Tumblr and TV, anyone?

girlwhowatchedtv

A long, long time ago (my freshman year of college) I ran a little blog over on Blogger called A TV and A Girl after encouragement from a professor that we should start a blog, any blog, just to get writing. So I did, and I kept writing for a while (quite horribly actually). My friends mocked me regularly, calling me avatar girl (because that’s what the URL looked like)–but I got quite a lot of hits after creating a tutorial for a Glee hairstyle on YouTube. That was also pretty horrible.

But I’ve missed writing about TV (a lot)–so that’s why this blog has had a fair amount of posts on Dance Academy, Bunheads and Breaking Pointe. I’ve wanted to create a blog about TV for a while, but I know it would be too much of an additional pain to handle–not to mention the fact I have pretty eclectic tastes and don’t have cable TV. But with me watching a ton of Netflix the past few days and not getting into the studio or running, I’ve really wanted to start one.

So my simple solution is to start a Tumblr blog for now since it’s easy. involves a lot of reblogging and I already spend a fair amount of time on Tumblr looking at TV stuff. Maybe move it eventually if I really enjoy it and since I have the hosting account anyway.

It’s called “The Girl Who Watched TV” (after “Doctor Who’s The Girl Who Waited”.) If you’re on Tumblr, let me know what your blog is, and I’ll follow you.

Have you ever wanted to create a blog on a completely different subject?

Goodbye, Bunheads.

I was pretty sad to learn that Bunheads wouldn’t be renewed, but at least they made one last farewell video!

 

Some key members of the Bunheads cast and the show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, got together on Aug. 17 to film this farewell dance. Set to Elton John’s “Blues for Baby and Me,” the choreography, by Marguerite Derricks (as always), is a callback to some of the show’s most notable dances. Sherman-Palladino directed the video.

Farewell, Bunheads. You can read more on Buzzfeed.

Weekly Wishes: Last Week of Summer!

Beach

So I was going to fill you in on a short and quick recap of what I did this past week (ie no ballet and no running–but lots and lots of walking) but I’ve instead decided to go with this rather cool idea of Weekly Wishes (thanks for the idea, Amanda!) than bore you with how I walked miles across the city of Philadelphia with different friends who were visiting and spent a day at the beach.

The Nectar CollectiveI wish…to get back on track in ballet and running. And not to be so hard on myself when it doesn’t happen like I want it to. I did neither last week, and my left leg is still really tight from flips flops and subconsciously putting more weight on that leg because of injury to my right foot.

I wish…to be injury free, and for patience when I’m not. Even if it means  missing out on a few weeks of ballet and running, it’s better than pushing my injuries further.

I wish…that everything goes well with starting a new part-time job next week and possibly extending my current internship, and that I can handle and organize both well.

On that note, I think I’ll be scaling back how much I blog on this blog from 4 or 5 times to about three times a week (Especially while working on the studio website). Feel free to let me know if you’re interested in guest blogging!

What do you wish for this week?

Beginner Ballerina Profile: Michelle McCarthy

This week’s profile is of Michelle, who contacted me a few weeks ago about doing a profile on her ballet friend Karen (who will be featured next Friday!). Michelle reminds us so much that you need to only compare yourself to yourself–not to any other dancers! It’s amazing how much you’ve improved, even when you don’t think you’ve come that far.

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When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

 Michelle: January 2013 (33 years old)

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

Michelle: Nope. I was interested, but I think my parents thought it was too expensive and my mother didn’t want to hang out with the “dance moms.” They did let me take gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading for a while. In college, I went swing and salsa dancing.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

Michelle: I was interested in taking barre fitness classes but balking at the expense. A co-worker suggested I take the “basics” workshops at her studio since it was mostly barre work. I took both 8-week sessions and became interested in ballet for its own sake (although it has been a great workout). And I’m now spending a lot more money per month than my old gym membership…oops!

 

Before class!

 Michelle: School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas.

 What is your favorite part about ballet?

 Michelle:  The combination of mental and physical challenge. I love the routine of class and the fact that no one is really paying attention to anyone but themselves. It’s been a very restorative activity for me during the last year after some rough spots in my personal life. Also, learning ballet is the opposite of being a tax lawyer (which is what I do for a living).

What is your least favorite part?

Michelle: Getting discouraged that its a lot harder for me to pick up new physical skills in the my 30s. My goal for the summer was to be able to do a single pirouette, and I’m don’t think I’m going to make it. I am getting closer though!! Also, my “old” brain has a hard time remembering the combinations (but that’s getting a little better too).

 Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

Michelle: Really, all the people I’ve met at the studio. I really enjoy that the students are of all ages and levels and taking a couple of hours to do something they enjoy. I have a “ballet friend” that I met in the basics workshops and its fun to have someone to discuss class and our frustrations and accomplishments with (because no one else is interested – ha!) The teachers as well. After taking a few classes at other studios, I can safely say that classes of all levels at CBD are tough!! But the teachers are always very encouraging, even when it must be frustrating (and hilarious).

After Class!

After Class!

What motivates you to keep dancing?

 Michelle: Getting out of the house! Ballet has become my “mommy time” activity and it gets me moving instead of collapsing onto the couch as soon as my kid goes to bed.

 Do you take any other dance classes?

 Michelle: I have taken a few modern classes and really enjoyed it. I’d definitely like to explore other styles, but am limited in how many classes I can get to in a week.

 What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

Cooking, Gardening, Book Club, and Toddler Wrangling.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

Michelle: Stick it out when you get frustrated and only compare yourself to yourself!! I try to remember that even though I’m still terrible, I’m less terrible than 8 months ago (or even 1 month ago).

 Anything else you’d like to add?

 Michelle: Thanks for the inspiring and interesting blog.

Announcing the Adult Dance Studio Directory

Although we already had some reviews of dance studios here in the past (and you can still find them here for the time being), it’s kind of outgrown its basic function, so we’re launching a new site, the Adult Dance Studio Directory (it’ll eventually move to its own URL, don’t worry!).

You’ll be able to search by area, style of dance, and more as well as submit studio (and teacher) reviews.

Join our mailing list for more information and to get notified when we launch!

If you have a dance studio you’d like to be featured on the site, please contact Kristen at info@adultballerinaproject.com!