The Carmel Valley Life | Author Archives

Carmel Valley Dancers Putting Their Best Face Forward

February 7, 2013 No Comment

If you are a Carmel Valley dancer, then chances are you are preparing for a very imminent and rigorous competition season. Dance competitions run year long, however most dancers will experience the ‘competition scene’ during the months of January through July. Being prepared in mind, body and spirit is key as is making sure just […]

Shimmie Into the Holidays with Tribal Belly Dance

December 17, 2012 1 Comment

For many of us, the Holiday Season can be the most difficult time of the year for those trying to lose weight. Times spent together with family and friends, the company Holiday party; it’s a time for lots of eating and drinking. Every occasion is an excuse to take a holiday from our normal eating […]

Choreographer Brings Soul to Carmel Valley

November 8, 2012 No Comment

“Hey Coach”, I hear an excited student say as an outwardly shy Anthony Rodriquez walks through the door to the studio lobby. Wearing a tank top, long cargo shorts, socks and sporting one of his ‘signature’ hats and munching down on a Panda bowl, Anthony casually strolls by and I hear a nearby parent say […]

Dance Hearts’ Bells of Freedom “The Big Thank You” Event

November 1, 2012 No Comment

Dance Hearts’ Bells of Freedom “The Big Thank You” Event Begins November 1st, 2012. Be a part of a Carmel Valley’s Holiday Tradition and ‘adopt’ a Military family for the Holidays TODAY! With the beginning of the Holiday Season just days away, there’s no better time to join the Carmel Valley based Dance Hearts, a […]

My First Real Dance Class

October 4, 2012 No Comment

I’m often asked at what age is a good age for young children to begin dance instruction. Of course, as with every age in human development, each child is born with varying degrees of natural talent, coordination as well as varying degrees of development with no ‘real’ determining at what age each individual is at […]

Carmel Valley’s NCDA – “Limitless 2012” A Success!

September 10, 2012 No Comment

“North County DanceArts Proves to be Limitless”. Show review and commentary as seen on July 28, 2012. Reviewed by San Diego Theatre Reviews, Steve and Joanie Shirley Titled “Limitless 2012” the evening was a total Success! I’ve participated in and seen hundreds of recitals and, a recital is somewhat different in approach than a concert. It […]

Lower the Barre

August 27, 2012 No Comment

The mention of ‘barre exercises’ to any ballet student can spark a mixture of memories past and present and the feelings ranging from boredom to exhilaration. It is a fact that the barre exercises are the building blocks of ballet. I and my instructors explain to our students both young and old, the barre is […]

Role Modeling – Just a Part of the Choreography

June 22, 2012 No Comment

Role models can be a powerful force for learning and realizing your potential. They’re not only important for future study or career choices but for achieving fulfillment in everything from the workplace, institutes of learning, sports and yes, even in the dance studio and stage. Researchers have concluded that children and teens that have good […]

College Degrees in Dance

May 11, 2012 No Comment

The days of filling out college and university applications are done – along with the long nights stressing over writing the perfect essay that will open the door to the college or university for local Carmel Valley senior high school students. At our dance studio, I know that the early months of the new year […]

Carmel Valley Dance Students Measuring Up?

March 16, 2012 2 Comments

“Suzie wants to quit.” Suzie’s mom is in my office and she is dumb struck over Suzie’s desire to discontinue her dance studies. “She feels that she is doesn’t have the kind of talent other students have; she’s not getting anywhere with her dance. Others in her classes are promoting to higher class levels, auditioning […]

Reality Dance Shows – Guilty Pleasure or Just Guilty?

February 8, 2012 No Comment

Reality television is everywhere. From early beginnings with Big Brother, The Bachelor and MTV’s The Real World to all of the now popular Housewives of…., Stage Moms and Toddlers and Tiaras, reality television promises the viewing public a kind of voyeuristic insight into the lives of the people involved as they go through their ‘everyday’ life – […]

An Inspiring Mix: Hip Hop & Contemporary Dance

January 11, 2012 2 Comments

Today, hip hop music and hip hop dance has become an integral part of today’s culture. Though it originated in the 1970’s, no longer is it the back alley dance style that ignited the freestyle battles or competitions of dancers breaking, popping and locking to the hip hop beat of rap music on the streets of […]