Dance is... (by Nikki Jenkins)

Dance is a way to express how you are feeling through movement. Three words come to mind when I think about dance: passion, joy and energy. I dance because I feel incomplete without it. A part of me feels lazy when I am not dancing. It's an artistic form that allows me to let my emotions run free.

I dance because I love to perform. Dancing on a stage gives me the biggest thrill. I know I am at home when I am on a stage.

Dancing has taught me many things throughout the years with the number one thing being discipline. I remember being 8 years old and wanting so badly to go to my friends birthday party. The party was at the same time as my Nutcracker rehearsal therefore I couldn't go. I learned at a very young age that if you want to be a serious dancer you have to make choices. I always chose to go to dance class instead of other things. The discipline I learned from dance class carried through to my college years and studying was that much easier for me because I knew how to manage and multi-task. My life would be 100% different if I wasn't a dancer but it's been a great experience to learn and grow and do so many fantastic things with dance.

let it out

I have met with the students only once since my last blog and I feel like we are slowly but surely making progress. I was happy to have my whole cast present for the lengthy rehearsal. We worked on alignment issues, strengthening and then did a few improvisational exercises. They really enjoyed the work and I feel like they are slowly but surely letting go. I have one student who is "stuck" and I am determined to break her and free her from herself. It is a challenge that I am up for!

While I was working today I started thinking about my project a little and I think I have come up with Section 2. I was trying with all my might to disconnect myself from this piece, however, I am this piece. Part 2 will be my story of grief. I need to face it and heal from it. I think it'll be deep and I want that. I hope my dancer can give me what I want. I need to start compiling my story. It is very scary to expose my feelings. I am not the superwoman I pretend to be.