Author: Carolinda
A provocateur of wellness and seeker of wisdom, I appreciate levity and simplicity in an artistic life, frugality but with requisite fun, and the freedom to pursue adventure. Blogging here since 2007.. or so...
There is little doubt when visiting a place like Yosemite that there is a higher power, a Divine plan, and a force greater than ourselves conducting this life! We are but small pawns in the plan, entitled to the majesty of places like this for no other reason than we exist. In this place, it isn’t difficult to be humbled, to be enchanted, and to aspire to greatness.
Pointe Shoe Brands From All Over The World
Well someone did some monster sleuthing and came up with this awesome list. Check it out!
Over Stretching (by Deborah Vogel)
http://thebodyseries.com/stretching/#more-
“Stretching is important – but we have to change the myth that excessive flexibility is the goal of good dance training.”
Deborah Vogel’s 5 Stretching Mistakes
Lisa Howell’s Taping Techniques for Plantar Fascitis
10 Simple Postures That Boost Personal Performance
“Psychological research suggests simple actions can project power, persuade others, increase empathy, boost cognitive performance and more.”
From Wake Up World Blog, some insight into the world of body language. And these will not be what you think… or what you expect.http://wakeup-world.com/2011/08/05/10-simple-postures-that-boost-personal-performance/
“Many of these studies support a theory about human life (and indeed all life) called ‘embodied cognition’. The idea is that we don’t just think with our minds, we also think with our bodies. Our mind isn’t a brain in a jar, it is connected to a body which moves around in an environment.
As life becomes increasingly virtual, played out on screens of varying sizes, we need reminding that the connection between mind and body is two-way. Human intelligence is more than abstract processing power; it’s about the interaction between mind, body and the world around us.”
The Changing World of Yoga
The yoga world is changing almost as fast as the dance world with the many forms and iterations tumbling over one another, trying to be first in line for your attention. The public never tires of the novel ways to move on their mats but having done it all, or so it seems, I’m all about the focused and meditative in my own practice. Oh, I can teach it all- yoga on the beach, fitness yoga, hot yoga, morning yoga, yoga at the park at sunrise, flirty girl fitness yoga, yoga to drums, etc etc etc…. And I’m glad to and even enjoy the challenge of teaching all those forms and helping students understand how awesome yoga can be. But what’s so special about the diversity is there’s something for everyone with yoga. And all it takes is the discipline to get yourself to the class, the willingness to accept the redundant nature of routine as master and teacher, the compassion to treat yourself well, each and every day.
Dance Teachers- Don’t Sell Yourself Short
Even without a degree or a teaching certificate, most dancers and/or teachers raised in the professional schools of the 70s, 80s, and 90s have the following attributes going for them:
- a vast understanding of human kinetics
- knowledge of dance history and it’s relevance to American culture
- a working understanding of a dancers nutritional and lifestyle needs
- an intimate grasp of employment processes and prospects
- the ability to re stage many 20th centuries’ finest works
- a working understanding of many current American and European choreographers
This knowledge comes from years and years of studying, observing, participating in, and advocating for an art form such as dance. We may be without unions, oversight, or political clout, but many of us have our integrity still intact!
The Dance Competition Trap
I’m often asked my opinion of dance competitions in my art form and although I’m not a big fan, I understand that many business owners are compelled financially to offer these events. I would however encourage educating the parents with newsletters and a great website with the pros and cons of these expensive and often shallow experiences. But beyond that, sometimes offering kids exposure to this side of the business and additional performing opportunities is a good thing. However, the quote below should be considered in creating well-rounded, strong dancers:
“Competitions reward an aesthetic that’s sassy, in-your-face, show-offy. But dance is about sharing, not showing off. Students who have done well in competitions fall into the trap of thinking their technique is perfect, when there are many aspects of being an artist that they need to discover. They’ve been taught that when they win, they are at a peak. They haven’t yet seen that learning is life-long.” Susan Shields
Carol Schwarzkopf 