New Years Resolutions – Ballet Edition

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In 2011, I will…

1.    be consistent in attending class. I will remind myself that going to class is energizing and just makes me feel better.  I want to improve and class is the way to get there.

2.   be consistent in taking class notes.  My ability to remember everything is limited. Taking notes right after class with allow me to continue to learn even after leaving the studio.

3.   use the mirror as a tool for improvement. I know that I use the mirror incorrectly when I use it at all. Usually I avoid it like the plague. When I do use it, it becomes an agent of ridicule and judgement. I will use the mirror to look for correct positions and movements and make sure to correlate what I see with how I feel.

4.   concentrate on putting it all together all the time. I have a tendency to concentrate on one part of my body – just my legs, just my arms, just my feet etc. I need to work on focusing on putting it all together and being aware of my whole body in movement.

5.   strengthen my feet. I will be consistent and complete my foot exercises daily. I will not be foot lazy in class and I will be conscious of the floor.

6.  improve my turnout. I know that sometimes I get lazy about my turnout and close it in for comfort. I can work harder and it can get better. Comfort is over-rated.

7.   expand my ballet knowledge. I have my “favorite” dancers, ballets, music, and companies. I will try new things and open myself up to new dance experiences.

8.   support the home team. Its fun to travel to see ballet, but my city has a company which I rarely see. I will still travel for dance, but I will spend more time looking for great experiences by small local companies here at home.

I look forward to a great year of enjoying, sharing, supporting, and learning more ballet! Cheers to 2011!!!

On the Last Day of the Year

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On this the last day of the year, all of humanity can’t seem to help being reflective, celebratory, and however skeptical, hopeful about our future. I am a person who lives on lists, calendars, memos, and notes. I am a planner by nature and a new year is just what I love because it presents me with the wondrous gift that is a new calendar and an automatic strike to the re-set button.

A big part of planning where to go is knowing where you’ve been. Looking back on the lessons that I have learned, a few of the ones that stick out are:

1.  It is possible to lose sight even of those things that you truly love.

2.  Bravery isn’t a one time deal. You have to keep on being brave until it’s a habit.

3.  Sometimes that’s just it. No reason. No excuse. That’s just it.

4.  Thinking about doing work has no direct correlation on the actual doing of work.

5.  Fear can be your friend or your enemy, either way, keep an eye on it.

6.  Motivation is a luxury, not a necessity.

Over the past year, there have been many things that I have wanted to think about, change, and work on. Looking back on the these things, the ones that stand out are…

1.  I will enjoy the process not just the conclusion.

2.  I will remind myself that it is how you live your life that counts most.

3.  I will remember the importance of consistency.

4.  I remind myself why I started down this road in the first place.

5.  I will nurture, protect, and exercise my joy.

6.  I will start over again and again and again.

In this new year I will continue on my journey in every way. I look forward to firsts, lasts, to things that will end, and things that will begin. I know that some things will remain consistent while other things will never be the same again. I will remain true to my course and all will be well.