The Power of Improving

Recently, it has come to my attention that I have a few students who could be a lot better in dance than they are. I say this because if they weren't so lazy (for lack of a better term), and actually put their heart and soul into the art, they would come out the shinning beacon. Instead, I see them attempting to cheat out warm ups, constant excuses, and constantly complaining about why they can't do something.

It's like if they don't get something right away, it becomes something they will never achieve, and they stop trying all together. What's even worse about this scenario as that they perfectly accept that answer, and do everything in their power to avoid it.

Maybe its the generation gap in me talking, but I thought that the point of giving the students something harder was to continually challenge them to be better. To give them an opportunity to constantly improve; not just in dance, but in life as well.

So I watched this TED talk thing recently, about what society has done with the grading system, and how it has affected the childhood psyche in some ways. It's about looking into saying Not Yet, instead of can't, and looking into what the power of believing you can improve will do. I think it will help us take a more positive outlook, and start accepting the challenges of dance and life.

Take a look and tell me what you think. It's kind of enlightening in a couple of ways. A little boring but, as a teacher, I can appreciate where this talk is going.

https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve

Creative "Editor"?

I just read a tweet recently about the idea of choreographers need editors... This kind of raises and interesting point. Do choreographers need editing? Reviewing even?

I think yes! I am choreographer at a small studio and it's always nice to have a second pair of eyes look upon my work and tell me what is what (nicely of course). It's always a good idea because, as the choreographer, you know what the dance is about, and you want to see if that idea actually presents itself to the audience. A fresh pair of eyes actually does that.

Now, I'm not saying to get an editor that changes your creative integrity, or that entire number. No choreographer, or any artist for that matter, wants that. You still want to feel free and able to use your creativity without reservation (to some extent when working with kids).

Honestly it really comes down to just finding the right person to be your "editor". Someone you know, trust, and shares the same views you do.

I mean if you look at it from this stand point, don't judges at competitions basically do that for you?

Just food for thought.

Tweet Below:

The Ballet Bag ‏@theballetbag 10m10 minutes ago

Do choreographers need editors? @Rambertdance is mediating an interesting discussion at its HQs right now - follow via #RambertDebate                  

Pre - Competitive Blues

You know when you get really anxious before a performance? Or when you get nervous before a big test? Or even when you get the feeling in the pit of your stomach when you're afraid something will go wrong?

Well I've spend all weekend trying to get rid of this feeling. Between meditation and yoga classes; unfortunately, after said the feels come back and hit me even harder....

This is because the Pre - Comp is literally around the corner, and it's the first time I've ever participated in something like it. Now, I'm a little wary of it... Here's my reasoning.

1. When we first signed up they told us it was just for the judges commentary/constructive criticism, and no awards would be given. It was basically suppose to be about feedback before going to an actual competition. Good idea right? Well unfortunately, that has changed. They have now decided to do an awards ceremony during each break.... Does that seem fair to change that? I don't think so but it might be just me.

2. They stated that the dances don't have to be done, nor do the students have to be in costume... But with this award ceremony.... Now I get this awkward feeling like it is a real competition.... I don't know... maybe they are actually expecting dances to be done? Or it could honestly be just my paranoia.

3. They gave us a schedule of when the entries are going... but no times to go with it? So I know my first number on stage is the first number of the entire Pre - Comp with no clue when it's suppose to start....

It all seems hypocritical and unorganized... But, its the 7th of February and it's a good opportunity for my novice girls to go on stage and practice before competition. So I'm trying to give it the benefit of the doubt.

I'll let you know what happens! Wish us luck!

Putting It Off?

You know when things get overwhelming in life to the point where you start putting things off so you don't have to deal with it? Well... I can now officially say that, that is exactly what I have been doing. I have been so focused on the studio and the upcoming dance competitions that I've completely forgotten about the fact that I am going to be married in 9 months.

The realization kind of hit me when my mother, or in other terms my wedding planner, has been hounding me for days to order the invitations. Now, you would think it's my wedding and that I would be all over it. Well, not exactly.

The studio I work at has this amazing idea to enter our numbers into what is called a Pre - Comp. It's great for kids who are novice, nervous, or their instructor (aka me) has a small anxiety issue. Unfortunately, that Pre - Comp is the first week of February, and do you think I feel ready for? HELL NO.

So I've been focusing my attention on that, plus my daughter, plus my uncle's decision to start a new business, and getting my music cut, ready, and rolling.

Basically, my own wedding has been at the back of my mind; and I think I've been mentally avoiding it because it just feels like one more thing I have to worry about. Now, before everyone gets in a knot, yes I love my fiancée, and I can't imagine life without him. No, I am not having any second thoughts about wanting to marry him. It's just life gets in the way. A LOT.

BUT, I did order my invitations. The picture is below. So I officially have now stopped avoiding the inevitable and might start actually enjoying the planning part.

Here's hoping at least.

Pointed Comments

As a teacher in the dance world, or a parent, or even a regular school teacher; kids have always found a way to surprise me. Now in this instance I teach children and teenagers so it's fair to say both have surprised me. 

So in regards to this I have decided to write down some of the things kids have said to me over the years.

You know how kids are really good at saying exactly what is on their mind. Well ... I can definitely prove that this is true. Here are my examples. 

"But Miss, I hate learning". 

"You mean I have to memorize this?!" 

"What if the stage is facing backwards?" 

"What if we don't get our costume?... Well I guess I'll go on stage naked". 

"You can't have a daughter! You're not married!" 

"But Miss, what if the world ends?"

"What if the security cameras recorded into the teachers cell phones?... What? What's wrong with that?" 

Just a few examples. There will definitely be a part two. But in the mean time, as a parent, instructor or teacher, what have your students or kids said to you? Could be outrageous or funny or even just shocking! Let me know! Leave a comment below 🙋

Btw you can follow me on Instagram @kbowenn or twitter @Kbowen_Dance 

Let's Pointe This in the Right Direction

First blog ever and I thought I would start by focusing on things about me. Just so you kind of get a sense of who I am and why I have decided to start writing a blog.

1. First and foremost I am a parent of a beautiful one – year – old baby girl. She is a terror on two feet, keeping me on my toes and is absolutely stunning.

2. Secondly I am a competitive dance instructor/choreographer.

3. Thirdly, well I am just a young woman in her twenties attempting to get by in life.

I bet for all those young parents, replacing the second with a full time job of choice or other responsibilities (because we don't already have enough), this sounds pretty familiar. Now I’ve decided to write this blog because I kind of want to catalogue and share some of the important changes and events going on in my life. Especially with a baby girl, she makes everything change. I also want to express myself in ways I don’t normally get the opportunity too.

Dance is very creative, don’t get me wrong; but, there are some things better left said anonymously than screamed out in public. Though, some days I wish I could scream such things out in public.

Basically I want this to be about the successes, trials, tribulations, and achievements that my life decides to hand me.

Sound fair?