Friday, December 18, 2015

At What Age Should Children Start Dance Lessons?

The bodies of young children are growing and changing fast. So it is very important not to demand more physically, and intellectually than they can safely manage. The pre-school years are a time to encourage motor skills through a wide range of activities taking place in a variety of settings. There is no doubt that it is beneficial to establish an interest in movement and exercise as early in life as possible. Childhood obesity and its risk to health is a growing problem in many areas of the world.

Informed opinion is that toddlers and pre-schoolers should have a minimum of sixty minutes up to several hours of daily, unstructured physical activity. They also should not be sedentary for longer than an hour at a time except when sleeping. Perhaps some children labelled as "hyper-active" actually are not but have parents who cannot cope with their energy levels. If you need to take a break you can get a free uber ride using an uber promo code

Toddlers at about eighteen months old will experience music by dancing with happy enthusiasm. This does not mean they are ready for formal classes. They are not usually sufficiently mature to follow the instructions issued in a session, nor do they have the necesssary physical control. We must remember that children develop at different rates.

Reputable schools will not usually take little ones for ballet or tap until they are three or four years old. All instruction in dance forms such as ballet, tap and jazz should directly relate to the childs physical development. Physical development and chronological age do not necessarily go hand in hand.
The one to two year old can safely attend "Mommy and Me" sessions where they have the re-assuring presence of someone well-known to them. Some establishments allow two year olds to take part in a weekly thirty minute class. There are schools which start with simple formal ballet lessons at three and a half.

This is not necessarily a good idea. It is easy to damage young bodies through faulty teaching. In ballet the "turnout" if undertaken too early can cause problems. The "turnout" is the external rotation of the leg from the hip so that the dancers knees and toes are facing away from the body. Undertaking "pointe" (where the dancer rises to the tips of the toes while performing ballet steps) work too early can lead to deformation of the feet. 

Two to three year olds do not need formal lessons. They need creative movement classes where they can let off steam, have fun and use their imaginations. Pupils under the age of seven should not take part in recitals. Performing for strangers can be a negative experience for some.
What do you need to look for in choosing a school? Having made the decision to let your child learn to dance how do you find a suitable teacher? First of all take on board that retired dancers do not as a matter of course make good teachers. It is necessary to understand the social and physical developments of childhood as well as child psychology.

A teacher must like the younger age groups and be able to strike a rapport with them. The late, great Dame Margot Fonteyn said "The art of teaching ballet and the art of dancing are two different arts, not always achieved by the same person." Teaching is a vocation and needs training, knowledge and experience. Those practising must hae sound teaching methods, imagination and boundless enthusiasm. The person in charge needs to be able to stay in control of the class without getting flustered or raising his or her voice unduly.

Parents should be allowed to watch the class through a window or TV monitor. Their presence in the studio itself would be a distraction.
Numerous types of movement  come into consideration for example as already mentioned ballet,and jazz, also improvisational, rhythmic gymnastics (a combination of dance and gymnastics) and tap dance to name but a few.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Throughout My Life

Throughout my life, I have believed that some things in life come more by luck and genetics, and less by hard work. In other words, not everything can be achieved with mere struggle. You need to be in sync with your good luck to attain the best of everything. Ballet, for example, is something that everyone can learn but only few can master.

 

Take me for instance; I was naturally inclined to the fragile yet powerful beauty of this form of expression when I was too young to understand intricate concepts of life. This feeling – this love for ballet – has been inborn to me and my ballet teacher knew I had some spark from day one. While other girls would trip and collapse in every futile attempt of balancing their body on their toes, I would take less time in attaining the natural balance/equilibrium for dance. It took me some time to learn the basics too, but my flow had been smoother and more effective – and this showed in my every final performance.

 

This goes to explain why I am always inclined to think that struggle is futile while fate is at work. You can fight hard times but you can’t quite fight your luck. Well, maybe my luck for ballet really had to keep me busy for 40 years of my life, and mind you, all this time has taught me that ballet is really not for everyone. Amateurs can learn and perform – but real performers shine because they are natural performers.

 

They really have some unique character that is tough at attain with sever hard work although the power of consistency and determination should never be underrated.

 

My luck has also had tough time with hair matters too, I guess. Now, I see my hair roots getting silver – and this is indeed the yawn of old age. It doesn’t trouble me. What troubles me though is the fact that my hair is getting brittle, falling off a lot and thinning away.

 

As for those who are losing their charm for this art because they think they’re not made for it, well, give it some time – you may be just a step away from unlocking your lucky craft at this thing. Patience, they say, pays off.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Being a Mom is the Hardest Job

Being a Mom is the Hardest Job

They say that being a mother is the hardest job in this world. And I agree with them. As a parent of two children, I have experienced so many trials and hardships of bearing a child. I knew that being a mother is hard but I think that what I experienced is harder. I got pregnant when my first child was only a toddler so I had to work double time in everything. My income was not enough to provide them a decent living. I needed to look for a part-time job so I could provide them all the things that they need.

 

My friend told me that I could be a part-time writer and work at home. I thought that I will not be able to do it because I also work as a public relations officer. But then I still took the chance and believed in myself. It was a life-changing moment and I never thought that it would make my life better.

 

Before, I needed to stay in the office and render overtime because I have to earn and give my children the best life that they could have. The best thing that a mother could ever ask is to give the best to their children and I agree with that.

 

Working at home is very convenient for me. I don’t have to spend money for transportation and food expenses. I can also a lot more time for my family now than before.

 

I am also thankful that I can use my Journalism degree in my work right now.

 

Aside from working, I started writing a blog years ago not just because I want to vent out my ups and downs in life, but also to inspire others. I developed this web page in order to tell others that they can surpass their problems. I know that my experience is just a small thing compare to others. But I just want to give hope to some who encountered troubles in life.

 

You rarely hear the impact that you have to others. But sometimes, it is good to know that people notice and they are moved by what you do.

 

I used my talent in order for me to earn. I also use it to express my feelings and show to the world that I am an advocate of freedom. I would like the world to know that we all have the responsibility to hone our skills, be best at them, display them, and teach them to others the best way we can.

Sources:
http://www.sjldirectory.co.uk/

Friday, October 9, 2015

Our Earlier V-Day Performance

Our Valentine’s day performance is one of the most-awaited performances for the year that is why everyone is giving their utmost time and efforts for it. After the holiday season, I told my students to work out and undergo diet so that they will lose all the fats they got back then. We are doing all the best that we can to give everything for this. We can’t miss this one.
 

I told my students that I already prepared the music that we are going to use for the performance. I have already completed the line up so they they can familiarize themselves with it. Since it is a performance for Valentine’s day, it should be soulful and romantic. Something that would bring the audience on the edge of their seats.
 

We will be accompanied by a violin ensemble too. I gave them the music sheets so they can prepare while we are practicing. Our school designer also gave me the sketch of the stage design. It will be filled with red roses and white ribbons. I believe that all of these will help the performance more romantic than everyone expects.
 

I am inviting our alumni, mostly couples, to witness this kind of performance. Most of the invitations were already sent and most of them have already confirmed their attendance for Heart’s Day Event.

One problem though, my colleague who also teaches ballet is suffering from flea bites so she has not been attending the classes for two weeks now.

She visited her dermatologist to get some medication and she is getting better everyday. I advised her that if she really cannot avoid keeping her cats, then she should get some flea treatment
for cats so she won’t have any problems in the future. Good thing that she listened to me and she sees that her cat looks better now.

 

We cannot miss a day of practice. As a ballet teacher for two decades now, my job requires me to give the best in every performance. I brought my students in international competitions and we have been taking home so many trophies.
 

I also don’t want my students to be pressured because it will just add burden on their performance. I taught them to relax, meditate, and think of happy moments as much as possible so that is what they are going to feel when they give their shot.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Don't Work Again if you Find a Job that you Love

I have been asking my college friends to work as a content writer ‘cause I know that they have so many expenses nowadays. Two of them graduated with a degree in Journalism so I know that it will be easy for them to apply and get accepted for the job.

 

I told them all the benefits of working at home. I shared to them how I am able to manage now my time than before. I can focus now on taking care of my children and husband. I don’t also have to spend extra money for gas and food.

 

When they found out the advantages of my work, they got interested and we set a meeting in a coffee shop near our office building and I was able to discuss it further with them.

 

During the discussion, I also showed them the blog that I started years ago when I was still venting out my experiences in life, especially when I got pregnant with my 2nd child.

 

We stayed a couple of hours in that coffee shop. They realized that being a content writer would give them not just extra cash but also more time for their loved ones.

 

One of my friends got convinced because of the idea that he doesn’t have to spend overtime just to get extra money for his expenses. He said that he could just simply go home after business hours and then work at home. He believed that working at home gives him less stress.

 

My bestfriend applied also as freelance writer. She mentioned that working at home makes her more productive because it has quieter atmosphere and lesser distractions.

 

Personally, I prefer working at home. But we also have to consider working in the office because of the benefits you can get from your company. Being a freelance worker will not give you certain medical and dental benefits. So, aside from working as a writer for multiple sites and marketing firms, I also work as a public relations officer for a prestigious company in the country.

 

It might sound exhausting for others, but if you really love what you are doing, then you will never feel tired in your life.

 

Just like what Confucius said, “choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a single day in your life.”

Monday, October 5, 2015

It's Been an Exhausting Year so Far

It's Been an Exhausting Year so Far

It’s been an exhausting season for me since I needed to focus on some of my students who cannot follow the routine in our upcoming performance that will happen next year. First, of course, I need to get a good music that will suit the entire performance. Something smooth that will bring the audience at the edge of their seats. So, I decided to visit some music stores and ask some friends who works in the music industry to look for a good playlist that I can listen to.
 

Aside from being busy looking for a good music to follow, my students and I have been working out to get rid of those unnecessary fats. Everyone is expecting us to have at least perfect curves so we have to give it to them.
 

So, the first thing I advise my students is to eat healthy and exercise daily. I am aware that it’s hard to go on a diet especially this holiday season, knowing that the best food in town are placed in our and relatives’ tables. Thus, I also told them to get some diets that work fast, the some diet pills that I have been using and recommending for the past years. This really helps me to achieve the body that I want despite this age.

I told my students to enjoy the Christmas season but I also told them to think of our upcoming performance. It’s been a great year for us. So I want to start next year with a bang!
 

I think discipline is the best thing that they can have for the meantime. Well, we all need it just in case I forgot that I still need to teach them after this break. Haha!
 

My colleagues used to tease me about this performance. They have been waiting for the day to come. Last year, I remember, we needed to perform ballet on a tune of Wicked Musical. That was indeed one of the greatest performances of my life and we did get standing ovation from that. So I hope that it will continue next year and for the upcoming years. Teaching ballet is my passion and it is the love of my life. If I will be given a chance to change my career in my next life, I will still choose the same path and career.

 

Sources:

http://www.panevinola.com/

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Journey of Being a Mother

The Journey of Being a Mother

Motherhood is one of the most challenging yet precious moment every woman can experience. Being a mother is not an obligation hence it is lifelong responsibility to be always there for your child. It is a fulfilling career that is requires patience, understanding and forgiveness. To become a mother and a wife can be the most successful career that I have ever done in my life. This blog is about my life not just a mother, a wife, but also a professional woman.

 

I am a married women with two children, one boy and one girl. I was married at the age of 28 and now I’m at my early 30’s. I started this blog so I would have a place to vent when I was pregnant with my 2nd child and my 1st child was only a toddler. I am not ashamed of my experiences and choices I have made with my life and I want to share them with others so they will not be ashamed either. This serves an inspiration to all woman of different ages to continue living there dreams even if it seems impossible.

 

I was a top performer and an achiever sales representative when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child. I was crushed and I thought that it will be the end of my career since the company that I worked for does not allow woman being pregnant without a husband. My boyfriend and I decided to get married but it does not save me from staying in the company. My boss made a way so I can be one of the employees to be laid off because of my pregnancy.

 

I was in deep sorrow at that time, I have no appetite to eat, I always lock myself out in the room and my hair starts to fall out due to stress. I did not mind my pregnancy until I started bleeding, I was rushed to the hospital and my Gynecologist told me that I need to take care of myself or else I will lose my child. It was an eye awakening sign for me to stop dwelling in the past and continue living in the present.

 

My life changed ever since I deliver my first child, I started to become positive in life and I continued searching for a great career that I can offer my skills and abilities. Right now, I work as a freelance content writer and an officer for public relations. With the kind of work that I do, I will have more time to spend with my family yet I can be productive with the career that I enjoyed most. I believe that being a mother is not a hindrance to become successful in life. You just need to look at the bright side of the things that is happening to your life.

 

I get most my work as a freelancer from an online web directory that allows me to list my services. That directory has been such a blessing.

 

Sources:
http://www.getwebmaster.info/

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Reveal the Surprise...or Not

As I sat down on my chair, looking at my students as they perfectly dance ballet I come to reminisce my good old days when I was also started dancing. I was very dedicated as a student and live the life of ballet to the fullest. I come to master the grace and style of dancing.

 

Having a family of my own as I teaches ballet, I come to understand the beauty that life brings. I manage to maintain my beautiful career while taking good care of my two lovely daughters. The journey of my life continue to shower me a lot of blessing and showered me with daily learnings. Being a ballet teacher teach me to become classy at all times. The poised that I learned serves me well even if I’m in the house. My husband always noticed how organized I am when it comes to cleaning our house and arranging our stuff in the cabinets. I always make sure that my daughters will learn to master the art of cleaning by fixing their own stuff. I became an obsessive compulsive in the way that I work with perfection.

 

I am very engage with the details of my work and the things inside our house. I am also fascinated with colors and scents that’s when one my colleague in the Ballet School told me about this fantastic candles. This was not just an ordinary candles, it is like the candle that embodies myself. Its perfect creation down to its magical surprise amazed every part of me. I immediately purchased all the colors that these candle provides and when it was delivered I was perfectly happy with the scent it gives throughout our house. I also gave it as a present to some of my friends and best student in ballet and they were very delighted.


I wanted to take them with my when I was traveling but the airport told me I couldn’t bring them on the plane. They have so many rules and regulations now!!! I can’t even bring anything over like 3 ounces on the plane.

 

Sources:
http://www.eurocypria.com/

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Passion for my Students

Living my life independently gives me a lot of reason to cherish every achievement that I received throughout my career as a ballet teacher. Being in the Music Academy for more than 20 years thought me a lot about life, music and good health. Ballet for me is not just a form of dance but is the way of life. It is like my inspiration to continually strive for the better and become the best for my students. My life as a ballet teacher mold me to whom I am now—my attitude towards life. My students becomes my second family and they look me up as their second mother who will cheer them up and comfort them along the way.

 

The challenges that I face throughout my career makes me a strong woman that I am now. I face every fear with courage and dignity that makes me achieve success in life. Many of my friends, co-workers and students were very amazed on how I maintained poised even in a very stressful situation. Well, it is just a matter of breathing and staying calm which I learned throughout my career. I become my own teacher to reach the perfection of living ballet. I always practice the ways of ballet in everything that I do because I believe that in order to maintain the proficiency of being a great ballet teacher is to live the music of ballet.

 

Being in the industry where classical gestures is always upfront, I make sure that I take good care of myself that I also impart to my students. Being a ballerina requires a lean but strong body, I need to maintain a perfect body image. That’s why I make sure that I maintained a healthy lifestyle and daily exercise. But as a 40 year old woman, my body deteriorates as well its mechanism. Sometimes I easily get tired even with slow movements. Being a self-proclaimed perfectionist that I am,

Everyone always finds it funny that I love video games. To this day I will play xbox at night, I grew up with it. At least it’s something I can have in common with my kids.

Sources:
http://dungeondwellers.net/

Friday, September 25, 2015

Shake It Off

A lot of people ask me how I keep my skinny but healthy physique. Because I’m at the age of around 40, a lot of women my age would like to know how to get and most especially keep a good form. Honestly, I think I’ve been able to keep my good shape because I’ve always lived a good lifestyle.
I have never smoked a cigarette in my entire life, I only drink wine on special occassions, I’ve been dancing all my life and I also like to try out other outdoor physical activities when I have extra time. Oh, and one thing, I try to be very healthy with the food I eat. I’m not a vegan or anything, as most of my friends think, but I do make food diaries and plan out my meal menus for the week to ensure that I am getting optimum nutrition.
I make sure that all the food I eat can be utilized in my body and can provide me with energy while teaching at the academy and of course, give me enough energy to sustain me for the rest of the day.
In my life, I’ve only taken a few kinds of weight loss pills and one of the best for me was Capsiplex. I took it for a few months so that I could achieve my desired weight for a show we were doing. I decided that I needed help shedding the birth weight I had acquired so I decided to take these pills. After a few months, I was able to achieve the body I thought would be best for me and I was very proud of myself when I saw the end product of my hard work.
A lot of the people who me knew asked me if it was safe for me to take the supplements. I explained to them that as long as you are eating the right food, then it should be fine and yes, I was perfectly fine for everyone else who is wondering.

My best advice for those the women out there who want to lose weight, is to simply start eating healthier and living a better lifestyle. You don’t need to be a performer in order to get a lot of exercise- exercise can be done anywhere and anytime! Try walking instead of taking the bus or doing crunches in your seat while in the office- you’d be surprised how little efforts like this can make a difference!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

First time I ever Stepped into a Dance Studio

I remember the very first time I stepped into a dance studio- I was 6 years old and it had taken me about a week of persuasion to get my parents to allow me to take up ballet classes.
I was a very shy little girl but as shy as I was, I knew every little girl had to be a ballerina or at least take ballet classes at one point of their lives. My older sister was also taking up ballet at the time, so sometimes I think she is to blame.
As young as I was, I knew that I was going to fall in love with ballet for a long time which was eventually what happened. I had fallen and fallen hard and the next 30+ years of my life have been spent dancing my heart out.
I worked very hard over the next years and most of it was trying to find the best style of ballet for me. Eventually, I  was able to settle with neoclassical ballet although to say that I am not skilled in classical or contemporary ballet would be a downright insult to my ballet skills.
I have been a part of many ballet showcases and plays and have played leading roles in a lot of them and I am proud of every single role I’ve played. If you asked me what my favorite ballet is, I would have to say that it is Don Quixote de la Mancha because of it’s rarity. Although I will not be discussing it on this entry but if you do some research, you will find that the history of this ballet is very interesting which is why it is my favorite.
My journey with ballet has been a very interesting one, indeed. From a little girl who wanted to wear a pink tutu to a young teenager who could not wait to get her first pointes and now, a middle aged woman who has made ballet her career. Yes, I am now a ballet instructor and I am passing on my skills to those who have learned to love ballet, as well.
In a very modern world wherein everyone is dancing hip-hop and “twerking”, there is still room for the classics such as ballet. We do not disown anything modern and in fact, encourage the fusion of different forms of dance. You learn to realize that dancing is art and it should be expressed in the best way any person knows how.