Friday, November 11, 2011

Dance Chicago

I have lived in Chicago for 5 months and at this point the goal is to just keep dancing. These last two weeks I have both performed in and choreographed for Dance Chicago. Being onstage just feels so good. I was happy to put my work in front of people.

Life changes after college where you go from dancing all day to trying to scrape by with a few classes. I am still in the process of redefining dance in my life. I want to keep creating and performing, but I also think that I need to step back and let a few things fall into place.

Dance Chicago is over and now I have one more performance in December. Then I will take some time for myself to enjoy the holidays and let my ideas simmer.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Audition

Life post grad is difficult for a dancer. The only way to get work is to keep your technique up by taking classes, but you don't have money to take those classes and the cycle continues. Without dance in my life, I lose sight of my goals. It is as if dancing provides the clarity that I need to see the things most important to me.

Tomorrow I am auditioning for a tuition assisted program at a studio near my apartment. I am hoping that this audition goes well and I am able to plug into the dance community here in Chicago. If it doesn't go well, at least I get to take two classes for free. A win/win situation!

I am trying to keep my head up through an unstable and trying part of my career. Forward is the only way to go!

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Second City

I have successfully moved 700 miles away from home to chase my dreams! These last few weeks are a blur. I spent most of my time in rehearsal for the Jeremy Clawson Memorial Concert. That was a joy to work on and I was happy to be performing up until my very last day in town.

Now I embark on a new journey in a brand new place. I am looking forward to taking class and exploring the opportunities that this city has to offer. I am feeling anxious, nervous, and excited. It is a strange feeling to not know where you are going next. I just have to put my feet down and start dancing! My new chapter starts here in Chicago!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Make Mistakes

I am rehearsing for a show that goes up in less than three weeks. The choreographer is new to me and the other dancers in the company have been around for a while. I have that feeling where everyone else seems to understand the choreographer’s movement language and I am just trying in vain to translate everything. It feels as if I look like I am speaking a whole different dialect with my body.

SO the conclusion that I have come to is that I just need to go for it. By being so worried about making a mistake and not moving the “right way” I am holding myself back. Maybe if I throw my entire body into the movement, I will learn the language quicker while also being able to express my individuality.

It is a daunting thing to be thrown into someone else’s choreography AND be the only “newbie” of the group. It is a challenge that will hopefully be rewarding in the end. I shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes along the way. That is just a part of the rehearsal process.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ready to Climb

I had a breakthrough in class today. Graduation has come and gone. I am still spending time at University taking classes and teaching. My progress has slowed and I have been spending an unfortunate amount of time on a plateau. Two years ago, I felt myself flying forward with new information and daily epiphanies. Feeling as if I am moving forward again has been long-awaited.

I have been playing it safe. My constant fear of injury keeps me from making progress. Instead of pushing myself and knowing that I can do something, I hesitate. I haven't been trusting my technique to carry me through. Today in class, for the first time, I felt myself holding back. I decided in my mind that I was going to do it. Just telling my body that I was capable changed everything. Mistakes were still made, but I have never danced so full before.

Now I will approach class with my mind. In my head, I must trust the countless hours I have poured into my technique. My body is capable of doing what my mind asks of it. I have been approaching it backwards, letting my body tell my mind what I can and cannot do. Just knowing that I am in control of my progress and growth changes everything. I have needed this kind of renewal. One step forward and I can feel myself getting ready to climb!