6 CRAZY THINGS I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

A friend asked me to write about the crazy things I want to do. Turns out my crazy things list isn’t so crazy after all. Here they are:

1. Have a stellar solo performance. Just once I’d like to leave the stage completely exhausted, spent and proud instead of frustrated, unsatisfied and melancholy. Perhaps even make a short visit to “The Zone.” I’ve heard athletes and performing artists talk about how wonderful this place is. I want to go there as a tap dancer.
   
   
2. Host an all expenses paid party for my friends. Now this might sound like one of those really crazy things. I want a travel agent to book airfare, hotel & car rental for each guest. Then, we would party in a big house for three days and at night people can  go back  to their hotels. At the party there would be theater style seating to watch movies on the big screen, a gaming room, and of course, a wooden floor for anyone who wanted to dance. Finally, the kitchen would be completely stocked with gourmet foods and anybody can cook whatever and whenever they want. Well this one might cost me a lot but after all, crazy things don’t always come cheap.
   

How to Ask for and Get a Killer Letter of Recommendation

If you’re old enough to need a letter of recommendation, you’re old enough to ask for it yourself.

Think about the difference in the letter of recommendation I’m going to write for two different kids: who do you think gets my vote of confidence? The kid who called to tell me about the application for the school or program or the kid whose mom contacted me?

It’s annoying and a bit of an insult when your mom calls me. This is especially true if you know me. You know how accessible I am and if your mom has my number, you probably have it too.

If you need something, such as a letter of recommendation, pick up the phone and ask for it. Questions:

• Why are you allowing your mom to do something you could easily do yourself?
• What are you thinking?
• Are you afraid?
• What exactly do you think might happen?

A fourteen year old needed a letter of recommendation. Here’s an excerpt from the actual letter I sent:

How To Conquer Your Fears

When the producers from The John Walsh Show called to ask if I would be a featured guest, my initial thought was, “NO WAY!”

My fear was so intense that I ended the call. I told them I needed to check my schedule. That still makes me laugh to this day.

These were my initial excuses:

• I’m not ready.
• My book is not finished.
• I’ve gained weight.
• I’m not a good enough tap dancer. Fear
  
• I don’t have enough time to prepare.
• Who me? Why me? What have I got to say?
• What if I say something stupid?
• What will people say?

The Useless, Inattentive Dance Assistant

Audience, you Rock!

Some subjects require a direct approach. That’s why this article is not titled, “Top 10 Tips to Becoming the Best Dance Assistant Ever.

Dance assistants play an important role. Whether you’re assisting for an ‘in studio’ class or on a convention or festival, it’s serious business.  When it comes to assisting, you’re either adding value or you’re a battery drainer.

I receive countless requests from students who want to assist. As part of my research for this article, I contacted hundreds of thousands of dance teachers to get their input. Here’s what they had to say.

Useless assistants:

1. Do not think. They stand around day-dreaming and enjoying the limelight.

2. Get or bring water for themselves only.

3. Are not proactive. They do nothing to anticipate what instructors need next.

4. Drag along with a ho-hum shuffle. They have no pep in their step and they look bored.

12 Random, but Entertaining, Facts about Me

It’s not that I think I’m all that interesting, but people continually ask me questions about my life.

So, I’ve decided to give another peak into my dance world: 

1.  My mother owned a dance studio. I became so proficient at ballet that I once danced “en pointe.”  That same year, my hips expanded and that, my friends, was the end of that.

2.  I’ve been a tap dance instructor for the Tremaine Dance Conventions for 14 years. Yes, the travel is exhausting, but I still love what I do.

3.  I make such good use of my travel time that I actually wrote my first book, Rich by Choice, Poor by Habit, by giving up my first class seat and sitting in coach. Why? Coach is uncomfortable: no blankets, no pillows, no distractions and crying babies help keep me awake.