Summer Intensives

Hello my darlings! So, I was originally going to do a whole post on flexibility tips including pictures of some of the stretches I do, etc.. However, today was one of the worst days for me and I just couldn't get around to it, so I decided just to do a quick little post on summer intensives! 

Summer intensives are supposed to be fun and are supposed to really stretch you out of your comfort zone... To make sure that you get the most out of your summer intensives:

• Do some research. Understand exactly what is involved in the program, what you will be doing daily, what others have thought about it on a professional/overall level, if this intensive could open up doors for scholarships, etc.. Just go in there with some background knowledge is all!

• Try new classes that push you. Like I have said in previous posts, improvement comes from hard work and dedication and that isn't possible without trying new things. A new style may be really challenging and you may feel very awkward, but who doesn't on their first try? To make it in the professional world of dance, you have to be a well rounded dancer and knowing more styles helps you achieve that.

• Have faith in yourself. Again, walk into the room with the attitude that you are there to better YOU and no one else. You were already picked to be in the program, so know that you are good and you do have potential, use this amazing opportunity to grow even more as a dancer and as a person.

• Be nice and polite. There is going to be a room full of people who share the same passion as you, why not make some friends? Be friendly with people. Now I don't mean while the class is going on, but maybe on a lunch break or before a class starts, you can introduce yourself and start to get familiar with your fellow dance-mates. Also make sure that you show your instructors the respect that they deserve. Always thank them when they give or a correction or dismiss you, don't talk while they are talking, don't goof off, and allow them to see your true passion with every step you take.

• Stay hydrated, eat nutritiously, and get enough sleep. A healthy body makes for a healthy dancer!

• Have fun! Look at this awesome opportunity you have to do your passion everyday for a few weeks, don't waste it! Make the most out of every day you have there :)

What summer intensives did you guys get in to? I am proud to say that I got into the Joffrey's Summer Intensive and I also got offered a position as a jazz trainee there in NYC! Needless to say I am über excited! So, over the summer I will be doing their jazz/contemporary program and their musical theatre program! 

That's all for this post. I will post some flexibility tips real soon, so keep an eye out.

Keep Calm and Dance On!

XOXO❤️

Zoom In On Your Goals

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone has had a marvelous week. Anyone doing anything for Easter?

One of my blogger buddies gave me the idea of writing a post based on staying focused on your goals... So here goes! 

Goals are a very important part of life and you are always reaching to be better than you were yesterday. One thing to keep in mind is to work towards one goal at a time; don't go crazy and completely wear yourself out trying to accomplish 40 things at once. Since this is a dance blog, I am giving an example based on dance: If your goal is to master a double pirouette, fouette turns, russians, and front walkovers, don't stress yourself out trying to achieve all of them at once. Remember that haste makes waste! Pick one step and practice it every day until you are the master of it and can happily move on. 

So let's say you chose to conquer double pirouettes first, make sure (as with any goal) that you take your time! Great things NEVER happen over night! It requires dedication, commitment, and patience. If it was easy, everyone would do it! Make sure you start with a balance and a nice clean single. Once you are able to hold your single and not just plop your foot down, change nothing and just spot your head twice! Of course, I am relating this to dance, but the overall lesson can be applied to anything in life. 

Another good way to stay focused is by created a to-do list. I know this sounds extremely cliche, but it works!! Write down all of your goals FOR THE DAY and every time you complete one, put a little check by it... The satisfaction of doing that is phenomenal. The reason I said "for the day" is because of what I said before, don't overwhelm yourself. Take baby steps each day and you will be amazed at how far those baby steps take you in as little time as a week. 

Keep a journal! Write down the results you notice as motivation to keep going. Since I am a dancer, I always always always videotape myself practicing and watch it after. I am not just saying this, but I truly see such a huge improvement in my dancing that I would never of noticed if I didn't see it on video. I am always (as with a lot of dancers) very hard on myself and when I think I am doing awful, I am actually doing good. Keeping a written journal or a video journal can really show you how far you have come. 

The last thing I am going to say and perhaps the most important is... Enjoy the journey! Understand why you are pursuing this goal and give yourself valid reasons. If your heart is not all the way into the goal, how do expect to achieve it? You have to do what makes you happy! So pick an attainable goal that you know you really want to achieve and just go for it! Just think about how amazing you will feel when you turn "I think I can" into "I knew I could"! That's all for today!

If you need any more inspiration, I have a page just full of quotes that you all can check out right here

Keep Calm and Dance On!

XOXO❤️

Classes

Hi lovelies! Hope everyone is having an amazing week so far! 

So today's blog is going to be about classes and trying your hardest. Every time that you walk through your studio door, you should be ready to give class 150%! Class is the place where you can really learn and improve. Teachers can tell you over and over again what you need to do to improve, but only YOU can make those things happen, only YOU can improve yourself. You should never half a** class, it is so beneficial and even professionals have to take them to keep up with their technique. Even though class may be extremely hard, you have to try! Remember, that good things never come from within your comfort zone. You may be in pain during class, but if you're trying your best, then the next class will be easier, then the next will be even easier, and soon enough, you will be able to notice the huge improvement you have made. You may not always see the improvement, but I promise you that it is there! Class is about learning and about helping you grow there as a dancer. If you are truly serious about dance, then act it and give it your all. If you fall out of a turn, then so be it, it is all a learning process. Just realize the privilege you have of being able to take classes and do what you love, because not everyone has that option... Be sure to make the absolute most out of it :)

Me a few months ago to me last night! Improvement DOES happen!

It may (and will) take hard work, but it will happen! 

Keep Calm and Dance On!

XOXO❤️

Hello lovelies, and welcome to my blog! I'm Jaimi and I am uber excited to start this! You can find out a lot about me on the About Me page, but I am going my first post out by saying a little bit about my dancing. I have been dancing for 11 years and I dance all styles. My favorite is definitely jazz, tap, and musical theatre. I recently just got into theatre, but in the past two years, I have done five glorious shows: Seussical, Into The Woods, Catch Me If You Can, She Loves Me, and my most recent being A Chorus Line. I was also just asked to be the entertainment at a huge gala event in my town, where I got paid to dance. I also was asked to choreograph a Quinceañera, which was an absolutely phenomenal experience. Performing is my true passion and something I want to pursue for the rest of my life. When I am on stage it is a time that I feel truly alive! I am invincible when I am up there doing what I love. My goal, along with performing for a career, is to help and inspire people along  the way. That being said, if anyone needs any advice or tips, I am more than happy to help out anyway I can; that's what this blog is for! You can reach me on the Contact page! I am so happy that my beautiful friend convinced me to start this blog and I look forward to being a regular blogger :)

Keep calm and dance on, lovelies! 

XOXO❤️