Cheer Next Year

As I was looking over my blog I noticed how I just been focusing on dance and not so much about cheerleading. The reason I have not been talking so much about cheerleading is because right now I don’t have time to be a cheerleader but I still teach it. The reason why I stopped cheering in the beginning of this semester is because the team I was on was far upstate. It was 2 hours away in Poughkeepsie the team was called “Cheer Jamz” they were an excellent team.

Thinking about it makes me upset because it makes me realize how much I miss cheerleading. The reason I had to quit that team is because it was such a big commitment that I was not able to commit to. It was not far to them if I was not going to be a dedicated cheerleader because since it was so far sometimes it would be hard for me to get there if there was traffic. Also the practice was from 6:00 to 9:00 so I would have to leave my house at 4:00 and pray that I would not hit traffic. Then since practice ended at 9:00 I wouldn’t get home until 11:00 and it was on a Sunday night so it was hard since I had 8:00 class the next morning. It was just to much for me and I really couldn’t commit to it even though when I first started I thought it wouldn’t be a problem. I was on that team for a month and I made a lot of friends they were all very nice. When I told them I couldn’t come back they all were very upset with me. I tried to explain to them that I wish I could but the distance was the problem so they understood and I still speak to some of them still. Next year I am going to look for a good cheerleading team some where closer because I know that I miss it so much and don’t want to stop.

Dance Could Be Very Stressful

Most people think that dance is just about having fun, well being a competitive dancer isn’t always about fun and play. This week has been very stressful for me. Not only do I have finals to study for and papers to write I also have competition this weekend. The competition is "All American" and it is being held in Jersey. Even though i have very stressed out I am very excited because me and my friends always end up doing very well and having a good time. Usually the week before competition is very hectic. Everyone gets very nervous and our dance teachers stress out over the smallest things which does not make it any better.

The teachers mostly stress out about making sure we all have each piece to our customs and make sure they fit right. Being in six dances is a lot to remember so I have to make a check list of what I need for each dance so that when I pack my bag the night before I don’t forget anything for the competition. I have to make sure I have each custom with the jewelry and the right dance shoes I need for each specific dance. Being a dancer teaches you to be organized something which I need to work on. Since we have competition this weekend my dance teachers called extra practices because they feel we need it. I have been so stressed out and I feel bad because I have a bad habit of taking it out on my mom. I have been answering her very nasty when she asks me a simple question. I just been so busy with finals and papers and work and dance so all I do is run around and I don’t have any time for myself so I tend to take it out on my mom. I really just can’t wait for this weekend to be over and for the start of my relaxing summer to be started.

Blast from the Past

I have realized that lately I have been in the best mood since Michelle has been here. When I last saw Michelle we promised that we would get together and do something fun. Then I had a great idea. I suggested that we would go to eat at our favorite pizzeria and then Michelle could come to Aviator. Aviator is the gym that I teach gymnastics and cheerleading in. I knew that Michelle would love to come because she was the one who taught me my first flip and got me involved in doing gymnastics.

She was very excited and couldn’t wait to come; she told me that she has not done gymnastics in a very long time. I got home from school and Michelle picked me up and we couldn’t wait to eat. We both ate three slices and we were stuffed after that. It was fine that we ate a lot because we were going to the gym and going to work it all off. When we got to the gym we did a really good stretch so that we wouldn’t pull a muscle. Then we started jumping on the trampoline, swinging on the rope and using the beam. We tried taking pictures of us jumping on the trampoline but it didn’t work so well. We stayed at the gym until it closed, we were exhausted. Me and Michelle always have the best times together I really wish that she still lived here.

Suprise Visit

On Tuesday night I was in for such a surprise. It started off as my usual boring day. I got home from school did my homework and then had dance. When I walked into my dance studio I was shocked, I love when Michelle makes surprise visits. I had no idea she was even in Brooklyn visiting. She had told me that she just got back from Africa from doing the Sean Paul Tour. I asked her all about it and she told me that she had a great time and what made it even better was the weather was beautiful. She told me how Sean Paul was a very nice guy. She danced for a few other celebrities and most of them were just to into themselves. She said he was different he was very friendly, and that is what made her like him so much. She loved how he made time to hang out with all of his dancers and really appreciated them.

Sean Paul did not at any time make the dancers feel as if they were lower than him; he had a lot of respect. She said that the practices were long and hard but she did her best and had a lot of fun. She made a good friendship with the other three dancers for him. On her day off she was so excited the weather was beautiful, she went to the beach and relaxed and enjoyed her day. The main performance went great all that hard work paid off in the end.

My Role Model

There was a time that my solo practices were the only thing that made me happy and helped me get through my day. I made sure all my homework and studying was done as soon as possible so that I could get to my practice. Michelle, my dance teacher, and I grew such a close relationship that she even asked me if I wanted to assist a few of her classes. I couldn’t be happier. I loved her and I never wanted to leave. She told me that if I assisted her, I would not have to pay for my solo practices. My parents were very happy when I told them that and ever since then Michelle was my role model. Not only was she a great, caring person but also beautiful dancer and an excellent teacher.

I learned so much from her and I will never forget anything she taught me. She made me into the great dancer I am today. She gave me hope when I felt like giving up and she was always there to help me get through it all. Before I performed at competitions she would be behind stage telling me that I will do great and stop being so nervous. I never looked at Michelle as just my dance teacher, I always considered her as my close friend. Whenever we would go to auditions or anywhere we went, people used to ask if I was her daughter or her sister. She calls me her mini me because she use to always tell me how much I reminded her of when she was younger.

Michelle moved to California a few years back, but till this day we still keep in contact. The friendship that we made would last forever no matter the distance. I feel as if she is still living here but I can not see her. We call each other almost everyday and if not I speak to her through email. Michelle still comes to New York to visit since she has family and friends that live here. There are many times that she surprises me and I always get so excited to see her. When she’s in New York we always go to our favorite pizzeria and it brings back so many great memories.

We always have the best time together but when she has to go back home it is always hard to say goodbye. She is always there for me when I need to let my anger out. After listening to all my problems she gives me the best advice. I know that whenever I am having a bad day she is the one person I can turn to.

Time Fly's When Your Having Fun

The day that I was looking forward to most was finally here. My first practice solo was right after school I really couldn’t wait. That whole day in school all I could think about was me running to my dance studio and learning my solo. That day of school felt like forever, when it was finally time to be dismissed I ran home quickly to put my dance clothes on and ran to my dance studio. I made sure I got there exactly on time. My teacher Michelle was happy to see me. She then played the song that she picked. I never heard of it before but I fell in love with it and couldn’t wait to learn the dance.

We then started to stretch and we spoke about what custom she was picturing me in for this dance. After she finished stretching me she taught me some of the dance, I absolutely loved it. Michelle new that I was good in gymnastics so she taught me a back handspring so that she could put it into the dance. I had such a good time and I loved every minute of it. Learning one on one with her was the best experience I ever had. I loved having the teacher’s undivided attention because you learn so much more that way. The practice was an hour I couldn’t believe how fast the time flew. Before I new it practices was over, I did not want to leave. Before I left she told me what a great job I did. Michelle also told me to go home and practice it so that I didn’t forget it. I told her how much fun I had and how I loved it already. I really couldn’t wait until my next solo practice.

Passionate Dancer

In dance there are not only group dances there is also the possibility that you can do a solo, a duo or even a trio. In my dance studio if the teacher feels that you are ready and have enough experience he or she will ask you privately if you would be interested. Four years ago I was asked by one of my teachers if I was interested in doing a hip-hop/gymnastics solo. I was so excited the teacher told me to ask my parents if it will be O.K. She explained to me that it will be a little more expensive since I was doing a solo plus my other group dances. I would have to buy an extra custom and also a solo fee as well as the group fees before every competition.

I rushed home and spoke to my parents about it. At first they told me that they will think about it. That was not a good enough answer for me, so I begged them until they say yes. I told them that not everyone was chosen and what a great opportunity this would be for me. I tried telling them how much this meant and how I will do what ever it takes for them to allow me to do it. They new the passion I had for dance and saw how excited I was that I was asked to do a solo. My parents agreed but made me promise one thing. They told me that I will have to keep my grades up and put my school work first. I quickly called my teacher up to tell her the good news. She was very happy and asked me if I had a specific song in mind or if she should just pick it on her own. I told her I trust her to pick a good song for me. We then agreed on a day that we could meet at the dance studio to practice, I really couldn’t wait to get started. I then told my parents how much I loved them and how I appreciated it.

Practice Makes Perfect

Aside from teaching dance classes, I myself take many lessons since I enjoy it so much. The class which I am in is a company class, as of right now we are practicing for a competition which we will be participating in on April 15. I dance twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday nights for an hour. If my teacher’s feel as if we need extra practice they will call an extra practice on the weekend. Besides taking my company classes I also try taking as many other dance classes just to work on my technique which every competitive dancer needs.
On Tuesday nights I take a jazz class, the teacher just finished teaching us the entire dance. Now it is up to us to keep practicing it and go over the parts of the dance that we are having difficulties with. For instance when we do the dance, there is a jazz turning sequence which is supposed to be all together but it looks very sloppy. The teacher told us that next week we will be doing the turn sequence 100 times until we get it together. Basically all that is left now is just cleaning it up and try making it perfect. Our main goal now is to have fun and do well at competition which is in a couple of weeks.
The class on Thursday night is a hip hop and lyrical. Hip Hop is one of my favorite styles of dancing; it is a more up beat type of dancing. Lyrical is very closely related to Ballet, it is a slower and more graceful type of dance. In that class, we have two dances which we are bringing to competition. Our hip hop dance is great we are almost finished learning the whole thing. Our lyrical dance is very touching, we are finished learning that one so now we just have to keep practicing it and clean it up. I can not wait to take all these dances to competition in a couple of weeks. I know that we will do great as long as we just keep up our hard work and dedication.

Listen to your heart

I couldn’t believe that there is Dance Techniques for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Dancers. That is incredible it put a smile on my face when I researched it. At the Gallaudet University they started a dance group for those who are interested, its “The Gallaudet Dance Company”. Last heard, this dance company had approximately 15 dancers involved. All members of the company are undergraduate or graduate students at the Gallaudet University. They are known as “the world's only accredited liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students”. All the dancer's came from different backgrounds but they are both in terms of hearing loss.

Surprisingly, all these hard of hearing dancers are excellent communicators. These dancer’s vision is what helps them with their communication. Sign Language comes in handy, that is one of the ways that they communicate. Foundamental dance signs presents basic dance signs for ballroom dance, ballet, tap, and creative movement. Gallaudet University is a bilingual community where students, faculty, and staff communicate with each other in American Sign Language and English. The Gallaudet Dance Company has just celebrated its 50th Anniversary, in the Spring of 2005. These dancer’s new that their primary responsibility is their liberal arts studies, there instructor constantly reminded them that. This dance company is asked for financial support for all of their entertaining performances. This dance company traveled to perform in many great places. They performed at the White House, and on a stage in Egypt, Israel, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Peru, Barbados, St. Lucia, Brazil, Guatemala, South Korea, the Bahamas, and France. These dancers really enjoy it and are very dedicated.

Almost Over

Last week on America’s Best Dance Crew, the stakes the highest yet. All three remaining crews dance to the same remix featuring the evolution of street dancing and the final two compete in an encore "do or die" round. The three remaining were Kaba Modern, Status Quo and the JabbaWockeeZ. Up first was Status Quo. Status Quo wowed the judges with their stunts but failing to impress with the choreography. They always have incredible stunts that no one else has ever seen let alone done. I think they focus too much on stunts and not enough on anything else. The JabbaWockeeZ were next. They pulled out all the stops, rushing the crowd and defying gravity with a three minute head spin. That is unbelievable! Could you imagine standing on your head for three minutes! The JabbaWockeeZ are a great crew. The first time I saw them I thought they were weird because they wear masks for the entire show. But finally I saw them without the masks in a behind the scene part of an episode. Not willing to go down without a fight, Kaba Modern nailed the evolution challenge and even incorporated costume changes into their routine. That is defiantly impressive. It is hard enough to dance with one costume on. They brought a new level to the show by adding that into the routine. Kaba Modern was eliminated leaving Status Quo and JabbaWockeeZ to fight for the title of America’s Best Dance Crew. Status Quo started the encore "do or die" round, in which the final two crews create their ultimate performance to prove why they are America's Best Dance Crew. The judges took one last opportunity to share their thoughts on the two remaining crews before America makes its choice. J.C Chazes said “I have been a judge of tough love but that is because I saw potential in every crew here.” He went on to add “I am super proud of these two crews here.” Tomorrow night is the finale so we will see who is crowned America’s Best Dance Crew.

The Meaningful one line sentence.

“Failure is not about falling down, it teaches success; as long as you pick yourself up and work to your potential.” This one sentence that I put together means a lot to me. It basically sums up the main goal that I have on life. When I fail in a situation I try not to get to upset and let it bring me down. I just try looking at the brightside and I tell myself that it will just make me stronger, and work harder. I firmly believe that failure really does guide me towards success. As we all know, success does not come easy in life. Like the saying “practice makes perfect” I totally agree with that. It teaches me to keep trying my hardest in everything I set my mind to, so one day I could be successful in everything I do.

Living the Life of A Competitive Dancer

In dancing school, company classes are a huge commitment. If you are asked to be in a company class you have to know exactly what you are getting yourself into. It is not as easy as most people think it is. The dancer must attend several competitions which means that there will be more rehearsals which everyone must attend along with all the expenses. Being in company classes is all about dedication. I have been in company for about seven years now so I know how important and committed you have to be.

Dance competitions are very exciting, especially when they are out of state and we need to book a hotel room. I always have the best time hanging out in the hotel room with all of my close friends we always go swimming at night and in the day when we are not competing we love going shopping together. We learned from experience that we need to get to bed early and have a good night sleep because we usually have to wake up very early. Before we compete we have to make sure that every single one of us has the same hair and make-up done. I’m usually in charge of doing everyone’s make-up and my friend Laurie usually does everyone’s hair. Then once we get our costumes on and our make-up and hair is finished, we stretch a little and practice our dances. Then we wait patiently until we are called on stage to perform. While we are waiting back stage we all get so nervous but excited at the same time. Then after we perform we wait for the awards to be announced that’s always the best part because we find out how good we did. We then usually all go out to eat and celebrate our hard word and dedication.

Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the stars is a Primetime Emmy Award nominated and People's Choice Award winning reality show airing on American Broadcasting Company in the United States. The first season began on June 1st, 2005 and it is now the 6th season, it began on March 17, 2008. The show chooses a celebrity and pairs them up with a professional ballroom dancer. The professional dancer is in charge to teach the celebrity how to perform specific dances. After the professional dancer teaches the dance to the celebrity, then they must perform it live on the show each week. The dancers are scored by three professional dance judges. Those who watch the show could also vote by phone, text message, or online.

Then after reviewing all the votes from the judges and the viewers, the team which receives the lowest total score each week is eliminated from the competition. The judges play a big part on this show, the head judge is Len Goodman and the other two judges are Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Harold Wheeler also is important to this show he is the musical director. The announcements for the show's titles "Live from Hollywood, This is "Dancing With the Stars" and introductions for the dances and judges' scores were recorded in the United Kingdom. Dancing with the Stars is hosted by Emmy Award winning game show host and television personality, Tom Bergeron. This show is doing great and has been well received.

The True Meaning of Creative Nonfiction

For those of you who do not know, literature is divided up into many different genres. Two popular genres which most of you are familiar with are fiction and nonfiction. Fiction is invented by the imagination which basically means that the narrator can make up fake characters along with a fake story. Novels and short stories are two great examples of fiction. Nonfiction is the narrative’s opinions or facts and reality. The events or characters do exist in nonfiction it is based on a true story. Some examples of nonfiction are newspaper articles, technical writing or journalism. To make non fiction a little more exciting and interesting another genre came into play that being creative nonfiction. It is a known fact that creative nonfiction was and still is the first largest literary magazine to publish high quality nonfiction memoir, literary journalism, and personal essays exclusively. Creative nonfiction had become very popular and still is as the days go on.

Creative nonfiction is also known as “literary journalism” or “new journalism”; it was not official until 1983. This genre really shows the whole picture of the subject which is great because it catches the reader’s full attention. In creative nonfiction the facts seem so real they come alive through the setting or well developed scenes. That is exactly what every author should focus most on; it keeps the reader on their toes and makes them want to keep reading on. Creative nonfiction also presents details which is very helpful to the reader. It makes it a lot easier for the reader to understand the main point which the narrator is trying to convey. It “shows rather than tells” real world facts and issues.

Now that I have a better understanding of what creative nonfiction really is I can relate this genre to previous books that I read. In All Around the Town by Herbert Asbury I realized that it conveyed creative non fiction, especially in “A Lady of Fashion”. The reader learns a lot about the attire in the 1900’s. Not only is the reader grasping all this information but they could even picture themselves sporting these fashions. The author explained in such great detail how the woman did there make up and it focused a lot on the styles of the dresses. It also discusses how expensive all of it was. Creative nonfiction is great because the reader is so interested but at the same time they are taking in so much information. It is as if the author is taking you back in time.

For the most part, even though many people have different ways of defining creative nonfiction it all comes down to the same meaning. It basically is a technique used to catch the reader’s attention but at the same time understand the information provided by having “the author in the work”. It gives the author’s personal opinion as well as giving facts of the outside world. For instance In Bruce Dobler’s Creative Nonfiction Compendium he describes it as “a branch of writing which employs literary techniques and artistic vision usually associated with fiction or poetry to report on actual persons and events.” According to Lee Gutkind, it is “writing which strives to communicate real-life stories dramatically.” As you can tell they both ended up with the same overall meaning just put in different words.

Dancing Their Way to Fame

Every television show is a reality show. Well, at least that is how I feel. America’s Best Dance Crew is a new show on MTV that Randy Jackson produced. There are three judges which are J.C. Chasez (one of the members from the best music group ever, *NSYNC), Lil Mama (a rapper) and Shane (a choreographer). The host is better known as A.C. Slater, his character on Saved by the Bell, Mario Lopez. This show is sort of similar to So You Think You Can Dance only this show focuses on crews or dance group. Dance crews from around the country will rehearse and compete each week in front of the show's panel of professional experts and be judged by viewers voting by text messaging, online, and by phone. One crew will be eliminated each week. This will ultimately reveal the nation's best dance crew. The crews are faced with new challenges each week. Sometimes the challenge is new stunts, one week was a Broadway challenge and one week was a tribute to Michael Jackson’s 25 year old hit Thriller. This show is very good and it shows every crew’s individual talents.

A Dancing ICON

Last week I went to TRL. Those of you who don’t know TRL is an MTV show which views the top 10 songs of the week. At TRL there are sometimes surprise visitors. They usually have a singer whose video is premiering. As usual, TRL played videos and music was a big part. During the commercials they asked the audience to get up and start dancing. Of course I did! Also, I was on television and I looked like an idiot because i was staring into space. Last week when I went our surprise visitor was a dance group on America’s Best Dance Crew by the name of Iconic. The group Iconic consists of seven people. Their captain is named George aka Geo. They got kicked off the show last week. They were great dancers but they could not compare to the other group’s dance moves and acrobatic stunts. They were on TRL because they were eliminated and they were asked to appear on it. They said how they were not very upset because they tried their best. Iconic was kicked off the show on the second episode. Even though it was the beginning of the long journey of the dancers, Iconic was one of the eight crews who were able to be on the show. Crews from all over the country fought to compete on this show so just to be on the show is an honor. I am sure we will see more from these great dancers.

Dancer's Must Be Dedicated!

Being a company dancer isn’t easy; you have to be very dedicated. When I mean dedicated I mean not only being a dedicated dancer but dedicated to show up to class when ever we have practice. Also being in company classes are a lot more expensive then just taking regular classes. Being in company is a lot more expensive since it includes a lot more long practices and going to several competitions. The monthly payments to take these classes are expensive, along with the entry fees for each competition which we attend.

If you are not a dancer you wont understand how time consuming and expensive dance really is. The monthly payments to take these classes are expensive, along with paying for the entry fees for each competition that we attend. Being a dancer includes us having to buy dance clothes that we wear to practice, customs for each dance we do for when we go to competitions, dance shoes depending on the class you’re taking and jewelry to go with the customs.

Being in company class comes with being very committed because we need everyone in the class to be there to have a successful practice. In my dance studio if someone constantly misses classes the teacher approaches them and gives them a warning. If they still miss class they kick them out, we can not have that one person not be there because it affects the rest of us and we don’t want that person messing up at competition. Its only fair to kick them out because being in company you work as a team, and everyone of us in this team must equally dedicated for us to do great at competitions.

School Work Comes First

Being in dancing school was my life! My mother knew that I loved going to dance but she would always tell me that school comes first. She would constantly remind me the importance of school. When I was in elementary school she would scare me and tell me that if my grades weren't good then she would pull me out of dance. Remembering back, I now appreciate her being so strict with me about my school work because in my highschool if you didn't pass a class, they would exclude you from joining any clubs or teams.

In a way it was really good that she did this because it showed me that I have to keep up my good grades if I wanted to continue dancing, or doing any other activites which I enjoyed. She would tell me when I got out of school to get my homework and studying done first, and then she would take me to my dance studio. I used to get so excited and run home to get my homework done. Then, she would check if everything was done right, and if she agreed, she would take me. Even if I didnt have my dance class,I still went since I was an assistant so I would just go and help out with whatever classes they needed me to. Then, as i became a little older and they saw how dedicated I was, they asked me if I would like to join a company class. I couldn't be happier, this meant that there would be more long practices since we would be going to competitions. My mother told me that if keep doing well in school, I could join but it was a huge commitment that i made. I enjoyed every second of it!

So Do You Think You Can Dance

Hip Hop is one of my favorite types of dancing ever. I always enjoyed it from the day I stepped a foot in that class. The reason I probably enjoyed it so much was because of my first teacher, Michelle, she was a sweetheart. She made the class so much fun and hip hop is more up beat and I rather that since I am very hyper. In hip hop Michelle would teach us a couple of moves which is called a combination. We would have to learn the combination and do it exactly how our teacher showed us so that we would know how to do it to the music. The teacher would sometimes ask each of us to do the combination by our selves which is called a solo. I loved doing my solo I was always very out going and never shy. I would always ask her if I could be the first to go.



My teacher Michelle Brooke is my role model. She is an all around good person. If it wasn’t for Michelle I would not be a dancer today. She made a huge impact on my life and I miss her a lot. She was the one who told me to never give up so easily and to keep trying. Michelle and I got very close, I then found out she wanted to move to California to pursue her dance career. I was very upset at first but at the same time excited for her and wanted only the best. Michelle was on the television show “So you think you can dance” and also toured with Mariah Carey she did great. Michelle and I still keep in touch till this day. Very soon I will be taking a trip down to California to visit her and take a few dance classes out there I’m very excited.

Danse Gracieuse

In dance there are many different styles and different types of dance classes which they offer. Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop Gymnastics and Modern are a couple of different classes which I took. Ballet is one of the most important classes that anyone should take if they are interested in becoming a good dancer.

Ballet is a very graceful type of dancing. Ballet classes are very intense, the dancers learn to hold their heads held high, their chest broad, the top half of the body firm. The dancer’s waist down is free to perform whatever skills which the teacher requires. In ballet every movement has a specific name so along with learning the motion you learn what the motion is called as well. Ballet is not easy in some dance studio’s the girls are put on strict diets so that they stay slim.
Many people find this type of dancing very boring including me. Although I do not love taking these classes I just remember that ballet is where every great dancer started. In ballet you learn all the techniques to become an amazing dancer. I remember my first ballet class I was very nervous about; I couldn’t remember what any of the motions were called. The next morning I was very sore. The next class was still a bit difficult but I didn’t give up I just tried my best. After a few other classes it got a lot easier like the saying practice makes perfect. I started liking it a little more because I didn’t feel as lost as I use to. Till this day I still take ballet classes along with a few others.

Cheer, Cheer, Cheer to get through the year!

Cheerleading is another one of my favorite hobbies. When I was eight years old I was always teaching myself how to do flips. Once I joined the dance studio and took lessons in gymnastics, I enjoyed it even more. In my elementary school they were holding cheerleading try - outs for the fifth graders. Of course I was interested in trying out because cheerleading involves dance and gymnastics which were both my passions. The try-outs went excellent and I made the team. Since I was the only one on the team who new how to flip and was so dedicated they asked me to be captain, I couldn’t have been happier. We then had many fun practices, cheered at basketball games and even went to a competition, which we did great at!

When it was time for me to choose a high school I heard that Fontbonne Hall Academy which is a private school in Bay Ridge had a great cheerleading team. When I tried out I made it! Right away I was ecstatic. The practices were harder and the hours were longer, but all the time and effort I put in was well worth it. My coaches were hard on us and knew how to push us the right way so that we would work to our potentials. In the end it made us high school champions four years in a row as well as second in the nation in our division at a competition in Virginia. Cheerleading has taught me many things such as team work, commitment, and dedication. As well as when you succeed right away never give up, just hold your head up high and try again.

The Start Of Something New

Hi, my name is Josephine but I prefer to be called Jo-Jo. It is short and sweet, just like me. What I enjoy most besides hanging out with my family and friends is dancing and cheering. I've been dancing for ten years and cheering for eight years. I used to live in Bensonhurst and then my parents wanted to move. I was very upset. When I moved into my new house, it was very boring and I wanted to go out and do something that I loved doing as well as meeting people. It just so happened that my next door neighbor, Carrie, was telling me that she was going to open up a dance studio in the neighborhood. I was very excited. Dance definitely caught my attention.

A couple of months later my next door neighbor opened up her dance studio and that’s where my dance career began. When I first walked in the studio I was very nervous but excited at the same time. Carrie introduced me to my first dance teacher, Michelle. Michelle taught hip hop and gymnastics. I loved the class and I never wanted to leave. She then told me that I have a lot talent and encouraged me to take more classes so I would learn new techniques to become an even better dancer. Michelle and I became very close. She was my role model. She then asked me if I wanted to be her assistant. I was so happy. From then on I always enjoyed going to dance and learning new styles. After Michelle influenced my life so much, I decided that I wanted to become a dance teacher as well and help other people the way she helped me. Even though Michelle recently moved to California to pursue her own career in dance, I will never forget anything that she taught me; never to give up and always follow my dreams.