An Irish Dancer's Thanksgiving!

Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow and the end of 2013 is around the corner, I would like to look back on this year and tell you WHO in my life I am so thankful for. 

I am grateful to my mom for taking me to Maguire Academy of Irish Dance when I was a little burned out with ballet.

I am grateful for my teachers. I would not be anywhere in dance without my Irish dance coaches, Darren Maguire, Maeve Croke, and Helen Buck. They have taught me Irish dancing in the best way possible. They have pushed me and encouraged me when I felt like I could not do more.  There are no words that could really describe exactly how grateful I am to have them. They believe in me when I have my doubts during practice and guide me to my goals even if it seems a little high and out of reach. They have given me this passion I have for dance and I get to take that with me throughout my life.  That is a gift that keeps giving. 

 I am grateful (at least, today) for the millions and millions of drills we do at practice! I know it has made a difference. (If they read this, we will probably be doing more drills).  The details are very important in placing.

I am grateful for my faith in my teachers. I know that no matter how long it takes, Mr. Maguire, Ms. Croke, and Ms. Buck will get me to the parade of champions on the WORLD stage!

The best teachers in the world!
2nd place Oireachtas 2013

I am so thankful to my Mom and Dad. Without my parent's support,  I wouldn't even dream as big as I do without them making me think it is possible.  London for the World Championships is a great example.  Without their encouragement, I wouldn't be at the dance level I am and I wouldn't have this blog.

I am, especially, grateful to my little sister, Riley. In 2011, when I won 5th place at the Oireachtas, she was one of the first people I saw on stage.  She had made her way to the front row and was balling her eyes out.  She may have been more excited than I was.  I am so grateful that she supports me and pushes me to be competitive.  And I know I owe her many thanks for sitting countless hours at local feisanna.

A big thanks to all my grandparents and my uncles and aunts. They always support me and motivate me to be the best that I can be.

I am so thankful for my dance school.  I am not just talking about my friends in dance class.  I am talking about all the beginner mom's who stop to ask about my dancing and text me congratulations. I am so grateful for the older dancers I watched that made me think I can do better and be better. That means so much. I am so grateful for all the families that make up our GREAT school at the Maguire Academy!

Maguire Academy of Irish Dance, Arizona,-Texas 

Last but not least, I am grateful for all my followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and on my blog. You guys truly motivate me and help me improve my writing for school. Plus, I love expressing my feelings to people who feel the same way I do. I love hearing all the feedback from you and seeing what you think.

What are you grateful for?

Happy Thanksgiving,  Irish dancers!

"Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirits, and the voice of hope that says... all things are possible"

~Unknown

Holstee Manifesto

Believe in Yourself Friday! 

My mom gave this poster to one of my friends who graduated from high school recently.
 I think it is a great way to live. 

Does this have anything to do with Irish dance? 

Maybe. Maybe not. Let's analyze. 

This is my life and I am dancing Irish because I love it and I do it as often as I can.

There is a lot I don't like with my technique but I am trying at every practice to fix it.

I don't have a real job yet but when I do, I am going to love it or learn from it, if I can't quit.

I never have enough time and I hardly watch TV now that school is in session. Good advice.

I never have enough time and that includes time to look for boys.

He must be an Irish dancer because that is what I love and that is where I spend my time.

I can't believe people don't do what they love.  This makes me sad.

I will try not to over analyze and pick apart all the things I did wrong. I did it. Let's move on.

I totally enjoy every bite including the 4th meal I eat after practice. I love food.

I try to always be open to new people.  This sport has given me friends and teachers from all over the world. I am grateful for my open mind and heart.

Irish dance has taught me that we are all very similar in steps but very different in style.

Irish dance has allowed me to travel.  Best gift.

I am often lost when I don't do well but I always find my way back to the studio.

I am practicing for the day those opportunities come.  I will seize them like crazy.

Irish dance is about the people who you practice and train with and how you support each other to bring those steps alive.

Irish dance is my passion. I live it wherever I go.

I hope to get to do it for a living someday.

And I can't help but to share my passion.

******

P.S.  I can turn anything into an Irish dance motivation for me.

Believe in Yourself Friday!

No matter how long or how hard you practice, when it comes to performing all that matters is your mind!  To get to the next level, it truly is  about how confident you are on the inside. In your mind know that you CAN be the best even if you are dancing with a world champion! You can't be the best unless you beat the best. Know that you CAN do it and know that you CAN win the whole competition even if you are in preliminary championships!

Don't ever forget that!