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.