What could be the best partnership known to man, er, me?? AMC Theater's "Smart Movie Snacks." I have never been more impressed by a theater's push towards being healthy. Yes, you always see the magazine articles about what to eat at the theater or which snack has the least amount of fat so you can get 2, but now you don't have to worry! The best part, if it isn't already spelled out for you, is that this snack PACK(tons of stuff inside) is only $7. That is a STEAL with the amount of snacks you get verses an average size of popcorn and soda.
The Snack Pack includes: Chiquita Fruit Chips, POPCorner's Popped Corn Chips(minor obsession with the kettle flavor), Odwalla Trail Mix Bar, AND 20oz Dasani water. Are you frigin kidding me? You can get all this for less than 500calories. Even better! Why? So you don't have to sit through the entire movie secretly scolding yourself for having eaten those chicken fingers and cinnamon rolls.
Now the one problem is the lack of promotion of this amazing product at some theaters. I was recently at the 34th Street Loew's Theater and don't even recall seeing this on the menu but I knew it was offered, so I asked. Luckily they had it but they gave me the impression that they weren't even sure. The only time I remember this being on hand and advertised was at the AMC near, I believe, 18th Street. What's the deal?? This is a great product, acceptable price, yet it's almost hidden. I know there are people that go to the movies and KNOW they don't want to eat the greasy, fattening theater food but do anyway because they feel they don't have a choice. I think there should be another promotional phase for this product because it seems forgotten. I guess it's my duty to promote it as much as I can because I care about what I eat! If AMC doesn't want to spend the money to advertise, they could at least offer this on the menu.
I do still however want to give a BRAVO to AMC for at least making an attempt to hit a new target audience. A second BRAVO goes to Odwalla, Dasani, Ciquita, and PopCorners for partnering together to create this little movie lunchbox.
Other recent tastes from heaven that I've recently come across:
Planters Nutrition Omega 3 snacks Perfect for on the go! Walnuts, dark chocolate, and dried cranberrys, yummy :)
Vita CoCo Peach and Mango I thought I HATED coconut water. I never understood how people were guzzling it down after yoga but, put a little flavor in it and it becomes more than bearable. I honestly can't have it any other way. It's just a hint of flavor but also keeps the original "light taste" of coconut water.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Is that a no?
Since I've been back in NY, I've been auditioning regularly but have also been applying to, what feels like, a million jobs; thank you craigslist. As I look at the amount of emails my "Sent" box, I wonder how many of my resumes were actually received, read, considered, and rejected. Sounds like a lot but when you don't get a response, you begin to wonder.
With auditions, even if you don't hear from casting, you hear through the grapevine that so-and-so got the gig. If that's not the case, it's still more tangible to believe that someone was a better fit than you, whether you agree or not. With submission via email, if you don't receive a phone call or return email, it's as if you clicked the send button and your resume disappeared into thin air. I am really curious what happens on the other end. Does my email get received, read, but rejected? Does someone actually read my resume and decide that I'm not a good fit or that the previous sender would be better?
I would love to hear from several employers as to what actually happens "on the other side." I always read in the newspaper that there are no jobs and the unemployment rate is rising. Then, on the next page, there will be an article saying "x" amount of jobs have been approved. Since all that does is confuse me, I'm more interested with what's happened when an employer receives resumes and cover letters. It's not about the college diploma, that's almost always a given even when some of the jobs I see and submit for don't list high school diploma as good enough . If not that, could it be experience? Here's an example:
I submitted for at least 12 coat check jobs at various clubs/restaurants about 2 weeks ago and heard back from none. I have coat check experience, in a museum, but still, coats are coats. From auditioning, I can only assume that the other submissions were from people with 5+ years coat check experience or just experience from somewhere more appealing than a museum. Since I've gotten no response I'm left playing a guessing game as to why I haven't heard back or just forgetting that I ever submitted. The other possible idea is that employers pick the first "x" amount that fit the description, delete the rest, and don't look to see what they may have missed. Considering that the majority of jobs I apply to are from craigslist, I could see this as a possible reason for not hearing back. Either way, this topic is one that plagues me every time I get ready to submit my resume for an entry-level type job. Let's not even get into the amount of frustration felt by those who were previously at the top of the chain, lost their job, and are now over qualified.
With auditions, even if you don't hear from casting, you hear through the grapevine that so-and-so got the gig. If that's not the case, it's still more tangible to believe that someone was a better fit than you, whether you agree or not. With submission via email, if you don't receive a phone call or return email, it's as if you clicked the send button and your resume disappeared into thin air. I am really curious what happens on the other end. Does my email get received, read, but rejected? Does someone actually read my resume and decide that I'm not a good fit or that the previous sender would be better?
I would love to hear from several employers as to what actually happens "on the other side." I always read in the newspaper that there are no jobs and the unemployment rate is rising. Then, on the next page, there will be an article saying "x" amount of jobs have been approved. Since all that does is confuse me, I'm more interested with what's happened when an employer receives resumes and cover letters. It's not about the college diploma, that's almost always a given even when some of the jobs I see and submit for don't list high school diploma as good enough . If not that, could it be experience? Here's an example:
I submitted for at least 12 coat check jobs at various clubs/restaurants about 2 weeks ago and heard back from none. I have coat check experience, in a museum, but still, coats are coats. From auditioning, I can only assume that the other submissions were from people with 5+ years coat check experience or just experience from somewhere more appealing than a museum. Since I've gotten no response I'm left playing a guessing game as to why I haven't heard back or just forgetting that I ever submitted. The other possible idea is that employers pick the first "x" amount that fit the description, delete the rest, and don't look to see what they may have missed. Considering that the majority of jobs I apply to are from craigslist, I could see this as a possible reason for not hearing back. Either way, this topic is one that plagues me every time I get ready to submit my resume for an entry-level type job. Let's not even get into the amount of frustration felt by those who were previously at the top of the chain, lost their job, and are now over qualified.
What about the others?
Yesterday, I spent majority of my day relaxing and watching a marathon of, "I Used To Be Fat." It's a documentary type show by MTV that follows obese/overweight teens as they work with a trainer to lose weight before heading to college and/or the real world. The show is great. I couldn't stop watching and was so amazed by the transformation of the teens in under 100 days. They endured grueling workouts to help their self esteem and pretty much save their lives. The teens averaged about 250lbs each and it was interesting to see how each story varied in terms of how much weight they lost and how fast the lost it. Some lost weight instantly, while others, it took more than a week to see the scale change significantly. While, I personally can't relate to these teens, I was still captured by their struggle yet willingness to change their lives for the better. It made me wonder though, what about the people who go through the same issues but not on the extreme level?
Where are the reality shows that could probably reach the mainstream industry? What about the people who want to lose between 5lbs and 20 lbs? Don't the health guru's always say that the last 5lbs are the hardest? Call me crazy but I'd actually like to propose a push for reality shows that really reach to people without going to the extreme. Yes, many people in our country are obese; yes these shows are a nice way to make people "wake up, " but what about something less urgent but still interesting. How about a story dealing with a guy that used to be an athlete and in great shape but an injury/illness/family emergency caused fitness to take a back seat. Now he's got "x" amount of days to get back in shape before "y" event. Or a female trying to lose baby weight. Even someone who has a to lose 5 lbs in 2-3weeks for a friends wedding. Whatever the story, I'm sure many people are going through this and could relate to this more than the extreme worlds of "Biggest Loser," "I Used To Be Fat," and so on. I would even love a story about someone who wants to get in shape but just can't motivate themselves. I think about how hard it used to be for me to get up and go to the gym and about the many people who join the gym but don't actually keep up with it. To me, the things would be cool to see and relate to. The more relative it is, the more I, the viewer, will be influenced and take action to better my life.
In the next few posts, I think I'm going to be blogging a series of pitches/thoughts of things I've always been curious about. This all stems from attending a free writing class through Gotham's Writers Workshop. It inspired me to re-visit my former love; writing.
Where are the reality shows that could probably reach the mainstream industry? What about the people who want to lose between 5lbs and 20 lbs? Don't the health guru's always say that the last 5lbs are the hardest? Call me crazy but I'd actually like to propose a push for reality shows that really reach to people without going to the extreme. Yes, many people in our country are obese; yes these shows are a nice way to make people "wake up, " but what about something less urgent but still interesting. How about a story dealing with a guy that used to be an athlete and in great shape but an injury/illness/family emergency caused fitness to take a back seat. Now he's got "x" amount of days to get back in shape before "y" event. Or a female trying to lose baby weight. Even someone who has a to lose 5 lbs in 2-3weeks for a friends wedding. Whatever the story, I'm sure many people are going through this and could relate to this more than the extreme worlds of "Biggest Loser," "I Used To Be Fat," and so on. I would even love a story about someone who wants to get in shape but just can't motivate themselves. I think about how hard it used to be for me to get up and go to the gym and about the many people who join the gym but don't actually keep up with it. To me, the things would be cool to see and relate to. The more relative it is, the more I, the viewer, will be influenced and take action to better my life.
In the next few posts, I think I'm going to be blogging a series of pitches/thoughts of things I've always been curious about. This all stems from attending a free writing class through Gotham's Writers Workshop. It inspired me to re-visit my former love; writing.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I am 24 and proud!
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.
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, 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.
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