New Years Dance Goals

[pygmalion]

For me, it's that time of year. Time to assess my progress over the past year, and to set goals for the next year. Here are some of my dance goals.

1. Improve footwork for smooth dances
2. Improve body rhythm for rhythm dances
3. Learn to create contrast in my dancing
4. Develop and make a habit of basic arm styling

Anybody else setting goals? Wanna share?

[Sagitta]

The only one I can think at the moment is...

multiple turns/spins

[pygmalion]

Sad but true,Sagitta. Multiple spins have been my goal since last year -- I just haven't accomplished the goal yet. :cry: I just don't have the heart to put them back on my list again. :lol:

[Dancegal]

Not sure about my New Year goals yet. Last year I had resolved that I would find a group to go salsa dancing with, but the connection I had found - found a non-salsa dancing boyfriend and the group split - yet to realize that goal :( . As a female, I am not about to venture to a Latin club alone...

A personal dance goal that does not depend on other people would be to seek private lindy instruction to work on my footwork and swivels (from what I've been reading in the forum, it sounds like it's best to learn this from another follow...). I am comfortable with the basics, but am unsure as to whether I am "looking good" while doing my 6-7-8 part of the swingout. For WCS, I'd like to learn moves for when I have the chance to "play" and work on getting a feel for when I can style and when I cannot (I play conservative-little styling, because I can't tell what could be coming next).

[Swing Kitten]

it sounds like it's best to learn this from another follow...

You may find that the good leads are good follows as well ;)




-- I need to work on my tandem charlestons-- difficult to feel a clear lead from behind me and I get mixed with counterintuitive footwork... just need practicew time for the most part.

[Spitfire]

I already mentioned wanting to learn WCS; I'll do that before the new year so I can use it at the studio's NYE dance 8) - and then surgery afterwards which will keep me from dancing for at least two weeks. :(

[dancersdreamland]

I recently attended a seminar for work in which we hired renowned speaker Brian Tracy to offer motivational inspiration to our representatives. He had a few pointers on goal setting and I would like to share them here before writing my goals.

- Simply by writing your goals down you've increased your chances of reaching that goal. It helps place the goal in your subconcious.

- By sharing your goals with others, you have also increased your chances of success.

- Goals should be written in the personal, present tense as though they have already been achieved (see goals below), and they should have a deadline.

- Once you have made a goal list, pick you top goal. Then, make a list of twenty things you can do to achieve that goal. Nine times out of ten, the twentieth thing on the list will be the "WIN" and you'll be on your way.

- Work on your goal a little bit each day.

- Review/Rewrite your goals daily


Dance Specific Goals (to be complete by January 2005)
1. I spot with ease on every turn I make.
2. I layer shimmes with other belly dance moves such as figure eights, camels, hip circles, etc.
3. When I dance, I stay relaxed with my shoulders down, my neck elongated and my chin/head up.
4. When I dance, my arms are well rounded and soft, yet very strong and full of energy.

Body Specific Goals (to be complete by January 2005)
1. I increase my flexibility through yoga and stretching at least three times a week.
2. I increase my stamina through aerobic dance exercises such as MTV's Grind workout, jogging, jump roping, and bicycling.
3. I strengthen my abdominals through daily crunches, bicycle twists, leg lifts, and reverse crunches.

Well...it's a start! We'll see what happens.

[pygmalion]

Yes, DD. Zig Ziglar does a great program on goals, as well. Hmm. It's been a while since I saw it, though. There were seven steps. Write them down. Identify people or organizations that help you reach your goals. Identify potential barriers to reaching your goals. Make sure they're YOUR goals, not someone else's goals for you. They were all in there. I don't remember the rest -- will have to check.

Then there's always the old SMART goals guideline.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timeframed

Wow! That leaves me out -- time to rewrite my goals. :oops: :lol: :D

[Sagitta]

Wow! That leaves me out -- time to rewrite my goals. :oops: :lol: :D

Hey we all have over a month until the year end!!! :) Plenty of time to work out all the good things mentioned and make sure that these are good doable goals -- not the "typical make New Year's resolutions only to fail to follow through" that so many people seem to do!!!

Dancersdreamland have you considered swimming? Great way to increase aerobic capacity/stamina, less stressful on the leg joints then jogging/jump roping....

Additional goals:

2. Increase overall body strength so can safely do dips/aerials/moves...[I've a bad left shoulder so I am always hesitant when this gets involved. Also am small and don't weigh much (less then 120 pounds). If I need to guide a person who is big and unsure of herself it becomes a battle sometimes!!]

3. Increase flexibility etc by doing exercises every morning after getting up [just started doing that], so I will add doing such exercises before going to bed, except when I've gone to the gym that day!

[dancersdreamland]

Sagitta - Hmm...never through about swimming. I think I'll have to look into it. I think there are several indoor pools in my area that remain open through the whole winter. I'll get more info.


pygmalion - Zig Ziglar is another great motivational speaker. I have never personally seen him, but I've heard of him and his goal setting. I cannot recall all the specific either. I do know the SMART method and have used it several times. It's simply to use and apply.

[Swing Kitten]

Anyone familiar with the book, "The Artist's Way" by Julie Cameron? I highly reccommend it! --Highly!!

[SDsalsaguy]

Anyone familiar with the book, "The Artist's Way" by Julie Cameron? I highly reccommend it! --Highly!!
Umm, but what do you really think SK? :lol:

[Sagitta]

Anyone familiar with the book, "The Artist's Way" by Julie Cameron? I highly reccommend it! --Highly!!
Umm, but what do you really think SK? :lol:

Huhh!!

So the New Year is around the corner! I thought I would revive this old thread and see if there are any brave souls who want to put down their goals for the new year!!

[pygmalion]

I can add to my previous goals. Learn 4 -5 patterns and basic styling for lindy during 1Q 2004, paso doble 2Q 2004, argentine tango 3Q 2004 and jive 4Q2004. See? I actually read this thread and decided to write some smart goals. :lol:

[Swing Kitten]

I want to get myself some shoes that are actually good for dancing in. I know what qualities I'm looking for.... I think

[pygmalion]

There's a lot of info in the swing clothes thread. And just ask d nice about getting some Bleyers LOL! :shock: :lol: :lol:

[ballroomboilergirl]

Hmmm....there is so much I want to accomplish, but I know that I have to be realistic about it. I think I base all my dancing goals on my main "long-run" goal, which is to be dancing (and winning!) at the Championship level before I graduate from college. I have a timetable in my head for where I need to be at certain times, but I think right now it is too early for me to be saying "by spring of your sophomore year, you need to be dancing at Silver!!!" so I am trying to make attainable goals for myself for the short-run...

My Dance Goals for 2004:

1. Make the finals of 3 Bronze events (I made the finals of 2 Newcomer events last semester, so I've upped the stakes for this semester)

2. Not be frustrated when I don't immediately get a step, and not be afraid to ask for help

3. Focus more on Latin hip technique

4. Perfect my posture!

5. Expose myself to all different kinds of dance (not just ballroom...I'm a firm believer in comprehensive learning!)

[suek]

my affirmative dance goals for 2004
1. when I am turned I keep my feet under me and move from my center
2. when I am doing tandem charleston I understand and respond to the leads from behind me without hesitation
3. when I dance, my frame is engaged, my arms are light while my connection is constant, I am aware of that string connecting me to the heavens and I move from my center
4. when I miss a lead, or get turned down when I ask someone to dance, I do not take it personally and I forgive myself for my mistakes

my affirmative business goals for 2004 (why not get your loving support for this as well; after all, what else will pay for the dancing? :lol:):
1. I successfully replace the client that left with new and better clients in less than three months
2. my business life is balanced so that I have abundant time for my dance and my art and for rest and friends

My wishes for a happy and healthy and abundant new year full of dancing joy to all!

Best

Sue

[Swing Kitten]

And just ask d nice about getting some Bleyers LOL! :shock: :lol: :lol:

YEAH! I hear the spin spot is ALL THE RAGE!! :D

good shoes are important... my knees don't hurt yet and I want to do all I can to help my joints happy.

I don't have the specific pair picked out but I'm also convinced that "dance shoes" are not absolutely nessesary (I never saw a pair that I liked and could afford) but that shoes with good leather soles that I only use for dancing would suit mw quite well. I'm planning on raiding a mens dress shoe department or two in my search ;) ... men's shoes look cute when they're size 6 1/2 :D ... and thanks to metrosexuality I could find a pair that are simply adorable!

[danceguy]

My Goals:

Ask more ladies to dance. Go dancing more often - and spend more time on the floor when I do go out.

To remember to smile at the women I dance with. :P

To become a better social dancer, trust in myself to let the real me out on the dance floor. Continue to learn new moves but first and foremost work on my basics. Spend more time practicing at home. Develop an individual style based on all I have learned, avoid becoming stagnant and not putting my own soul into what I learn from others.

Find healing and joy through dance and share this with others that I dance with.

Continue to explore new dance venues and new music. Focus mainly on Salsa but not forget to do some Swing now and then.

Get some new dance threads.

Always be an individual, and NEVER become a metrosexual. :wink:

[Swing Kitten]

now now now there are LOTS of good things to be said for metrosexuality! http://www.swingmonkey.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/drool.gif

[danceguy]

I think the definition is strange to say the least - so being in touch with your feminine side is just about flashy clothes and your appearance? I can think of some much better terms for that type of person, but this forum isn't the proper place for it... :oops: :? :oops:

To really be an integrated and complete male - how about being in touch with and expressing your true emotions...a compassionate heart - not being overly testosteronely and ultra ego competitive? Being a more balanced individual, yet still retaining your masculinity?

No thanks on the metrosexuality. I know who I am, and I don't need someone else to define it for me. :roll:

[Swing Kitten]

of course a thing like metrosexuality is not a substitute for substance-- you will never hear me seriously say so.

Metrosexuality requires a certain level of attention to detail as well as appreciation for even small personal preferences... that's sorta nice... but it is just icing... yummy icing best on a truely scrumptious cake!

http://www.swingmonkey.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/lickfaceoff.gif
;)

[pygmalion]

Um. Metrosexuality and dance goals? How did we get there?

I guess my new goal is to find a couple or three dance coaches that I like and trust to help me achieve the goals I've already set.

[bee_kisses]

Right now my middle split could frighten you guys to death! So I better start stretching. Nice goals people.

[youngsta]

Multiple spins (almost there...really!)

Hit two major dance events this year (LA Congress and Reno for sure!) :D

Enter a few Jack and Jills (Mainly to have fun, but I'm curious to see where I would place)

Continue to hit the clubs hard

[Sagitta]

Multiple spins (almost there...really!)

2003 goals slipping into 2004 I see!!

Enter a few Jack and Jills (Mainly to have fun, but I'm curious to see where I would place) Jack and Jills for what dance. I was just thinking I never heard it mentioned with salsa, mainly swing. Probably sounds very ignorant for a person who has been on these forums for a couple months already, :oops: ,BUT do you know for which dances Jack and Jills are done? All?

[youngsta]

I assume they could be done for any partner dance, but I've only seen them for swing and salsa.

[SDsalsaguy]

I've seen them most in swing and salsa, but have also seen them done in cha cha, rumba, waltz, tango, and NC2 at the least...

[MadamSamba]

Same as my salsa goals, to dance more and to dance better!!!


Oh, and I'd like a few new pair of dancing shoes, a spunky dance partner and a gorgeous, sculpted body like Hanna Karttunen! :P

*Wake up, MadamSamba. Wake up!" :nope:

[pygmalion]

Okay, folks. Time for a mid-year check in. Anybody want to share your progress, or document your goals? 8)

[Sagitta]

And you don't say how much progress you made, specifically as you had goals you desired to accomplish by now!! :o

I'm still working on spins. I can do it, but I'm not spotting well, so if I do too many I feel sick. :( So still working on them...

[MacMoto]

I wrote (not here but in the Salsa New Years Resolutions (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1389) thread):
My 2004 resolutions are:
Work on my (currently atrocious) turns and spins... any tips? Do instruction videos help?
Go out and dance more!

Still working on my turns and spins. :(
Definitely going out and dancing more! :D

[MacMoto]

A new addition to my dance goals for 2004:

Learn Spanish.

Okay, maybe not directly dance related, but definitely dance motivated -- I want to be able to speak at least some Spanish when I go to the SalsaMed Festival next year, and I also want to know what my favourite salsa songs are about!

[DWise1]

A new addition to my dance goals for 2004:

Learn Spanish.

Okay, maybe not directly dance related, but definitely dance motivated -- I want to be able to speak at least some Spanish when I go to the SalsaMed Festival next year, and I also want to know what my favourite salsa songs are about!
Do you have any access to radio or TV programming in Spanish? I was born in, grew up in, and currently live in Southern California, where Spanish is the principal second language and most of the place/street names and many store signs are in Spanish. Plus, at least four TV stations and many radio stations. Lots of opportunities to hear and practice. I can only imagine that your situation in Scotland is like my situation was here when I was learning German; very few opportunities.

At least Spanish is very regular, especially in its pronounciation, so that if you see something written you will know how to pronounce it. That does give you a fighting chance. Very different from Gàidhlig , which I've never been able to figure out (being unable to find a reference with phonetic transcriptions hasn't helped either).

PS
For the words to the songs, you might want to Google for the lyrics. Spoken Spanish, especially Mexican Spanish (which I'm most familiar with), tends to combine vowels at the end of one word and at the beginning of the next. Eg, "mi hijo" ("my son") sounds like "mijo" with the "i" lasting a little longer time. And in that Santana song "Ain't Got Nobody", it sounds like "no tengua nadie" when it's really "no tengo a nadie" ("I have nobody"); the "o" and "a" combine to make a "wa" sound. It takes some exposure and practical experience to learn to compensate for this blending of vowels.

Also, some dialects of Spanish -- including Cuban, I think -- sometimes don't pronounce the "s" sound. And the "ll" will sometimes be pronounced with the English "j" sound, as will an initial "y" also; this also shows up when they try to say in English "yellow Jello" or when they exclaim "¡Yo no!" (but sounding like English "Joe no!"). Even more irregularities to confuse the beginner trying to understand what is being said.


BTW, I'm only functional in Spanish (though not yet fluent), Scottish and Irish by heredity, and Mexican by marriage. At least I'm better off than my wife; the poor girl's Irish by marriage.

[salsachinita]

Learn Spanish.

Yep, I've finally started doing that formally :D ! I've been around native speakers all my life, it's a real disgrace that I don't know more :oops: ...

*sometimes I think we travel in pararelle pathes.......me still working on my spins :roll: *

[dr daffy]

i've progressed! my new year goal was to not only become more flexible than i was but to become healthier in terms of eating habits and stuff

i'm much more flexible now with a lot of practice and stretching and i'm slowly eating healthier... getting rid of some of that sugar that i love so much, lol

[pygmalion]

Sounds good, Dr. D

At least you're on track. :oops: :lol:

[Sagitta]

I've started and making progress on AT, Argentine Tango.

I'm cooling off on ballroom until the academic year starts in the Fall since no one really teaches group classes during the summer. More limited dancing oportunities too. I figure that a lot of what I learn for street cha cha and rhumba can translate into ballroom...

Anyone else? And if you ahven't amde any resolutions now's the time to make some dancing ones to accomplish before the end of the year.

[Sagitta]

Okay the end of the year is approaching. How is everyone doing with their dance goals? Time to start thinking about goals for next year?

[standardgirl]

What I(we) achevied this year (2004) in:
1) We got all First's and Second's for smooth and standard
2) We got SF's and one 6th place for Latin
3) We got QF's and SF's for Rhythm

I don't feel confortable for my Latin results, so I will need to improve my Latin hip movement and techniques.

Goals for Next Year:
1) By the end of 2005, Finalist for smooth and standard in Silver
2) By the end of 2005, Finalist for Latin in Bronze.
As for my Pro/Am comps:
1) Top 3 for bronze standard, finalist for silver standard
2) Finalist for bronze latin, top 3 for bronze latin by the end of 2005
My own goals:
1) Improve my swing and sway in Foxtrot
2) Imprpve my OP position in Tango
3) More "feeling", swinging in reverse turn in Waltz
4) More swinging in VW in reverse turn
5) Improve my BALANCE in Cha Cha and Rumba
6) Better Hip motions
7) everything in Samba! (oh yeah....)
8) Get in better shape for Jive

[dancin_feet]

My new years dancing goals:

1. Create an unforgettable Tango routine to be performed in May.
2. Pass my Final Bronze exam maintaining my high A average (A+ if I can get it!).
3. Do well at the National Dance Competition next June.
4. Continue having fun with my dancing.

That's all for now though I reserve the right to amend at any time!! :D :wink:

[michelledoreen]

1. Multiple spins - do them without paddling with my extra foot.
2. Spot everything unconsciously and with ease
3. Follow more advanced patterns by learning better following techniques
4. Look more like a salsa dancer instead of a ballroom dancer at clubs

[sunderi]

My main accomplishment for this year was making the finals in Smooth (finally!)

I still have 2 unfinished goals for this year:
- finish in the top 3 in rhythm scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)
- finish in the top 5 in smooth scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)

My goals for this year:
- successfully complete instructor training & become a teacher at my studio
- find a professional partner
- do a professional show at a local event
- compete in my first professional comp

I think that's plenty of goals for someone who is still currently an amateur. ;)

[Sagitta]

Les than 1/5 a month to go for the end of the year. How did you do with your danec goals for 2004 and what are yours for 2005?

Mine are:

1. Learn to call rueda (already got good enoughy to join the advanced rueda group which I wanted to do in 2004)
2. Spins
3. Argentine tango


I'll stop here for now...give me yours. :)

[pygmalion]

My main accomplishment for this year was making the finals in Smooth (finally!)

I still have 2 unfinished goals for this year:
- finish in the top 3 in rhythm scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)
- finish in the top 5 in smooth scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)



That's a lot of pressure. I mean, choosing placement goals. Hmm... maybe I should start a new thread to talk about that. Meaning, how do competitors get and keep themselves motivated?

I also find the top 3 versus top 5 goals interesting. I'm better at rhythm than smooth, so I can relate. 8)

[pygmalion]

And, btw. I haven't set mine yet. I'm teetering between ballroom and C&W as my next areas, so I don't know yet... :roll:

[youngsta]

Multiple spins (almost there...really!)

Hit two major dance events this year (LA Congress and Reno for sure!) :D

Enter a few Jack and Jills (Mainly to have fun, but I'm curious to see where I would place)

Continue to hit the clubs hard
Interesting, I accomplished 3 of my 4 goals last year. Time to hunker down on the multiple spins now! :lol:

[pygmalion]

LOL! Multiple spins have been on my goal list three years in a row, now. :lol: 8)

[youngsta]

LOL! Multiple spins have been on my goal list three years in a row, now. :lol: 8)
Mine too! :lol: I will have them down before summer!

[delamusica]

1. Continue to get more into salsa. (I tell you - I will get into both scenes around here - :uplaugh: )

2. Start practicing A LOT more with my latin partner (we took this last semester off from dancing together, and overall we've been slacking waaaayyy too much the last couple of years) and hopefully go to a few more comps this summer/next year. Maybe even get a couple of new routines . . . some of them are almost four years old! Don't want to get bored . . . not that there isn't still plenty to work on with what we have.

3. Finish putting together and polishing the remaining two silver routines that my standard partner and I need (tango, quickstep) in time to do medal tests in the spring.

4. Maybe start AT this summer . . . oooh . . .

[pygmalion]

Sounds like a fun year to come, dlm. 8) :D

[mr bixx]

ok i have dance goals. i didnt quit everyone. my heart couldnt let me. i couldnt let one person ruin what i love most. i also found a new partner to compete with. anyways my pro/am goal is to compete american rhythm american smooth standard and showcase. for my pro/pro i'm doing rising star american smooth. currently seeking a partner for rising star american rhythm. my first natioanl comp is in vegas in april. putting in lots of hard training already for it.

[pygmalion]

Yay!! :banana: I was hoping you'd change your mind. :D Good luck with the dance goals, mr bixx. :D

[mamboqueen]

get a good job so I can start taking lessons again! Ugh! It's been about 6 weeks now!!!!

[Sagitta]

ok i have dance goals. i didnt quit everyone. my heart couldnt let me. i couldnt let one person ruin what i love most. i also found a new partner to compete with. anyways my pro/am goal is to compete american rhythm american smooth standard and showcase. for my pro/pro i'm doing rising star american smooth. currently seeking a partner for rising star american rhythm. my first natioanl comp is in vegas in april. putting in lots of hard training already for it.

Great to hear this Mr. Bixx!! I'm so happy for you. :D

[pygmalion]

get a good job so I can start taking lessons again! Ugh! It's been about 6 weeks now!!!!

Wow. Well. The economy seems to picking up somewhat, so now's a good time. Good luck. 8)

[mamboqueen]

Thanks, Jenn. It's really not that bad. My situation is such that I can afford to be picky, but I can't afford to be picky and take lessons at the same time. My parameters for a job (part-time, close to home, good $$$) make it tougher to find one, but if I wanted to work full-time, in Boston, I could do so tomorrow. I just don't want to!! :lol:

[pygmalion]

Yup. Part-time, in some company's books, means low pay. And as for those killer commutes? :shock: You deserve better. 8)

[Pacion]

Goals for 2005? :roll:

One of them is to salsa in Scotland, seeing as Scotland is pratically on my doorstep and I just keep going everywhere else! :oops: :lol:

[youngsta]

1. Continue to get more into salsa. (I tell you - I will get into both scenes around here - :uplaugh:
I'll let you know when that happens since I'm firmly entrenched in the salsa scene here! :P :P

[pygmalion]

Is delamusica out there near you? That would be cool. Maybe you could help her get entrenched(meaning salsa addicted?) :lol: :wink: :lol:

[tj]

LOL! Multiple spins have been on my goal list three years in a row, now. :lol: 8)

Lol, in other words... Multiple spins over multiple years! :wink:

[DancePoet]

First A View of 2004:

At the beginning of last year I had been dancing for 6 months. I was aiming for my first competition which was accomplished end of January, and then proceeded to my second in March, and my third in June. I started with American style first, doing Tango, then Tango and Cha-Cha, and then decided I would focus on the smooths with Tango and Foxtrot. The intent was to then do Tango, Foxtrot, and Waltz in October, but this changed when I changed partners. The new partner seems to be as focused if not more so then I am, but she wanted to do International style. It wasn't easy to give up my goal of working towards all four Amercian style dances having put so much time into them, including some work on V. Waltz, but the opportunity to work with a partner with similar goals, work ethic, and strong communication skills only comes along so often, so I switched. This caused me to realign my goals considerably, and thus no competition towards the end of 2004.

In the meantime, socially I feel very comfortable with all Amercian Smooth styles at Bronze level, yet V. Waltz is my weakest. I'm also very comfortable with Bronze level Quickstep which was another goal achieved. I'm very familiar with Bronze American Cha-Cha and Rumba, but this could improve, while ECS, Mambo, and Bolero all need much work. Also started some Argentine Tango on the side. :)

Performance wise, I enjoyed both a Tango and Cha-Cha formation team, and had a great time doing a Foxtrot routine where I even got involved with creating choreography!

Current 2005 Goals:

Competively I'd like to do the same three comps as last year and add at least one if not more. A lot of this hinges on how things shape up with the new partnership. Currently the aim is to get ourselves through the first comp with focus on International Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep, and if things work out ok, we'll be adding V. Waltz and Foxtrot next. I'd like to be doing full Bronze by the end of the year.

Socially, I've already started on improving Rumba, and Cha-Cha will be next. If I can find time, I'd like to work on Mambo and Bolero more then ECS, and I'd like to sneak in some WCS somewhere soon. Maybe even some Salsa. And of course I'll continue to dabble in Argentine Tango, too! :D

I'm also aiming to do another performance and it looks like my partner and I will be doing this with International Waltz. I'd like to do at least one more before the end of the year, with Tango being my preference.

[youngsta]

Is delamusica out there near you? That would be cool. Maybe you could help her get entrenched(meaning salsa addicted?) :lol: :wink: :lol:
Yeah she's out here, comes out to dance every now and then. :lol:

[delamusica]

Now and then . . . hopefully more when I get back into town (first night of dancing will be on Jan. 9th, btw - youngsta, I'll probably see you then).

[youngsta]

Now and then . . . hopefully more when I get back into town (first night of dancing will be on Jan. 9th, btw - youngsta, I'll probably see you then).
That will be my first day back dancing after a few weeks off, look forward to it.

[standardgirl]

I am going to hit my 6-month timeline in March, 2005 for standard. My teacher and I are then hopefully going to a competition at the end of March/beginning of April. Right now, our plan is to do full bronze and a level higher (probably preliminary silver, or something like that). I am really looking forward to my first pro/am comp! After this, I guess, I will also have a better understanding, and be able to make better goals for myself. Now, I just want to dance hard, practice, and dance well at the comp.

Prior to the pro/am comp, I actually have two am/am collegiate comps to do. Although I am still working on partnering issues, hopefully, I will eventually be able to find someone sometime soon. If I do end up competing in those comps, my goal is to make the final of all standard and dances, and SF's for latin in bronze.

[MacMoto]

LOL! Multiple spins have been on my goal list three years in a row, now. :lol: 8)

Lol, in other words... Multiple spins over multiple years! :wink:
Same here -- multiple spins stay on the list.

So the list for 2005 looks like this:

- Continue working on multiple spins
- Continue working on my balance
- Continue working on styling
- Go to more congresses/weekenders -- including at least one outside the UK and possibly one outside Europe! (How do you go to Puerto Rico from Scotland? :roll:)
- Continue working on my Spanish (even though this is not directly dance-related :lol:)

[MacMoto]

Goals for 2005? :roll:

One of them is to salsa in Scotland,
How about the next salsa ball? It's Feb 5th in Edinburgh. Should be a good night, with a mix of LA and Cuban style dancers.

[DancePoet]

Goals for 2005? :roll:

One of them is to salsa in Scotland,
How about the next salsa ball? It's Feb 5th in Edinburgh. Should be a good night, with a mix of LA and Cuban style dancers.

Oooh, Salsa in Scotland! Kind of a nice ring to that, but I have my first comp of the New Year on the 5th. :)

[sunderi]

I still have 2 unfinished goals for this year:
- finish in the top 3 in rhythm scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)
- finish in the top 5 in smooth scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)


Accomplished both -- 2nd in rhythm & 4th in smooth. :-D

[standardgirl]

I still have 2 unfinished goals for this year:
- finish in the top 3 in rhythm scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)
- finish in the top 5 in smooth scholarships at my last comp (this coming weekend)


Accomplished both -- 2nd in rhythm & 4th in smooth. :-D

Congrats sunderi!

[Swingolder]

To make as much progress in my dancing during 2005 as I did in 2004!

[mamboqueen]

Congrats on your results, Sunderi!

And Mr. Bixx, I'm thrilled you decided to stay with it (I secretly knew you would!!!!). Good luck in your new partnership!

[DancePoet]

Ok ...

I posted those other goals back there a ways, but here are some more!

Realistic: Meet and dance with at least one member of the DF community, MamboQueen might be the most likely, although I'm sure there are a few others in this area. Anyone else interested?

Stretching: Meet and dance with Dancin_feet or MacMoto or Peach.

Dreaming: Meet and dance with Dancin_feet AND MacMoto AND Peach. ;)

[MacMoto]

Stretching: Meet and dance with Dancin_feet or MacMoto or Peach.

Dreaming: Meet and dance with Dancin_feet AND MacMoto AND Peach. ;)
Maybe the MM-Sagitta fund (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?p=111039#111039) can streatch a bit and fund our meeting too? :wink:

[DancePoet]

Maybe. ;)

[pygmalion]

Find a Latin coach in my new town and get comfortable enough with him to compete pro-am by summer. 8)

[DancePoet]

Find a Latin coach in my new town and get comfortable enough with him to compete pro-am by summer. 8)

Yes! Go for it!

I got an idea ... spend sometime showing up to different local social events sponsored by various studios. Once you have identified who the instructors are, ask them to dance and see if you find one that you can make a good connection with prior to taking any lessons. Maybe even try out a group lesson they are teaching first, as well. Don't mention you are interested in privates, just do your own personal research. Might take more then a couple weeks, maybe even a few months, but such a long term strategy could really pay off big!

If you try this, keep us posted on the results.

[pygmalion]

That sounds like a great approach, DP. 8)

[DancePoet]

That sounds like a great approach, DP. 8)

If you are patient, you will perserve in your search. :)

[pygmalion]

Yes. I've also had some experiences with past teachers that have taught me how important it is to take my time and get to know a bit about teaching style, goals, and personality match before making a commitment. Once I make a commitment (to a teacher or anything else) it's hard for me to move on. Overdeveloped sense of loyalty, I think. At any rate, I won't be making any hasty decisions, this time around. 8)

[DancePoet]

Yes. I've also had some experiences with past teachers that have taught me how important it is to take my time and get to know a bit about teaching style, goals, and personality match before making a commitment. Once I make a commitment (to a teacher or anything else) it's hard for me to move on. Overdeveloped sense of loyalty, I think. At any rate, I won't be making any hasty decisions, this time around. 8)

Loyalty is a value I place strength in, yet it needs to be displayed for a reason. Upholdoing our commitments is important, but not at the cost of our own health. This usually means our loyalty is being abused anyway.

Also, when you make a decision, I'd work into the agreement with self and therefore the instructor to take few lessons and see how things go. The instructor will get the idea you are measuring, and perhaps be more concious of the method used in interacting with you.

However, any research you can do before taking the first private can certainly help narrow the risk.

Keep us posted on your search!

[pygmalion]

Loyalty is a value I place strength in, yet it needs to be displayed for a reason. Upholdoing our commitments is important, but not at the cost of our own health. This usually means our loyalty is being abused anyway.



Yep. And I'll keep you posted. 8)

[tacad]

This sounds interesting. I've never had private lessons in dance. It sounds more complicated than I would have thought. Almost like you are picking out a church. Now that I'm thinking about it this sounds like a natural way to go. When you join any group first you go to the general group function, then you pick out some individuals and talk with them, and after a while you form, hopefully, trusting, supportive relationships. Hmmm.

[delamusica]

Yes. I've also had some experiences with past teachers that have taught me how important it is to take my time and get to know a bit about teaching style, goals, and personality match before making a commitment. Once I make a commitment (to a teacher or anything else) it's hard for me to move on. Overdeveloped sense of loyalty, I think. At any rate, I won't be making any hasty decisions, this time around. 8)

Also, you might be able to get them to let you watch them teach a few lessons with students of various levels (with the consent of the students, of course).

Group classes are a great idea, and a few lessons with different teachers is absolutely a must before deciding anything. I also totally agree with checking out the studio parties and such first - the atmosphere at a studio can often be as important as the actual lessons you take.

[DancePoet]

This sounds interesting. I've never had private lessons in dance. It sounds more complicated than I would have thought. Almost like you are picking out a church. Now that I'm thinking about it this sounds like a natural way to go. When you join any group first you go to the general group function, then you pick out some individuals and talk with them, and after a while you form, hopefully, trusting, supportive relationships. Hmmm.

I've actually got quite lucky with my instructors. I actually was recommended to the studio by a friend, enjoyed the first group class I took. Did the social afterwards. Continued for a while with just group classes and socials (this seems so long ago, yet it was only 18 months). Didn't start with privates immediately, and even then only took one per month or so, just to perfect things I had learned in the groups.

[ReneeJoan]

Dance goals for the next year:

1. Find a partner and compete at the Cal Tech Dancesport competition on January 29, and walk out of there knowing I danced the way my teacher taught me to dance.

2. Compete in the WCARTE Tango Showcase Competition in San Diego on February 3-5 with my teacher and NOT PANIC this time, and again, walk off the dance floor knowing I'd danced the way Felix taught me how to dance.

3. Double the number of ballet classes I take each week, including taking the advanced/professional class.

4. Learn to dance by FEELING and BEING the tango, instead of being in my head and THINKING the tango.

5. Learn to forget the technique, and be free and expressive in my dancing, instead of so stiff and rigid.

That's enough for now.

Renee

[Chris Stratton]

Yes. I've also had some experiences with past teachers that have taught me how important it is to take my time and get to know a bit about teaching style, goals, and personality match before making a commitment. Once I make a commitment (to a teacher or anything else) it's hard for me to move on. Overdeveloped sense of loyalty, I think. At any rate, I won't be making any hasty decisions, this time around. 8)

I think there are two sorts of ways in which one can work with a dance teacher. In the first, the teacher is a sort of consultant, perhaps only one of several, who you go to for help with specific problems, and to sample their general ideas.

In the second, the teacher is really taking a large role in shaping your study of dancing - helping choose the subjects, prioritize different elements, select a stylistic approach, etc. Sometimes they might be your only primary source of input, othertimes you might continue to see others in a consulting role.

I find I've taken a lot more of the first sort of lessons, and tenatively ventured into the more structured sort of plan only when the hints I was getting in consulting lessons of what "the plan" might look like felt like a match for where I wanted to go.

Sometimes I've found it difficult to study with a teacher as regularly as I would have most liked to. One thing I realized as a result of this is that while there is obvious loyalty in continuing to work with a teacher, there is also loyalty in continuting to dance their ideas, even if you have to do it somewhere else and in consultation with someone else.

[pygmalion]

Thanks, Chris. You took the time to give me a substantive and really valuable perspective. I will keep your comments in mind over the next couple weeks, while I'm out looking. I really appreciate it. 8)

[salsachinita]

Mine.....as simple as maintaining my fitness and 'edge', whether I dance 6 nights a week or 1 night a week!

I wish for nothing more than life's lesson via dance :D .....the rest would be a bonus!

[DancePoet]

Mine.....as simple as maintaining my fitness and 'edge', whether I dance 6 nights a week or 1 night a week!

I wish for nothing more than life's lesson via dance :D .....the rest would be a bonus!

Nice idea! I suspect there may be many of life's lessons that can be learned through dance. :)

[etchuck]

I choose my teachers with a combination of references and observations from group lessons. I am in a fortunate position where I can evaluate teachers for the students and give others references, so I take a lot of word-of-mouth fairly seriously (among the social and competitive cohorts). But I choose my teachers based on how well they can teach me and make me relate to what I should do. I can pick things up fairly easily in a private, so I just need a very good set of eyes and experience to break down what I don't do so well.

[Kate]

To not break any bone!

Never broken a bone before this year, and then I break 2 in one year. Nightmare!

[pygmalion]

ouch! Hi, kate. :D

[DancePoet]

To not break any bone!

Never broken a bone before this year, and then I break 2 in one year. Nightmare!

Has everything healed?