Maybe it's because my life is submersed in dance constantly, but anytime I meet a little girl between the ages of two to about seven, I usually end up asking, "are you in dance class"?  To me, dance is a given for little girls and I don't think I've ever met one who has said they weren't in dance or that they didn't want to give it a try.  Having been a dancer myself and now instructing girls of all ages, I see what an incredible impact in can make.

When I was young, ages three to about seven, I took dance classes.  Then, my stubborn little self decided I didn't like the partner I had in a dance routine, so I wanted to quit.  How logical, right?  I'm sure I came up with a better excuse to tell my mom lol, but that's the only reason I can recall.  (Side note, I'm always wary of giving my dancers partners now!) ;)

Then my younger sister Emily came along and started dance and even became a competition dancer.  I so envied what she got to do.  I loved the costumes, the performing, the camaraderie, the fun.  I felt like an outsider peeking into a glamorous, elite world.  I thought that I would never be able to get back into dance and that those years off had left me without a chance to be a dancer.  Well finally, with some pushing from my parents, I got back into dance.  It's never to late to start (or re-start) a passion!  At this point I was in junior high, but caught back up and absolutely loved it.  I would practice constantly.  I would take home the material I learned and practice it over and over again.  I would do "across the floor" exercises in our basement, I worked on my ballet technique while on vacation, did conditioning exercises in our backyard, I was dancing all the time.  And it sure looks like much hasn't changed since then!

Dance has truly changed me.  It gave me confidence and "star power" as a young woman.  It gave me a passion, a focus, a purpose.  It helped me develop athleticism, skills, work ethic, and stage presence.  It allowed me to be a part of a team, to learn commitment, to gain friends, to experience what it feels like to be in the spotlight and achieve goals.  It kept me busy, kept me active, and kept me happy.

To me, it's a no brainer how wonderful dance can be for someone.  I encourage you to check out dance classes for your little ballerina or the dancer inside your heart.  :)  www.woodburydance.com

One word: Zumba!  Lately I've been trying a variety of group fitness classes and on today's menu for me was Zumba.  I've done a couple of these classes in the past few years and each time is totally different.  It seems like with each different teacher, classes can be completely unique.  Tonight was no exception!  The teacher jumped right in and expected all of us to follow.  There's no real "breaking it down" or slow teaching of the moves- you're just supposed to move and fake it til you make it!  

I love how this class literally pushed me out of my box.  I'm used to dances being slowly taught, perfected, and performed with a gradual progression.  Not- 'here it is- follow me!'.  Zumba, and other things like it, are so good to push me out of my comfort zone.  When you push past your own little box and try something that makes you uncomfortable- you grow!  I may not have done everything perfectly, but hey- I was moving and having a blast!  The class had such an array of students that were all pushing themselves in their own way.  I've been trying new thing lately and I've been great at some things, not so great at others!  ha.  But, each experience has allowed me to step out of my box and learn how to be confident, even while uncomfortable.  Sometimes, you just gotta let loose and dance right out of your comfort zone!

This past Friday, bright and early at 6:30am, I had the pleasure of taking my first barre fitness class.  It was amazing!  This new fitness trend has been blooming and I've always been interested in trying it out.  With my dance background, this ballet-infused workout definitely intrigued me.  A friend of mine, who also happens to be Miss Pennsylvania and was just top 15 at Miss USA, recommended The Barre Studio.  If it's fit for a beauty queen- I'm in!

I roped my younger sister into going with me and she was glad I did!  Upon entering the studio, we felt completely welcome.  The instructor and other students were friendly and helpful.  One student even bought us special "barre socks" to wear in class.  The whole studio space is so beautiful- decorated simply and sophisticated.  The actual barre room had mirrors on all walls and brand new equipment like mats, free weights, etc.  

The class itself was intense and challenging, yet enjoyable!  We focused on different muscle groups, working them in small motions until total fatigue.  It's amazing how small, focused movements can really get your muscles burning.  Most muscle conditioning exercises were followed by stretching to create long, lean muscles.  I can't wait to go back and keep on working on my "ballet bod"!

In early August, I will be attending the DanceLife Teacher Conference in Arizona.  This is an amazing opportunity to further my dance education and I am looking forward to it!  This conference is led by Rhee Gold who is highly revered in the dance world.  I'm ecstatic to learn new things and get motivated for the upcoming dance season.  The four day conference will be jam-packed with classes/seminars, and some of the highlights I'm looking forward to are: Dance to Your Own Tune- Preschool Curriculum, Open Mic Business Brainstorming, and Motivating Your Dancers to be Their Best.

Rhee Gold is very inspirational for dance educators and I can't wait to gain some of his wisdom!  Here's a quote of his that I like to live by- "Dance like EVERYONE is watching"  :)