I am back!

Hello!

Sorry I have not written in a very long time. This summer has not been one of my favorites.

As you may know, my grandpa was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and bone cancer in January. This hit our family very hard. On June 8, 2014, my grandpa took his last breath at home surrounded by all of us. Fortunately, all his friends and family got to say goodbye before things really went downhill. I know he is still supporting me from heaven and definitely encouraging me to get back into shape.

My dance teacher judged the nationals so I couldn't go. Things happen for a reason and I am so thankful for this. I know I would not have been very focused if we had decided to go. Not being very dance motivated this summer, I found myself stumped on what to write about. I mean I wasn't really preparing intensely for anything; I had no feisanna except in June.

https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheParadeOfChampions

It seemed like my whole dance school was on a huge break, which is nice, but I hate being away from dance class.

And now, my summer is abruptly ending with high school starting July 31st this year!
Eeeek!  I feel like this summer has blown on by.

So, it is back to the blogging and dancing routine I love.

My "journey" continues again as Oireachtas 2014 is only 114 days for me!

It is time to rethink my goals for the big "O" and most importantly, think about the action that needs to go along with those dreams.

Oireachtas will sneak up on you quickly!

What are your Oireachtas goals? Recall? Top 25? World Qualify? 1?

I would love to hear from you.

Send me your feis photos so I can post them on Facebook or Instagram! (Direct message on IG or private message on Facebook)

"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." 

~Martin Luther King Jr.

Irish Dancing During Hard Times

Hello Irish Dancers!

Recently, my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his bones.

The World Irish Dance championship is about 5 weeks away and my mom just told me that my dad might not be going with us because he wants to stay with his dad. Not only will it be a big fight for my grandpa, it will be a big fight for me and my family.

It is hard to focus on my dance goals with him ill like this. Sometimes, I wonder if I should bother going to London. Sometimes I feel selfish going to dance class when he is struggling with this.  Sometimes dance feels like such a small thing when someone I love is dying.

I went to dance class last night and as soon as I got into my mom's car, all this built up emotion just came out. My mom just let me cry. There really is nothing to say. Everyone is feeling like this at our house.

But I can't quit.

I love being able to go to practice and NOT think about cancer or sadness or death. It keeps my mind occupied.  All those bad images in my head are being swept away with every dance correction and repetition.  When I kick or jump that worrisome energy is being whisked out of my body. I am quiet inside and I am numb.

I am so grateful for dance because it allows me to release all that sadness and anger through sweat. I love using all that energy on the floor.

When I dance it gives me hope.

Dance is a place that is all mine.  It is my space that I own.

On the other hand, I am so grateful for the comfort my dance family gives me by asking about him. They know exactly when to ask me and when to dance silently beside me.

I know my grandpa would want me to go. And when I am on that World stage, I will do those rocks and that birdie jump with passion because those are his favorite steps.

Have you danced through a painful time in your life? What did dance do for you? 

My Papa and I 

"Let your faith be bigger than your fears" ~unknown

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!

Irish Dancers: What is on your pre competition playlist?

My parents and I have had this conversation many times about what music  should pump and inspire me before a competition.  After all the practice is done, the only thing left at a competition to work on is your mindset. Do you believe that you can out dance and out perform the girls standing in line with you? Music has a way of putting you in that right frame of mind.   

I always laugh at the music that my mom and dad suggest that I listen to before a competition because it is so.... NOT ME!  My dad's choices come from his love of the movie, Rocky (have you seen this movie?) and his days of playing football.  My mom's choices are coming from... I don't know... a crazy ex-cheerleader / competitive business person?  Ha Ha!

Music should empower you.  

The competition

My parents want me to listen to music that fires me up to WIN so I don't lose confidence when I am waiting to dance at a competition. Music does get you in the mood for sure.



Check out my top 3 playlist here:








Check out my Mom and Dad's top 3 here:

Moms:







My Dads

What is on your Pre-Competition Playlist?

Here is a little article that says that music does help athletes.

"Research has also shown that music can help enhance athletic performance (Dorney & Goh, 1992; Karageorghis & Terry, 1997; Krumhansl, 2002)."

"One good thing about music,when it hits you, you feel no pain."
-Bob Marley

North American Irish Dance Championships.....

I hate writing this as my first post because I had such high hopes for this major. I have never worked as hard. I had never had so much practice time available to me. I have never been stronger and I have never looked so forward to a competition than this one.

I let myself down .

The only thing I didn't work on was believing in myself. After all that practicing, I thought I had enough confidence to get in the top 15. I made the mistake of checking my draw numbers a day ahead and siked myself out when I saw who I would be dancing with in my rounds. I found out that this girl placed in the top 3 at worlds.Normally, I do what I always do at competitions which is to introduce myself so I don't feel intimidated by these great dancers. They are kids just like me. They love and practice Irish Dance just like me. But that didn't work this time.I had all ready resigned to defeat standing behind stage. I allowed myself to be small and not dance with the passion that I know I have.I came out flat and didn't dance the way I had in the many hours of practice prior.

Ugh. I guess no matter how much you practice, it all depends on the belief you have in yourself. Apparently  I have a lot to work on this fall in preparation for Oireachtas.

P.S.

That girl I was intimidated by ended up being a really nice person who was just as nervous as me standing behind stage. I hope to stay in touch with her. By the way, she won my group.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ― Henry Ford

photo credit: unknown