Festival of Trees

I performed at Festival of Trees at the Causeway Bay Hotel.  40 girls from Karyns were there:  Pre Company, Apprentice Company, Junior Company and Senior Company.  My group got to dress as sparkly hip-hop snowmen. 

Dance Birthday Party - Tutu Cute!

I decided it would be great fun if I could have my birthday party at my dance studio.  My dance teacher let us try on costumes, then we put crowns and jewelry on and learned an exciting dance routine.  I think all the girls liked it. 

Follow a Ballet Blogger

On Facebook, I follow a ballerina named Kathryn Morgan with the NYC Ballet.  Below is one of her posts about ballet class. I encourage all my readers to find professionals online and follow them for tips and showtimes.

Tips for Ballet Class

by Kathryn Morgan on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 6:24pm

Everyone always wonders how to get the most out of class. Well, ultimately that is up to you! But here are a few things that could really help.
First off, DON'T CHEAT! For example, don't hike your hip to get your leg higher or don't turn in a bad position soley to get in more spins. If you dance correctly now, you won't develop bad habits for later. Who cares if your leg goes higher but is turned in? It doesn't count. You will only be cheating yourself. Work on doing things correctly. This will build your strength and eventually you will begin to notice that your leg WILL go higher and you WILL get in more turns!
Secondly, don't grip the barre! Every once in awhile check your balance. If you are too dependent on the barre, you will probably fall over in the center. I don't mean to do the entire barre without holding on, just be aware and be over your legs. I find when I do this, center ends up being much better.
As far as turnout goes, no jamming your heels into the floor! Use the back of your legs. If you think from rotating from underneath, this will train your legs to turnout automatically. When you are dancing onstage, you physically can't jam your legs in the floor- you are moving around so your legs need to learn how to turnout naturally. For plies- don't cut them short. Think of them as landings for jumps. The deeper you train your plies, the safer your jumps will be. Always think of your little toe leading back in tendu front. So many people lead with their heel and thus end up turning in. Place your feet on everything in the center. A big grand jete is not the only thing that counts in a combination. All the in between steps are just as important. That is what makes you look like a professional- the little things. Don't slam your feet around. Place each one and turn them out. Don't forget about your arms! They are so important. 75% of the audience has no idea what your legs are supposed to do, and they are watching your upper body and head. Not that the feet and legs are not important- but don't forget the upper half!
Finally, don't worry about everyone else. There is ALWAYS going to be someone who can jump higher, turn more, or have better feet than you. Don't get frustrated. If you spend the entire class trying to outdo someone else, you missed out on improving yourself. Class is a time to work. While you should "perform" in class and have fun, it is YOUR time to work on your technique. By taking class seriously and really focusing, you will really improve your chances of becoming a professional.
I'm sure I left a lot of things out, so I will be doing a Part 2 soon!

Answers From Amy

My friend Amy and her sister Sarah have been in the dance community for a long time.  They are close, loving sisters.  (It makes me want to have a sister.) Amy worked in the child care program at my school for several years and taught dance at Happendance. This year she got a teaching job in a classroom of her own.  

In Okemos, there is a shop called Bottom's Up where I get all my dance shoes and leotards.  The staff there is friendly and helpful.  Amy and her sister worked there for a long time too. 

1. How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was four years old. That makes it 19 years!2. What got you into dancing?
My mom was the person who got me into dancing. She was a dancer herself and shared that passion with all her girls.
3. Do you teach dance?
I have taught dance for 6 years. I took a break this year to focus on my school teaching job.
4. Can you tell me a little about Bottoms Up?

Well, Bottoms Up is a dance clothing store. It has been around for about 30 years. (I don't know the exact date) They have practically any dance item you would need. The ladies there really work hard to bring in the newest dance apparel, and are always getting shipments of cute things!
5. How long did you work there?
I worked there for nine and a half years.
6. Do you like working and dancing with your sister?
I LOVE working and dancing with my sister!
7. What is your favorite product at Bottoms Up?
My favorite product at bottoms up...well I can't say that I have one. I always like seeing what new leotards come in, and of course I love pointe shoes.
8. Besides your sister, does anyone else in your family dance?

My mom, my younger sister, older sister and I all dance. We all took ballroom lessons when we were younger, including my dad and my brother!
9. What is your new job?
My new job is a fourth grade teacher at a school in Utah. I love it!
10. Have you always liked working with children?
Yes, I have always liked working with kids! Every since first grade, I have known I wanted to be a teacher.
11. What is your favorite part about Dancing?

My favorite part about dancing is performing. I love dancing, and I absolutely enjoy sharing my love of dance with an audience.
12. Do you watch dance on TV?
I do watch dance on T.V. I like watching So You Think You Can dance for the music and the different choreography. I usually record it and skip through the judging, just to watch the dance.
13. What Broadway musicals or traveling dance companies have you seen?
My family would always go to the Wharton center to see all kinds of performances. The ones I can remember right now are Copacabana, Dracula, Phantom of the Opera, Alvin Alley, The Lion King, and many more, I just can't remember all of them. I saw Wicked in Chicago!14. Have you made friends from dancing?
Some of my closest friends were made in dance. When you spend hours doing something you love with people that share the same passion with, it is easy to become close friends fast.15. Have you had any dance injures?
I sprained an ankle once, but that didn't stop me for long. I have been lucky.16.What kinds of costumes do you like?
Tutus of course!!!

MSU Dance Team - Interview With Leah

Today I met Michigan State University Dance Team Captain Leah Shipley.  She sat down with me to chat about practices, routines, parades and Sparty.  She invited me to join her for a clinic that her team will be putting on this year.  I would love to go and learn some of their dance moves.  Leah was very nice to me.  I can see why her coach selected her as team captain.  Next time you attend an MSU game, take a minute to cheer for the dance team.  

Beginning A New School Year

This week, most kids I know went back to school.  Here is a picture of me with my new teacher Mrs. Rush.

She has been teaching over 20 years.  My older brother Keenan had her when he was younger.  She is very sweet.  (She also has red hair like me.)  Before school, I stood on the porch and my mom took my picture.

A lot of kids started dance classes this week too.  Here are a few pictures of me in class.

Dance Therapy

My mom and I have found information about people that use dance to help their bodies and minds recover and feel good.  Below is a video example from UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

I am always happy when I dance.  Now i've learned that you can use dance for a greater purpose.  It's good for your body and soul and at all different ages and ability levels.  

American Dance Therapy Association

Find A Dance Therapist Near You

Dance For Cancer Patients

Colleges That Offer Dance Therapy Courses

Keenan's Hip Hop

These videos are of my brother.  He plays football and wrestles.  Last year he started singing and dancing.  These videos are of him from a recital and from his high school talent show.  I hope next year he adds beat-boxing to his dance routine, because he is good at that too!



Dance in My Family

I visited my mom's aunt Jeannie and her family this weekend.  She was born in the 1930s.  When she was little, her mom would play piano for her when she danced.  They did recitals and visited nursing homes. All of her children danced at one time.  Her grandson Nick joined us.  He dances, plays instruments, and acts in a local theater.  We talked about her experiences, looked at pictures, and watched a video of Nick dancing.  Afterwards Nick played me a song on his Hammered Dulcimer. Learning about your family history can be fun. 

Owosso Community Players
Kim's Dance Dynamics
Bohaty Dancers on Facebook

Fall is Here. It's Time For Football!

My middle brother plays varsity football.  He had a game tonight.  His team beat Mason 34 to 10.  The picture below is of a few buddies that ate cupcakes with me.  I also took pics of the cheerleaders and a video of the end of their halftime show. 

Practice With Kaitlyn

Here is a quick video from my practice today.  Kaitlyn is helping me with my ballet technique.  I had on tights with a whole in them.  It was funny.

Learning From Lily

When I had my recital this year, a lady came up to me and told me how much I reminded her of her own daughter when she was little.  It was my friend Lily's mom.  You can see by our picture how much we look alike.  I love our matching red hair and brown eyes.  She grew up at Karyn's Dance Place.  I like that I can follow in her footsteps.  This year Lily will be a senior, so we talked about her taking senior pictures and preparing for the upcoming school year. I love Ms. Lily.

Zumba With Stephanie

Today I was in a TV commercial.  We dressed in Halloween costumes and read lines from a script.  It was a lot of fun.  The producer of the commercial is a local Zumba instructor named Stephanie.  I interviewed her about a new way to make fitness fun.  Zumba Fitness calls the workout a "fitness party".   I hope to learn more about the different rhythms and dances involved.

A Walking Tour of the Wharton Center

Karlee came with me today when I interviewed Ana Whitman. She is the House Manager at the MSU Wharton Center of Performing Arts.  The tour was a whole hour, so we had to make a shorter video version.  A few of the things you miss are her showing us the trap doors and a long discussion about the magic of Mary Poppins.
Wharton Center Homepage

My Buddy Bailee

My good friend Bailee is exactly two weeks older than I am.  Her mom and my mom were pregnant at the same time.  I like to think that even then we were friends.  We have always known and loved each other.  We will probably dance together until we are big girls. 

I am on the far right and Bailee is third from the right. We are 4 in this video.

Ask Annalise

One of the older girls from my dance studio just moved away to college.  Her name is Annalise.  She goes to Central Michigan University and is on the dance team.  I asked her a few questions about dance:

1. What got you into dancing?

     Seeing my friends dance at Karyn's Dance Place.  

2. Why do you love to dance?

     It's a way for me to expresses myself.  It is also a great stress reliever for me. Dance makes me happy. 

3. What kind of emotions do you feel when you dance?

     Every kind of emotion it all depends on the type of dance. 

4. How often do you practice with the Central Team?

     3 times a week for 3 hours and at all football and basketball games. Games are practice for nationals. 

5. What are your uniforms like?

     We have four different uniforms, a basketball jersey, football jersey, and a long-sleeved sparkle top with skirt or jazz pants.

6. What styles of dance do you like?

     I love Jazz and Hip Hop.

7. What do you study at Central?

     Pre Med. 

8. Do you have any dancer role models?

     Keegan Long, she really pushed me.

9. What Broadway musicals or traveling dance companies have you seen?

     Chicago River North  

10. Have you made friends from dancing?  

     Yes very many. Some if my closets friends are dance girls. 

11. What kinds of costumes do you like?

     Shiny, sparkly ones!

12.  Do you have any inspirational words for young girls learning to dance?

Keep dancing. Never give up, there will be hard times like when you don't get the role or the spot you wanted or even your dance friends are mean. You have to just push through it because in the end it's worth it because you love it!

2011 CMU Basketball Halftime Performance

Central Michigan University Dance Team

Dance Practice Videos

These videos are of me dancing with Katie T.  I like doing lessons with her.  She has taught me a lot.

Small Talk With Sloane

One of my bestfriends Sloane came over today.  She is in high school. Over the summer I took a few drop-in classes at her studio.  I like to talk to her about dancing.  Below is my interview and a video of her performing with her MADPAC dance class.

Brighton Dance Festival 2010

"One Step At A Time"

MADPAC Studio

Mrs. Linda at the Library

You can get a lot of information at the library.  I visited my good friend Mrs. Linda today.  She is like a grandmother to all of the children there.  My mom and I love her a LOT!  Today she showed me the computer card catalog and how I can find dance books. Then she read me a story.  If you don't have a library card, get one.  You can find so many wonderful things when you do.

Dewey Decimal Listing
Dewey Decimal Video for Kids
Capital Area District Library
Dance Books for Kids
Angelina Ballerina Homepage - Includes Games

Meet Maren

Today I went over to my friend Maren's house.  I met her when she was a safety at my school,  She helped me get out of my car and walked me into school.  Her mom told us a story about when she was pregnant with Maren.  She drove to school and listened to dance music.  Maren danced inside her tummy.  At the end of my video interview you will see her sister Kaylee.  She enjoys dancing too!

Learn about tap dancing here.
Dance Scrapbook Site
Toddler Tap Shoe Craft

Thodos Dance Chicago

My mom has a good friend named Jenna.  Jenna has a brother named Brian Hare that dances for Thodos Dance in Chicago.  We wanted to learn more about men and boys dancing, so she asked him if we could share a few things about his school and career. Here is a brief biography he shared:

Brian Hare is originally from Bloomfield Hills, MI. He is a graduate with honors of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Arts Entertainment Media Management and Dance. Brian has performed as a company member with Chicago Dance Crash and Corpo Dance Company, as a guest artist with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, and in independent projects for Dance Chicago. He teaches students of all ages and disciplines at several Chicago dance studios and has studied under teachers including Judy Rice and Lorraine Susa at Dance Masters of America Teachers Training Program. Brian’s work “Temporary Proof”, which premiered at New Dances 2010, has been selected for the Thodos Dance Chicago 2010 – 2011 season repertoire. Brian joined Thodos Dance Chicago in 2008.

Thodos Dance Chicago Homepage

Men can have great careers in dance.  Many male singers learn to dance.  When I am older, I think a male dancer might pick me up while I'm dancing. That would be so exciting!

Thodos Dance Company History

Brian Hare Page on Thodos Dance Chicago

Thanks to Jenna and Brian for their help with my blog.

Chatting With Karlee

I visited my friend Karlee to talk about her favorite costumes and dance steps.  She told me about her hero Miss Keegan who was our dance teacher until she joined the army. 

TV Show - So You Think You Can Dance?

 

Posy Fossil - Pet Bunny

All of the pets in our house are named after characters in books or on TV.  A teacher at my brother's school named Mr. Mowry gave us a bunny that came with the name Darth Vader, we quickly renamed it Puddles. (a puppy character from the Biscuit books.)  We took it to the vet and discovered it was a girl not a boy, so we had to come up with another new name.  My mom had been reading me a series of books she read as a child called the "Shoes" books.  In Ballet Shoes there is a young red haired dancer named Posy Fossil.  That name just seemed to work.  There is info below about the books and the movie they made from the books.  My bunny is so fun.  I'm happy we adopted her.

And So It Begins...

This is my Pre Company Jazz costume from Recital 2011.  We used the song "Disturbia" by Rhianna.  I liked to dance with this group because we were a team working together.  My favorite part of the costume was that everyone was wearing different colors.  There is a black net glove on my right arm.  Some of my good friends in this picture are Bailee, Morgan, Nora and Zuzu.  

 

Disturbia by Rhianna on Itunes