Blooming

Hello fellow friends! (If anyone actually reads this ;)

Well I'm not actually sure if anyone reads this, but I enjoy writing it anyway! This week has been so fun watching the trees start to bloom each morning. Every time I go outside I feel like I notice another tree thats come alive :) There are these beautiful little white flowers on the twigs that look so cute. I'm so excited once they're fully bloomed and to be able to have my street lined with trees on both sides. I've always dreamed of living on a street like this, maybe this is my chance! (Its a little more difficult to find this type of street in AZ).

Anyways, Its my Sunday evening writing time--hah at least that has what is been these past few weeks. I have officially been here 3 weeks now. Almost a month. wow time goes by pretty fast! However, slow in terms of missing my loved ones :) I just got home from Connecticut today-I was there for like 24 hours watching the TriState Challenge ballroom competition. It was really fun to be in the competitive environment! You walk in the door and your transferred into a world of the most rhinestones you've ever seen in your life, hair-dos and costumes that are questionable how they are even staying on, and tanning that makes a person's nationality unknown.

Overall, the competition wasn't huge because it was just a local one. I have to admit I was kind of disappointed in watching the Pro Rhythm (my division) portion of the competition. Not only did it start at midnight, but it just lacked a large amount of energy and technical precision. Now I may not have all the experience in the book, but I can definitely recognize good technique and how pro's should represent the style. It left me having different emotions. On one hand I was sad to see it represented not at the highest quality, but on the other hand I was encouraged that I know I can compete in the pro division and look half-way decent :)

This past week I had a try-out with a guy who offered me partnership and job and moving compensation...to LA. It threw me for a loop because I literally just relocated. I had to take time to pray and just process if this was the right opportunity. I feel as if I am still suppose to be out here in NY holding off for a bit of a better opportunity. I am waiting on trying out with a guy who recently just arrived here from Serbia, so maybe that one will go well?

In the meantime, I am working with past World Rhythm Champions Jose and Joanna, who I have been enjoying tremendously!! Joanna is showing me ways to improve my technique-while still staying true to body rhythm. Jose will be working on me with my connection with my partner-using my back to relate and be easier on my partner to lead me. I absolutely love the process of improving. In fact, it is something I will continue to do for the rest of my life! I love learning new things each lesson and then getting to apply it to my dancing. I strive to always humble myself and never consider myself to good to learn from certain people. Every coach has a different "method" or style of teaching, but I believe we can truly learn from them all. I definitely know we can connect and relate with certain people and its important to find them and build consistency and relationships with them. But I dont think this should turn into a negative attitude towards other coaches.

I am really learning the process of fully being a student right now. I am not teaching at the moment and just blessed to have the opportunity to train right now. It can get frustrating at times while I am trying out and waiting for the right partner for me, but I am trying to embrace the moment. While there are definitely exciting things ahead, I have been encouraged this week to embrace where I'm at right now.

I reconnected with a guy this past weekend who recognized me from comps a while ago who is opening a new studio in Stamford, Ct. We are going to practice smooth together, which I'm really excited for! I have just been focusing on Rhythm right now and definitely excited to feel the beautiful traveling movement of the Viennese Waltz- or the jazzy styling of the Foxtrot.

Well I pray for more opportunities this week and pray that I come closer to reaching my goal! I will continue to press in to learning and being the best student I can and applying all the knowledge given to me to my dancing. I pray for all my loved ones-friends and family- you are all in my heart more then you know! I can't wait to see you soon!

Blessings from me and the city!
Erica :)