GP Dance

As I stumble out of bead this morning, my stomach is still full from the excellent meal we feasted on yesterday, but my motivation is nil.  Having a morning cup of coffee I look into what morning Yoga classes are offered today.  I find a teacher I like in Santa Monica, CA.  She is exactly what I need.  However, I have no motivation in my mind.  My body wants to move, but my mind just wants to chill…

So I did it I pushed myself out of bed into the shower and bounced to class only arriving 5 minutes late… Which isn’t bad consider I do live somewhat far away from Santa Monica.

Point being, is that I have this engrained sense of discipline of the physical body from Dance.  I was trained to take class, always 2-3 days a week at least.  With dance, the movement is constant and the body is challenged with rhythm, past paced direction and heat.  For me, with yoga the movement is purity to enhance breath, rid emotional blockage and cleanse energy.  Every class is hard for me to go to, but I push myself to do it.  And I am always happier after class, balanced and ready to eat.

Applying this discipline to other parts of my life, is my journey…  Yoga, Pilates, & Dance are pathways for me.

I was taking my 5th yoga class this week and I was finally able to execute a headstand.  I didn’t think I could do it, but I decided to give it a go and see what happens.  To my surprise, I was able to balance and immediately got excited / lost focus and came tumbling down while laughing.

I was really impressed and that same time frustrated, sometimes when I get in the moment I loose focus. To stay present is my personal struggle.  However, this got me thinking…  As the holidays approach, instead of getting stressed out about things, I am going to give myself a 30 day challenge.  This challenge is a physical challenge to practice movement in excellence and at the same time it is a mental challenge to stay present and focused inside of it.

Is anyone up for it?

Grounding Point Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Carrie Smaczny, stated, “I am so happy that the company is in it’s 10th year.  I am thankful for all of the corporate and federal/state  (financial and inkind) support which is instrumental in keeping us alive in the current economic situation.”

“I feel blessed to have worked with so many dancers in both Arizona and California, who have helped me create work for productions as well as teach in community projects with a focus on dance education.”

For the 2009 season, Grounding Point Dance Company is working on project to team up with other non-profit companies and social organizations to help raise money for homeless in America.

“It is so important to give back to the community, I am looking forward to working with various organizations to make that happen”, states Smaczny.

I was online this morning looking for a quote that is about happiness.  This is what I found:

Happiness depends upon ourselves.
Aristotle 

This quote makes me feel that I have more control in my own well being.

Have a HAPPY DAY!

Yes, we are definitely in a recession, but that does not mean we have to overly react.  The more the I hear about how poorly America’s economy is doing from the media, the worse it makes me feel.  Then I have to shake myself really hard and pull myself together.  Finding the light in the midst of the darkness has been a challenge — so I find myself going deeper in to my practice of making dance and taking yoga class.  

Yoga classes have been my space to be vulnerable.  Me and my mat sitting with my thoughts through breath.  This is where I am getting the most piece right now.  

I am thinking positively and I know America can change, the people of this country will seek opportunities during though times.  It is my hope that change is near.

One of the yoga teachers I study wtih, Julie Rader, said something really interesting in class yesterday.  She said imagine gazing forwarding, looking a tiger in the eye.  That really stuck a chord with me.  When an animal is hunting, it has very specific focus, it’s prey.  I found if I put my mind in that place I could really be present calm my runaway thoughts and allow myself a chance to completely focus.

I tend to have a lot of projects going on at one time.  I wear numerous hats - wife, teacher, doggie mommy, friend, dancer, choreographer, video artist — so when I embraced looking at the tiger in the eye, I felt completely engaged in that moment.  

As I move forward in my creative process this week, in teaching classes, doing housework, creating video work — the image of looking a tiger in the eyes is in the back of my mind.

Have a Happy Day!

“I did get out and vote today.  I felt very patriotic about voting.  If you haven’t voted today, it’s not too late.  Make your voice heard”, stated Smaczny.  

“As an artist my response to the energy surrounding the US economy and election has me quite affected.  I haven’t felt this way since 911 /  going to war in Iraq.  My response was through making work (choreography) to help me articulate my sadness, hope, anger, and passion for my country.  I have HOPE for our country and world, but I feel sometimes so insignificant in the process of our government.  That is why voting was so important for me today.  I was able to finally voice my opinion.”