Blogging from the Heart

Remember that time in your life when you could eat as much as you want and not worry about gaining a single pound? Hmmmm... I don't! I was never someone who had one of those amazing metabolisms that allowed me to eat without thought and sit for days at a time.

University was a struggle for me. I gained the "Freshman 15" or 20lbs for myself. I remember cursing, my then, fiancé as he devoured burger after burger in front of the TV while I settled for the healthier options, salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and attended the gym 3-5 times a week on top of my dance schedule. I worked for my body.

Fast forward 10 years. My weight has stayed consistent with my young adult self. In fact after two kids I am in the best physical shape of my life. Dance and fitness have become a part of my lifestyle. I hate days I don't get to work out. My physical and more importantly mental health need that daily dose of sweat.

That fiancé, Chris, has become my loving husband, father to our two girls, and partner in our dance business. Our business is built on the foundation that dance is a wonderful way to remain fit and healthy. But one partner has not quite been living up to our wellness philosophy.

10 years and two kids later Chris has been struggling with his health. Being a web designer results in a lot of sitting. And that amazing metabolism? Well once he hit 30 it disappeared. Chris has tried a few times to make a change but nothing seemed to stick. Something had to change.

Enter Erik. Our J'Adore Dance Dude! Erik has been dancing with us since we opened the doors of our Lendrum studio. Despite being surrounded by women, Erik owns the dance floor! But Erik has some of his own fitness and health challenges.

Erik and Chris have become good buddies and I know there is strength in numbers. I encouraged Chris to take that competitive spirit he had in High School athletics and enlist Erik in a fitness challenge in the new year. To my surprise they both thought it was a great idea.

So here is the starting point of the J'Adore Dance Dudes Health and Weight Loss Challenge. On January 1 with the help of Erik's lovely wife (and J'Adore Dance Administrative Assistant) we took the guys' starting measurements, weight, and even some before pictures (which I have promised not to reveal until the end of the challenge).

Both Dudes are starting pretty much even! The one thing I am allowed to share is their starting weight. On January 1 both were weighing in at 179lbs. Both were over the healthy range for BMI (Body Mass Index). Both want to change that. But rather then tell you their challenges, goals, and plans myself, I'll let them share that with you in their own words.

If you're interested in joining them on this journey please contact us! The more the merrier! It's never too late to make a commitment to fitness.

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Chris

Challenges:

I've never enjoyed just working out, and it's gotten much harder as I've gotten older (and I'm kinda lazy). The times in my life when I was in the best shape were when I was playing sports in high school and when I rode my bike to work because I didn't have a car. Working out without an objective or goal (other than getting in shape) has always been difficult for me.

Another challenge for me is that until my mid 20s, I really didn't have to watch what I ate. I was a skinny kid, and my metabolism kept me skinny. When my metabolism slowed down in my 20's, I started gaining weight. I haven't paid enough attention to what I've been eating for the past five years or so and it has contributed to my current (overweight) situation.

Goals:

1. To be healthy. Lately (especially as I indulged over the holidays) I've been suffering from more heartburn and indigestion due to my poor eating habits. I also have pretty poor muscle endurance and get tired very fast when doing anything physical. With proper nutrition and regular exercise I could take care of both these problems, and probably live longer too!

2. To be a positive role-model for my kids. Our eldest daughter Bria is quite an active kid. She's taken after her mother and enjoys dancing and moving, and can't seem to sit still. Our second, Malia, takes after me and spends a lot of time sitting and watching, not participating. I'd like to encourage her to be more active and can't really do that without being more active myself.

3. To look better. Ok, this one is kinda vain, but who doesn't want to look better? If I looked better, my self-esteem and confidence would improve. I'd like to drop 10 pounds and increase my strength and muscle mass.

Nutrition plan:

I haven't completely decided on what my plan will be. So far I've been tracking my caloric intake with an iPhone app (MyFitnessPal) and it seems to be working pretty well. I think the biggest thing for me is actually realizing how many calories I'm eating everyday instead of blindly stuffing myself.

I'm also considering trying the Weight Watchers point system to track my eating.

Fitness plan:

For now, my plan is to ride my bike (I've got a trainer that I attach my bike to for indoor use in the winter) at least 4 days a week (but I'm aiming for 6 days a week), and do the Turbo Kick class offered at J'Adore Dance on Tuesday evenings. I'm doing a little bit of body-weight strength training too. Once I drop 10 pounds and I'm not dieting quite as hard, I'd like to increase my strength training and build muscle. I'm considering joining the YMCA as they offer 2 sessions a month with a personal trainer (included with your membership), and I lack knowledge when it comes to proper exercise technique.

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Erik

Challenges

Eat Healthier – I used to eat a lot of junk food every day, drink at least 1 can of pop a day, and hardly eat any vegetables or fruits. It was awesome. Cutting my favorite junk food, quitting my late night snacks, and trading it for fruits, vegetables and more "unprocessed foods" is going to be very not fun...

Taking Breaks – I suck at healthy eating, but I'm actually really good at exercising. This is going to sound weird but one major challenge will be to NOT go to the gym. Between the gym and classes at J’Adore, I exercise so often that it can trick me into thinking that if I take a day off to rest, it will undo all the progress I’ve made. I have to be careful; rest is just as important as activity. Plus I'm trying to avoid another Jessica lecture on the dangers of over-exertion.

Planning – Figuring out a smart, healthy exercise and nutrition program with realistic goals is a big challenge. I just know I want to lose weight and look good, but I might not know how to do that in a safe, optimal way. This includes taking time to educate my dumb self: learn how to exercise and eat properly so I can plan my meals and activities in the best way possible.
Consistency -- I predict I'll be pretty good on a day-to-day basis, but I'll be curious to see how long I can actually maintain these new healthy habits. Worst case scenario: I reach all my fitness goals, but then slack off and end up putting all the weight back on again. Lame!

Goals

Look Good – My #1 goal is pretty straightforward: a rockin’ bod. I'm so over my muffin top. Let's ditch that and swap in a 6-pack. While we're at it, let's lose a little bit around the face and neck too. By the end of this fitness challenge, I want to look like I could be on True Blood.

Build Endurance – I’d like to be able to get into good enough shape to lead a Fit Hop class. I’ve been saying that for over a year, but it’s time to actually get on that. I'd love to be able to finish one of Jessica's classes without always ending up on the floor staring up at the ceiling and whining "I'm comin', grandpa...!!"

Nutrition Plan

Moderation -- I refuse to cut my favorite foods out completely; I believe that will just cause an emotional and mental strain that will ultimately do more damage than good. I'll still give myself the occassional treat, but it'll be part of a much more balanced diet. And I'm too lazy to count calories or Weight Watchers points. 1 + 1 = Doritos is the only math I like anyway.

Portions -- This will be especially important at restaurants where I definitely do not plan on ordering "salad." If I end up with a plate full of heavy food, I'll control it by portioning it.

Water -- I've never preferred water over pop. That has to change. I'll now try to drink as much water as I'm supposed to.

Eat Less More Frequently -- By making sure I eat healthy throughout the day, I'm hoping I don't do what I normally do, which is to let myself get hungry and go for a quick, easy junk food snack.

Prep Food in Advance -- I used to go to work with no food, meaning I'd end up buying my lunches and snacks at the mall food courts, which of course were all fast food. I've stopped doing that: I'm now preparing lunches the night before (including healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt) and bringing them to work. I don't like taking time out of my evenings to do that, but so far it's keeping me away from my beloved McDonald's at lunch time. Hopefully it's also saving me money too.

Exercise Plan

The Gym -- There's a World Health Club right across the street from my office, so I literally cannot use the excuse "it's not convenient." I usually do the noon hour fitness classes, and I do weights after work. I'm in the gym 6 out of 7 days a week.
Exercise Dates -- Inviting a friend to join me at one of the fitness classes at my gym is a fun way to hang out together, and get in some exercise at the same time. I'll usually invite a co-worker to do one of my noon-hour classes with me, and invite a friend to drop in to a class at J'Adore or at my gym.
Personal Trainer -- I hired a personal trainer who I meet with every 7-10 days, giving me a new set of exercises each time. If you look at my personal calendar, you'll know which days I'm scheduled to meet with her because there'll be a 5pm appointment listed as "Pain Day."
J'Adore Dance -- The studio is where I get my cardio, and it's definitely my favorite workout. With my pass, I'll be taking the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday adult classes. Even Ballet.
Sleep -- I love to stay up late and get up early, both during the week and especially on weekends when I usually don't go to bed til 2am but then I get up at 6am. I'm told that it will help if I give my body more sleep, so I'm now trying to be in bed by a boring "old people" 11pm every night. Oh well.

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The challenge will go until May 15. We will keep you posted on the guys progress! Let's cheer them on the whole way! I myself am super proud of them for making this positive change!

Jessica

Being a small business owner can be tough.... ok that was the understatement of the year, let me try again. Being a small business owner is the hardest thing I have ever done!

And that is on the good days, when your hours upon hours of planning and preparation come together, when your "systems" (that you spent years painstakingly developing) finally flow the way the business experts say they should, and when you don't get surprised by any annoyances, headaches or emergencies.

These days happen about as often as the full moon. Just regularly enough to keep you driven and committed to your vision. Often enough that you don't just give up...

But it is those other times, when real life happens, that test the small business model and the owner. Like a precocious three year old, repeatedly pushing your buttons to test boundaries (and your patience), while you say through gritted teeth " Because I said so that's why....."

Of course it is in these moments that life tries to test you again. Riiiggghht when you are at the limit.... And just like parenting a trying, testing three year old, you have a choice. You can freak out, scream, yell, and lose your stuff! Which feels so good.... for about a minute....Or you can search inside yourself for that place of zen like calm where you cling to your plans and beliefs long enough to make it through. Without selling your child to the gypsies. Without giving up on your business.

And yes sometimes a glass of wine is involved.

Most small businesses fail in the first 5 years. This week was a reminder to me why that happens. Why it can happen to small businesses that have their systems in place, that are prepared and planned. Small businesses fall victim to the very reason I love running a business! The human factor.

This week my administrative assistant, Athena, who I consider to be in my Framily (friends who are your extended family), lost her step dad to cancer.

I HATE cancer.

Having lost both a grandmother and grandfather to cancer I knew how hard this week was going to be for Athena.

Actually, I didn't. I knew how hard my experience with my grandparents’ battle with cancer had been. How it had affected our family. I can only imagine how much harder it is losing your dad...

I did what I could to help. What a friend would do. I made homemade meals so they didn't have to worry about cooking (and so they would eat). I stayed in touch via text with Erik (Athena's hubby who is also part of my Framily) to make sure he was coping ok, to see if there was anyway I could help him or Athena, and sometimes just sending a joke or virtual hug. I thought about them everyday, all day.

When your people hurt, you hurt along with them. You hope, wish, pray that things will be easier, gentler. Even though you know it might not be. You wait with open arms and ears for when they are ready for real hugs and conversation.

That is what Framily is all about.

But what about your small business? What about the realities that you need your administrative assistant, because it just so happens to be the same week you start registrations for your winter programs, one of the busiest administrative times of the year. Add in the fact that you teach 20 hours of dance a week. Usually work another 25-35 hours on top of that in program development, marketing, networking, scheduling, etc, etc, etc! Remember what I said about these things happening when you're right at your limit?

There it is, the human factor. Small businesses do not have the staffing power or personnel to simply call in someone else to cover. There isn't a large bureaucratic systems and services in place for family illness, deaths, emergency situations. Small businesses run based on the motivation and passion of the team. The power of the team's drive is often what determines whether the small business will sink or swim when real life happens.

J'Adore Dance is highly driven.

This week we made it work. We made it work for Athena, for her step dad, for her family, for our team. I taught my classes, did lesson plans, wrote proposals, took care of marketing, all while answering phone, responding to emails, taking registrations and manning the front desk. My team stepped up by helping to clean the studio, do errands, and generally get to things before I even had a chance to think about them.

And there it is again, the human factor!

What makes us vulnerable as small businesses is also what has the potential to make us thrive! We believe in each other, we believe in our vision, we believe that our professional and personal life can work together. It's not always easy. In fact much of the time is incredibly hard. But it is satisfying when you get it right. When the TEAM gets it right.

Was it perfect? No. Were there some people who were a bit irritated it took us longer then normal to get back to them? Yes. But when we were honest and transparent about what was going on, most of them understood, were supportive, and rallied us onwards and upwards.

People appreciate that at J'Adore Dance we are vulnerable enough to talk about our human factor, because it is what has always been so special about our programs, our instructors, our studio. It is a place where the human factor is celebrated!

If at any point in my career my small business grows into a big business I am sure I will enjoy and appreciate the perks of a larger system, a bit more security to fall back on. But I hope we never lose the human factor. I believe that there is a way to run a successful business and retain the joys of humanity. We just have to believe in it together, as a team!

I didn't grow up going to a traditional dance studio studying Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. In fact, until I was in high school my actual formal dance technique was fairly limited compared to the girls in the dance classes at the fine arts high school I attended. However, what I learned very quickly was that mattered little in terms of catching on and catching up. It certainly didn't impact my ability to perform alongside my more technically savvy peers.

I figured out pretty early on I didn't have the typical "dancers body". My legs weren't long enough, my flexibility was only average, my turn out was pretty pathetic. But I didn't care. I loved to dance. I decided that despite these short comings I was a good dancer. Maybe even great! What I lacked in body type and technique I more then made up with in my understanding of dance as a language and my ability to communicate this to an audience. I owe a lot of that to my first dance experiences at the Creative Dance Theatre with Sally Carline .

Sally was the first teacher who influenced my life greatly. I was a very crazy active child. I had trouble focusing unless I was very invested in what was happening around me. I talked a lot. My parents were wise enough to realize a more formal ballet program was not going to be the right place for me as a young child. Every Saturday for 8 years Sally's dance classes allowed me to move as much as I wanted and needed, where my expressive and creative side was appreciated and nurtured, and where I learned I could communicate as much with my body as I did with my mouth.

People often have the incorrect assumption that creative dance is dancing like a tree, or a flower, in strange pantomime to new age music. That it is without structure. That it is the flaky, floaty cousin to ballet, jazz, or tap. That it is with limited value.

However, masterfully crafted, conceptually based creative dance is the ideal way to introduce young children to dance and can easily continue to be incorporated into any style of dance and technique.

What Are Dance Concepts?

Dance concepts are based on the work of Rudolf Laban. Laban Movement Analysis is a way of creating, describing, and understanding any kind of human movement. The four main categories include:

• Body
• Effort
• Shape
• Space

Any movement can be analyzed and changed using these concepts. For example a roll can look and move very differently when the concepts are applied differently. What body parts are we using when we roll? A back to tummy roll looks much different then rolling your arms conga style. A fast roll versus a slow roll uses very different effort. A log roll uses a straight shape, whereas a summersault is a round shape. A log roll or summersault move through the general space whereas a conga arm roll stays in self place.

As you can see by just changing one concept the entire movement changes greatly.

Why Teach Children Dance through Concepts?

I believe that dance is about communication. Stories, emotions, ideas have historically been human beings' motivation to move to the music and create meaning. Imagine reading this article with all the punctuation, grammar, and tone removed. You'd be left with a series of words that would be very difficult to understand.

When the focus of dance becomes purely mastering a series of steps and technique the meaning is gone. It would be like teaching your children the word red without ever showing them what red looks like. Without understanding the meaning behind the word it become meaningless. Dance without concepts is movement without meaning, without purpose.

Children who learn dance steps and technique through an understanding of concepts become master communicators and masters of their own body. They can use concepts to convey sadness or joy, and understand how they are different. They have a thesaurus of body language, that expands their movement repertoire. Rather then just learning how to do a two foot jump, children who are taught through a conceptual approach know that there are countless ways to do a two foot jump (big, small, high, low, forwards, backwards, fast, slow, straight, angular, twisted, curved, etc.).

Children who dance through concepts aren't using rote memory but accessing higher brain functioning through application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. They are smarter dancers.

Conceptual Dance outside the Studio

As an educator and parent I want the children I teach to take the skills they learn and apply them outside the studio. I want them to be relevant, purposeful, and meaningful in their day to day lives and help them shape a bright future. Regardless of what paths and interests they choose to pursue, I want what they have learned at my studio to be valuable.

Most of the children who walk through my doors are not going to grow up to become professional dancers. But they may pursue sports, gymnastics, or fitness. Movement concepts can be applied to all of these activities! My Dad has been involved in University level volleyball most of his life and whereas a ballet plie is not at all applicable to his coaching, body, effort, shape, and space are all fundamental concepts he uses to help his players master their sport. If any of my little dancers ever play team sports, I know their understanding of how to analyze movement will serve them well!

A conceptual dance approach also fosters language development. Rather then just learning the names of steps, children learn and use descriptive vocabulary as they analyze and add meaning to their movement. They practice expressive, detailed communication. Rather then seeing a cloud, they see a curved, smooth, light, floating cloud high above, out of reach. Speaking and writing skills improve. Children become masters at communication.

Conceptual dance is process driven. It challenges and inspires children to explore, inquire, and problem solve. It helps them communicate and create meaning in the world around them. It challenges the stereotypes that effective dancers must fit a certain body type. It increases self esteem and confidence. It is holistic, beautiful, and child focused. It takes dance from a once a week activity in the dance studio to a way of joyfully traveling through life.

Mama's like Tara are the reason we started J'Adore Dance! Mamas who are willing to break out of their comfort zone and try something new, and keep trying even if at first they don't succeed. This is Tara: try, try again! Tara started dancing with us one year ago. With Hunter snuggled to her, she didn't let her lack of dance experience stop her from coming to our classes, giving her best each week, and having many laughs along the way. We have watched Tara blossom from a new mom struggling with post partum depression, to a HAWT Salsa Mama who is part of our community! Tara has taken this newfound confidence and combined her passion for scrapbooking and an entrepreneurial spirit to start Scrappy Mommy! Scrappy Mommy is a scrapbooking service for those who love the look of scrapbooking but may not have the time to do it themselves. (See her website here...) We are so proud of Tara and so happy she continues to dance with us weekly!
~Jessica

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Why I love J’Adore Dance.

I guess the real question is: Why wouldn’t I love J’Adore dance? Almost one year or four sessions ago I wanted to try an exercise class to get in shape after having my first son. I was also looking for something fun to help me raise those serotonin levels for easing my PPD symptoms. I remember walking into my first class, dancing my first class, dancing my second class, and so on. All the while thinking through my first session, “Geez I am horrible! I have two left feet! I can’t do this!” I didn’t even know if I would ever come back. I thought about how much of a fool I was to even think that I could do this, especially when I thought that everyone else looked so good. Sooner than later though, I didn’t seem to mind how others looked compared to me. Even more miraculous, I didn’t seem to mind how I looked. My mind and soul started to crave these classes. I started to practice at home with the music in my head and the steps imprinted in my mind until my body grew to feel as though dancing was a natural part of my beat. Every week, no matter how I’d laugh at myself for stumbling or not getting the steps I came back. And why wouldn’t I? I love the rush of the workout. I love the pride that I feel when I dance and let the music flow through my body and soul. I love the confidence that I feel now when I see myself in the mirror. I love the knowledge and support that the staff give to their clients. I love the one hour a week that my son sleeps on me in peace. Most of all, I love being the dancer that I never knew that I was.

~Tara