that automatically make me feel like I’m failing my Zen journey.
1. “exhale” does NOT always mean “sigh it out.”
2. get your happy baby rocking feet out of my face.
3. please attempt a consistent rate of windshield wiper feet because I do not want to keep playing footsie.
Please tell me I’m not the only one?!
I hop you all are having a great Wednesday so far.
If you are thinking about making a quick run to Starbucks later…don’t.
Check this article out and find out why!
http://foodbabe.com/2014/08/25/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte/
But if you’re one of those people (like myself) who just can’t resist a nice cup of whatever.
I have a solution for you-TEA! No artificial flavoring or sweetener added!
For those of you who might be new to the whole tea experience and are not sure of which ones to try, here is a little tip: The darker the tea the higher the caffeine.
Black teas are great if you are having a hard time staying awake. Add a small shortbread biscuit with your Earl/ Lady Grey or English Breakfast and you are all set to watch the exciting Cricket match…or Sherlock/ Downton/ Pride and Prejudice or whatever else you prefer!
Jasmine Green tea is also a wonderful choice for various health reasons, including losing weight. Aside from white tea, it’s the lightest of the teas and has no caffeine.
Warning: It is addicting! I drank two/ three cups of Twining’s Jasmine Green tea in one day. Very addicting. Just FYI.
Teas like Wild Sweet Orange and Passion from Tazo are perfect if you like a little flavoring once in awhile. Or spice things up a bit with Tazo’s Organic Chai tea!
So to put it plainly:
TEA is better than fatty, sugary, whipped-creamy anything and you never feel guilty after having a cup…or two.
So enjoy a nice cup of tea (iced or warm the next you time have the urge for a coffee shop)!
Recommended Teas:
Twining’s of London
– Anything!
Tazo
– Organic Chai
– Wild Sweet Orange (caffeine free)
– Passion (caffeine free)
Choice Organic Teas
– Rooibos Superfruit (caffeine free)
Taylors of Harrogate (Official tea of HRH The Prince of Wales)
– Early Grey
RC Bigelow Inc
– Darjeeling (The “champagne” of black tea)
– Earl Grey
– Green
– English Breakfast
Rehearsal Notes– dancers, I’ve made some notes so you can know you’re on track while listening. 2 tiny changes you’ll see as well. I added one more retrograded A-I motion for D in the first round, and I took away one of the bells at the very last build up. I must have been off by one.
Part 1– Repose
1-5 JB (AH walks)
6-10 AH (JB walks)
11-15 AH (AS walks) 13 is short
16-20 AS (DG walks) 16 is short Continue reading
Part 4
The MFA journey has finally become worth it to me. There is no doubt in my mind that I must participate. I am very excited to begin this journey even as I write this post after a long morning of placement classes, followed by training for my new job at a local gym and celebratory peanut butter cookies at home with my roommate tonight. I am finally beginning my MFA and have all of you, dear fellow Framers, to thank for sharing your stories and paving the way.
Opportunities have come in waves Continue reading
Happy Friday!
1. Maria’s Movers is the world’s greatest blog for creative movement.
2. Teaching children is one of my favorite things in the world. That’s why I’m so excited to start a children’s ensemble through Frame Dance. Check out the Little Framers. Registration is open.
3. Are you new to teaching littles? Here are some essentials.
-Lydia
The battle for the top spot grew even more challenging last night as the dancers had to perform three separate dances, one with a fellow competitor, an All-Star partner, and a solo. Since we were down to the top six, the dancers really brought their game and there were so many excellent dances. Here are some of my favorites from last night.
The choreography of Valerie and Ricky’s Broadway piece had a very difficult component to it regarding the main prop. Their somewhat silly and carefree feeling dance, used a swing which Ricky had to leap through several times throughout the dance. Valerie’s dress was poofy and fun.
Next up was Jessica and Casey who went back in time with their sparkly disco and had the costumes to match. Casey spun Jessica around so many times during the dance it almost made me dizzy just watching them!
Last night SYTYCD was joined by the band Rixton, who performed their hit song Me and My Broken Heart.
After that energetic performance, the All-Star couples began their routines. Jacque and All-Star Will’s contemporary routine was light and airy, with the song to match, 99 Red Balloons by Nena. My absolute favorite dance of the night was Zack with All-Star Fik-Shun. Their hip hop routine was choreographed by Phillip Chbeeb who was inspired by the Rorschach Inkblot Test. The dancer’s movements were completely synchronized to form interesting shapes with their bodies. This routine was accompanied by a song I like listening to Sail (Unlimited Gravity Remix) by AWOLNATION.
Then it was time for the results. The final four dancers are Ricky Ubeda, Jessica Richens, Zack Everhart, and Valerie Rocky. Sadly, we said goodbye to Casey Askew and Jacque LeWarne.
Yesterday in rehearsal, we celebrated Laura Gutierrez’s birthday. We all laughed as her fellow dancers carried her throughout the room to Donna Lewis’ “I love you, always forever.” After starting off on a fun and energetic note, they wasted no time getting into the movement. Lydia taught the dancers new movement before reviewing their work from previous rehearsals. They experimented with different music to give their movements a more distinctive feel.
One of the new sections they learned was inspired by Lydia’s visit to the Blanton Museum, where Frame Dance will be performing September 18th. The section involved using the space in an interactive walking sequence, and is something I will look forward to seeing during the performance.
The dancers combined their previous work and new sections together weaving an intricate larger dance piece. The dancers took their cues from the different components of the music. The music for their next show is composed by Robert Honstein and named An Index of Possibility, which will be performed live at the Blanton Museum in Austin. Don’t forget to mark your calendars, because this is a performance you won’t want to miss!
Septemb
er 18, 2014 5:30pm
Blanton Museum
Austin, TX
Michael Jackson was the theme of the night. The top 8’s reflective, extra-terrestrial group dance was choreographed by the man who was the star’s personal choreographer, Travis Payne.
The judging panel was joined by Jenna Dewan-Tatum, as they kicked off another great episode of So You Think You Can Dance.
We learned that each dancer would get the opportunity to showcase their solos along with their duets with the all-stars.
Casey Askew’s contemporary solo was accompanied by one of my favorite music artists M83.
My overall favorite solo was performed by Jessica Richens. Her contemporary solo was flawlessly liquid.
R: What do you find to be the most challenging part about playing live music for a dance class? K: I very much enjoy providing musical accompaniment for dance classes. I enjoy the “in the moment” communication between the teacher, the dancers, and myself. As a percussionist, most of my experience playing music involves collaboration with other musicians, but playing for dance allows me to basically improvise to the meet the immediate needs of the class. The most challenging part would be interpreting the teaching style of each teacher, finding their level of musicality, and identifying how they are most comfortable communicating what they want.
