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2011 - - New Beginnings + New Goals!

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to just try one more time." - Thomas Edison


...this quote applies to my life in so many ways right now!


SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT! It's been about 8 months since I've posted and update and that's FAR too long!! I've had full intentions of blogging more often + that's what I plan to do from here on out. It's been a busy 2011 so far and there have been so many changes in my life. Changes for the good and changes for the better.

The past two years have been a roller coaster ride of events that have made me view things in life differently. I've learned from experiences to not take things for granted and that you just have to "roll with the punches." It's not something I always like to do, but it's something that you have to do every now and then. It's the only way life truly just. goes. on! It's the year of a "yes" attitude and time to work hard, but still have FUN. Life is meant to be enjoyed. No more sweating the small stuff! 

Christmas came and went and I've just finished finished my 4th season kicking eye-high. So thankful to have completed 103 shows within a 7 week run! Crazy to think that my body allowed me to kick 30, 900 (300 kicks per show) times and still make it out alive! :) It's a dream come true to be able to perform on THE Great Stage. I pinch myself daily to remind myself how lucky I am to have such an amazing job doing what I love. I'm finding more and more goals I want to accomplish as I get older, but no matter where I end up, performing will always be my true passion!

Rehearsing for the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rockefeller Center

The show itself has some new + exciting things happening for the 2011 season! There is a new number being placed in the show. It's going to be a larger than life experience so make sure you check out the new exciting features for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! We open the show on my birthday this year so I definitely have a lot to look forward to :-) Best birthday ever? I think so!

NBA All-Star week in Los Angeles

As 2010 ended, 2011 allowed me the opportunity to start rehearsals for the NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles, California! Heading to the West Coast with 5 different dances prepared, we had a long week ahead of us. It was my first time performing at the All-Star game and I got to meet so many new people! It was definitely a memorable experience. Not only did we get to perform our own dances, but we were fortunate enough to perform with Rihanna, Cee-Lo Green, and Lenny Kravitz! Not gonna lie, while shaking my groove thing I definitely shot Beyonce a wink as she sat courtside! Hey girl hey ;)

Alex Colby Photography

I recently had the wonderful opportunity of working with photographer Alex Colby again! I'm always amazed at the work he produces. My first shoot with him was a solo outdoors shoot in Central Park. This time, we added my main squeeze! We went for an indoor shoot and rented studio space in midtown. With a little bit of extra light and some good tunes, Alex captured not only some great action shots, but some comical, candid still shots as well. I had been looking for a photographer who was willing to work with a dancer and try some action shots. Not everyone can capture the true image of a dancer in motion, but Alex did JUST that in both shoots I've done with him. Make sure to to check out his site and blog at www.AlexColby.com. Not only is he an AMAZING photographer, but he's just an all around rad dude with a great sense of humor!

Alex Colby Photography

Most recently, for the first time, I walked in a runway show! Not my first runway, but my first time working for a designer in a show. For a dancer, the whole world is a runway ;) Designer Vivian Kong of 15 New York City contacted me last minute and before I knew it, I was in hair and makeup with first-time jitters! She was a part of something called RAW:natural born artists. (www.RAWartists.org) It's a non profit organization for artist, by artists, to showcase their work and network with people in the industry . The artists consist of designers, musicians, models and photographers. Again, I got to meet so many new and awesome people! Check out the website to see who else was there. It's a pretty interesting/awesome organization for a variety of artists!

Designer Vivian Kong with 15 New York City

As for now, I'm currently working on my personal training certification! I've got a lot I want to accomplish within the next couple of years. So many goals and I'm going to make them all happen :) There are so many opportunities life has to offer and I'm enjoying the ride! I'll make sure not to wait so long between updates :-) Until next time, XO!

Christmas Time Is Here Again...Almost!

"You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins."

It's almost that time of year again!! RC rehearsals start in less than 2 weeks, but I've had a lot to get done before then. It's been a great last few weeks to say the least.

I took some time off and headed to MO to go camping. As a first time camper I have to say I didn't really know what to expect, but I was kicking my mind open. I'm one for getting dressed up and having a night on the town, but I'm all for kicking back and just relaxing for a couple of days. It's so hard to believe how we survived before internet and technology. It's great to have access to anything and everything at the click of a button on the computer, but it's also nice to turn your phone off for three days and have a nice getaway. It was fun cooking over a fire and making smores while listening to the sounds of nature. What I didn't realize was that I was going to be eaten alive by mosquitos and end up with at least a hundred bites. I guess it comes along with the trip! I can't say I'll be camping again anytime soon, but I'm definitely glad I got to experience nature at it's finest. It was a good trip for the soul!

I headed home to OH to set some choreography at RDC! I know I've said it before, but I love working with kids who are eager to learn. It makes all the difference in the world! I love sharing my love for the art with students who are willing to work hard at what they're given and make it their own. Rock on girls! Good luck this year :)

Photo by Fame Pictures(WENN)

After I got back to the city, I was fortunate enough to work with my long legged ladies at Macy's Magical Night for the launch of Jessica Simpson's jean line! I still don't understand why people give this stunning woman fits about her body. She's a beautiful, hard working woman. I give her all the credit in the world! There are so many people that talk badly about her, but let me tell you...no one's shied away from following her every move, only to capture it on camera! Keep kicking butt Jess, your hard work definitely pays off!

"I'm not going to ever be size zero, and I don't want to weigh 90 pounds. It's really a hard thing for me to talk about because I celebrate women of all sizes. I think that we're all beautiful. I love my curves." -Jessica Simpson.

Most recently, I got my certification in AED/CPR at the Red Cross. One of my goals has been to get my personal training certification followed by my pilates certification. I have to be certified in AED/CPR to become a personal trainer so I'm one step closer! During this season of kicking I'll be doubling up and working on my personal training certification and hopefully be done with it by January. I've been a lot more interested in a healthy life style and Im slowly, but surely, making changes in my life to become a healthier person. I want to be able to help other people with this as well which is why it's only fitting that I start with myself!

Next up: a few costume fittings and Christmas rehearsals starting in September!! Getting ready to start kicking for the 4th season. It's going to be another great holiday season and I'm so fortunate to be doing what I love.

"A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success."


xo