For my July weddings, I restored one of my mom’s hats- it was a great creative challenge, complete with one of her broaches. My girlfriend Jennifer, middle, mother of the groom is in the middle. We often underestimate a these simple pleasures however it’s so good for the soul!
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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.
Lisa Howell’s Taping Techniques for Plantar Fascitis
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
The Mystery of Stretching Revealed
To paraphrase the great dance kinesiologist Sally Fitt, of all the principles of conditioning, the most frequently overlooked is effective sequencing. Five teaching principles:
1. start gradually- warm-up first
2. After fatiguing a muscle group, take time to recover and loosen (the primary problem w most gym programs)
3. before stretching a major muscle group, ‘set up’ by doing a maximal contraction in the opposing muscle group if it’s equal mass
4.consider joint actions
5. listen to the body
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Carol Schwarzkopf 