My journey begins
All my life i’ve been surrounded by performing arts, from my mom’s karaoke show, to my Dad and my step Dad’s showing me the world of theater. But I have to say the biggest reason I am here today is that my Dad taught me how to juggle. From a young age my Dad taught me and my three sisters how to spin poi, diabolo, devils sticks, juggle balls and clubs and pretty much any cool toy we could get our hands on.  He would take us to juggling practice where we learned from other jugglers as well. My Dad spun fire for us when we were little and I remember being enchanted by the flames and wondering when I would be old enough to try, and doubting that I could ever be as good.
My wish came true when I was 18 and I spun fire poi for the first time. It was one of the most profound moments of my life. I got such a rush that by the time the flames died I was shaking. Over the next four years, I became more of a part of the community, started performing and met so many wonderful people, including a girl who came from Georgia who changed my life forever. I met her while I was in my hometown in Wisconsin, we became the best of friends and eventually she moved back to Atlanta. After she left, I went back to my life never expecting that one day she would call me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. She offered me the chance to move to Atlanta, live in a house full of dancers and see what I could make of myself in the budding performance industry that is Atlanta. In less than two months, I found myself living in the performance community at Rhythma Dance Studios, and in an internship that is showing me a side of myself that I never knew existed. They offered to train me in Aerial silks and tribal belly dance with full access to other classes offered at the studio in exchange for studio work. It was another offer I couldn’t refuse. Thats what this blog is all about; I want to share my experiences, my accomplishments and my goals in the weeks and months to come.
I now find myself under the tutelage of Meredith Hope (founder of Rhythma), training hard since January and loving every minute of it (even when I hate it). It hasn’t easy though; I’m not the most motivated or organized person and having a formal training regime takes getting used to. But it’s worth it: from feeling my body grow stronger everyday, getting a rush when I get a new move down on silks, to making new friends in tribal class, learning and experiencing new things everyday. I still have a long way to go and none of it will be easy, but I know that I can do it and I want to share the process with all of you.
A few things about working out that I’ve learned:
The first week of working out will be the most painful (but don’t give up!)
You’ll always be sore while conditioning (if you’re doing it right)
Aleve and other pain relievers will help with inflammation and soreness but don’t let them become a crutch
STRETCH!! It greatly reduces soreness, and improves flexibility (which you will lose as you grow muscle)
Stretching in the sauna while rocking out to some good tunes is healthy and relaxing
It is much more motivating to have a workout buddy, but if you can’t find a friend to go with you that’s not an excuse not to go
Always push yourself but don’t go too fast; you don’t want to injure yourself
The best way to build muscle is low weight  and good form, which means go slow (one of my biggest issues)
And above all have fun :)
Coming up soon: Daily life at Rhythma Dance Studios, Healthy Snacks and more workout tips. I would also love to hear from you, what would you like to know? Feel free to email me with questions or suggestions at [email protected]