Don't Limit Yourself!

Have you ever heard someone tell you not to limit yourself to a double? Or a triple, or whatever you're used to doing?  My teacher told us to stay in releve the entire time we're turning so that we can see where we are falling, because dancers often automatically drop out of a pirouette just because they are used to stopping, not because they are done with the turn.

Today I read from two different sources about the power of expectations.  The Word Among Us said, "Don't limit what God can do for you, in you, and through you.  Life with him is full of surprises!"  So it's the same with God?  In One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp, went as so far to say, "Expectations kill relationships--especially with God" (169).

Wow.  Today I don't want to limit myself to what I expect from God, or to a double pirouette.  It won't be easy, and I won't do it perfectly, but I think it's what God wants of me today.  Are you with me?

"He must increase but I must decrease." -John 3:30

-Mandy

P.S.  The dancer in above video does a great job of pulling up during her whole turn.  This is key for multiple pirouettes!!

Cupcake Day

This isn't a ballet post... balletic stuff will come soon :) but here's what I have for ya'll today:

Today is National Pro-Life Cupcake Day.

The point is to hand out cupcakes in remembrance of all of the kids in the world never had a birthday, who never got to eat a cupcake in celebration for their life.

Life is a precious gift that is being denied to many children.  Today we remember their would-have-been birthdays with a cupcake and a prayer.

Lord, thank you for the life that you have given us.  Please bring the souls of the babies that haven't had birthdays swiftly to you.  Lord, please bring an end to abortion.  We ask this in Your holy name, Amen.

Happy Dancer?

Hey look!  See it? a pretty dancer :)  Not surprised, are you?  What can I say?  I really like inspiring photos of beautiful dancers.

Oh look... there's another one. ;)

Ok - just one more:

Notice anything in particular about these dancers?  They're all smiling.

So? Here's a little story:

You just finished a difficult combination.  Panting hard, you follow your teacher's instructions and head to the center.  Guess what you get to do?  Jumps.  Hard, slow, jumps.

How do you get through it?  Well, here's one thing that helps me (with hard combo's and dances, unless, of course your teacher tells you not to): SMILE.

It helps!  Smiling helps relax your face and with your body relaxed it can be easier to work.  It won't solve all of your technique issues, but it will help you relax and make a difficult combo much more enjoyable.  It also looks polished and professional.

Try it - God loves a happy dancer. :)

The joy of the Lord is my strength!

-Mandy