I swear, every time I start to feel secure in my plans, Life shouts “plot twist!” and I’m back to square one. But that’s what Life does, isn’t it?
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Ballroom Withdrawal – A Financially Sound State
You know that feeling you get when you feel like your budget is in good shape and even after fitting in dance, you still have some wiggle room, but then you have to buy a new car battery and instead of wiggle room, you’re back to wearing a financial corset?
Maybe it’s just me.
A Review of CalOpen – Pre-Comp Prep
Just one more article about CalOpen and then I promise I’ll move on! Per a reader’s request, I’m bringing you back to the days leading up to the competition and revealing some of the things I do as last minute preparations. Ready to hit 88 miles per hour?
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A Review of CalOpen – Realigning with “Reality”
It’s been six days since I danced at the California Open. The days following a competition can be challenging. What goes up must come down, as they say! The big emotions of an event like a ballroom competition (excitement, anxiety, joy, etc.) take a lot of energy, so I can feel drained and even depressed after the external stimuli are gone and the big emotions fade. I call it post-comp blues. I’ve dealt with this emotional rollercoaster after every competition, as well as some lesser events. Sometimes the ride is full of insane ups and downs; other times it is just a little bumpy.
So what about this time? I’ll call it a bumpy road.
A Review of CalOpen – All I Can Smell is Hair Spray
Success! I have completed my first competition at the silver level! If you were following me on Facebook, you know how it went.
Countdown to CalOpen Complete!
Today’s the day! First chance to try out my silver skills!
I’m actually feeling pretty good, no major butterflies (yet).
Go to my Facebook page for live updates throughout the day!
Let’s dance!
Countdown to CalOpen – 2 Days: Article Repost – Overcoming Dance Fears
How appropriate that I should come across this article just before my “comeback” competition!
Check it out:
Quotes To Help You Overcome Your Dance Fears And Live A Creative Life
Countdown to CalOpen – 6 Days: Up and Out!
Less than a week to go!
I’m happy to report that I have not had to run to the bathroom to hyperventilate again since last week. Although yesterday I came close.
Tips for Dealing with the Anxious Beast
As just a person with experience, and not an expert or professional in the mental health field, here is a breakdown of how I handled my anxiety attacks described in yesterday’s post. Maybe someone else will find these tactics useful.
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Countdown to CalOpen – 12 Days: Anxious Beast Mode
Before group class yesterday, I was formulating a post idea in my head about entering “beast mode.” You’ve probably heard the term. It’s used to describe someone in a state of extreme determination and action, like an incredible hulk of productivity. No more excuses, no slacking off. In beast mode, you get things DONE.
I was feeling a bit like I was in beast mode. After a good lesson on Wednesday, which ended with a practice round (meaning we danced all four dances in a row, just like we will at the competition), I identified mistakes I made and things I needed to work on. And I was ready to WORK. “Let’s dance that again, and then dance it 10 more times!” I arrived at the studio early yesterday so I could practice before Teacher’s waltz group class.
It didn’t go so well.
The Girl with the Tree Tattoo 