In the middle of the hum of everyday routine, it’s easy to forget why you’re doing what you’re doing. Most of us have a never-ending list of have-to’s or shoulds, and before you know it, you’re on autopilot. The danger with this is that the original passionate impulse gets buried. But without it, something gets lost in the translation: the love for the thing… and its driving force.

Remember to set aside your to-do list and enjoy. Sometimes you do just have to do things, but taking a moment to step back and look at the bigger picture helps us to remain inspired. The end result is guaranteed to be just that little bit brighter and bolder, and who wouldn’t want that? Take a moment to ask the following (and remind yourself what originally drew you to do this thing you are doing):

•What do I love about doing this?
•What unique perspective or gift do I have to offer?
•What is my vision of where I want to go with this?

Discipline is a huge part of every dancer’s success. One dictionary definition states that discipline is orderly, prescribed conduct, or an orderly pattern of behavior. It’s what’s known as self-control. Most things we do demand that we utilize self-control in our active, diligent participation. Work, school, even recreational pursuits move ahead when discipline comes into play.

Definitions are all very well and good, but what does it mean to be disciplined? It means showing up regularly. We’ve all heard the old adage that practice makes perfect. It wouldn’t be an old adage unless there was some truth to it. Consistently working at a thing means improvement and growth will occur. Discipline is what drives us to stay consistent.

Discipline requires developing an unwavering level of dedication. It doesn’t allow for excuses (aside from obvious things like vomit or fire), or wimping out. In a way, discipline is the opposite of insanity: by doing the same things over and over, you CAN expect different results.

Discipline is closely linked to intent. Intention lays the roadmap; discipline is what drives the bus. Setting intentions creates a concrete plan of action. Discipline drives us to stick with the original intention and succeed.

Discipline is power. Make it yours, and you will get wherever you wish to go.

There are days when every dancer needs a little helpful advice. There are other days when it’s very difficult to keep your chin up. Advice and support are within reach, in Put Your Best Foot Forward, an inspirational book written by one of the master teachers of the School of American Ballet. Crisp, colorful photographs of young dancers and swirly letters illustrate the text.

Practical advice for young dancers helps dance technique and inner well-being. Becoming a swan, for example, means moving gracefully, keeping the neck long, but it also means not letting your feathers get ruffled.

Browsing the pages is a fun journey, and a helpful part of the path for any young dancer.

There is something about the didgeridoo that makes my limbs itch to move. Add soulful lyrics and a well-choreographed melody, and you’ve got music to move to. Tina Malia’s voice is rich amber honey, velvet seduction, otherworldly divinity.

The first time I heard her music, I was laying in the dark with my eyes closed. (I was receiving a massage). The music was so poignant that it brought tears to my eyes. Each song on The Silent Awakening was as beautiful as the last.

I bought her music as soon as it was humanly possible.

This is the sort of music you can’t play just once. After hearing it once, you will want to own it.