Happy Birthday to me! I am 24 years old today and I'm happy about that. I told myself a few weeks ago that I needed to snap out of that whole, "oh jeez I'm getting older" thing. If I want my life to remain positive, I need to start accepting myself and not living in the past.
I truly feel at 24,not 21, that I am becoming an adult. This past year really served as my transition phase. Maybe it was because I had my first professional dance gig which meant I had to act accordingly. Maybe it was who I was surrounded with and how they taught me life lessons in between all the dancing, singing, and acting. Or maybe, I just grew up. Either way, when I arrived back in New York, I felt the change. I approach things differently in life; I am strategic with my decisions. And, to be honest, it feels good. It doesn't feel rushed. I'm not feeling alone or confused. It's as if things just fell into place.
I am a professional dancer who is consistently auditioning while exploring and beginning to understand how the entertainment industry functions. I am searching for a part-time job while I audition but when I have free days, I'll submit for background work. When I'm not doing that, you can find me at Gold's Gym, Broadway Dance Center(though my card is expiring soon) Yoga Sutra, or Chelsea Piers(gymnastics). And with the leftover spare time, I can be found hanging out with good friends or simply sitting and reading. I like where I am at this moment. I don't know if I ever realized this the other years; I think I was so busy running around like crazy. But now, at 24, it's all about reflecting and making sure to enjoy the moment.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Spinning to the Music
In my last post I was discussing gym hopping but I'm happy to announce that after a long search, I chose a gym...then left it and joined another when I learned of a great groupon offer. Hey, what can I say, I'm indecisive. Currently, I am with Gold's Gym for 3 months. It's funny how I've come full circle considering my first trial was with Gold's Gym. I must say, I really like this gym and it lucks out that it was on groupon at the right time.
It's been about 1 month since I offically joined and only recently did I begin to explore the world of spinning. Now, in the past I thought I would never try spinning; I thought it was going to be super hard and only pleasurable for the hard core gymfreaks fanatics. I was either wrong, or I myself have turned into one of these fanatics.
I was really nervous for my first class and was convinced my legs were going to peddle away from me. The minute I stepped into the studio the instructor, Cliff, waved me down to make sure I signed up. He immediately reminded me of Stanley Tucci. He was full of energy and incredibly witty. He introduced me to the spinning bike and showed me the emergency break should I feel like my eyes were going to pop out during the class. Upon hearing this, I laughed awkwardly and hesitated before getting on the bike.
Once the class officially started, I fell in love. Not because I have some undying love for working out or sweating, but because of the music! Every upbeat, Billboard top 100 song you can thing of was immediately blaring through the speakers and guiding what speed we took with the bike. I suddenly got this cheesy grin on my face and starting mouthing the words to songs as I rode. In contrast to the music was Cliff's screams of encouragement. Actually no, it wasn't in contrast, it was in addition too because he really does make the class. He has so much energy and just screams for 45 minutes that you don't have to wonder whether he's passionate about his work or not.
After that 1 class, I found myself itching to go back. The more I go, the more I want to keep going and I realized in class today that it's not for the pure joy of working out...it's for the music. Does this make me a poser? I'm getting a workout because I like the music?? Well who cares because for 45 minutes I am rocking out and getting my sweat on! I think the other reason the class is do-able is because of the constant switch from fast peddling/no resistance and slow peddling/lots of resistance. It helps to keep you moving but also gives you time to breathe without stopping. Which, by the way, is another thing. You don't stop peddling, ever. That may sound impossible, but it's not and that's because of the fluctuation in resistance.
I think I'm going to up my spinning classes to 2-3 times a week. I'm hoping it won't backfire on me and I'll become bored. I doubt it since the music is so good that I just can't get enough! Here's a list of some of the songs we use,
Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO
Cheers- Rihanna
Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5 ft. Christina Augilera
Without You- David Guetta/Usher
You Make Me Feel..- Cobra Star Ship ft. Sabi
Give Me Everything- Pitbull ft. Neyo
With music like this, there is no way I can pass up a spinning class. I'll admit I'm hesitant to try another teacher's class just in case it's not as fun!
The only problem I seem to have is the seat. Majority of the time, during my first class I kept fidgeting in an attempt to find a comfortable position. What's that about? It's gotten better but jeez, that's the 1 thing I find as a major annoyance. The best part overall is the end because there is such a feeling of accomplishment. It's almost surprising when the class ends because I feel like I've just reached that level where I could go on for longer. Better to end on a high rather than a low, though.
It's been about 1 month since I offically joined and only recently did I begin to explore the world of spinning. Now, in the past I thought I would never try spinning; I thought it was going to be super hard and only pleasurable for the hard core gym
I was really nervous for my first class and was convinced my legs were going to peddle away from me. The minute I stepped into the studio the instructor, Cliff, waved me down to make sure I signed up. He immediately reminded me of Stanley Tucci. He was full of energy and incredibly witty. He introduced me to the spinning bike and showed me the emergency break should I feel like my eyes were going to pop out during the class. Upon hearing this, I laughed awkwardly and hesitated before getting on the bike.
Once the class officially started, I fell in love. Not because I have some undying love for working out or sweating, but because of the music! Every upbeat, Billboard top 100 song you can thing of was immediately blaring through the speakers and guiding what speed we took with the bike. I suddenly got this cheesy grin on my face and starting mouthing the words to songs as I rode. In contrast to the music was Cliff's screams of encouragement. Actually no, it wasn't in contrast, it was in addition too because he really does make the class. He has so much energy and just screams for 45 minutes that you don't have to wonder whether he's passionate about his work or not.
After that 1 class, I found myself itching to go back. The more I go, the more I want to keep going and I realized in class today that it's not for the pure joy of working out...it's for the music. Does this make me a poser? I'm getting a workout because I like the music?? Well who cares because for 45 minutes I am rocking out and getting my sweat on! I think the other reason the class is do-able is because of the constant switch from fast peddling/no resistance and slow peddling/lots of resistance. It helps to keep you moving but also gives you time to breathe without stopping. Which, by the way, is another thing. You don't stop peddling, ever. That may sound impossible, but it's not and that's because of the fluctuation in resistance.
I think I'm going to up my spinning classes to 2-3 times a week. I'm hoping it won't backfire on me and I'll become bored. I doubt it since the music is so good that I just can't get enough! Here's a list of some of the songs we use,
Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO
Cheers- Rihanna
Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5 ft. Christina Augilera
Without You- David Guetta/Usher
You Make Me Feel..- Cobra Star Ship ft. Sabi
Give Me Everything- Pitbull ft. Neyo
With music like this, there is no way I can pass up a spinning class. I'll admit I'm hesitant to try another teacher's class just in case it's not as fun!
The only problem I seem to have is the seat. Majority of the time, during my first class I kept fidgeting in an attempt to find a comfortable position. What's that about? It's gotten better but jeez, that's the 1 thing I find as a major annoyance. The best part overall is the end because there is such a feeling of accomplishment. It's almost surprising when the class ends because I feel like I've just reached that level where I could go on for longer. Better to end on a high rather than a low, though.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Summer Focus- NYC Gyms
The one thing I love about NY is the freedom to have no shame. New Yorkers have the ability to do whatever they want with the only excuse being, "only in NY." At this current moment, having just arrived back in the city and wanting to be a penny pincher, I'm going to freeload as much fitness as I can. The best part is that this is actually possible. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present... Free Gym Trials.
Now, when I first researched gym trials I thought it would be impossible to find more than 1 gym that was willing to let me workout without having to pay a fee. Luckily, the goal is to get the customer in the establishment and have them make their own decision. You would think it's easy to simply try as many gyms as possible without joining any of them, but it's not. So far, most of the gyms I went to, I ended up being overflowed with those happy endorphin's exercising allows your body to release, and thus wanted to "sign at the dotted line" almost immediately. Oh how the mind works.
Here are the gyms I've been to so far.
Gold's Gym- I've passed this gym several times and thought it was going to be filled with the Jersey Shore, beefy, super tanned guys but it wasn't. I easily signed up for a 7 day pass online and went in the following day to check it out. I laughed when they told me the lockers were on the 3rd floor and I almost asked for an elevator. I had the "ah hah!" moment of realizing that I was in a gym and would be walking everywhere. The gym turned out to be great. It's 3 different levels of equipment. Many of the machines have a tv which is sadly my biggest focus. I cannot workout without being entertained or having something to focus on. I went to the gym midday so it was a little crowded around lunch time but would clear or relatively fast. It left me with the liberty to explore and try whichever machine I wanted. Another big plus was that I was able to workout without feeling the eyes of creepy guys lurking from around the corner. Everyone's doing their own thing and focusing on themselves. The best surprise of all was that they had FREE WIFI! I find this to be a major asset if I want to check my email, fb or watch videos while working out. The locker room was fine, spacious and the staff was pretty nice. I liked that I was able to come in, do my own thing, and leave. No one pressured me to join or kept tabs on me while I was working out. Their offers to me, now that I've completed the trial, are: $9.95 for the 1st month, free personal training, and 2 free 7 day passes for a friend. Pretty good.
Bally's- I signed up for a Bally pass online but went in to check the ambiance first. I'm glad I did this, by the way. Maybe it was because they are located right by Penn Station on not so bright street but I was turned off even before walking in. The staff was nice but I just couldn't get past the environment. Skeevy guys everywhere constantly staring at me. Actually the majority of the people working out were guys...nary a female in sight. I get why. They have a pool, which was a plus but I wouldn't want to swim there..it looked dirty. The gym itself is very dark and old looking. Nothing seemed state-of-the art from it's appearance. I got an overall sense of dirtiness so I high-tailed it out of there. Sorry, Bally's is a definite NO GO!
Crunch- Yesterday I tried Crunch gym after signing up online for a trial the night before. I was kind of sad that it was only a 1 day guest pass but it was free so o well. It first I was constantly comparing it to Gold's Gym but I decided to just try and think of it's own pro's and con's without pre-judgement. They have many machines, about 2 floors worth and several of them have TVs connected to them. I liked their upper body workout machines. The showers and locker room area were really spacious. No free wifi which is sad but not surprising, that's definitely a special perk in some places. I did get a few stares from other guys working out but it wasn't as bad as Bally's. I went around 2pm so it was pretty quiet which was nice. I would definitely consider membership here because of all the classes they offer and the different. locations.
Today, I will try a 7 day pass for Complete Body and Spa.I signed up online and immediately got a pass offer. There are a few more places, maybe 4, that have week pass offers or 3-day passes so I'll be excited to test them out. In the end this is my free way of getting back in shape! It's a win-win situation :)
Now, when I first researched gym trials I thought it would be impossible to find more than 1 gym that was willing to let me workout without having to pay a fee. Luckily, the goal is to get the customer in the establishment and have them make their own decision. You would think it's easy to simply try as many gyms as possible without joining any of them, but it's not. So far, most of the gyms I went to, I ended up being overflowed with those happy endorphin's exercising allows your body to release, and thus wanted to "sign at the dotted line" almost immediately. Oh how the mind works.
Here are the gyms I've been to so far.
Gold's Gym- I've passed this gym several times and thought it was going to be filled with the Jersey Shore, beefy, super tanned guys but it wasn't. I easily signed up for a 7 day pass online and went in the following day to check it out. I laughed when they told me the lockers were on the 3rd floor and I almost asked for an elevator. I had the "ah hah!" moment of realizing that I was in a gym and would be walking everywhere. The gym turned out to be great. It's 3 different levels of equipment. Many of the machines have a tv which is sadly my biggest focus. I cannot workout without being entertained or having something to focus on. I went to the gym midday so it was a little crowded around lunch time but would clear or relatively fast. It left me with the liberty to explore and try whichever machine I wanted. Another big plus was that I was able to workout without feeling the eyes of creepy guys lurking from around the corner. Everyone's doing their own thing and focusing on themselves. The best surprise of all was that they had FREE WIFI! I find this to be a major asset if I want to check my email, fb or watch videos while working out. The locker room was fine, spacious and the staff was pretty nice. I liked that I was able to come in, do my own thing, and leave. No one pressured me to join or kept tabs on me while I was working out. Their offers to me, now that I've completed the trial, are: $9.95 for the 1st month, free personal training, and 2 free 7 day passes for a friend. Pretty good.
Bally's- I signed up for a Bally pass online but went in to check the ambiance first. I'm glad I did this, by the way. Maybe it was because they are located right by Penn Station on not so bright street but I was turned off even before walking in. The staff was nice but I just couldn't get past the environment. Skeevy guys everywhere constantly staring at me. Actually the majority of the people working out were guys...nary a female in sight. I get why. They have a pool, which was a plus but I wouldn't want to swim there..it looked dirty. The gym itself is very dark and old looking. Nothing seemed state-of-the art from it's appearance. I got an overall sense of dirtiness so I high-tailed it out of there. Sorry, Bally's is a definite NO GO!
Crunch- Yesterday I tried Crunch gym after signing up online for a trial the night before. I was kind of sad that it was only a 1 day guest pass but it was free so o well. It first I was constantly comparing it to Gold's Gym but I decided to just try and think of it's own pro's and con's without pre-judgement. They have many machines, about 2 floors worth and several of them have TVs connected to them. I liked their upper body workout machines. The showers and locker room area were really spacious. No free wifi which is sad but not surprising, that's definitely a special perk in some places. I did get a few stares from other guys working out but it wasn't as bad as Bally's. I went around 2pm so it was pretty quiet which was nice. I would definitely consider membership here because of all the classes they offer and the different. locations.
Today, I will try a 7 day pass for Complete Body and Spa.I signed up online and immediately got a pass offer. There are a few more places, maybe 4, that have week pass offers or 3-day passes so I'll be excited to test them out. In the end this is my free way of getting back in shape! It's a win-win situation :)
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Fast Forward. NEXT transition.
I'm back. The contract is done and I've been back in NY since June 30th. I had the time of my life, up's and down's included. But, in the end I am nothing but grateful of the opportunity to dance in a 1500 seat theater, make some of the strongest bonds with the most talented people I know, see the world via Toronto, Netherlands, Germany, Tenerife, and Bahamas, and to simply get a look at a different lifestyle.
I was worried about many things when I came back. Would I be the same dancer? Would I still be pretty tame when it came to wanting to dive into something new? Would I be stronger? All these questions puzzled my brain from the moment I signed the contract to start. I am so happy to say that physically my body has gone to the next level, whether my brain will allow it or not. I feel stronger as a dancer. I feel like I have the power to go to that 'performance mode' and stay away from just cruisin' in class mode. I've actually been surprising myself in classes and auditions I've been on since I've been back. I'm glad my body just kicked into high gear because in the past it was always my mind that was holding me back. Can I do this? Am I good enough? Now...now, I just go. I have nothing to lose because I just got back. Thankfully, I spent a few days in Disney with the cast and got a mini-vacation but now I'm slowly transitioning to life back on land and functioning in the city. Everything feels refreshed and even more exciting than before. I think everyone needs to leave the city if you are there for too long. Just like anywhere else, you become desensitized after awhile because you've been in the same routine. Having been away for a year, I came back wanting to see and do everything. NYC is beautiful, I walk around with the biggest grin on my face. I'm dying to dive in.
I most recently had a revelation when I was visiting a friend at The Ailey School. She works at the desk and while I was there I got to see all the bright-eyed and bushy tailed kids come in with loads of questions about the school and how the want to dance and live in the city. One family came in and the girl was inquiring about the Fordham BFA program in addition to wondering if she could go to school for something else (pre-med) and dance. I couldn't help but put my two cents in because of my college experience. I balanced college, the ailey school, work/study and 2 studios, and a part-time job. I almost leaped across the room to talk with her. I gave her my advice and my friend gave her her own perspective since we didn't have the same paths and we had different opinions. While we were all talking, I realized I could see myself doing what I was doing, but as a job. I love to plan or coordinate how something will work out. I really liked helping the girl figure out how she would be able to balance both. I don't know how but I want to eventually do advising for dancers or students who are about to make a transition. Whether that means working at an arts school or a college or even just talking to kids about the possibilities in life, I want to do that.
It felt so rewarding giving her advice and I could tell her parents felt reassured. I feel like a lot of times, or even for me, there's so much information that is missed, questions that people don't know the answer to and don't know where to get the answer. I want to help get kids thinking or even inspire them to think outside the box. It felt so good to help them see the opportunity out in the world. Answers are not always in books or online, it's first hand experience that will really help you comprehend an experience. Since this happened, I was inspired to keep this as an option for a future job or even as a side-opportunity while I audition.
So, as I transition, I'm not returning back to my old lifestyle but my life-revamped. I am now a professional dancer back in NY and ready to take on the city in search for new opportunities and experiences.
I was worried about many things when I came back. Would I be the same dancer? Would I still be pretty tame when it came to wanting to dive into something new? Would I be stronger? All these questions puzzled my brain from the moment I signed the contract to start. I am so happy to say that physically my body has gone to the next level, whether my brain will allow it or not. I feel stronger as a dancer. I feel like I have the power to go to that 'performance mode' and stay away from just cruisin' in class mode. I've actually been surprising myself in classes and auditions I've been on since I've been back. I'm glad my body just kicked into high gear because in the past it was always my mind that was holding me back. Can I do this? Am I good enough? Now...now, I just go. I have nothing to lose because I just got back. Thankfully, I spent a few days in Disney with the cast and got a mini-vacation but now I'm slowly transitioning to life back on land and functioning in the city. Everything feels refreshed and even more exciting than before. I think everyone needs to leave the city if you are there for too long. Just like anywhere else, you become desensitized after awhile because you've been in the same routine. Having been away for a year, I came back wanting to see and do everything. NYC is beautiful, I walk around with the biggest grin on my face. I'm dying to dive in.
I most recently had a revelation when I was visiting a friend at The Ailey School. She works at the desk and while I was there I got to see all the bright-eyed and bushy tailed kids come in with loads of questions about the school and how the want to dance and live in the city. One family came in and the girl was inquiring about the Fordham BFA program in addition to wondering if she could go to school for something else (pre-med) and dance. I couldn't help but put my two cents in because of my college experience. I balanced college, the ailey school, work/study and 2 studios, and a part-time job. I almost leaped across the room to talk with her. I gave her my advice and my friend gave her her own perspective since we didn't have the same paths and we had different opinions. While we were all talking, I realized I could see myself doing what I was doing, but as a job. I love to plan or coordinate how something will work out. I really liked helping the girl figure out how she would be able to balance both. I don't know how but I want to eventually do advising for dancers or students who are about to make a transition. Whether that means working at an arts school or a college or even just talking to kids about the possibilities in life, I want to do that.
It felt so rewarding giving her advice and I could tell her parents felt reassured. I feel like a lot of times, or even for me, there's so much information that is missed, questions that people don't know the answer to and don't know where to get the answer. I want to help get kids thinking or even inspire them to think outside the box. It felt so good to help them see the opportunity out in the world. Answers are not always in books or online, it's first hand experience that will really help you comprehend an experience. Since this happened, I was inspired to keep this as an option for a future job or even as a side-opportunity while I audition.
So, as I transition, I'm not returning back to my old lifestyle but my life-revamped. I am now a professional dancer back in NY and ready to take on the city in search for new opportunities and experiences.
Friday, December 17, 2010
The real beginning
In 2 days the Disney Dream will officially be on it's way to Port Canaveral! For the past few weeks we have been docked here in Bremerhaven, Germany, with little to no movement that I was aware of. To make our way to Florida, we will be crossing the Atlantic Ocean which has been known for being very rough. Aside from the fact that I've never been on a ship, I'm also not prepared for constant movement. They of course have sea-sickness pills but I'm hoping for a smooth transition.
The dance world onboard the ship has been quite hectic but at the moment I am experiencing 2 full day's off. Well, aside from a morning meeting. It feels great to be given the time to relax because we can't relax with so much to think about and do.
A few days ago we had our first performance of Sailing Away which is a deck party but currently we are perofrming it in the atrium. It was a lot of fun to be on stage and performing for our crew. It definitely gave a different vibe to perform shows rather than teching it all day lon0g.
Other than that, the ship is ready, I'm ready(at least I think im ready:...let's go!
The dance world onboard the ship has been quite hectic but at the moment I am experiencing 2 full day's off. Well, aside from a morning meeting. It feels great to be given the time to relax because we can't relax with so much to think about and do.
A few days ago we had our first performance of Sailing Away which is a deck party but currently we are perofrming it in the atrium. It was a lot of fun to be on stage and performing for our crew. It definitely gave a different vibe to perform shows rather than teching it all day lon0g.
Other than that, the ship is ready, I'm ready(at least I think im ready:...let's go!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
I'm here!
I'm here now! I boarded the ship on November 30th! What a crazy couple of days. I don't even know where to begin, just know that there was lots of waiting around and staying in random hotels. But, in the end, I'm here and this ship is beautiful. It's SO big, I get lost frequently but I love it. The best part is that we are currently docked at a terminal and will be until December 19th. The terminal has free wifi and it's fast so when I have breaks, I come over here to catch up with the world. There is free internet being offered on the ship at night but it's super slow. It won't be free once we leave though...double whammy.
We start physical rehearsals tomorrow but so far it's just been classes and fittings. The fittings have been so exciting. I'm wearing so many wigs and costumes and they are all amazing. I can't believe how much work goes into this process. It really feels broadway caliber. Also, everyone works so hard, it's amazing. There is so much effort into putting together this ship that you can't help but smile at the outcome. There's still lots of work to do but my cabin is done and that's all that I was truly worried about. It's a decent size, not like how I thought it would be. I love it. Having my personal space is my biggest peeve and this, aside from a shared bathroom with someone that has a connected room, is a great accommodation.
We will eventually start dancing and I can't wait. I've been eating so much lately because the food is so good. Since our area for eating isn't done yet, we've been eating food that would be served in guest areas. At least my costumes all still fit! The gym opens tomorrow and I can't wait! I'll be in there at every moment possible.
Other than that, nothing else is really going on. There's so much to see and look at so I'll use my free time wisely :)
We start physical rehearsals tomorrow but so far it's just been classes and fittings. The fittings have been so exciting. I'm wearing so many wigs and costumes and they are all amazing. I can't believe how much work goes into this process. It really feels broadway caliber. Also, everyone works so hard, it's amazing. There is so much effort into putting together this ship that you can't help but smile at the outcome. There's still lots of work to do but my cabin is done and that's all that I was truly worried about. It's a decent size, not like how I thought it would be. I love it. Having my personal space is my biggest peeve and this, aside from a shared bathroom with someone that has a connected room, is a great accommodation.
We will eventually start dancing and I can't wait. I've been eating so much lately because the food is so good. Since our area for eating isn't done yet, we've been eating food that would be served in guest areas. At least my costumes all still fit! The gym opens tomorrow and I can't wait! I'll be in there at every moment possible.
Other than that, nothing else is really going on. There's so much to see and look at so I'll use my free time wisely :)
Journey to Amsterdam
Saturday Nov. 27
My last day in Toronto was quite eventful. We started by having breakfast at Cora's, this amazing breakfast restaurant that was only 1 block from our residence. I've only gotten the chance to eat her once before. I wish that wasn't the case because the food is so good and very affordable. As we were eating, it started to snow really hard. which made us excited but then nervous that our flight would get delayed. Of course a few hours later the snow had stopped and the sun was shining. Toronto weather is weird.
We all gathered in the lobby of our buliding to check out. It looked like a war zone; there was luggage everywhere except for 1 tiny aisle we created or people to pass through. Eventually our Coach Canada bus pulled up and we made our way to the airport. Thankfully we got there super early because we have a little trouble checking out bags. There was massive conufsion over whether we had 1 or 2 bags or free. We ended up getting 2 bags because their website mis-informed us. What a fiasco it was trying to tell 44 people they had to pay for 1 of their bags. Glad it al worked out.
After hanging around for a bit, we finally boarded the plane. Wow, I've never been on such a big plane. It's a double decker! On top of that, it's incredbily nice and has great amenities. There are so many movies to choose from, video games, tv shows, and language software. How crazy, plus we have meals and alcohol..haha. It's been 3, almost 4 hours on the plane and I proud of how calm I still am. I was restless for a bit but now I'm writing this and listening to their Christmas music station so I'm all good. This is such a crazy experience for me because I've never done anything remotely close to what I'm doing now. It's quite fun :) Once we land we are riding 2 hours to a hotel, spending time there and continuing our journey. This is definitely a long journey, but I am documenting it and taking lots of pictures.
Right now there's a little turbulence which worries me but it kind of feels like I'm on a train ride so it isn't too bad. I hope this is the extent of it and it will get better.
Until next time!
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