Things to do:

While you are home practicing here are a few things to remember.

Split walks- start at one end of the room and slide into the right splits, then slide into the left splits while making your way across the room.

Pilates 100- while laying on your back lift your legs to a 45 degree angle, lift your head and shoulders off the ground and pulse your hands (by your side) 100 times while breathing (sniff, sniff, blow, blow).

Foot stretch- place your feet under a couch and try to straighten your legs or have someone push down on the tops of your feet, making sure to keep your feet in correct alignment.

Battements- you can do these aggressive leg lifts while watching T.V., doing dishes or getting from point A to point B. Just remember to keep your head lifted and your chest up. Try to keep BOTH legs straight.

Plies-  You can do these in the shower or anywhere really.  Click here to find out how to do them correctly.

These are just a few basics to keep you fit while working out on your own.

The OFF Season

Summer is just around the corner. While most kids are taking time to kick back and lay around the pool, you can take advantage of this and get a jump start on your dancing. Keep taking classes throughout the summer and when everyone comes back in the Fall you will knock their socks off.

Tip of the day: Use the summer months to improve and gain strength.

Inspiration

This post is short and sweet. What motivates you to keep dancing?  I am motivated by music. My inspiration, as a choreographer, comes through music. Others are inspired by certain movement, color, life events, etc. What inspires you to move?

Commitment

Here is the scenario: Your daughter comes home from school wanting very much to participate in a dance class. You run down to your local studio to enroll her. You fork out $$ for tuition, shoes, tights, leotards, a dance bag, and all the accessories only to find out that she wants to quit a week later! Let me tell you this happens over and over again. It happened to me as a child. I would cry on the way to dance and beg not to go but my wonderful mother insisted that I follow through with the COMMITMENT that I had made. And I must say, she was RIGHT! I thank her consistently for making me go. I eventually got past the HARD WORK part and really enjoyed the progress I was making. It eventually turned me into a great dancer.

Moral of the story: DON'T GIVE UP! You might have to go kicking and screaming but it will all eventually pay off. Not only will you learn discipline but you will learn how to take constructive criticism and learn how to apply it so you can advance and become the BEST.  Practice makes perfect and it doesn't EVER just happen overnight.

Stick it out!!

The Importance of Stretching

I know I've said it before, so here I go again. Stretching is SO important!! Even if you are NOT a dancer, it is vital to your mobility. Every person NEEDS to stretch everyday. Yes, everyday! If you do not let your muscle lengthen, they will eventually freeze up on you and you will walk around like you are 80 years old.  The more often you stretch the more easily you will age. I PROMISE!

Don't forget to STRETCH today!

{This and That}

There are so many fun products for dancers these days. I thought I would share a few of mine with you. Starting from the top: Jelly Toe Pad- these babies are great for the Pointe Dancer with uneven toes. These will even out your toe length and give you a nice cushion. The "Teacher" shoe- I love teaching in this shoe. They are comfy and easy to put on. Great for long days in the studio. The Stretchy Band - You all know how I feel about the stretchy band. I LOVE this product, not only for exercising but for stretching. Canvas ballet slipper- I will never dance again without a pair of these. They form wonderfully to your foot AND you can throw them in the wash and they come out looking like new! Just DON'T dry them in the dryer. FOOT RUBZ- This is a great alternative to the tennis ball to work out those foot kinks and give you a great massage. Illusions- These are wonderful for any bare-foot dancer. They protect your feet and help you proper traction while looking non-existent. Where were these when I was dancing 8 hours a day?! OUCH Pouch- I love this as a permanent replacement for Lamb's wool. Every pointe dancer NEEDS a pair of these. Your feet will THANK you.  Half Sock- Back in the day, we used to have to fold our socks in half so as to cover the ball of the foot, leaving the remainder of the foot exposed to help with traction. Now they make the sock in HALF for you! These are great for rehearsals and class. Toe Spacers- For the ultimate comfort in you Pointe shoes, try these. If your toes tend to get crunched up and overlap then THIS product is for you! Deoterizing Shoe Spray-  The name says it all! Keep this one in your dance bag and your mother will thank you. There are so many more fun products out there. These are just a few of my favorites. HAPPY DANCING!