Weekly Focus Update...Taking Time

Practice has been fast and furious these past two weeks, and it is finally catching up with me!

After almost two weeks of bliss, my body finally needed a day off. Which I spent in the sun giving my herb garden some much needed attention. (There was a mini boulder I had wanted to move for a long while, now...and I did. Well, I rolled it out of my herb garden. About a foot away. Where it is patiently awaiting its new home!)

Then, back on the horse!

I've come to realize over time that practice has many shapes and forms. And incorporating this idea in my daily practice has given me the flexibility to take away the guilt I would feel if I simply could not fit in an hour of bellydance every day. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get my practice in is in little doses.

Yoga flow in the morning, for about ten to fifteen minutes. Then, maybe an hour or two later, I fit in something else (squats/shimmy drill, jumping jacks with isolations, or even arm cycles paired with ooey gooey movement) for eight to fifteen minutes. Then, if the Universe cooperates, choreography focus! Working on new choreo makes the creative side of me blissful, and incorporates the little movements I play around with in the kitchen.

And keeping a notebook around so I can remember what works and what doesn't is a new practice I'm trying out.

So far, so great. This scenario allows me to keep those serious hour long practices focused, and fresh.

Mix it up!

Weekly Challenge One...Posture

The hardest thing to accept, and not let yourself get down, is that though you may feel strong and beautiful, sometimes, your dance doesn't look as fabulous as it feels.

 

A strong performance hinges on so many things, and like all things practice makes perfect.  Feeling strong, in the moment, and nailing each movement...and then, you see the replay.

Ugh.  Did I really leave my hand flopping around like that?  And that hip drop combo?  Am I slouching?

You have a choice.  Feel sorry for yourself, or PRACTICE.  The basics have to be a fundamental part of your practice, but sometimes we focus on the other bells and whistles that they get forgotten.

Each week, I am focusing on an area of my practice that I feel needs tweaking.  (After seeing a few replays, more than one!)

The first focus?  Posture.  This is the most fundamental and important part of any bellydance practice. 

Feet, knees, hips, pelvis, spine, shoulders, neck, chin.  These are the words I teach my students as a check in while they are drilling and learning, both in class and at home.

I have also "learned" a new technique from a great teacher and friend of mine that "corsets" your core area.  The muscle that wraps around from the lower back to from supports your entire upper body, When it is weak (either from concentrating on your abs though crunches that work only the front muscles or general misuse), we feel that ache in our lower backs.  But, by pulling in this muscle and like a corset to support your upper body, you can strengthen your core not only for your dance, but everyday life.  The muscle engages when you are in plank, though not everyone is aware of it and uses it as such.  There are also Pilate's/yoga exercises such as boat with your abs "corseted" (think of an actual corset cinching in your waist all around, but only tight enough to feel supported and not out of breath).  You can increase the difficulty by "flointing" your toes.  point your fee/toes, but flex and spread your toes with a lot of energy.  WOWSA.

This technique is now added to my posture mantra, because this support actually made me feel taller, stronger, and aware of my movement.  So, feet, knees, hips, pelvis, spin, corset the core, shoulders, neck, chin.

Be back with an update!

Time is of the Essence...Or, What Rachel Brice Taught Me

There are days when I wake up and think of all the wonderful things I need to accomplish that day.  From yoga, to choreography, to practice and drilling, and costume creation time.  Then, there are the everyday things...laundry, work, blogging, reading, raising an incredibly active one year old (a workout in and of itself and my most joyful and challenging activity!!), and the whole shebang. And then, the day sets in.  I lose all the joyful and end up just barely accomplishing some of the everyday.
Time management used to be my forte.  I had calendars, white boards, lists...
I call this time B.B.B.
Before Baby Boy.
The other days I wake up and try my hardest to not get caught up in the everyday.  The frustration.
As a bellydancer, or any kind of artist, inspiration isn't always enough.  Perfecting and practice are essential.  Thinking about drilling or costuming isn't enough.  It can help...keeps the mind engaged and inspires us.
One of my biggest inspirations is a person.  In my circles, she somewhat of a goddess...we giggle like fangirls and share our favorite youtube moments, choreographies, and memories.
Rachel Brice. 
And now, we have Datura Online to feed our obsession. 
But, this isn't just about that.
Last week on Facebook, Datura Online had an hour of Office Time with the Professor herself.  Ask a question and get your own slice of the wisdom pie. 
So, I logged on, thinking to just lurk and learn.  But, as I read the q&a, I became anxious.  I knew that I wasn't dedicating the time I desperately needed not only for my dance but for myself.  I saw no way to get in the impossibility of practice when there was someone who needed me and other everyday tasks that also demanded my limited time.
And so I asked.
Honestly, I didn't think I'd get an answer, but, figured, what the hay.  At least I would try.  A step in the right direction.
But an answer I got.  After the giddiness sunk in and I stopped squeeing, I smiled.
Simple and easy.  In a way. 
You see, I needed someone to tell me to take time for myself and my dance.  Practice isn't the only way to perfect your art.  You need to plan.
And so, now I plan.  With a cup of tea.  While ze bebe naps.  Then, I dance!!!!
Thanks Rachel.  Here's to month one.  And dusting of my trusty planner. And a pencil.
YIEP!!


Check out Datura Online and the awe inspiring awesomeness for yourself!!!