Dolphin!

My Beg/Int. Musical Theater class has acting training. This week we're working on animal characters (dance movements, sounds, expressions, etc.)...Here, my student is showing off her "dolphin" sounds. Too hilarious to pass up. I can't watch it without laughing! It's so cute because she's totally serious.

Where to take Class?

If you're not in L.A. and able to go to the Millennium Dance Complex or Edge dance studio, it's hard to find a good place to take class (for a professional level dancer). OC has Jimmie de Fore Dance Center and Focus Dance Center . Both places are a great place to take dance if you want to keep in shape, keep up with fresh choreo, and get in the studio and TAKE class for once, instead of teaching it. It's important for dance teachers to be aware of what's happening in the industry and to be getting in classes so they always have well-rounded dance curriculum for their students.

Danny Hochman, teaches on Tuesday nights @ De Fore's. He is a great instructor, talented choreographer, and his resume is ridiculously good. He is one of the FEW instructors who will break down moves and explain them step by step in adult classes - usually you'll be given a set of choreography and start dancing right off the bat (which is also really fun)...go take his class.

My friend, Kristle, and I went up to take his class for fun ~ We couldn't make it in time for the advanced hour, so this is the Beg. Adult HH class. As you can see, no matter how difficult or easy choreography is you ALWAYS can have a blast and learn something.

Int. Contemporary, "Slow Dancing..."

The lyrical classes I'm teaching have recently taken on a more contemporary form. It's because of the hip hop and urban influences in my dance education and life. I'm looking forward to growing the jazz/contemporary program next season; the girls right now are learning to really pull through all of their movements - and they are rocking at it, of course.

Choreo by Sara Flynn, final counts improvisation by student dancers. Copyright, SaraFlynnPhoto.

Ladies - in case you want to run over this one at home or if you want to incorporate some of the moves into your own student choreography. Great work, and in just one class! :)

DT Auditions

Dance Team Auditions :: May 2, 2010 :: All Day :: Be there, Dressed to Impress

Audition times can be found HERE. Click on it, and sign up at the studio!

Shortage!

Items Dancers Seem to Always be "Looking" for, even though we buy them all the time:

• bobby pins
  
• socks (folded down for jazz and lyrical, full footed for hip hop)
• water bottles
• lash glue
• blank CD's
  
• empty CD cases
• lighter (for burning the ends of ribbon on pointe shoes, not for anything else!)
• iPod headphones
• deodorant
  
• leotards

Like they say about show business: there's no business like it!

My Mermaid's Name Is...

My 3 ½ year old student, Caroline, made it through her first class today without hysterically crying because of separation (from her mom). She did a fair job participating, although strong listening skills are still absent. I love having her in class and watching her grow each week; not to mention that toddlers are adorable. She, her mother and I were talking after class. Caroline looked up and shared that her little mermaid at home (a toy that I’m sure is her walk-around-the-house/sleep with/ride-in-the-car with regular) is actually named ‘Miss Sara.’ I looked at her mom, who nodded at me to confirm, and my heart just about melted.

As leaders, teachers, mentors, siblings, parents or authority, it’s easy to forget what a high standard we’re held to. Being trusted day in and day out with these students is a blessing, a ministry and a responsibility. This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. Perfection is solely of the Lord; so there is grace in the midst of our mistakes. Having said that it’s important to behave above reproach when working with impressionable gifts such as children. A little girl’s mermaid/doll/cabbage patch kid/Barbie/plastic baby is one of her most prized possessions. “My little mermaid’s name is Miss Sehwa,” She whispered with immense joy and pride – her eyes sparkled. Forget about it being cute and flattering; the point is that it was a bold reminder of how important it is to be a trustworthy role model. Kids don’t miss a beat, and they take to heart the words we say and the things we do.

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

I'm thankful to be trusted with all of my classes; as a choreographer, dancer, teacher and leader. I’m so excited about dance. I’m so excited about ministry. I’m so excited that, for me, they fall onto the same page.

10 Things We (Female HH Dancers) Have In Common

There's taking hip hop classes and enjoying dancing (which is perfect if you're looking for recreational dance), and then there's being a true-blue-to-the-bone-live-it-feel-it female hip hop dancer.

If you're a female hip hop dancer you...

1. Have a weakness for shoes. This is one is non-negotiable. Something about boots, sneaks, kicks, heels, pumps, wedges, flip flops, gladiators, tennis, stilettos, dance shoes, gym shoes, beach shoes, traveling shoes, and flats draws you in! (My shoe addiction isn't something I'm proud of, but I do really really love shoes...)

2. Love all kinds of music.

3. Can't ever decide whether to wear your hair up or down in class. Up is out of the way (convenient), down looks sick when you whip it around (but not convenient).

4. Care for the well-being of others. HH creates a family feeling among dancers; just something about it.

5. Can somehow make ridiculously baggy sweat pants not only look ADORABLE, but totally feminine without trying. LADIES - YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING. Quintessential girl look: Ugg boots (no matter how hot it gets), majorly huge cotton sweats, booty shorts or really cute full coverage undies underneath, but you have to sag the pant a little bit to show the top lining of course...baggy tee/tanks/whatever kind of shirt. If you're in class, the Ugg boots can be swapped out for some kicks or high tops.

6. Eat inconceivable amounts of food because you dance so much, and need the cals.

7. Love watching other (good) hip hop dances/dancers.

8. Love dressing up when you go out - this doesn't mean fancy, but it at least means cute and feminine. Ladies HH dancers can look ghetto and all in class, but we love to make it up during the rest of the week. You can pull off the best of both worlds!

9. Have a taste for mixing music.

10. Live out of your car in a sense - between work, class, gym, friends, family, life and getting stuff done, you have to keep so much "stuff" in your car that sometimes you feel like you're living out of it.

In-dust-ry

The industry has endless options for work. Teaching; choreographing; assisting; modeling; filming; speaking...and of course the favorite: performing. Here's a pic post hair/make up on a job in Anaheim. The job: dancer for KC and the Sunshine Band. So fun.

Little known fact about me: I typically won't let anyone do my hair/make up (even while professionals are on set). This performance was no exception; I did this on my own, and ladies, when performing work the lashes!

Dear High School Girl,

Dear High School Girl,

It's okay - there will be another 'him.' Right now it seems like your world is falling apart and bursting at the seems. Things don't look the same, you have no appetite, and you're confused about weather or not you should have i.m.'d him 2 nights ago about how amazing you thought his tee shirt looked that day. You're wondering, how could he be texting her? "He said 14 days, 3 hours and 12 minutes ago that he likes me!" You love the way his shaggy hair brushes over his pimple-ridden forehead, and you totally don't mind that all of his jeans are frayed at the bottom because he doesn't get them tailored...not to mention the fact that he wears girl jeans - you know it's true.

Here's the truth: He liked you, he really did, but lucky for you he is distracted by anything that walks and has long hair right now. You didn't do anything wrong. The truth is that he doesn't even like his cell phone that he got 2 months ago because someone else has some other cool phone with more apps and faster texts - he changes his mind about a lot of things right now! Don't worry, it will change when you're older (I know you hate hearing that). Moreover, at 15, his emotional capacity to be your so-called 'bf' is that of a tree stump. He is smart; I know, I know...but he's not yet ready to be your knight in shining armor. The only shining armor he has right now are his braces; and don't be fooled, those don't help him ride white horses or anything.

Don't show him that you're jealous, heartbroken, teary eyed, and longing for him to so much as breathe in your direction. It will not only make him feel like he owns you like a stuffed animal, but he DEFINITELY won't go for you if you do those things. Don't be needy, don't jump through hoops to make him happy - because you'll set the precedent that you'll always be willing to act like a circus seal to see him smile. You are beautiful You. You are stunning, smart, lovely, funny, personable You. It's better for someone not to like you the way you are, than for him to like you for something you're not and have to keep 'trying' to be.

Lucky for 'Mr.Right' (who will get his chance in the future) this Mr.Lame-o has moved on. Chin up, girlfriend. You are independent and have a lot going for you; you don't need a guy. Throw yourself into your school work, sports, arts, dance (I'm biased), and of course spending time with the fam.

Remember: If he isn't treating you like a princess now, he won't ever really treat you like a princess. You ARE a princess, and you ARE worth pursuing...just give it some time, and right now focus on being the best possible You that you can be.

With Love,
Miss Sara
p.s. When your mom keeps asking you in the car what's wrong, stop telling her you're fine - she knows by your snappy response that you're not ;)

L.O.V.E.

Valentine's Day is coming up, and love is in the air!

Things dance teachers love:

Candles (I am totally hooked on these soy candles by ARCHAEOLOGY; they are made with non-toxic materials, smell great, and burn beautifully)

Movies while in bed with tons of blankets and pillows

Girl time to dish out

Soft, warm slippers

Jewelry (Let's not lie ladies, we love it - I'm not even saying from a guy, you can get yourself some jewelry and love it!!)

Sweet Songs and Letters (Our lives revolve around finding the right music and ways to express our thoughts...what's better than receiving a song or a note dedicated to yourself?)

Bathing Suits (Sound crazy? Yes, I agree...but there's something just something about...)

Professional Massage (yep)

Pedicures!!!

"Happy" by Leona Lewis

Soy Chai Latte (or hot beverage of choice in place of 'soy chai latte')

SOME FREE TIME OFF...even half a day!

Warm Jackets/Ugg Boots/over-sized, fashionable purses/huge sun glasses/jeans (dance teachers have so many pairs of jeans)

Pictures (you can never take enough pics with the peeps)

Water!

How adorable is this "love" locket?

Schmi-schmelly (sounds like “schm-schmelly”)

Nicknames of have my Senior Hip Hop and Lyrical girls:

1. Schmexi/Pexi
   
2. Schmi-schmelly/Mitchy/Andrea Boccelli
   
3. Schmischmina/C-Dub
   
4. Mo-mo/Cyclops
   
5. Gabbers/Gimpy/Nemo/Guppy/Gabriel/Gabe/Schmabe
   

– these name encompass, for various reasons, the 5 girls that make this awesome group.

Today at practice it was in the air – the stank of the inability to practice with full effort. The taxing hours after a week of finals, the flu that is plaguing public high schools, and practically 20 hours a week of dance had all my students run down to the ground. So, what did their magnanimous (cough cough) coach decide? Recharge day! Quality stretching, rest, and rejuvenation for the upcoming competition is exactly what they needed…

…of course no time wasted; they ARE having an EXTRA 8:00am rehearsal this weekend. Full hair, full make up, full breakfast!

This Happened...

Today, while teaching, I was:

peed on
snotted on
coughed on
peed on again
bled on (girl lost a tooth; it was a gusher)

Crazy part: I totally don't mind. A little water, soap, sanitizer...a few good blinks to let it mentally soak in (no pun intended)...and I'm good to go - something about sweet, little kids - I just can't be upset at that.

My Faithful Sidekicks

Even though I call them 'sidekicks' (because I see them almost every day),they truly are MAIN cast members. These siblings have so much intelligence, personality, talent, charm and best of all: great character.

***

Big Brother: A sponge for information - this dude is an almanac of facts. He knows so much about life science (not just for someone his age, but compared to people of all ages), and he doesn't miss a beat! Don't try to talk in adult code in front of this one - he picks up on all of it.

Big Sister: Watch out for this quick one! She will observe your every move, and the next thing you know she's able to act 10 years her senior. A kid at heart, but wise beyond her years - it's true. Not to mention she's talented beyond reason.

Squirt: Not even a year here and she's taking the place by storm. She might not be making full sentences but she can already have full conversations with you through gestures, nods, and what seem to be actual responses to your questions. The coolest part is that she's already dancing, literally! She bounces to hip hop music, sings to musical theater, and is glued to ballet.

***

Baby coughs on cue! An actress already!

'Liger' (lion/tiger) on the loose, 100% improv.

Amazing Much?

Sage is in my musical theater class. In class I teach the girls techniques in singing, dancing and acting. For this improv exercise, Sage had no idea what questions I would ask her, nor did she have any time to prepare dialogue. This is totally off the cuff, and I was pretty impressed.

Take note of Sage's demeanor during the entire introduction; I love how she's eying the camera and posturing herself - hysterical!

1,2,3: GO TEAM!

One of my awesome hip hop teams; can't brag enough about these girls' great energy and work ethic!

We're 2 weeks away from our first competition...rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals! We're correcting, cleaning and finishing up the last details for our dances - but a really important detail is team morale. To keep the energy positive I'm always sure to include fun times and some quality team building!

Live, In Living Color

These dance acts I DREAM of seeing live one day, in living color:

JANET JACKSON.

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER.
RUSSIA'S BOLSHOI BALLET.Janet - words cannot describe how much I love her choreo, dancing, delivery, music, music for my own dance classes/teams, and how much she has revolutionized the performance of commercial hip hop.

Alvin Ailey - love love love the work this company does; the dancers are phenomenal; the choreo is always cutting edge for contemporary dance; beautiful. Their dancers have perfect lines, and inpiring angles to work with. Alvin Ailey is one of the premier multi-ethnic dance companies in America. I really identify with their American roots and principles, and their cultural background.

The Bolshoi - enough said. The famed Bolshoi Theater of Russia is arguably the top ballet in the world, having starred dancers from the ranks of Mikhail Baryshnikov. It has parented the premier Bolshoi Ballet Academy. It is globally known for productions of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Spartacus, and countless others.

Improved Contemp. Piece for 2010 Season

After an inspiring solo practice Friday with my WONDERFUL soloist this year, the creativity was flowing! I love this song, "Falling" by Keri Noble - this is my on-the-spot improv, doing contemporary style dance. The girls and I liked the choreo that came out for it, so I'll definitely use it.

**The sweet baby and child's voice you hear are my faithful sidekicks Catherine and Victoria.

CHOREOGRAPHY IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BELONGING TO SARA FLYNN; ANY USAGE OF SAID CHOREOGRAPHY IS CONSIDERED STEALING.

The Government Tree

Yesterday a student explained to me that the United States has an actual "Government Tree" ...he thought that since we have 3 branches of government that they must OF COURSE come from our Governemnt tree. Right? Trees have branches:)

Kids rock.

CUSSING

Freaking.

I use often use 'freaking' as a substitute for words like really, unbelievably, and of course the obvious swear word. Examples:

"That movie was so freakin' long! The last 5 scenes were unecessary!"
"What the freak is happening here?!"
"That dance was freaking amazing!!"

In class (6 year old hip hop) I made the GROSS error of using the word freaking when talking about how awesome their dance was. Your language must be beyond reproach at all times whilst teaching kids - mine usually is! As soon as I had said it, the feelings of regret and paranoia filled my mind, only to be met by the shrill voice of a little girl, "Miss Sara! That is CUSSING." Short, red head, widest eyes known to man, hands held wide to the sides, look of distress, surprise and discomfort, and the strong possible emphasis on the "c" sound of cussing.

"You're right, Natalie, that is not a good word to say. Miss Sara should not have said it at all, and I'm very sorry for using that word. Sometimes I say that word at home, and that is not ok," I responded to her in front of the class. No sooner did I finish my apology, than a boisterous 6 year old JUMPS right in and yells,

"Natalie, that is NOT cussing! B****, S***, and D*** - THAT'S cussing!"

No joke! She just up and says it in front of the class! Natalie's jaw drops right open, and another girl (who is soft-spoken and always proper) throws her palms to her ears and starts crying. (I had to do one of those really slow blinks, where you almost press your eye lids together then open them really far apart in order to absorb the reverberating shock of what you've just witnessed.)

Needless to say, I immediately explain to the girl that we absolutely cannot use that language in class, and the consequence is not earning the prized sicker at the end of the hour. After some discussion and a good session of freeze dance, the girls moved on and we had a cuss-free zone, and a really great class I might add.

Teaching dance: never a dull moment.

Daniela

Today I watched a shy, timid girl break through into a bold, enthusiastic dancer. I saw self-confidence radiate from her smile, and energy move through her entire body as she executed the choreo I gave the class. Daniela. She was proud of herself - her dancing and her beauty. Strong work ethic, some intelligence, and the heart to press forward are an unstoppable mix. Daniela stepped it up to the next level today; both personally and on the dance floor.

When a dancers stops dancing to the choreography, and starts dancing through the choreography it's an incredible, definitive, and specific moment. Witnessing that moment is a lot like witnessing a baby take his or her first steps. It's breath-taking, exciting, and happens in the blink of an eye. You can see it coming, weeks or months of building up to it...but when it happens it's somehow a complete (and amazing) surprise.

Daniela - you go girl. You're totally and utterly: a dancer.

Days like today I'm reminded about how significantly rewarding my job is.

Hip Hop...in Honduras

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.(1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

*****

Below: All of the dancers after the show in Honduras. I'm in the middle, a couple rows up from the bottom.

Being a good or even a great dancer, having the rare but sweet ability to teach, and being able to perform for an audience - all great things - but what's the point if do any of it with a loving heart? The expression "blessed to be a blessing" is the point. On a trip to Honduras, while working at a bi-lingual school, a local church asked me to help them put on a huge dance production. Not knowing what I was getting into I said "Yes," wholeheartedly. This meant choreography and detailed instruction for dozens of people over the course of 7 days...

Their show was a success; huge turn out and great performance. I was so proud of their hard work, and even more honored to be a part of it. Dance transcends language barriers and cultural differences. Dance is the perfect venue for communication and ministry. I'm blessed in my career, and I can use those gifts to be a blessing to others. That's how all facets of life should be.

"Bee-you-tee-ful" Nails!

My boss - the most wonderful woman to ever run a dance school - and I LOVE getting pedicures. Having cute, clean feet is a must. They are the perfect treat to help our feet recover from all the dancing!

OPI Nail polish: WONDERFUL. Of all the brands I've used, this is certainly the highest quality in terms of ingredients, sustainability and luster. Remember to gently roll your bottle between your palms, not to shake it for mixing, as to prevent small bubbles in your paint.

Most brands of polish have DBP ("nefarious dibutyl phthalate" a toxic chemical often linked to cancer), toluene (a chemical easily absorbed by the skin causing irritation) and formaldehyde (a carcinogen known to expedite cancerous cells). OPI does not use ANY of these ingredients - so that's good!

OPI collections...so fun!

Thunder! Lightning! Music Videos!

As heavy rain brings southern California it's worst series of "storms" and mudslides in years, the kids come pouring (pun intended) into class with their OHMYGOSH stories about the storms.

Emily: Miss Sara, there was like a 6-foot flood inside my house! (8 yrs. old)
Reality: Her backyard was really drenched with a couple inches of water.

Lilly: Today, it rained on my hair and it got soaking wet! I ran to my classroom and it was the rainiest, wateriest rain I have ever seen! (7 yrs. old)

*****

Competitions start in 4 weeks, and the teams have been tirelessly preparing for them. With the rain, and the inevitable exhaustion today was the perfect day for team building. We recorded lip synching and freestyle dancing music videos - hysterical...and of course: pics!

You Know You're a True Dance Instructor When...

Tell tale signs that you have crossed from teaching a few dance classes, to being a full-on dance coach/instructor/administrator:

• More than 50% of your wardrobe is black - you can just grab black clothes and know they will match, you wear black at the studio a lot, and you go out in a lot of black. Don't get me wrong - I love color and wear a variety of clothes...but man, I own a lot of black! It's just a staple in the dance world.
  
• "Shower" is actually an item on your to do list because you're so busy that you don't want to forget.
  
• Pedicures aren't only a thing of luxury but necessity...(shhh, I love this one).
• You frequently assess songs and costumes to see if they will work into "next year's" show because this season is already moving ahead so quickly.
• UNNOFICIAL THERAPIST could really be your job title; from the students to the parents you are in the know, and you're their sounding board for life.
• Smiling, graciousness, and strait-forward honesty are arts that you have mastered.
  
• The covers finally get pulled over your tired body, and all you can think about is another two 8-counts of choreo for class this week and how great it's going to look with an extra kick-ball-change.
• False lashes are second nature on stage.
  
• While ordering costumes and accessories for your girls you think "Oh! I should get one of those for myself too...and that, and this...oh and these earings - totally practical!"
• Student's well-being and growth on the dance floor matters more than the hourly pay...so much that you'll forfeit the final pennies to see him or her progress to the next level.
  
• Dance is a way of life instead of an afternoon job.
• Throwing up a perfect bun has been crafted down to less than 30 seconds.
  
• Around the holidays you receive (and appreciate) a bounty of Starbuck's gift cards, hand lotions, chocolate and by-hand-crayon illustrations of a stick version of yourself with stick-eye-lashes holding the hand of a miniature version of you labeled "You and Me." (I love those.)
• You sometimes "over" dress when going out because you're almost rebounding from wearing sweats all week...and you LOVE LOVE LOVE shoes.
  
• 3 staple hairstyles are in your repertoire to wear during classes because you know it won't fly in your face - when you stray from these styles as a mark of personal variety, you soon regret it because, of course, it ends up in the way.
• Lip gloss is always at hand.
  
• Even though you own more music/cd's/downloads than any average person, you're always looking for new stuff! :)
  
• You believe that you never stop learning.
• Bobby pins; enough said there.
  

TuTu Cute

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Dear Brave Soldier,

The US has countless troops overseas right now. For Valentine's day I sent a box to the M.East full of nearly 100 letters, each starting with "Dear Soldier." The dance students were given the invitation to write letters to soldiers, and I would send the mail for them. To have a child's heart is the coolest thing - here's what some kids wrote:

Dear Soldier,
Thank you for fighting in the war for America. I would like you to write back to me because I have a question. Do you have In n' Out burger where you are? If not, I want to send you a burger from their because they are sooo awesome and perfect. Love, Anthony.

Dear Brave Soldier,
Happy Valentine's day. Thank you for fighting for our freedom. Freedom isn't free. I like freedom. Good luck, and I hope you win. Love, Bridget. (Included ball-point pen illustration of a home, raised American flag, and a flower.)

Dear Soldier,
My hip hop teacher Miss Sara is very nice and pretty. Sometimes she is not so nice, but it's just to make our dances better. I am not old enough to be your Valentine, but my dance teacher is. I live in California. Thanks for fighting for the USA. Love, Natalie. (Inluded crayon illustration of a frilly heart, a stick figure depiction of "Miss Sara" aka myself, and a smaller stick figure that represented Natalie.)

Dear Soldier,
I ran out of things to write about because I wrote too many other cards. So I'm going to google facts about frogs for you. A frog is an amphibian. Frogs absorb water through their skin, I don't know how to do that yet. You are an important soldier. Thank you. Love, Ava.

Dear Soldier,
I am impressed by how brave you are because war scares me. Thank you for your service. I'm sorry you have to sleep on the dirt floor sometimes. Love, Matthew.

Dear Soldier,
Do you like music? I do because I dance to music. Do you like gummy worms? I do because they are slimy when you pull them out of your mouth. Do you like movies? I do because you eat gummy worms when you watch them. Love, Tabatha.


Kids are pretty amazing. To all of our troops domestic and overseas: Thank you, I love you, and Godspeed to you. You are incredible, brave people and I'm forever grateful.

From the top! 5,6,7,8!

"From the top! 5,6,7,8!" I shout that phrase nearly 500 times a week. That's what happens when you teach around 20 dance classes each week. Between pre-school classes, regular classes, competitive teams, working the office and learning the art of "teaching" from some rad mentors, my dance life is busy, beautiful, tough, and gratifying. Welcome to the daily dissertation of anecdotes and observations of a dance instructor. My job allows me to meet all kinds of people, and I'm lucky to say that I teach some of the most beautiful, talented, unique students in the world. Our studio is a place that values the art of dance, quality education, quality staff, family life, and performance.

The funniest, sweetest, and most uncanny things happen in the daily workings of a dance studio - this leg warmer diva is here to divulge and entertain. Note that accounts of students employ the use of pseudonyms to protect their identities, however all of what is told on this blog comes from everyday life as a teacher.

***

Perspective: young woman, college educated, two younger sisters, full-time dance coach of lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theater, life-long student, photographer, and traveler.
Personality: energetic, sincere, happy, blunt, faithful, sensible, passionate, compassionate, loving, stern, intentional, funny, observant, quick, clutsy, appreciative, work-a-holic, lover of food, music and sports.