Reflections and Self-awareness

Where will this school year take you?

 I like to use the new school year as a mini "New Year".  It is a great time to review the year so far with enough time to work on goals that might have slipped through the cracks.

As I reflect on the year so far - 
I am happy that I started teaching dance classes again.  I like sharing the art of bellydance with others and I like helping others learn a new skill.

I am glad I took time to attend an  American Tribal Style dance class.  It is good for us to continue our learning and the class I joined was welcoming.  I got to learn about the style and I learned about myself as well.  I learned that although I like the concepts of ATS, I am a cabaret girl.  I do really enjoy dancing with other women.  I like the freedom of dancing my own dance and I prefer a more balanced dance form.  ATS is heavy on the right side and I found my body craving left-sided, weighted moves.  I will probably take another ATS class in the future and I very much appreciate the new friends I made in class.

I am glad I took a summer intensive workshop.  It was hosted by Pyramid Road and Debbie always hosts a very well run weekend.  I liked being a student and visiting and dancing with my dance friends both old and new.  I picked up new ideas and combinations.  I renewed my belief that we learn from all of those around us regardless of our own personal age.

The performance opportunities I have enjoyed inspired me to write the new choreographies.  These gave me an opportunity to dance with a dear friend who is going to be moving to a new city soon and I don't know when I will be able to perform with her again.  Our practice sessions were a wonderful blend of dance and "girl time".  I will certainly miss them.

My sewing projects have been fun, though I did not get as much done has I had hoped.  There is always room for improvement.

As I look forward to the rest of the year -
I am happy I have my fall dance classes.  I have a new format and I enjoying it.  I look forward to using my new system and sharing more with my students.  I am experimenting with Google Classroom with class resources of practice videos and class notes.

I am looking forward creating new choreographies and the performances yet to come.  I hope to invite more of my students to join me in these upcoming performances.  Performances lead to stronger friendships and add such fun and excitement.  They are also a great way to get out of our comfort zones and grow beyond our fears.

And lastly, there will be planning for 2018... lots of ideas swirling already in my head, but more about that later.