DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Touching Base!

Janie,

Isn't it so nourishing to be home!  What a nice link for you to touch in  with family and friends and then head to your paid dance position overseas!  Time will fly by. Take a few moments to spend the time ... You know how involved a dancers life can be ... so many long hours.  This is good 'soul food' for you to be able to spend this time with your family. I am sure they are thrilled and very proud of you as we all are here on this blog.

With most dancers away for summer intensive, it has been a little more quiet than usual.  I receive so many wonderful notes from dancers with questions or comments about you. It is very special. Thank you all... We love that you are here reading this blog.  Janie, what is amazing is that many of the comments indicate that they have grown with you. Cried with you and cheered you on to your next position.

Caitlyn, TX said this, "I hope Janie writes to us. I would miss her. I am being selfish because I am also learning  a lot here. Please always be Janie."

Jeri, CA wrote, "I was so worried about Janie. I actually cried one night when she was making the decision to leave or not."

This is so cool. I could not ask for more. This was my intention in designing this blog - A place for dancers to talk thru 'things.'  Dance is not just about dance. 

Sanna Carapellotti, MS

www.mentalperformances.com

PS.  Attention : Sleepless Dancers! I got something for you ... Check it out!

Dear Sanna - home life

I cannot believe I have already been home for two weeks. I am soaking up the laziness. I almost feel guilty, not taking full advantage of every moment home, but I am just too content sleeping until almost noon, spending quality time with my puppy (who is 9 but will always be my puppy), and hanging out with my parents! I am so lame. But I like it.

I still take class about 4 times a week and go see my friends, there's just a lot of time at home. I actually gave myself a class at home the other day, because I couldn't make it to the studio. I decided to practice teaching, too, because lately I've been thinking more and more about how I really would like to teach some day. So like a big idiot, I showed and said the combination, did it right and left with the music, and corrected myself. Haha hopefully nobody was walking by to peak in the curtains, because I'm sure I looked like a crazy person talking to myself while dancing in my dining room.

I actually met my old ballet teacher yesterday to catch up. She is the one who encouraged me to go away two years ago, and I really feel like I owe a lot to her for getting me where I needed to be to take the next step in my training. It was so nice, we chatted for almost two hours before we both needed to go, and she gave me some great insight and advice. I think I'll share the two biggest pieces of advice she gave for all of you out there:

1) Keep up with college. Even just one class every 6 months, just to stay on top of it. She suggests UC Berkeley online, because it's relatively inexpensive, you can do it from anywhere because it's all online, and you have 6 months to complete the course, with no deadlines in between. I like that you can manage your own time. The website is http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/

2) If at all possible, start a retirement fund. Ask your company if they have any sort of program where they will match the amount you place in your retirement fund, because this is all non-taxable money that will grow and be incredibly helpful in the future. My dad will be happy to hear about this one

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Relax!

Janie, Janie, Janie,

This is the time for R & R. Most 'company' members take a breather during the summer months to allow the body to regenerate, rest and rebuild.  :)

Give yourself permission to spend time with family and friends, go have some good fun! If you are concerned about staying in shape there are many ways to do that. Consider working your body in a new way ... Hot yoga, Ashtanga yoga, or pilates, take a different kind of ballet class. Visit different studios. 

It is difficult to let go of a routine as rigorous as ballet. It has been described as being "sprung!"

Boing!   Believe you will be working soon enough. So give it a try to continue training, yet offering some variety.

The other issue may be flexibility. Family and friends may not understand your need to train. 

You might be able to have a list of possibilities so when you Mom says, "let's go shopping!"  you can plan to to take an early morning class, or a later class.

You have been working very hard in the last weeks.  Yes, this may seem like the easy part. Being in the 'middle' of change is where you are.  STAY IN THE MOMENT.  It is like Tarzan swinging from tree to tree. He knows where he is headed and enjoys the flight!  :)

IT IS SUMMERTIME -- Get outdoors. Go on a picnic. Leisurely sit at a coffee shop and read. 

Begin a craft or hobby.  

You'll be packing again soon enough! 

YOU DID IT!!!!

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Sanna is a Performance Specialist with a focus on performers.  Her clients are dancers, musicians, photographers, etc who want to perform better.  She is an expert de-stresser for performance, audition, surgery, and healing.  Contact her at 412.344.2272

Dear Sanna - I thought this was supposed to be the easy part!

I am desperately trying to stay in shape. Of course it is nice to see my friends and family, and I am having fun, but I cannot believe how busy I am! I am still waiting to be bored, as everyone warned me a summer off would be, and I expected. But this has been the fastest week of my life! There is always something to do or be done.

Even when I do make it to ballet class (which is about 4 times a week, so I can't really complain) I am not used to the small studios or slippery floors, plus I am sore from not dancing enough and the plane, etc. What I tough life I lead on vacation!

Haha I am only kidding - it's fine, just not quite as relaxing as I expected. But as my grandma always said, I can sleep when I'm dead, right?

More soon,

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- We miss you!

Janie, I know you are visiting with family, resting and taking class. This is a good time for you to take a break and recharge yourself.

When I return here later I will discuss a few tings that can be helpful to those of you going off to summer intensive.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

DanceMind:Dear Janie, You have Landed

You have closed a chapter.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

Dear Sanna - MOVING IS HARD

As I mentioned earlier, the full impact of the changes haven't really sunk in yet, so it is very exciting as each aspect becomes more and more real to me. And now, a story:

So I'm in the airport, pushing the limits as usual. Each of the two suitcases I checked (even though I had to pay extra for the second. grrr) is on a scale, and I'm transferring items from one to the other until each weighs exactly 50.5, the maximum before you're charged for overweight baggage. How I managed to pack exactly 101 pounds worth of things is a miracle I happily accept without question. For now we'll ignore the ridiculous weight of what I've already shipped home. But really the whole point of this story is that the incredibly patient and nice woman checking me in (it helped that I was about 3 hours early for once in my life and there was nobody else in the airport) was helping me transfer and shove things. She noticed my pointe shoes and asked if I was a professional, and I had an epiphany! I have a job next year... meaning I will be paid to dance... meaning... I AM A PROFESSIONAL BALLERINA! wohoooo! It's funny that I had to see it through a stranger's point of view to realize how cool that is! I just had to share.

But enough of Janie bragging and telling long, dramatic stories all for stating the obvious... can I just say moving is really HARD. Even though I'm really kind of callous to the emotional difficulties of moving right now, it is just hard work! My arms were shaking today from all the heavy lifting. I'm hoping I take away from this experience not only the fact that I am a pack rat, which I already knew, but maybe the first steps in changing that about myself. I have given away more in the past month than I think I have given away in all my life combined. And there's still so much! I've been trying this technique lately and it helps a little. I ask myself if somebody else would think I was sick for keeping something, and if the answer is yes, then it goes. Such as, a vogue dated holiday 2006. Granted, it was really thick and I continuously found cool stuff in it up to this day, but the idea of saving that without any specific thing that made it special sounded sick, so I tossed it. It's a start at least...

Janie

DanceMind: To All - IMPORTANT Free gift!

I want to thank all of you who have emailed me personally and have responded with comments.

Your support have indicated that this service has value and does help not only Janie, but you as our reader as well. That was my plan - to help as many people as I can.  DRAWING BELOW!

As Janie moves, travels and finds her new place in the world of dance and the world. Stay with us because we can help her and you can help yourself as well.

Please tell your friends about DanceMind.  We want to get the word out that Dancers can strengthen through developing mind power - on purpose!

DRAWING --  I am going to draw a name for a FREE Stepping to Sleep CD. All you have to do is email me and say "Put my name in!"  We will be drawing on June 20th. SO if you have are tossing and turning, this is your chance to put it to rest. You will sleep! This is the program that Dance magazine recommended in the June 2008 article, The Science of Sleep

DO it now so you will be included -  Send Name and email -- Sanna@mentalperformances.com

Just for signing up you will receive a free download for summer travel safety and be invited to attend a summer tele-seminar -- Enjoy The Jitters! lead by me!

'

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Changes r real now ....

Janie,

This is a growing time for you. Stay with the experience. Thru time you carry all that you have learned with you. It has become who you are.

You have shown that you care in many ways. How can you say you are heartless? You are courageous, strong and incredibly sensitive. Many many different emotions run thru us during times of major change. It is best to ride the waves. Let yourself move thru them.  Just be with them. It feels painful, it feels surreal, it feels impatient, it feels sad -- but it is real and honest. You will be missed and you will miss your city, friends, dance, teachers, apartment, the weather, you fav lunch place.

Grab a notebook and jot down what you have loved, things you will not forget about your studio and teachers. I am certain that each teacher has given you many 'gifts' that you will always carry with you as you dance and thru life.  You have more than you know at this very minute.

As you step away, be proud of who you have become.

Love ya kiddo,

Sanna Carapellotti, MS

Performance Specialist

PS -- Stepping to Sleep - Yes! You can sleep better!

Dear Sanna - Ch ch ch ch changes!

I have to tell you that I had to listen to David Bowie when I saw your last post. I am such a dork.

I sold my car! What a relief! I won't even go into that drama...

I am also selling a few other large, unnecessary possessions, such as my bed, but I must say the hardest thing I've parted with so far was about 4 shopping bags full of clothing. I brought them to ballet, though, and the girls were thrilled beyond belief, so it was a little easier than just dumping the things at goodwill. I also saw many of my discarded pieces modeled this week, which made me feel better, since I'm sure most of that would end up sitting in my closet at my parents' house.

It's been hard to say goodbye to people and things, like realizing it was the very last time I would be driving my car, taking class at the studio, seeing my friends, but I think it hasn't really quite hit me yet.

It's funny because I think I used up all my tears when I was little. I used to be such a sap! Every year I would bawl at spring show when I thought about all my friends who were graduating and leaving me behind, but I can't cry over it anymore! I know crying won't help matters, but I feel heartless when I feel absolutely no need to cry over goodbyes. I'll miss everyone, but I'm excited for the future, so I guess it's good I'm not sad about it, but I do feel silly when the tears do finally come when I've had a stressful day and the lady at the post office won't let me mail my package (true story I'm sad to say).

Anyway 3 days left here!!! I plan on making them a good 3 days, too, despite the crappy weather ;)

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Changes

Hello there Janie,

I had to step away to prepare for several presentations on Sleep!   How did something so necessary and natural become a stress!  We have to, and can't ...  There are many aspects of sleep that are unknown and somethings we do know.  I continually read and study. Mainly because I noticed some years ago that when my clients are feeling better, they sleep and when they sleep better they feel better. Enough rambling...

You  must be busy packing up!  You talked about selling your car. Did you have any luck and do you have a plan B in it does not sell?

I can only imagine the 'good-byes.' There is a camaraderie among dancers that is strong in the end.  Sometimes silent there is a deep connection of understanding.  One client referred to it as a 'club you do not officially belong to, you just step into the studio and you are a member.'

As you spring board off into the professional world, I am looking forward to hearing  of your experiences.  Keep us posted with all that you are doing, even your travel, the stuff in between here and there, or there and there. 

Bless you!, Janie. This is the adventure of a life time.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

PS - If you are going to Summer Intensive (Duh!),  there is lots to get ready for after school/graduation parties.  How exciting it is to meet new friends, teachers and dance in different studios! You 'll be in a new city, involved in social events.  I always enjoyed hearing my daughters adventures. Always good clean fun and lots of laughs.

We have a few offerings for you so you can sleep better while you are away. 

Stepping to Sleep is now ON SALE.  Whether you sleep well or not, this programs actually helps you to improve the quality of your sleep. You will feel so good in the morning!

Dance Magazine recommended the program too! That is really cool. You know you are receiving a high quality product that works!  

Read what David says -  "It was so easy to fall asleep! I did not have to do anything. You just lie back and Sanna says all this cool dancer imagery and you drift off to sleep. I was very rested in the morning."

Click here to read all about, and to buy Stepping To Sleep

It is on Sale now for you to take to summer intensive AND there are FREE gifts you will love!

Dance Magazine recommends --

Stepping to Sleep in this month's issue!  June 2008!

I am so honored. We can get the word out that sleeping is important!. You have to sleep in order to perform your best.  I have placed the program is on Sale and I have created a Performance Package that is very exciting with 5 free offerings!

Go to my site and read about these exciting programs.  Performance Package, (with free gifts and an opportunity). The Audition CD, and Stepping to Sleep.

Janie, I will talk with you tonight. I have a meeting now --- This very exciting for you. I have had several questions if you are going to blog! I appreciate you responding to that~ and mostly that you will continue to blog through this experience.

Sincerely,

Sanna Carapellotti, MS

Dear Sanna - I don't want to quit!

I love this blog and I think it is more important than ever to continue blogging through this experience! I have no idea what my situation will be like while/once I move, but if I don't have consistent internet access, I will be upset way beyond this blog. The internet is my best way to keep in touch with everyone, so I will make it a priority. In other words, it will take a LOT to stop me from blogging.

Last night a few of the girls and their wonderful parents organized what I like to call a "prom without the prom" for all of us. It was so much fun to get together for one last event! After class we all dressed up and got ready at the studio and got picked up by a limo to bring us to dinner. It was lovely, but also the first time I felt a real pang of sadness about leaving. Up until this point, it was too easy to focus on the unhappy memories I will be leaving behind here, but last night I realized I am really going to miss my friends. Dancers have such a special bond, sharing the studio for so many hours every day. Even a whole day apart seems like a lot, so I will definitely miss them.

At the same time, though, each day I am getting more and more excited as I am starting to fully accept that I am really doing this! Not only am I moving half way across the world, but I am actually starting a job with a professional ballet company! It makes me almost tear up to even type that. I always feared that it would never happen for me, no matter how modest the company.

:) Janie

Dear Sanna - I'm going!

Today I got the final written word I needed - I will be able to obtain a work visa, probably the day I apply for it, so I am officially moving overseas!

Today I sold one of my most prized possessions, my kitchen aid mixer, on craig's list :( It is definitely replaceable, and silly to keep when my mom has one, I can't use it in a different country, and it's very expensive to ship, but I am still sad to see my birthday present from last year packed up in a box and sold to a stranger. Oh well, it's another thing to cross off my list, and as I said, silly to keep. Last night I baked a final, humongous batch of cookies to say goodbye, so now I have a freezer full of more cookies than I could possibly eat before I leave, in less than two weeks!!

Now I just need to sell my car, finish shipping the boxes I've packed (and finish packing the boxes and luggage I haven't started to pack) and give away all the things I no longer want/need/have room for.

Just small things really. My biggest stress is the car, but we will see...

Janie

Dance Mind:Dear Janie, Are You Going?

Janie,  Are you going overseas?  Is that a definite?

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Changes

There is a lot to moving.  The packing, the closure, the anticipation, the unknown.... saying goodbye -- and Hello!

As for all you stuff to do ---

Think about how you function the best. This is when those skills come in very handy and are very necessary. 

Are you are list maker?  You may need to have several different lists for each day, the different areas of your life, who you need to say good bye to, get letters of recommendation from (DO THAT BEFORE YOU LKEAVE)... There is also the timing of the task. Somethings will have a time frame.  And are at the top of the list. 

There is nothing that feels better than a list with check marks or lines drawn through the tasks.  Maybe there is a friend there that can help you?  To run errands?

 __________________________________________________

Yes, this is a part of stepping out into the world. Learning how to manage money, long distance calls, moving,  packing, selling...  As you begin to work, you are not an official student any longer.

Pace yourself. Focus on the that task at hand rather than looking at the BIG picture. Everything you do will move you toward completion, one step at a time. Stop and pause. Keep you mind on that task before you. Chunk down.  

This has been a good experience for you in many ways.  in a few months you will have moved through this and gained so much more maturity.

THINK BACK TO WHEN YOU had moved there. Look at how much you have grown.  Observe how many things you have learned to do that are routine and necessary that you did not know living at home. Sometimes it is the simplest littlest things you do not realize have a process.

I know you are smart. You will get the info you need. 

2 weeks -- is 14 x 24 + 336 hours. You can get the job done.  

How can I help you?

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT

Performance Specialist

Dear Sanna - confidence

Yes! I do sound more confident, and I feel at least that I know what I want. I must admit though, as much as I know what I want, I am still indecisive, since I am relying on information that others refuse to give me!!! Very frustrating. Extremely frustrating. I have sent more emails than humanly possible, but I suppose in the very near future I will have to obtain a calling card and figure out how to call another country at the appropriate time of day with out spending $100. Blah. Oh well I'll figure it out.

I am also concerned with selling or shipping all my belongings. I only have two more weeks!! I am very excited and very stressed. And also trying to enjoy my numbered days :)

Janie

DanceMind: Dear Janie -- Movin' On

Your last post has a certain confidence to it. Read it again.  Do you feel that?

This has been quite a year for you Janie.  I am happy that this blog has been so helpful to you.  You have helped me a lot to.  Some time ago I kept hearing You have to blog ... You have to blog ... I read a few and quite honestly I was not interested in detailing my day.  One day it occurred to me to establish a blog in this way ...  You are anonymous so you can speak your mind without the repercussion  many fear, and discover ways to manage emotions, handle conflict, speak up and when to stay quiet. 

We are all I such awe at the poise and beauty of ballet dancers. I, as a dance enthusiast, am spellbound. Yet Audiences and even respective peers do not know what can go on in the mind and heart of a dancer.  You work so hard, standing on that pointe. So much is expected, so much is endured. Too much remains silent and unspoken.

I spent some time rereading. You have grown so much since Sept. when we began our first exchanges.  You have been very open and honest and reflective.  There are moments when we really must pause and contemplate "what next?"  You have done that.  

I also know that you have helped many young dancers.  "M" wrote, "Janie is awesome. I wish she danced at my studio. But she might, 'cause I do not know who she is! Can you tell just me please?"

That was the cutest!

We'll talk more. When you have time tell us your tentative plans.

Sanna Carapellotti, MS, CCHT

Performance Specialist

Dear Sanna - Thanks!

Thanks (Sanna and everyone who commented or voted) for all your support. Not only is this a great place for me to organize my thoughts, but your feedback and encouragement really helps.

At this point, I really can't think of anything that would stop me from going. I have gotten most of my questions answered to my satisfaction, although I am still waiting to see a few more things in writing just to be sure.

I really am working on being less tentative when it comes to getting information from the bosses. You're completely right - we are so intimidating of asking questions we absolutely have the right to ask! I have been taking baby steps, forcing myself to email and ask every question I believe is important, no matter how annoying I think I sound. For all I know, they could think I'm a flake for not asking important questions! Or for agreeing too readily, maybe they will underestimate my talent.

...so I guess my answer is still pending, but I'm working on it every day, and right now I am going unless something overwhelmingly happens to influence me to change my mind.

Janie

Dear Janie, So - You are Going?

You sound very certain of your decision. You want to step out and realize that this is the time to do it. You are ready. You want to travel and work professionally. You want a paycheck. You are willing to relocate half way around the world from your current location here in the USA.

You are amazing. This is such a giant leap.

Do you have all the answers to your questions of some time ago? Citizenship? Commitment? Safety? Money? Family responses? Have yu talked with them to confirm? Have they sent you any papers/contracts?

This could happen very very soon?

Talk to us when you have a chance --NOW JANIE!!!!!

Sanna Carapellotti, MS CCHT
Creator of Mental Performances CD's for Dancers

• The Audition CD, Mental training
• Stepping To Sleep, deep restorative sleep for dancers