Time off from dance...means time for adventures!

So... I've been taking a bit of a break from dance. (Although heading back today). So... what have I been filling my time with? Summertime adventures, of course!

To start... Memorial Day weekend was planned with a camping/rafting trip. Unfortunately, I got sick right before we left... and camped with a wretched cold the whole weekend. It later turned into bronchitis... so, it wasn't the most pleasant of trips.

 We did have a beautiful campsite up near Kenosha Pass. Jay and I shared our huge tent with Heather and Pontus. It was cozy... especially considering how cold it got at night!!  We grilled up some yummy food over the campfire, and introduced our resident Swede to the gloriousness of S'MORES!

Jay - master chef

 The rafting portion of the weekend was incredibly disappointing. We had reserved spots on an all day trip down the "Numbers" portion of the Arkansas River. Too bad the water flow was sooo low they switched us to another section.  That had very little water as well and most of our day was spent fighting the wind the threatened to blow us back UP RIVER. Ugh.

Heather's bro came into town last weekend... and we decided to race go-karts! Oh yea... real deal, get suited up, wear helmets, go fast... racing! If you have the interest, check it out! We went to Action Karting up next to Bandimere Speedway. We went early in the morning before it got too hot... and had a blast!

our racing crew

the boys are thinking of getting into a new line of work

All in all, some good adventures so far this summer! More to follow...

Vacation, baby!

I've been MIA for the last couple weeks. Partially from the Spirit of Ireland production... and partially because Jay and I went on vacation. A well needed, well deserved (I think!), well earned vacation. To JAMAICA!!!! It was fabulous. A week of laying on the beach, swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, parasailing, drinking, eating, sunning, laughing and RELAXING. Pure Bliss.

I can't wait to start planning another vacation!!!

What's a girl to do?

Despite the success of this past show... I have been struggling with dance. Struggling, how?  Struggling with the fact that despite my love and passion and excitement for dancing, I am frustrated with the changes that have been happening in our school.  After St. Patrick's Day, my friend and teacher Mary, decided to leave the school.  In the wake of her departure, the school has brought in two new teachers. One of which I have had limited class time with and the other typically comes to Thursday night classes.  So, why the frustration? Our Thursday teacher seems like he will be really, really good. But.... BUT he hasn't been able to come to class when we start. He is typically 45-50 mins late. Hmmm.....
So, what's a girl to do?

That is the question that has been rolling around in my head for a while. As of right now, I have decided to take a bit of time off - at least the rest of this month - and then see what happens from there.

Fingers crossed...

Spirit of Ireland 2012

Every year, our Irish Dance school puts on a big show/recital. Spirit of Ireland.  Its a great opportunity to let all the dancers showcase their talents (regardless of how budding or advanced they are). This year I was pretty busy helping out with make-up and pre-show prep work, so I didn't get a chance to take pictures. Luckily, there are plenty of camera happy parents snapping pictures for us!

helping with make-up before the show

our a capela number

prizewinner's hornpipes

all ladies Warrior's

my beautiful friends!

Despite the last minute planning and changes, the show went off without a hitch. Another successful year!

A girl can dream, right?

I will most certainly not be as good as these guys, but I like it! And... it gives me hope despite how down I've been feeling about dance lately.

The post St. Pats lull

I feel like after St. Patrick's Day swoops in... and leaves all of us Irish Dancers in its green wake, things become a bit dull.  For me at least.  I always feel a bit ragged and run-down after St. Pats. This year was no different. It was a long, long day... and on top of it, it was the last day at Bennett for my friend and teacher Mary Pearl.  So, not only have I had to struggle with getting back into the swing of things after St. Pats - because no, my body does not want to dance for 12+ hours a day- but I have also had to struggle with the change of routine that comes with new teachers.

As an adult &over... my brain doesn't learn as quickly as the 12-16 year olds in my prizewinner class. My body doesn't want to cooperate when I tell it to push higher, dancer longer, move faster. I am afraid of how the new teachers at Bennett will deal with my "adult" brain in a kid's world.  Luckily, I am not alone in that class and my fellow adult &overs probably feel the same.

To try and keep myself from getting to Debby Downer about the whole situation, I have added something new to my workout routine to spice things up a bit. With the weather getting warmer its back to running, dancing and now... BOOT CAMP! No, not military boot camp. But an all around, full body workout, push yourself to the max, get your butt kicked - boot camp. And its awesome.

Courtesy of Fitness in the city

Heather and I have been going to boot camp at Fitness in the City for a couple weeks now. I am using muscles I never used in dance. And I feel better for it!! I am hoping that this strength gaining, muscle building, full body workout will improve my dance stamina, form and overall performance.

We'll see how it goes - I figure, it can't hurt, right?

Erin Go Bragh! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Pictures are worth more than words

Thanks, mom for taking so many great pics!

The Eve of St. Patrick's

Starting on Friday evening, St. Pats shows were in full force. I danced with the Denver and District Pipe Band. We managed to hit up 3 different bars in just under 3 hours. Whew!  Since it was such a whirlwind, I didn't get the opportunity to take a lot of pictures... but I did steal some from a fellow dancer!



I wanted to try piping and dancing...



carried?

After those shows, a bunch of our Irish dance crew descended on Miss Stacey's place to enjoy some food and Irish spirits. I contributed a Chocolate Guinness Cake... none of which came home with me! It was a great celebration on St. Patty's Day Eve... and much needed moment to relax before the "real" craziness began!



getting our Irish on!




Irish mustaches?




Irish Kisses!