Mm Mm Monday - Colleena Shakti

To help you through your Monday is the beautiful Colleena Shakti. Here she performs an Odissi Dance, one of the eight classical Indian dances. This dance is unique for its specific way to strike the feet and elegant hand movements. Colleena's strength and grace make this powerful dance extra scrumptious. Enjoy!

Mm Mm Monday - Nomaditude, Students of Deep Roots Dance

Every teacher is allowed to indulge her sense of pride and slot her dancers into their list of "Mm Mm!!" My students performed at a Halloween Hafla a week ago, and so I offer them up, with joy and admiration, for this week's installment.

Stage Fright is a Gift

Students often come to me and ask advice on eliminating stage fright. They feel nervous, fluttery, jittery, even a little nauseated. And I tell them that a little stage fright is a GOOD THING. Yep. Stage fright means you care! If you didn't have some fear, then your attitude would possibly be one of overconfidence or even lazy. This article says it well:

"If you ever get to a point in your career where you start feeling nothing and walk on-stage as if it’s no different than going for a walk in the park (i.e. it’s just another day, another venue, and you’re just mailing it in), your audience is probably not going to get the best performance you have to offer."

Would it surprise you to learn that some of the most accomplished performers throughout history have incredible stage fright? Singers, dancers, actors, even athletes--you name it. But harnessing your fear and turning it into an energized and engaging performance is a skill you can learn. Being present in the moment, and channeling your desire to do well into heightened awareness and enthusiasm is the key.

Should I Practice? A Helpful Chart.

Shut Up and Shimmy - Featuring Carmen!

Our very own Carmen Bellotti was the featured guest on the local podcast, Shut Up and Shimmy. Give it a listen and hear what it's like to go from student, to performer, to teacher, and all the challenges and joys it brings to grow in this dance. WAY TO GO CARMEN! Lelelelelelele!

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