We were so delighted to have Brittany take on the Black Swan Challenge - she dove in head first and never wavered! Not only was a life change of this nature impressive, but her will to complete the challenge is inspirational. Over two hours of dance everyday. All styles. No matter the weather, work load, or mood. Truly, Brittany's dance-centered lifestyle, even alongside a full time job and recent engagement is proof that if you want it, and work for it, you can achieve anything. Where there is a will, there is a way.
A big, special thank you to Alaska Dancer Emporium for sponsoring Brittany's epic dance quest. Upon completion, Brittany was awarded a shopping spree during which she scored much more dance gear than we had initially thought possible! $100 goes far at Alaska Dancer Emporium, and Brittany left with lovely new leos, tights, a skirt, and accessories (and I may or may not have splurged on a dark blue Natalie leo with velour trim myself).
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| So many choice, sizes, colors! |
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| <3 |
Aside from connecting with such a beautiful mover and soul, the best part was watching Brittany nestle back into her "dancer self," confidently adding artistic flair to increasingly long lines and confidently-executed combinations. We officially have our first Black Swan. Are you next?
Hoping to meet your swan self at the Studio!
Stephanie Wonchala
Owner/Director
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Brittany's final post:
I came. I stretched. I ached. I was sore. I was impossibly stiff. I hurt. I sweat. I put my water bottle through its paces. I nursed a bum foot. I took countless Epsom salt baths. I neglected many dirty dishes. I pushed myself. And... I. Did. It. I completed the challenge!!! I am the first completed Black Swan at Studio Pulse!!!! I can't contain my exclamation points!!
I am proud of myself. But, more than that, I am thankful I got this chance. I said in my first blog post that I thought the challenge coming about was the Universe's way of telling my to get to dancing again. I believe that even more now. I also believe that any potential cosmic gestures the good ol' Universe may offer up won't amount to anything if they aren't met with a willing spirit. Because the Universe just can't do all the work, y'know? Not that I am here to dispense advice or anything... but I'm going to. My advice to you is: try. It doesn't matter what it is. Just... try. And really give it everything you've got.
And I'm not done. This challenge is over, but mine is ongoing. I will keep dancing, moving, and grooving. I have a swan status to maintain! To all those dancers out there: keep it up. Even when you're discouraged, or tired, remember how much you love it. As a friend once told me, (and the Steve Miller Band confirmed) dance, dance, dance; you will never grow old. And to everyone out there: dance is a universal language. Something primal, something beautiful; some piece of humanity we can all share in some way. Explore that, especially if you never have before. It goes on and on.
Because, *ahem*, YOU can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind (if it comes to that, for, like, an hour or so while you're in the studio) Because your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance (they totally can, though, just bring them with you) then they're no friends of mine.
THANK YOU, everyone, for reading. And THANK YOU, Studio Pulse and all of my instructors and fellow dancers, for your encouragement, support, and for just being there.
This week's Theme song: Applause - Lady Gaga
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| Brittany "before" photo. |
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| After 30 days of dedicated dancing! |
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| So much attitude. |
