Here and there.

I've been sick for almost a week now with some kind of flu/cold and every day is different. The first day it was the body aches, days two-three it was the nasty sore throat, four & five were non-stop nose blowing and today.. it's a little bit of everything. I guess that's what I get for working with kids.. and filling my schedule to the brim.

So from now until June, expect to see everything dance related. Here, on instagram, etc. There are many things I love about this crazy time of year. The excitement over costumes, seeing how hard the students work before their performances, planning routines, making hairpieces, spending entire weekends (literally) at competitions.. mmm sometimes not so much. But if I had no choice but to be trapped in a high school auditorium, going days without seeing the sun, I wouldn't ever pick a different bunch to be there with.

It is the busiest time of year for us dance teachers and I'm sure most of them would agree, that the day after their last recital is relaxing, yet oddly the most depressing day of the year. Extreme performance high to seriously boring low. My mind and body go into shock because for the last six months it was "sew that, glue this, do that dance again, pointe your foot.. your whole foot, pick this up, drop that off there, write that down, lists, lists, lists, programs, go, stop, dance, drive, backstage, dressing room, you forgot your prop, WHERE'S YOUR HAIRPIECE?? ..."

you get the point..

So buckle up and prepare yourself for my crazy speratic posts about dance teacher nightmares, costumes, glitter explostions and sewing disasters.

Oh wait.. am I already doing that?

Thought so..

Dancers: Remember..

1. Nothing comes easy. Dance is hard. Life is hard. All great performers, teachers and dancers have worked hard to accomplish great things. Just because you can't do a certain step, doesn't mean you never will. Never stop trying. Just because one dance company doesn't accept you, doesn't mean another one won't. It's going to be difficult, you're going to be frustrated, but that's why you have dance teachers. To encourage, guide and support you.

2. You get out of it what you put into it. Plain and simple.

3. Your parents (or maybe you) actually pay for dance classes. Try to think about that when you're chatting on the side or being lazy in class because "you're tired". There are lots of children in the world who would be incredibly happy to have this opportunity, so treat it as though it is a privilege. And thank your parents often.

4. Dance is selfish. But that doesn't mean dancers are. We dance because it makes us feel something. We don't do it for anyone but ourselves. I dance because I get to be in peaceful and beautiful state of mind. One that I can't be in any other time of the day. When you're in class, worry about yourself. All of your focus should be on you. Dancers need to work as a team on many occasions, but they also need to focus on how to make themselves better instead of being intimated, jealous or pointing out the flaws of others. Jealousy divides the team and it is visible both on and off the stage. Strong, confident dancers make for a strong and confident team.

5. We say this a thousand times: The way you dance in class is the way you'll dance on stage. So always do it full out. Focus on your energy and the intention of the piece. Because everyone wants to be the best they can be on that stage. You may feel silly smiling at yourself in the mirror or whatever, but shouldn't you be enjoying yourself anyway?! That should be the easy part.

6. Dance teachers actually know what they are doing. Each dancer should take the critics and apply them, whether they were said to another student or to the entire class. You should always be working and striving to be the best, so always be listening and watching. It will only make you that much better.

7. Always be thinking about what's next. If you are given a combination across the floor traveling to the right, you'll most likely have to do it to the left. When you finish, start reversing it in your head instead of just waiting till it's your turn and then trying to figure it out. It's great for your brain and will strengthen your ability to pick up choreography faster.

8. Be respectful. Of your instructor, your peers and yourself. Keep talking to a minimum, avoid whispering or judging of others and always give it 110%. Anything else is a waste of everyone's time.

9. Keeping learning. Even if you've mastered all that you think you are capable of. Cause guess what? You haven't. So go beyond your limits. Push yourself. Start learning a different style, take class from different instructors and pay attention to your peers. There are so many opportunities out there. A dancer never stops learning, ever ever ever, so be adventurous.

10. Be kind to yourself. Having the motivation to push yourself is a great quality and it will get you far, but don't overdo it. Dance doesn't just happen, so take a deep breath and try not to get discouraged. The harder the step or trick, the more time it will take, so be patient and when you reach that goal, give yourself some recognition.

Monday Giveaway!

Hello friends. Happy Monday. 

I don't know about you but this weekend seriously kicked my butt. Yesterday was our end of the year recital for the dance school. Trying to think about the two days I spent there is a bit overwhelming now. It's hard to separate everything into neat piles. My brain just becomes a swirling blurry mess of sequins, makeup, tears, tutus and lots of happy faces. There is no better feeling than watching my students dance on stage. The bright smiles they show off. The endless hugs after they perform. Those two things make all the stress and hours of rehearsal totally worthwhile.

But enough about me. Today is about you. Because you could win some really amazing things. Like a pair of earrings (Handmade by Nicole), custom business cards, an amazon gift card, store credit to some lovely shops and much more! The winner takes all! Over $200 in prizes! So get your behinds over to Daryl's blog and enter! Good luck!

love for the recently added

When you listen to music as much as a dance teacher does, it's easy to get bored and down right annoyed with playing the same songs day after day.

There is something about listening to a song for the very first time that makes me feel all giddy inside. It's refreshing and in a weird dancer-way, it gets my creative side working a little bit differently.

Yesterday I spent a big chunk of my morning searching for some new tunes. Well, new to me anyway. And holy lots of awesome songs batman. I loaded them all into my iTunes and let the love for my recently added playlist begin.

I've listened to it in the car, while doing chores, while showering and well.. as I write this.

So here is a very small portion of my recently added playlist for your lovely little ears to consume! Because I know how exciting it is to find new music on my favorite blogs. Hopefully some of these are new to you.

Happy listening!

A look inside

Well friends, big things are happening!

This photo was taken on Friday after I set up all of my jewelry in the handmade and vintage goods shop, Mormor. In less than two weeks visitors will be able to purchase my earrings and bracelets! This crazy and somewhat farfetched dream that I had a couple years ago, is actually about to become reality. I couldn't be happier and more thankful for this opportunity. Please visit Carrie and the Mormor website to learn more about all of the wonderful and talented artists that have work in her shop. It's so spectacular and sweet of her to dedicate an entire space to artists of Western Mass. Also, she makes some fabulous hand bags! I know that I will spend a great deal of time shopping in there. So many wonderful and beautifully made things that I want need. Photo credit: Carrie Keefe

Also! This weekend is our very first dance competition of the season. I'm biting my nails over here. It's the first time that I have ever had my choreography in a competition. I also have two groups of competition newbies. All under the age of twelve. It's an overwhelming experience to say the least. Especially for the dancers who know nothing about how a competition works. Aside from what they see on the-show-that-shall-not-be-named. And of course all of my newbie competition girls watch it. It's sad because they all think they know what competition is like but let's be real here.. It's. Nothing. Like. That. Ridiculous. Show.

I'm just praying that they have a wonderful time on stage and stay calm. Because I know that I'll be a nervous wreck inside and I'm not sure how I would be able to deal with eight children freak-outs and along with my own. Cross your fingers that we all keep it together!

Enjoy your Monday loves.

my friday songs

via

Hip Hip Hooray! You made it to Friday. Can you believe it?! I will spend my time teaching little ones to point their toes and turn like ballerinas.

These are some of my favorite tunes as of late and I hope you enjoy them. They are my perfect Friday songs, so have a listen. They will surely cheer you up if your stuck inside an office or slowly watching the clock move to the hour that you will be free from work!

inspiration & the lack there of

I've always believed that to be a true artist, you must have some sort of inspiration. No matter what your craft may be. For instance, on the rare occasion that I actually plan dinner, it is usually because of a certain ingredient in my pantry that I just had to use or an idea that I found in a cookbook.

It can come when you least expect. And is usually MIA when you need it most. Dancers, performing artists, bloggers, teachers and artists of all kind are probably nodding in agreement.

---------------------------------------------------------- Inspiration & Choreography ----------------------------------------------------------

Choreographing can be mentally draining (you thought I was going to say physically draining, didn't you?!). Nine times out of ten, it takes me by the hair, throws me to the ground and says, "Ha! Take that!" It's rewarding, frustrating, beautiful, stubborn and invigorating. Most teachers and choreographers that I know plan their work before teaching it to their subjects ( I am going to call this the "Type A" choreographer, for explanation's sake). Kudos to you Type A. You're organized and well prepared! Then there is me.. the "Type B" choreographer. The one that waits till they're in class to choreograph. So not prepared and organized.

I've had many serious discussions with myself about this, and I've even tried to convert to a Type A. I'll say to myself, "Self, today you are going to choreograph the first eight counts of eight for your beginner jazz class and write it down, so all you have to do is teach it to the cute munchkins." And so I do. I scribble down some sort of weird and illegible dance short-hand in my "Miss Nikki" notebook, and go to class.

And once I get there?! I'm inspired... and not inspired. The steps that I spent hours planning and recording have washed away and instead I have the urge to do something completely different. Talk about feeling frustrated, totally excited and alive at the same time batman. Sometimes it is just because I hear the music differently, or because my mood changes, or because one of my students does something creative. And then I'm instantly intrigued and captivated enough to change my plans.

I'm still learning to embrace the natural Type B in me, and in some ways I kind of like it. Although I'm sure I would accomplish a heck of a lot more if I were able to plan out my choreography. But having my students around me and seeing the way they move and interact with each other has shown me that sometimes the best plan, is to not have a plan.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Inspiration & Blogging --------------------------------------------------------------

Help.

I'm feeling very uninspired. Everything I do (and sometimes read, unfortunately) seems so repetitive. Where do our favorite bloggers get their inspiration? Do you ever feel like you are forcing it? Cause I sure do. Not always, though. Just sometimes.

I know it's not a competition and that everyone is their own individual, but I can't help but compare myself to those who share on a daily basis. And when I say share, I'm talking about the full length novels. The personal stories, momentous occasions, serious topics/debates, or the latest life struggles/discoveries/surprises. I can't help but be intimidated. Some of the post are so incredibly motivation and refreshing. How do they do it? What keeps them from being dull and redundant?

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And so I ask..

What inspires you? In relation to blogging or not.

How do you stay motivated? 

What keeps you feeling alive and fresh?

There's always something to be thankful for.

And this week, it's my students.

Dance students to be exact {in case you missed that}. Tuesday was the start of the most tiring, rewarding and exciting part of year. All summer long, I look forward to September. New faces, a regular schedule, creating choreography, and watching the little brains of my three year olds tick, as they try to decide which is their right leg and which is their left. And then by November, I'm looking forward to June.

I'm teaching double {!} the number of classes that I was last year. That's twelve hour-long classes a week people. With both boys and girls from ages two to seventeen. I'm over the moon thrilled, but also preparing myself for the achy brain, stiff body and days when I want to rip my hair out -- which is bound to happen at least once. A room full of 2-5 year olds + Saturday 9:00am + only half a cup of coffee -- you get the idea.

Putting the ripping of the hair aside, I really enjoy their snotty noses and their never ending stories about princesses. They always surprise me with their energy, and there's nothing more rewarding than watching them improve over those ten months and to seeing their satisfied smiles.

I'm so fortunate be doing what I love almost every day. Which in turn, gives the world, millions of little youngins who know how to shake their cutie patooties. Oh yeah, and how to do pirouettes and stuff too. Aren't you lucky!

I have the most rewarding job in the entire world. I would change it for anything.

 via

{After reading this post, I realize that it sounds like I only feel this way when teaching my little munchkins. Let me just say that this applies to all my students. Frankly, I chose to talk about my little kids for entertainment purposes only.}

Enjoy your weekend!

Weekly Gratitude

 -- I am so thankful to the three talented, young ladies who came to my dance intensive. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves & maybe even learned something after the twenty five hours you spent with me.

 

-- To the man in the house. He always knows what to say. Always knows how to have a good time. And constantly reminds me that as long as we have each other, we'll survive anything.

-- Most importantly.. I'd be eternally grateful, if Irene leaves us the BLEEP! alone. Anything more than a watering for my tomato plants, will be a serious inconvenience for the entire East Coast. But so far, outlook not so good. She's headed straight for us!

Happy Hurricane Weekend Friends! Stay safe!

"I just.. really love cats.."

 Meanwhile, back on plant Earth..

--> I'm half way through teaching my week long dance intensive. I wish I could do this every week! The girls are really impressing & inspiring me (learning four dances in only four days!). Tomorrow we're taking a trip to Jacob's Pillow to see Continuum Contemporary Ballet on the Inside/Out stage. Pictures to come!

Something nice

{that I forgot to share.. until just now}

Published in our local newspaper, this was written by the parents of one of my dance students back in June. It's great to know that even at such a young age {the girl is about four}, dance teachers have such a positive influence in the lives of our students.

We must be doing something right.

On a bit of a side note: for those of you familiar with the new Lifetime show "Dance Moms", I'd be seriously stunned if any of those parents wrote a letter like this about their dance studio. Just sayin.

Happy Weekend!

It's cold out. I'm cold. I have a cold. Let's cuddle.

In celebration of a productive week, I'm taking the last smidge of time before the weekend starts to relax.

I know! I know! Isn't that what weekends are for? 

Ha ha. Silly followers. 

Let me tell you, that in "Dance 101" weekend is loosely translated to more time for rehearsals and teaching.
Didn't you know that? It's okay if you didn't. I forgive you.

You were probably out that day.

So since this weekend will be 95% dancing, 15% sleeping and 5% social life - I'm desperate for time to regain some strength, both mental and physical, and some serious patience. I have a class of 2 - 4 year olds on Saturday mornings. Their Mommas and Daddies jump for joy with their one free hour of life. You would need patience too!

On top of just being completely exhausted, boyfriend and I are fighting this nasty cold thing. Lemme tell ya. Not attractive. If we can survive the brutal mucus and coughing, Sunday we are taking a trip to IKEA (Never been? You. Must. Go. NOW!) because we still don't have dining room chairs and we are deciding to sacrifice our Sunday "hang out on the couch time" for the trip. It will only be worth it if we come back with something, anything necessary and useful. Otherwise, queue grumpy Nicole. And the world will end because "we gave up precious weekend lounge time for nothing!" 

Okay. That might have been a little dramatic for me. But it could happen.

Just sayin'.

 kitty cuddle time = best thing ever

[Except, the banana peanut butter woopie pies that Gram made. They're pretty awesome too!]

Happy Friday Friends!