You know when you’re talking to someone on the phone with a bad connection and they keep cutting in and out, or you’re trying to listen to the radio but you’re a bit out of range so there’s a lot of static? You have to strain to catch what the other person is saying or what song is playing. It gets so frustrating because no matter how hard you listen, the message still doesn’t come through clearly.
That’s how I felt during my last lesson.
Hey dancers!
I get a little impatient when it comes to something I’m excited about. I want it all to happen NOW! If I could just beam the Solo Practice Guide directly from my head to yours, I would. Just so you could get it faster.
Until technology catches up with me, I thought I would give you another taste of what’s coming. Maybe the idea of the Solo Practice Guide sounds good to you, but you’re still not sure it’s something that would be useful for you in particular.
So I thought I’d show you what’s in the Guide by giving you the chapter outline. Then you can see exactly what topic(s) will be covered. While I was at it, I figured heck, I’ll give you a list of some of the concerns I’m making sure to address AND an excerpt from Chapter 1. Cool?
Click here to get a sneak peek at the Solo Practice Guide.
Oh, one more thing! I wanted to make sure you saw the Facebook livestream I did yesterday with a special guest – Teacher! I had shared on social media that I get super self-conscious when I do my solo practice at the studio and other dancers are around. A bunch of people commented that they felt the same way, especially when their own teacher was in the studio. So I asked Teacher if he would offer some insight and advice to everyone on how to deal with that. What he gave was awesome and super valuable!
So if you didn’t catch it already, check out our livestream video for tips on practicing in front of other dancers.
Ok, I feel like I’m giving you a lot right now. Not too much at once I hope! Don’t worry, if/when you join the beta group, we’ll be going through the Guide together one chapter at a time.
Heads up, there are only 3 spots left, and filled or not, the beta group is closing this Saturday, February 3 at 11:59pm.
EDIT: The beta group sold out a day early, I couldn’t believe it! But don’t worry, if you’d still like to have the chance to get early access to the Solo Practice Guide, let me know by putting your name in for the launch team.
It may be the day before Christmas, but it’s also Sunday. As you know, Sunday is my main practice day, so even though it would have been easy to skip, I still went to the studio to practice. I didn’t want to skip anyway. Friday was my last dance lesson of 2017 (unless Teacher decides he wants to teach next week) and I didn’t want to stop dancing! Apparently I wasn’t the only one. There was a LOT of people at the studio! More than I’ve ever seen on a Sunday morning. I’m guessing we all had the same thought, that we’d have the studio to ourselves!
Everyone survive the Thanksgiving holiday? I ate plenty, but not too much. There was more food coming at a birthday party on Friday, so I tried to pace myself. Now, on Saturday, I don’t feel like I’m still full so I must have succeeded.
I love 4-day weekends (who doesn’t?)! I’ve been off from the day job for two days already, and it’s only Saturday! Of course, I still have to do some overtime work for the office, but at least I get to do it from home. And I get to write to you guys too!
You know that feeling when you think you’ve got something? You understand a concept more or less. But for some reason, the puzzle pieces aren’t completely fitting together. You can see the picture, but it’s not 100% clear. You can’t put your finger on it, but there’s a disconnect somewhere.
One of the big unexpected side effects of ballroom dancing I continue to experience is the courage to dive into my other passions. I’ve always loved creative writing, but hadn’t done it consistently in years until I started dancing, after which I started blogging. I also realized my dream of being a published author. The tree of life tattoo idea I had since high school finally fully formed in my mind after I started dancing, and then I actually got it inked!
Happy Sunday dancers! I hope your weekend was relaxing and fun, and included a little dancing. I danced a little both days this weekend, with a workshop on Saturday and some practice time on Sunday. The workshop was taught by the current American Smooth champions (U.S., World, Blackpool…they’ve won them all!): Nick Cheremukhin and Viktorija! It didn’t go quite as I expected, but I was still able to take some of the teachings and apply them in my Sunday practice.
Happy October everyone! Also known as the start of six months of trying to avoid too much weight gain. I love the holidays and all the treats that come with them, but there’s always a price. One way I avoid bringing too much candy and other holiday goodies into the house is reminding myself that the money I spend on treats is money I won’t have for dance!
Today wasn’t the best start to the month. It was day 2 of the second headache of the week. I still managed to do my solo practice. The last two Sundays I’ve practiced over two hours. I decided not to push myself too hard today and only did an hour. It was frustrating, but I’m doing my best to focus on the positive.
When I did my review of Embassy Ball, I wrote about feeling like I was starting a new chapter in my dance story. The path was unclear and scary, but also exciting. There was talk of exploring my dancer identity and honing my message. I started new boards on Pinterest, one for ballroom dress inspiration and another for attitude inspiration. My brain was buzzing with ideas and new motivation to uncover more of my true self in dancing as soon as Teacher returned from Nationals (which took place the week following Embassy).
Then Teacher returned from Nationals.
Dancers, I’m possibly more excited than I should be about this, but I don’t care! Exclamation points for every sentence!
At the end of August, I participated in the Grow Your Tribe challenge hosted by Jennifer Kem and through it, came up with the idea of a worksheet that would finally answer the question “now what?” when we try to be good students and practice ballroom dancing on our own.
Today, that idea becomes reality!
With the help of Teacher and a lovely graphic designer, I bring you Your Solo Practice Guide for Ballroom Dancing. I packed as much information as I could onto one page. There is a sample practice that you can use from start to finish, or you can pick and choose pieces to supplement what you’re already doing. There are also lots of tips I hope you will find useful. I did my best to include ones that people specifically asked about on the Facebook page.
This worksheet is only the beginning. I realized that there is a lot more that could have been included and a lot more questions that should be answered. Even I started coming up with ones while I was discussing my sample practice with Teacher. For example, what if you just don’t have the time to complete the full practice as it’s outlined? What should you prioritize?
I want more than anything to provide those answers to you. SO I’m planning a new Solo Practice Guide addition to the Dance Diaries series!
First thing’s first though. Enter your name and email below to get the link to download your worksheet and start practicing!
Why am I asking for your email? There’s more to come and I want the people who sign up for this worksheet to get first dibs. For example, when the new eBook is available, I’ll email you first before it’s put out to the masses. I’m also planning on creating additional goodies like more worksheets or videos that will be available only to the people who sign up.
We all want to be amazing dancers, and I know you’re committed like I am to taking action to get there. So drop your email below and I’ll see you on the dancefloor!
Happy practicing!
The Girl with the Tree Tattoo 