Ballet & Green juice & Swimming & Pride

Yesterday, Wednesday, I had a day off! There was a snow storm in NY area, so my teacher who lives in the outskirts of the city knew he wouldn't have a chance to get into center the following morning.

Most of my class mates took this as a day of fun or just relaxing.. I took this as a day for practising all day long!

I allowed myself to sleep in though, but that was all... I practised ballet and tap and went to an extra ballet class.

After ballet class, I went straight to swimming at a recreation center.
I was riding the A train in the underground... I always take the 1,2 or 3 train. Oh my gosh - a difference in the people.. just looks and manners and hobbies .. and backgrounds.
It made me think that I haven't seen enough of Manhattan, and all the different people .. at all!
And I NEED to go to Harlem soon! .. AND see more of Brooklyn... in good shoes!

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How is a church closed due to weather?.. I don't get it. I am walking 54th street upper East side, and it is quite the walk.. just seeing the city - its lights and its people.
Seeing men discuss business and football through the window in bars.. 
Shops that still have Christmas lights up, because we still have snow :)
.. oops .. and there I almost got hit by a car crossing a parking lot, without looking... but seriously they are hidden everywhere, like mysterious garages. I will take care and look out though!

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Swimming was very refreshing. I am getting into a good routine. I plan to swim once a week. And after swimming I have gotten into the good habit of treating myself to a green juice. The delicious NY kinds.
Today I got one with kale, green apple, spinach, cucumber and ginger.
It kicks in, in my body immediately and keeps my energy and immune system o the go for hours.
It's a very good buy!

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At the subway station on my way back, a guy was playing Ave Maria on his cello.
I absolutely LOVE that piece of music.

When I get home I need to write a 2-page personal monologue... I still need to figure out what I should write about.
It has to be something that is difficult for us to talk about. I have a few ideas.. but not sure how to put it yet.
We have to be brave for this assignment though, our teacher told us.. always aim for 10 out of 10 in class, our teacher said.

- This will be my goal for every class from now on. Why wouldn't you?

My ballet class today was fantastic. I have really improved in these few past weeks.. rehearsing by myself every day.. my teacher said I did a really good job!
I can't wait for ballet class tomorrow!

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My ballet class today went really well too. Got a lot of "Good Jasmina's!" (that's what my ballet teacher calls me.. I think it's really cute:). I had so much fun and my double pirouettes are coming along awesome. I am really proud.

I talked to my ballet teacher about how I struggle in classes to get the steps as fast as every one else. I don't feel like I know how to inhabit them in my body. But he said that I have a good body and beautiful lines - so it's not like I am incapable of doing the steps. We talked about how this struggle seems to be something in my body, a block that is stopping me from being able to think clear. I know that's what it is.. because whenever I have gotten rid of fear and judgment of self, I feel like I am actually a dancer who looks beautiful.

And now with all this new excitement and renewed hope and understanding of my learning progress.. instead of stressing about everything not being perfect and steps not getting there the first couple of times.. I have been looking forward to every single class, wanting to give it my all, and learn - not with a fear of doing it wrong, but with a joy of seeing myself grow.

This is what I had today. For a second I lost it, and went completely blank at the bar, messing it up completely - and looking like a true 'non-dancer'.. my teacher went by and said "see - I think I was right".

Then I took a second and defeated the stupid fear. About a minute after I fell in to the rhythm and elegance beautifully again.

I am very proud.

You all should be. This is huge progress for me.

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Right now, 'My everything' by Christian singer Kari Jobe is playing on my pandora radio. This is my new favorite song. Or it actually has been for a while.. I will be performing a duet with a guy at my corps, and this is what I wish to sing. It is incredibly beautiful. You should take a look;)

Speaking of worship - I will now stop to dig into my book with lessons of the Salvation Army for soldiership.

After this probably some more ballet. <3 And then the second page memorized for Meisner.. out of the 5! (A4)

Speaking of green..!

Blessings to all,

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