Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Monday, February 4, 2019
Lesson (of life) We Need Right Now
Seth Meyer's had a segment on a great story about a man in Arizona answering an incorrectly-addressed email. https://youtu.be/MG2dCGTSFBs. This is so what we need to see and hear right now. In an age where we are constantly getting from point a to point b, making sure to get to school. to work. to anything, on time. Life is intense and we're just trying to live, and get in a little time for happiness, I get it.
This. Is. The. Lesson. Of. Life. I think Novak has given us the biggest secret to having a happy life.
"Count me in."
"You sound awesome. Get your ass to Vermont."
Of all the emails that he happened to open, the guy planning the bachelor party opened Novak's. This is leading a life of no resistance. To learning. To growing. To tapping into your intuition. Being open to the Universe? (God?) or whichever that greater force is that you believe.
Slowing down enough to notice the world going on around us. To watch our kids discover the world. Slow enough to breathe, and know we will get there. Taking a pause enough to realize my infant likes sprouts. How random are spouts. And sorry, with our picky eaters, learning your kid likes a specific vegetable is a huge victory.
That if people were instead led by their inner voice. Our gut. Our soul. Our instincts. What lives that could change. What stories to be told. So like Sara mentioned - why take ourselves so seriously? Live a little. Life is short. Don't little down what's already short.
So the driver of that car notices that kid before they step off the sidewalk.
Or they are going too fast and adjust.
Or your kid is having a tantrum.
Endless scenarios.
More of this soul-led life.
This. Is. The. Lesson. Of. Life. I think Novak has given us the biggest secret to having a happy life.
"Count me in."
"You sound awesome. Get your ass to Vermont."
Of all the emails that he happened to open, the guy planning the bachelor party opened Novak's. This is leading a life of no resistance. To learning. To growing. To tapping into your intuition. Being open to the Universe? (God?) or whichever that greater force is that you believe.
Slowing down enough to notice the world going on around us. To watch our kids discover the world. Slow enough to breathe, and know we will get there. Taking a pause enough to realize my infant likes sprouts. How random are spouts. And sorry, with our picky eaters, learning your kid likes a specific vegetable is a huge victory.
That if people were instead led by their inner voice. Our gut. Our soul. Our instincts. What lives that could change. What stories to be told. So like Sara mentioned - why take ourselves so seriously? Live a little. Life is short. Don't little down what's already short.
So the driver of that car notices that kid before they step off the sidewalk.
Or they are going too fast and adjust.
Or your kid is having a tantrum.
Endless scenarios.
More of this soul-led life.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Age Appropriate Dance
Dance evokes many different emotions, and for many children, a necessary outlet. Dancing isn't a way to escape stressors, but a way to embrace them and heal.
When creating a piece, I am asking my dancers to express an emotion. It is my responsibility to check a couple of things.
What is my intention?
Is any soul involved in this piece being asked to take on something they don't understand?
Will this message and movement heal or harm onlookers?
If I can't answer the intention of the routine, I start over.
If I am asking my dancers to express a concept they don't understand, I am exploiting them.
If the piece triggers conversations kids are not emotionally ready for, it isn't a good fit.
Dance makes us feel. Joy, sadness, anger (and that's only a few!) If those feelings come at the expense of the participants, it is a cheap thrill. And our children are priceless.
When creating a piece, I am asking my dancers to express an emotion. It is my responsibility to check a couple of things.
What is my intention?
Is any soul involved in this piece being asked to take on something they don't understand?
Will this message and movement heal or harm onlookers?
If I can't answer the intention of the routine, I start over.
If I am asking my dancers to express a concept they don't understand, I am exploiting them.
If the piece triggers conversations kids are not emotionally ready for, it isn't a good fit.
Dance makes us feel. Joy, sadness, anger (and that's only a few!) If those feelings come at the expense of the participants, it is a cheap thrill. And our children are priceless.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Expression Over Opression
As you know, dance class goes beyond footwork. Counts. Technique. Competitions.
Dance is the original language.
Allie Michelle is a millennial poet that has so many gems to spark your inner fire. I'm looking forward to reading her book, "Explorations of a Cosmic Soul." In her day to day life, she dances.
Dance allows us to express ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. When that spark ignites, kids that may be "sensitive", more inward, and drawn to nature find a safe place to be. We can't always pull out the words to speak for ourselves. Dancing allows us to step out of our brains and into our body.
Dance allows us to express ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. When that spark ignites, kids that may be "sensitive", more inward, and drawn to nature find a safe place to be. We can't always pull out the words to speak for ourselves. Dancing allows us to step out of our brains and into our body.
There is a documentary on Netflix called InnSaei. Humans are out of touch with their intuition and this causes many of the aggressive challenges and conflict in our world. We live in a screen and dull down our essence. Dancing is one of the many ways we can get in tune with that awareness from within.
It is the match that ignites us, which allows kids to speak that thing they cannot say.
Be who they are.
It forces them to breathe. And by learning to be conscious of their breathing, it spills over to the rest of their life.
And how lucky are we when we are invited to observe their story.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Gratitude Check
Last night I was talking with a dance mom that has been on the Maine Dance journey since before I opened doors to a studio. It was a nice conversation and I had more clarity on how much the studio has grown in six years. That even when it's hard to juggle studio life and a family, bursting at the seams in the waiting room and things I would like to do but can't. Just yet...Yet.
There is a community here. I am starting to see the foundation and technique that has taken time to develop. Maine Dance Arts is. a technique dance studio with a commercial focus and holistic approach. I don't teach choreography classes. Even as we are preparing for a show, the 3/4 of a class will still focus on conditioning and learning new skill sets.
Technique isn't marketable. It doesn't happen overnight. I can't capture it and plug it up on Instagram. So instead, I'm going to give some props to the less-flashy side of dance education.
I am grateful that I have students that haven't given up. They show up. They are committed to their craft. They are beginning to understand the things that are making them better dancers aren't the tricks and wow steps. It's taking time to talk about posture. About articulating the foot. It's about learning the history of the movement. When all those come together, that is when we truly are capable of performing a piece.
That's hard to capture in a photo. And let's be honest, I do a great job with capturing the moments of my Littles. But for the older kids, I'm too in the thick of it with you to always document what you're accomplishing. But you are doing it. And thank you for setting that example for our new friends. Thank you for taking chances of failing. Life is scary, but you show me how brave you are when you acknowledge it and try anyway.
And I am grateful for the things I can't take a picture of. But I notice you.
I can't take a picture of what dance can do for a kid looking for their inner confidence.
I don't know how to illustrate the energy that illuminates the dance floor when we are together.
So, thank you!
There is a community here. I am starting to see the foundation and technique that has taken time to develop. Maine Dance Arts is. a technique dance studio with a commercial focus and holistic approach. I don't teach choreography classes. Even as we are preparing for a show, the 3/4 of a class will still focus on conditioning and learning new skill sets.
Technique isn't marketable. It doesn't happen overnight. I can't capture it and plug it up on Instagram. So instead, I'm going to give some props to the less-flashy side of dance education.
I am grateful that I have students that haven't given up. They show up. They are committed to their craft. They are beginning to understand the things that are making them better dancers aren't the tricks and wow steps. It's taking time to talk about posture. About articulating the foot. It's about learning the history of the movement. When all those come together, that is when we truly are capable of performing a piece.
That's hard to capture in a photo. And let's be honest, I do a great job with capturing the moments of my Littles. But for the older kids, I'm too in the thick of it with you to always document what you're accomplishing. But you are doing it. And thank you for setting that example for our new friends. Thank you for taking chances of failing. Life is scary, but you show me how brave you are when you acknowledge it and try anyway.
And I am grateful for the things I can't take a picture of. But I notice you.
I can't take a picture of what dance can do for a kid looking for their inner confidence.
I don't know how to illustrate the energy that illuminates the dance floor when we are together.
So, thank you!
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
What is hip hop?
What is Hip Hop?
A journey of miseducation.
I have been finding a lot of inspiration for pre-ballet, contemporary and tap classes lately. I've been finding so many cool nuggets in poetry, pop culture, and every day life. Ask any dance teacher, and they will tell you, on average, we spend two hours of prep for every one hour we teach. Our playlist is the spine of class. It allows us to flow the structure of class, adapt to the need's of the students and keep a real time checklist of specifics we want to get to class to class per monthly curriculum.
Hip hop classes, though - I've been blocked. I admit for a few months I have had a hard time connecting to my playlist. Until this morning.
Music helps tell the story in a hip hop class. I have to have a certain song that reaches me some sort of way for our groove warm-up. It has to speak to me on a cellular level. The energy of this class is focused if the first song sets us up. The effort and enthusiasm I put out is reciprocated from the bodies around me. If I'm not giving them 100% I can't expect the same. I can't expect them to be present.
This morning, as I'm wearing my six month old in a carrier, and handing my three year old his morning popcorn (is that a thing?!) Lauryn Hill's Lost One from the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill came up on my playlist.
Hip hop's story is not mine. It is the story of men and women of the 1970s that were on the streets, experimenting with new sounds, tempos and beats that American up until that time, had never seen before. It is the story in which, no matter how much I love and strive to educate others on, will never be something I am able to 100% identify with. It is the story of the creation of an art, that has been continuously stolen from a group I am a part of. I make sure to do my part ensuring every student of mine understands how lucky we are to be learning the steps of the legends that came before. The boogaloos, the popping, the running mans.
So, I gave my teens the opportunity to do some extra work. (Yes outside of dance class, I asked them. Can you believe it!?) These moves your learning from Fortnight? Those aren't viral dance moves- that's hip hop. Research one of those, and next week, tell me where it came from. Grab something from our little "boutique" on me. Because you made the effort to understand your passion more. To find out the history of how much of every day life hip hop really is. That's our responsibility. It is part of the restitution to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions by Americans of color. Every time I teach a hip hop class, I need to pay my dues. I need to do my research and keep up on the history for my students. And for myself.
Hip hop is not having a kid shake their booty at the audience. It is my job to educate what hip hop is, was and will be. It is my job to let kids be kids. I can teach you to isolate your hips, but I'm not going to have you move it some type of way that leaves me feeling uncomfortable. I can provide you the skills to breakdance on that floor, but I won't be showing you to drop it like it's hot. *No judging anyone that does. Just not my thing.
Hip hop is not always aggressive. I have a lot of adults that have a formed opinion about this style of dance when they learn their child is interested. That it is scary. Fierce. Loud. It. Is. So. Much. More. It can be feminine. It can be funny. It can pull at your heart strings. It can tell a story. It can be a movement.
It can be A Movement.
Thank you, Miss Lauryn. For waking me up a little more. For letting me hear a song I thought I knew from back to front. It sounds new today.
This month I'll be using this album a lot in hip hop classes. It spoke to me in a different way, as a teenager. As an adult, it's speaking to me another. But they need to know it.
A journey of miseducation.
I have been finding a lot of inspiration for pre-ballet, contemporary and tap classes lately. I've been finding so many cool nuggets in poetry, pop culture, and every day life. Ask any dance teacher, and they will tell you, on average, we spend two hours of prep for every one hour we teach. Our playlist is the spine of class. It allows us to flow the structure of class, adapt to the need's of the students and keep a real time checklist of specifics we want to get to class to class per monthly curriculum.
Hip hop classes, though - I've been blocked. I admit for a few months I have had a hard time connecting to my playlist. Until this morning.
Music helps tell the story in a hip hop class. I have to have a certain song that reaches me some sort of way for our groove warm-up. It has to speak to me on a cellular level. The energy of this class is focused if the first song sets us up. The effort and enthusiasm I put out is reciprocated from the bodies around me. If I'm not giving them 100% I can't expect the same. I can't expect them to be present.
This morning, as I'm wearing my six month old in a carrier, and handing my three year old his morning popcorn (is that a thing?!) Lauryn Hill's Lost One from the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill came up on my playlist.
I know you don't want to hear my opinionBut there come many paths and you must choose oneAnd if you don't change then the rain soon comeSee you might win some, but you just lost one
Hip hop's story is not mine. It is the story of men and women of the 1970s that were on the streets, experimenting with new sounds, tempos and beats that American up until that time, had never seen before. It is the story in which, no matter how much I love and strive to educate others on, will never be something I am able to 100% identify with. It is the story of the creation of an art, that has been continuously stolen from a group I am a part of. I make sure to do my part ensuring every student of mine understands how lucky we are to be learning the steps of the legends that came before. The boogaloos, the popping, the running mans.
So, I gave my teens the opportunity to do some extra work. (Yes outside of dance class, I asked them. Can you believe it!?) These moves your learning from Fortnight? Those aren't viral dance moves- that's hip hop. Research one of those, and next week, tell me where it came from. Grab something from our little "boutique" on me. Because you made the effort to understand your passion more. To find out the history of how much of every day life hip hop really is. That's our responsibility. It is part of the restitution to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions by Americans of color. Every time I teach a hip hop class, I need to pay my dues. I need to do my research and keep up on the history for my students. And for myself.
Hip hop is not having a kid shake their booty at the audience. It is my job to educate what hip hop is, was and will be. It is my job to let kids be kids. I can teach you to isolate your hips, but I'm not going to have you move it some type of way that leaves me feeling uncomfortable. I can provide you the skills to breakdance on that floor, but I won't be showing you to drop it like it's hot. *No judging anyone that does. Just not my thing.
Hip hop is not always aggressive. I have a lot of adults that have a formed opinion about this style of dance when they learn their child is interested. That it is scary. Fierce. Loud. It. Is. So. Much. More. It can be feminine. It can be funny. It can pull at your heart strings. It can tell a story. It can be a movement.
It can be A Movement.
Thank you, Miss Lauryn. For waking me up a little more. For letting me hear a song I thought I knew from back to front. It sounds new today.
This month I'll be using this album a lot in hip hop classes. It spoke to me in a different way, as a teenager. As an adult, it's speaking to me another. But they need to know it.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Maine Dance Arts Monthly Themes 2018
Maine Dance Arts, LLC
2018/2019 monthly calendar & themes
September
"I am"
October
"Pumpkin Patch"
Recital deposit ($40)
No class Wednesday 10/31 *feel free to make up the class during a class of the same style that week
Sign ups for Sparkle Parade 2018
October 29 6p Community Appreciation Night
November
"Take Flight"
No Class for Thanksgiving break 11/21-11/24
Parade Clinic 1 Saturday, November 17 3-5p
December
Parade Clinic 2 Saturday, December 1 3-5p
Sparkle Parade Friday, December 7, 2018 * 6pm
Participants will organize at the Freeport Middle School on Kendall Lane at 5:15.
Participants will organize at the Freeport Middle School on Kendall Lane at 5:15.
Winter Break 12/24-1/1) classes resume Wednesday 1/2
January
"Celebrate Friendship"
The Golden Pinecone Winter Show Saturday, January 12 6p (rehearsal January 11 at 5p) at Freeport Performing Arts
Recital theme announcement
Recital balance due ($40)
February
"iHeart Dance"
February Break Camps
No regular class 2/18-2/23
March
"Out of This World"
April
"Enchanted Garden"
April Vacation no class 4/15-4/19
May
"Royalty"
Picture Day May 18
June
"Recital Ready"
In-studio dress rehearsal last week of class leading to show weekend
Dress and Tech Rehearsal at Orion Friday, June 7
2019 Recital Saturday, June 8:
Show 12p Creative Movement and Preschool
Afternoon Show 4p Big kids
Cast party during class (one week of classes follow recital to end the year *new this year!) Bring a treat to celebrate and bring your pins for "accomplishment ceremony".
calendar subject to change
Monday, December 28, 2015
The Anti-Resolution Solution
Here's to 2016. I'm excited for what this year will bring, and am looking forward to dancing with you through the year. I have goals in mind and am looking to encourage and motivate those with health and wellness goals as well.
Do you wonder why you aren't seeing the results or goals fulfilled from year to year? It has nothing to do with you not trying hard enough. Many of these New Year's resolution programs are marketing pitches with the goal of increasing membership. You can start your new lifestyle prior to January 1.
A fitness and wellness expert in the Tri State area, Michael Rizk has a wonderful list to consider before you buy into the idea a program will be your salvation. By approaching your wellness as a whole, you will have better results no matter what you attempt.
Here is his strategy that I can get behind:
Unlock Your Mind
- Assess your mindset
A willingness to try something new? Taken Zumba? Try to challenge yourself in a ballet class or try yoga. Currently dancing? Mix up your regimen with interval training.Rate yourself 1-5 in the following areas:
Movement/Exercise, Nourishment/Diet, Rest/Recovery, Relationships/Support System
Change is HARD. Don’t overdo it. Set yourself up for success by making ONE change only each month. Those changes will then become healthy habits.
- Write down your values (integrity, resilience, self-esteem etc) and tie them to your fitness goals to create purposeful action
- Assess your Environment
- Commit to only ONE change a month
Embrace Your Body
- Don’t let an assessment deflate your spirit
- Explore the fundamental movements of everyday life
- Build on your success by subtly tweaking the intensity of your routines
- Repeat the same workouts until you’ve mastered them
Unleash Your Spirit
- Empower yourself by understanding WHY you’re doing WHAT you’re doing
- Encourage others and let them encourage you.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Positive Body Image
Promoting Positive Body Image
There are many different elements in creating a healthy environment for dancers.
Regarding physical health, I've posted before about the importance of dancing on a floor that does not create injury, and today I'm talking mental and emotional health. About encouraging an environment that celebrates all body types and forms.
I heard it/spoke it/lived it as a teen- "my legs are fat", "my stomach isn't flat", etc. Luckily, I wasn't obsessed with weight, and had a somewhat normal acceptance of my body type. After having two kids now, I look back and wish I had appreciated my vehicle more in youth... but hey, isn't that always what they say - "youth is wasted on the young?"
I believe my students' body image will have a large part to do with how they observe ME. By promoting positive self-identity, never commenting negatively about how I look that day (no matter how many hours in front of a mirror will drag you down some days,) and by encouraging kids to dress appropriately for the class they are in versus dressing in layers that cover the body. I motivate them to have fun while they are doing jumping jacks, correct their turn out, and guide them to make good food choices. I want the message to be healthy, and for my students to be happy with who they are as people.
I want them to see you don't have to be a size 0 to be a technical dancer. You don't have to have Rockette legs to be a dynamo. Be you, fierce ones - and I'll be cheering you on.
There are many different elements in creating a healthy environment for dancers.
Regarding physical health, I've posted before about the importance of dancing on a floor that does not create injury, and today I'm talking mental and emotional health. About encouraging an environment that celebrates all body types and forms.
I heard it/spoke it/lived it as a teen- "my legs are fat", "my stomach isn't flat", etc. Luckily, I wasn't obsessed with weight, and had a somewhat normal acceptance of my body type. After having two kids now, I look back and wish I had appreciated my vehicle more in youth... but hey, isn't that always what they say - "youth is wasted on the young?"
I believe my students' body image will have a large part to do with how they observe ME. By promoting positive self-identity, never commenting negatively about how I look that day (no matter how many hours in front of a mirror will drag you down some days,) and by encouraging kids to dress appropriately for the class they are in versus dressing in layers that cover the body. I motivate them to have fun while they are doing jumping jacks, correct their turn out, and guide them to make good food choices. I want the message to be healthy, and for my students to be happy with who they are as people.
I want them to see you don't have to be a size 0 to be a technical dancer. You don't have to have Rockette legs to be a dynamo. Be you, fierce ones - and I'll be cheering you on.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Floors you Dance On - Why They are Important
As a dancer, if you develop a bad technique, you will get hurt.
The same goes for flooring - if you dance on a bad floor, you will get hurt.
One of the reasons I picked the building I did to open The Studio was the wood floor. I knew the natural spring was a better option than dancing on a cement sub-floor (which gives no absorption). When dancing, movements repeated over and over put strain on particular muscles, ligaments and bones and lead to chronic pain and injuries such as Stress Fractures. Have you ever left class with a pain that is different that the "good pain"?
A couple of things to consider when you are looking for the perfect studio to make your home as a student or member:
1. Surface. Simply laying a laminate over concrete is not good enough for even recreational dancers. Wooden flooring offers natural spring, and allows disperse the force over the area.
2. Condition of surface. When dance floors are cleaned with a dirty mop and a bucket of water, or layered up with diluted Coke, run. The sticky build up will do harm.
Ultimately, consider the floor you are dancing on if you find you have joint and shin pain and pressure. It's is just as important as learning good technique.
Good technique, good floor - injury-free!
Bad floor, good technique - injury.
Good floor, bad technique - injury.
Bad technique, bad floor - run!
The same goes for flooring - if you dance on a bad floor, you will get hurt.
One of the reasons I picked the building I did to open The Studio was the wood floor. I knew the natural spring was a better option than dancing on a cement sub-floor (which gives no absorption). When dancing, movements repeated over and over put strain on particular muscles, ligaments and bones and lead to chronic pain and injuries such as Stress Fractures. Have you ever left class with a pain that is different that the "good pain"?
A couple of things to consider when you are looking for the perfect studio to make your home as a student or member:
1. Surface. Simply laying a laminate over concrete is not good enough for even recreational dancers. Wooden flooring offers natural spring, and allows disperse the force over the area.
2. Condition of surface. When dance floors are cleaned with a dirty mop and a bucket of water, or layered up with diluted Coke, run. The sticky build up will do harm.
Ultimately, consider the floor you are dancing on if you find you have joint and shin pain and pressure. It's is just as important as learning good technique.
Good technique, good floor - injury-free!
Bad floor, good technique - injury.
Good floor, bad technique - injury.
Bad technique, bad floor - run!
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Creating a Positive Dance Environment
Maine Dance and Fitness will host it's first annual spring show June 2015. The theme is Love Revolution. It's not meant to be overly emotional and sickeningly sweet - it basically comes down to changing the world with kindness. There isn't some hidden political message, but quite simply an opportunity for performers to demonstrate the results of their dedication this year.
I wanted to do something the first year that conveys the mission of the studio - to provide quality dance education in a positive and uplifting environment.
How can we do that as dance professionals?
Model Positive Behavior
Your child will be a product of their learning environment. If they are spending time in a studio or learning from an individual that is known for being an adult bully, they will learn these behaviors. There is always a better option. I can tell you as someone that has performance experience beyond my undergraduate studies, that you will not book gigs if you have a bad attitude. There is always someone more talented, always someone that will work harder - having a good attitude will make people want to work with you. As a kid, learning this early on will open more doors, whether it's opens to a stage or not.
Creating optimism begins with the adult. It's not just a matter of professionalism on the teacher's part - it's lifelong interpersonal communication skills.
Focus on Effort
Part of the incredible thing about dance is the process. I definitely celebrate a kid hitting a perfect leap or busting out a new trick, but also find it's really important to appreciate the process. If a student is taking a little longer to get something, the fact they are trying is a big deal. I don't want kids to feel bad if they aren't getting something. You will literally fall in dance. Get back up (laugh at yourself if you want) and keep dancing.
Resolving Conflict
Realistically, it won't always be rainbows and butterflies in dance class. Kid's will have their feelings hurt by a fellow classmate. Kids will cut in line for tumbling time. It's my job to explain to the kid that cut the line why it hurt the other kid's feelings. How will kids learn what to do or what not to do if you aren't teaching them?
Allowing Kids to be Creative
One of the biggest reasons I love freeze dance or the free time at the end of a early childhood dance class, is how freeing it is for the kids. They are able to express themselves in their own way. It's no surprise this is what they look forward to the moment they sit down to stretch at the beginning of class. I try not to play a ton of music they know during class because I want to introduce other music, but during this time I'll play music they know and love.
Thank you for being a part of the Maine Dance journey. We are a young studio - I can't wait to see how we grow!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas?
Here's to hoping that you show your significant other that you love him or her every day, and that you aren't just waiting to express this on Valentine's Day....
Anyway, February 14 is traditionally a day that romantic love is celebrated. We'll give each other flowers, chocolates and go out to dinner.
Here's another idea. Something you can do as a couple. Something fun, enjoyable and healthy, even!
The Top Ten Best Valentine's Day Experience Gifts:
Anyway, February 14 is traditionally a day that romantic love is celebrated. We'll give each other flowers, chocolates and go out to dinner.
Here's another idea. Something you can do as a couple. Something fun, enjoyable and healthy, even!
The Top Ten Best Valentine's Day Experience Gifts:
- Spend the day at the library, and find an incredibly romantic passage from literature or poetry that best describes how you feel about your partner.
- Relive your first date. If you are no where near the place you met, recreate the scenario in your new town. Tell your partner what you remember him/her wearing!
- Learn a new hobby. Take a music class, learn to dance the Tango at Maine Dance & Fitness. Look at your local Adult Education catalog and pick out a cooking class you can try together.
- Go outside. Cross-country ski or go on a wintery walk together down the Androscoggin River Bicycle and Pedestrian Path with coffee or hot chocolate in hand.
- See an offbeat flick at Frontier Cafe or Eveningstar Cinema and grab dinner at any of the 30 amazing local restaurants. We are so lucky, so spoiled to have the best dining experience in our backyard.
- Skate at Bowdoin College. They have free skate nights. Check them out Bowdoin College
- Window shop at Cabot Mill Antiques in Fort Andross.
- Go sample beer at Ebenezers Pub
- Got guts? Like to sing? Karaoke at Sea Dog Brewing is your best bet.
- And lastly, if you are anti-Valentine's Day, stay in, get cozy and watch a horror flick.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Great Pregnancy Exercises: Dancing
Dancing through Pregnancy: Tips on Safety
You can dance as you normally would, with a few precautions in the first trimester. The first, is listen to your body, and only do so much as you can comfortably carry on a conversation. If you can't, slow down. Moderate your normal dance fitness routine to a more low-impact version, where one foot is always on the floor. Replace jumps with steps.
Going into the second and third trimester, your growing belly will impact your balance and coordination. Be mindful of this and avoid any dancing that is jerky. While ballroom will be difficult to dance with a partner, it is a fantastic option. Our Dancing Through Pregnancy class will have many different types of ballroom dance you can enjoy solo. As much as I love hip hop, the sudden movements, hip rotation and jumping are not a great option for this stage. Slow R&B could be an alternative, where you can still enjoy the music you love without compromising the unnecessary stress on joints and ligaments.
You can dance as you normally would, with a few precautions in the first trimester. The first, is listen to your body, and only do so much as you can comfortably carry on a conversation. If you can't, slow down. Moderate your normal dance fitness routine to a more low-impact version, where one foot is always on the floor. Replace jumps with steps.
Going into the second and third trimester, your growing belly will impact your balance and coordination. Be mindful of this and avoid any dancing that is jerky. While ballroom will be difficult to dance with a partner, it is a fantastic option. Our Dancing Through Pregnancy class will have many different types of ballroom dance you can enjoy solo. As much as I love hip hop, the sudden movements, hip rotation and jumping are not a great option for this stage. Slow R&B could be an alternative, where you can still enjoy the music you love without compromising the unnecessary stress on joints and ligaments.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Salsa Choke
For a full schedule of classes, check us out at Class Link. You'll find salsa choke during Betsy's Zumba classes.
For other fun studio flavor, Barbara has a sweet, sweet warm-up to "Uptown Funk" you must check out!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
When you burn fat, where does it go?
I've definitely thought about this before, and glad to see there is an answer thanks to a study by UNSW Australia.
“The correct answer is that most of the mass is breathed out as carbon dioxide. It goes into thin air,” says the study’s lead author, Ruben Meerman. Ruben Meerman is a physicist and Australian TV science presenter.
One of the most frequently asked questions the authors have encountered is whether simply breathing more can cause weight loss. The answer is no. Breathing more than required by a person’s metabolic rate leads to hyperventilation, which can result in dizziness, palpitations and loss of consciousness.
“The correct answer is that most of the mass is breathed out as carbon dioxide. It goes into thin air,” says the study’s lead author, Ruben Meerman. Ruben Meerman is a physicist and Australian TV science presenter.
But we have to work for it -
So keep dancing, running, doing yoga, staying active.
Learn more about our classes, and how you can stay active, burn fat and have fun: http://www.dancedelivered.com/class-registration.html
Events and News
It's been almost 2 months of the studio getting up and running!
We're coming along, the painting is finally finished, and soon enough we'll have the changing stall and mirrors installed. I'm so thrilled with those that have been part of the beginnings of Maine Dance. The kids have gotten into the swing of things, and we're growing our classes by the week. We'll soon be able to start planning for recital. Adult students - all of you from the Zumba fanatics, Screaming Mimis, and Video Vixens have been working it out. From setting personal goals to simply showing up, you are making healthy choices! Keep up the good work into 2015, and look forward to some New Year challenges to come.
You can always count on Maine Dance & Fitness for the best events! December 31, look out for the first annual Pajama Jam. Kids can enjoy a night of their own with games, dancing, pizza, a movie, crafts and more. Stay up for the countdown at midnight and toast in the new year with s’mores and cocoa. Each hour will have a different theme, and we'll have an announcement soon on a confirmed special appearance. We'll also get to take advantage of the Topsham 250 Anniversary fireworks!!
Coming up in February, not sure what to do when the kids have February vacation? Look no further!
Feb 16-20.
2 Sessions to choose from: AM Session 9am – 12pm
PM Session 12:30 – 3:30pm
Cost: $150.00 plus $25 registration fee for non-registered students.
We're coming along, the painting is finally finished, and soon enough we'll have the changing stall and mirrors installed. I'm so thrilled with those that have been part of the beginnings of Maine Dance. The kids have gotten into the swing of things, and we're growing our classes by the week. We'll soon be able to start planning for recital. Adult students - all of you from the Zumba fanatics, Screaming Mimis, and Video Vixens have been working it out. From setting personal goals to simply showing up, you are making healthy choices! Keep up the good work into 2015, and look forward to some New Year challenges to come.
You can always count on Maine Dance & Fitness for the best events! December 31, look out for the first annual Pajama Jam. Kids can enjoy a night of their own with games, dancing, pizza, a movie, crafts and more. Stay up for the countdown at midnight and toast in the new year with s’mores and cocoa. Each hour will have a different theme, and we'll have an announcement soon on a confirmed special appearance. We'll also get to take advantage of the Topsham 250 Anniversary fireworks!!
Feb 16-20.
2 Sessions to choose from: AM Session 9am – 12pm
PM Session 12:30 – 3:30pm
Cost: $150.00 plus $25 registration fee for non-registered students.
And last but not least, a special thanks to the Southern Maine Chamber of Commerce, ambassadors, members and community leaders. Rich Roedner and John Shattuck with the Town of Topsham - thank you so much for supporting this new venture!
Happy Holidays, and a very happy and healthy 2015 to all of you!
-Betsy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)