happy:

* Get a hand towel wet with lukewarm (or hot, whichever you prefer) water and soak your feet, You could also soak them in a tub, but I like massage with a towel.
* Scrub with an exfoliant
* Massage with lotion or foot butter. Anything works, truthfully the brand doesn't matter to me as long as it doesn't smell putrid and leave a greasy residue.

Ta-da! Your feet should be pretty happy!

PART 3: Topic question:

How do you save feet in dire need of attention? How do you keep them from getting too sore?

I Recommend: Dancewear Solutions

Hi guys! (Now, I am actually talking to readers! Not just little figments of my imagination! :P)

So, typically, this is not a place where I rant about brands, and talk about the coolest stores and blah blah, because honestly I don't like feeling like I'm "advertising" things.

HOWEVER, this is one of those situations where I feel a recommendation is definitely in order, and I think you will benefit from it and be very pleased :).

When I started dancing, I found an online company called Dancewear Solutions, and I LOVE it. Honestly, how could I live without it? I amazingly inexpensive, and it has everything. From ballet apparel to tap shoes to costumes to whosie whatsits and this and thats... you name, they've got it. Not to mention they have all the best brands: Capezio, Bloch, Danskin, Harmonie, Bunheads....


But lots of companies have the same features, so why Dancewear Solutions??

Well, they're just so much less expensive than everywhere else... shockingly so, and I can assure you quality does not suffer. For example, a pair of 36'' black legwarmers on Capezio is $19. At DwS, the same ones are $8!... A good deal? I think so. (They're Harmonie in case you're wondering).



Plus, it's great for the following:
* Teachers: It's got tons of costumes for performances, from lyrical dresses, to tutus for the little ones, etc.
* Students: It features a lot of the basics, like every single colored basic leotards, soft slippers and pointe shoes, tights, etc...
* Dance Enthusiasts, Moms, (even Dads): Lots of encouraging tees, great gifts for your young dancers, (I sound like a testimonial :P), and also pins and stuff for enthusiasts
* Those on pointe: TONS of pointe shoe accessories, but less expensive!
*Teams: you can get matching stuff and costumes!



I hope you enjoyed (or at least didn't mind) my little rant about the awesomness of DwS!

The World's Cutest Thing: Bulldogs in Tutus

OK, so I know some of you animal activists are going to be outraged by the fact that I support putting an unsuspecting little dog in costumewear, (you're going to say, "they're not barbie dolls"), but c'mon, you gotta admit...





...They're freakin' cute in tutus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COMING UP...

Heyyyy there! (When I was little, I thought "Hey" was a curse word. I'm not sure why... Just thought I'd share that).

So, I have some big news for you guys!! I'm going to a Dance Intensive starting Monday!! Eeeek I'm excited!


(c)summercampmemphis.com

OK, it's not at exactly the School of American Ballet or anything, just a local little school, but I'm still really excited! It's from 10 to 3 everyday for the next 2 weeks except Saturday and Sunday, and I've got a whole schedule and everything planned! I'm psyched! Plus, outside of camp I've also got 2 ballet and 1 modern class, (How I'll survive both? I don't know!)


(c) russianatlanta.net

Soooo.... How does this effect you? WELL, I am starting a new series based on it! Everyday of camp I will come home and do a post for you at around 5 (not sure what time zone you're in so it may be different). They are all going to have this structure:

Part I- Talk about what we worked on and describe stuff we've done (& PICTURES!)
Part II- Translate what I've learned that day into a compiled list of helpful tips & strategies for YOU! (That way if the first part bores you it wont be a total waste :P)
Part III- This is the part you guys are gonna do! I'll give you a Part 3 topic question and you'll answer! (Hopefully, if I'm lucky)

So that means you'll get 12 full days of brand new posts! Yayyy!!! (I will post everyday except for Sunday, my day of pure rest! Although who knows I'll probably get bored and post anyway on Sunday.) On Saturdays my posts wont be structured, I'll just talk about the week and stuff! I hope you enjoy!

WAIT!


(c) Alice in Wonderland

One more thing... the Title!! It's going to be called D.I. Diaries (D.I. is for Dance Intensive)! Enjoy! Talk to you Monday! (Or sooner!)

Are any of you guys going to a dance intensive this summer?

Have you already been to one?

What other stuff (dance or non-dance) are you doing for the summer?

Don't you LOVE Alice in Wonderland (had to add that)? Did you see the Tim Burton one??

A Really Awesome Blog!

Hey guys, so I've been searching the Blogosphere, and along the way I've seen some really neat blogs! One of my favorites is From Plies to Pirouettes !



It's focused on ballet and has tons of articles! She does daily stuff, such as "Monday's Blog Brag", "Tuesdays Tips", et cetera. It's awesome because there's always something new, so you never get bored with it. Plus, she's also a late-starter, like me, which is awesome 'cause I don't have many people I can relate to about that! Everyone else my age has been doing since they were 5, but perseverance is key! Just like she says in her DO's and DON'Ts Blog

Another thing I love is her Weekly Inspiration, because sometimes it's hard to get through these trying times as a dancer, and we all need a little inspiration!



So check it out guys! Thanks for reading!

Arabesques & Attitudes

The Arabesque-- Thought to be one of the most beautiful of all stances in ballet. Yet, for those whom have conduct it, it proves to be quite a nuisance to achieve. I did not come out of the womb as a natural-born Gumby with my back having the flexibility of a bendy-straw. Few of us did. However, all is not lost! Because, that's right, we can STRETCH! So, I've compiled some arabesque stretches for you! (The Arabesque stretches will help your Attitudes and vise versa).

Stretch 1: Arabesque on Barre

(c) StretchGym.com
Unfortunately this is the best pic I could find (sorry it has writing on it). So basically she's putting her leg up on a barre (you don't need that fancy equipment, a desk, a counter-top, a ladder... anything will do). She has it straight out behind her, and her back is also straight. Remember to keep your hips facing forward too.

Stretch 2: Sun Salutations

(c) Yoga-Health.com
So these are called Sun Salutations, they're yoga poses that my teacher says really help your arabesques. The second and last ones are the best, the other two wont really do anything. Another one is where you lie on your stomach, and then list your upper body up as much as physically possible while keeping your hips on the ground.

Stretch 3: Penchee Stretch

(c) chalkbucket.com
Penchees are great for stretching for arabesques if you really make sure you stretch out your leg!

Do each of these consistently, and one day you'll be able to achieve this!

(c) bailarinas.kit.net

And now for...

Attitudes-- for these you use similar muscles as an arabesque, but your leg is bent and turned out. The arabesque stretches will help, but there is another you can try!

Stretch 4: Attitude on Barre

(c) photobucket.com
The attitude stretch on the barre is much like arabesque stretch, but you bend your leg and rest your KNEE on the barre. Your thigh should be directly behind you, so you can't see it if you look head-on. And make sure your hips are forward and your back is straight! (YES, that insanely painful pinch in your lower back and butt is a GOOD thing! :P Perservere!)

And one day, you'll have this:

Granola!!!

I was eating my usual bowl of granola this morning, and just thought, wow, this stuff is amazing.



(c) forladiesbyladies.com

I mean, it's filling. It's delicious. It's healthy. It gives me lots of energy. But most important, it really IS pure delish. I love it. I have a special recipe for it, you wanna know it? (It's not really that original AT ALL but oh well!)

HONEY-FRUIT GRANOLA:


(c) bbcgoodfood.com

~ You put one thin layer of granola

~ Now a layer of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is tart, so drizzle on lots of honey!

~ Now add another very thin layer of granola, and drizzle on more honey.

~ Top with berries & apples and fruity goodness!

Voila! You now have a delicious bowl of granola :)



What's your staple breakfast?

Surviving a Summer Dance Intensive

Yup--that's right, I again find myself experiencing extreme boredom, hence the second blog of the day! But I'm not just writing because I'm bored. I am writing because I like writing, I need a creative outlet, and I think this is a worthwhile topic in case by some miracle you dropped by and decided to read this.

Many of us, myself included, are attending intensives and 5+ hour a day dance (and really any other type of athletic) camps this summer. So what will get you through? I know I get tired after an intense two hour session, so how will I get through 5 to 6 hours? Three staple things: Food, rest, and WATER!!! Below I will write detailed tips about the 3 staples to getcha through this "intense" (as the name "intensive implies) amount of dance, or really any type of intense sport or exercise (i.e. this works for soccer camps, horse camps...).
No copyright infringement intended. All copyrights (c) go to Joffrey.com and Herbert Migdoll, photographer.

FOOD


(c) flickr.com

It is vital to eat well with vigorous exercise, and for dance this is especially important. This means no Twinkies! But it also means you shouldn't skip out on filling food. You NEED the fuel, and eating two measly meals a day also wont do. So here are some tips to help get you through it and keep you energized.
~Eat things with lots of fiber, you'll be much fuller.
~Whole grains provide long-lasting energy. All-white Wonderbread doesn't.
~Eat a wide, wide array of natural colors. You probably have heard this a million times over from moms, lunch aides, etc. but it's SO important to keep balanced!
~Meat & protein is important for muscles!
~Multivitamins are a good back-up in case you don't get enough in your diet.
~Bring about 5 or more granola bars, they really sustain you. I'd recommend Cliff, Kashi, or Special K if you have a sweet tooth like me!
~OK, now I'm not going to lie, although it isn't exactly "all-natural", sports drinks like Gatorade can really give you that extra kick sometimes. But DON'T rely on it. Have it at most every other day so you're body doesn't get trained to crave sugar, and don't have more than a bottle in a day. This leads me to our next topic. In order to stay hydrated, you need lots of...


WATER!


(c) yalesustainability.wordpess.com

Drinking water is so, SO vital. Here are some tips.
~Drink AS MUCH water as OFTEN as you possibly can. That means in between breaks, etc. Your body needs far more water than you think, especially when you're sweating it all out! You need about twice as much water than you actually get thirsty for. If you're really thirsty, that's not so good.
~Some places recommend as much as a cup of water every 15 minutes before, after, and even during intense dance (& other exercise). Obviously, this seems like an impossible amount to consume, not to mention you'd have to pee like crazy. I'd say about 2 cups an hour is good to shoot for. (I am not a doctor or trained professional, however. If you really want specific amounts, consult a pro).
~Increase fluid (water) consumption for 3 hours after dancing.


REST


(c) uvm.edu

Rest is also vitally important. There's more to it than just, "OK, I'll try and get some sleep", so read up!
~Most intensives, whether they're sleepaway or not, start early. Many people tend to stay up late and wake up late, so this change of sleeping schedule can be difficult. The best thing to do is get into a routine, and stick with it. This could be dinner, shower, relax, sleep, or shower, dinner, relax, sleep, or it could include watching your favorite TV show, or whatever you please. Just make sure it's always at the same time, that way you can train your body to know when it's winding down for sleep.
~Experts recommend winding down an hour before sleep. Reading a simple, quiet book for the 5th time or sitting in a massage chair (or just a comfy chair/couch) for a while listening to calming music are good example. Rocking out with buds playing the Wii, etc. are not.

Straddle Splits! Ahhh!!

I will here discuss one of my worst nightmares... straddle splits! They are impossibly difficult to achieve and the stretch my teacher makes us do is insane. We lie back facing floor, and then, against the wall, do as big a straddle as we can muster. We sit like that for 5 minutes until the force of gravity is so strong and cruel our legs have a burning sensation and we can't get up. Just in case you can't picture it, it's like this:

By the way this is not me and I own no rights to this photo. I give all credit to IRAdance.com and intend no copyright infringement.

It's utterly ridiculous. However, it works, and I could feel more flexible already. I don't know though if I will ever achieve the straddle splits, fully. With front splits it's easier because it is based less on your hip shape and more on your muscles. For me, anyway. With straddles, unless you have a specific hip shape it wont be easy. Hopefully though it will be possible for me to achieve them with time and work. I'll keep you posted (I realize I am still talking to no one :P)

How do you feel about straddle splits?

Have you achieved them?

If you haven't, do you want to?

What stretches do you do?

Pilot Post

You know how the first episode of a TV show is called a pilot? Well, that's what I'm calling my first blog.

I'm going to introduce myself a bit. However, I don't know what good it will do considering it is unlikely anyone will read this (Although if you do, please leave a comment, I could use your support!) I will provide you with the knowledge that I like ballet, amongst other things, and generally love to write. Plus, it's summer, and I'm bored out of my mind. So this has led me to blog.

I have been doing ballet for about a year. I started later than some of my peers, but I feel I am catching up very quickly as I do it quite a few times a week, and hope to advance soon and maybe even going onto pointe within a year (fingers crossed!). I will be leaving the smaller, owned-by-one-person studio in my area and am auditioning for a more prestigious dance school come fall, so wish me luck! (Or not, it's your choice).


Now I will briefly explain the articles that may possibly be found on this blog. If I ever find my self in this excruciatingly bored state of mind, which is likely, you'll probably see blogs about: ballet technique, flexibility, leotards, performances, auditioning, pointe shoes, life, horses, fashion, ice cream, and just general life ponderings. And who knows? Maybe you (I realize by "you" I am currently talking to no one) will like these random blogs.