AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!

WOW! I can't believe it's already August. This summer is flying by. I know some of you went to Summer Intensives. We would love to hear about them. Also how are you getting back in shape for classes this fall? I'm running and doing pilates. I highly recommend getting a pilates DVD.

That's all for now.

4th of July, Streching

Let's all remember the people that died for our freedom today, and celebrate the fact that we have it. I hope you have fun at parades, BBQs, and parties!

I was going to try and find a "Stars and Stripes" video on YouTube but I think they can't be posted because of the Balanchine Trust. So I found a video from a Bossov Ballet demonstration with "Patriotic" music. Enjoy!

Stretching

I got a request for tips on stretching. Summer is a great time to stretch because it's already really hot so you warm up faster.

First, before you stretch you have to warm up. Light jogging in place or jumping jacks normally does the trick. Personally I like wearing layers of clothes; a leotard, tights, legwarmers, sweatpants, and a jacket to speed up the warm up process.

Then I would do lunges (http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/fitness/st_lunge.html)

Stretching your hamstrings is very important (http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/fitness/st_hamstring.html)

Other hamstring stretches are touching your toes (It sounds weird but if you touch your toes in the shower it's easier and you can stretch further)

Before doing your splits I would do a few Grande Batments, or kicks.

Then try your right and left splits, hold for 30 seconds. Even If you don't go down very far make sure you have proper placement, back up, one arm on each side, legs STRAIGHT. It might also help do do this on a line so you know you body is in a straight line.

For side splits I would also recommend having a line on the floor (Like Duct Tape)

After warming up I would split as far as you can then lean to the front and put your head on the ground then try to push you hips down. I know this sound weird but it helps. I tried finding a picture but I couldn't let me know if you can't understand it and I'll try to explain it better.

Also see (http://forums.dancemedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5105&hilit=splits&sid=31951b6db22c0ee4fb9ec89dd84b53a5)

WARNING: A SLIGHT PAIN IS NORMAL. IF YOU FEEL A SEVERE PAIN STOP AND RELAX, IF NOT PROPERLY WARMED UP YOU COULD PULL OR TEAR A MUSCLE.

I hope this helped if not let me know and I'll try again. I am going away this coming week the 6th-10th. I may or may not be posting tomorrow so have a great week. If you have any questions e-mail me or comment I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Homesickness and Dancewear

HOMESICKNESS

Most people get home sick at some time. For many young dancers going to a summer intensive can be the first time away from home. Keep these tips in mind;

1. ITS OK- Many of the other kids will be home sick to. It's OK to feel sad after your parents leave.

2. INTRODUCE YOUR SELF- Don't be nervous about meeting new people. You're not the only person feeling nervous.

3. BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY- You don't get to talk a lot in dance. That's why many SIs have planned activities, to help students get to know each other. So go to an Ice Cream Social or on a Whale Watch, staying busy will keep you from missing home.

4. BRING HOME WITH YOU- Pack pictures of your friends and family or a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Bring your own sheets, comforter and pillows.

5. KEEP IN TOUCH- write letters, send e-mails. Be positive and tell your friends and family about what you learning; you mastered your triple, got a solo in the demonstration, your teacher asked you to demonstrate your tour jetes in class, you and your roommate are INSEPARABLE.

REMEMBER-If you weren't at the intensive would you be learning everything you are here?

Adapted from "Home away from Home" by Kathryn Holmes in Dance Spirit May/June 2009

DANCEWEAR

I buy buy dancewear from Discount Dance Supply(http://www.discountdance.com/index.php). Their prices are great and the have great products. You can read the reviews before buy. They ship in a reasonable amount of time, things are not normally back ordered.

Stage Fright

Recital is coming up and many dancers suffer stage fright. Most of the fear occurs before you step on-stage. Once you're up there, it usually goes away. Try to think of stage fright in a positive way. Fear is your friend. It makes your reflexes sharper. It heightens your energy, adds a sparkle to your eye, and color to your cheeks. When you are nervous about speaking you are more conscious of your posture and breathing.

Symtoms of Stage Fright are:
 Dry mouth.
 Tight throat.
 Sweaty hands.
 Cold hands.
 Shaky hands.
 Nausea.
 Fast pulse.
 Shaky knees.
 Trembling lips.

To help get over Stage Fright:
 Concentrate on how good you are.
 Pretend you are just chatting with a group of friends.
 Close your eyes and imagine the audience listening, laughing, and applauding.
 Remember happy moments from your past.
 Think about your love for and desire to help the audience.
 Picture the audience in their underwear

Some people think they have stage fright when it is really excitment.

REMEMBER- Take a deep breath, go out onstage and HAVE FUN!

Adapted from (http://www.antion.com/articles/stagefright.htm)