Love makes the world go round. And I LOVE to dance!
I came across some tips called 10 simple steps to a healthier happier you - on Yahoo! today that really made this Broadway classic song title come alive for me.
In the Shape Magazine article, the author Jene' Luciani says, "It may sound cliche', but love truely does make the world go round."
The #8 Tip is - Find ways to get more LOVE in your life. Make time in your schedule to see the people you love. Play with a child, hug your friends, tell someone you love them, and smile at someone you don't know. These small gestures can make a big difference!
I love this advice. We all need to bring more LOVE into our lives. As dance teachers we get multiple chances to hug a child, play with a child, and smile at people! What a great profession we are in.
I think the basis of love is also rooted in confidence and that is one of the most important things we can instill in our dancers. Personal confidence - the ability to love themselves, so they in turn can share love with others.
At the end of every class I teach (and those that my staff teaches) we say our mantra: I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance. For the past 11 years we've been saying this after every class in our studio. I'm proud of it. This motivational statement is based in self-confidence and love. And it works. Even when I'm having a bad day I can say to myself "I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance!"
A few years ago, Dance Studio Life let me publish an article on our use of this positive psychology in our dance studio. It's linked on my website at Releve' dance posters if you wanto read it. It's titled Winning from the Inside Out.
You should hear our backstage at the start and end of recials, when the halls and stage ring aloud with this chant from every dancer! Gives me goosebumps every time!
Go ahead say it out loud right now....
I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance!
It feels good doesn't it? :) (there's a smile from me to you)
Take some time for you today and read these tips!
Dancingly yours,
Ms. DeAnne
Showing posts with label deanne boegli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deanne boegli. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2012
Friday, May 7, 2010
Reflections on Mother's Day
Reflections on Mother’s Day
Time heals all wounds, but a Mother’s love conquers all first. - D. Boegli
When you’ve lost your Mom, Mother’s day is bittersweet. I struggle each year with this day. A day to honor Mom and yet be honored by my own daughters. Somehow, I’m still trying to learn how to be a good mom, trying to make sure I don’t mess up, trying to be as good a mother as my own Mom was to me. She was a tough act to follow.
I often wonder how my life would be if she were still here. I wonder if her loss and the ultimate changes it created in my own life’s path were destined. I know her life was too short, but in my heart of hearts I believe her end was my beginning. Had she not died I would have been on a different path, for starters I would have gotten married to the wrong person. I would not have found my best friend. I would not have my amazing daughters. I wouldn’t have founded the dance school. Life would be different.
Her gift to me was ultimately her life. Knowing that, I have always worked to live my life to the fullest, give back to others as much as I can, and to keep on dreaming with her spirit living inside of me. I often do things for Mom. When I’m on a trip I see something that she would have loved, and I look at it or touch it – letting her see it though me.
It’s weird I know, but she and I are still connected in ways that many may never understand. I go to Rocky’s and have her favorite pizza so she can taste it on her birthday. I decorate her grave even though many never see it, because she would want it nice if someone comes to visit. I say things to people because that’s what she would have said and sometimes she even tells me what to buy people for gifts. She lives in me in many ways and she always will.
For those of you who still have Mom’s living – enjoy them. You just never know when time will stop and your path will change. But when it does remember that a Mom’s love is stronger than anything and it conquers all – even the pain of her loss eventually.
It's been 18 years and I still think of her every day.
Time heals all wounds, but a Mother’s love conquers all first. - D. Boegli
When you’ve lost your Mom, Mother’s day is bittersweet. I struggle each year with this day. A day to honor Mom and yet be honored by my own daughters. Somehow, I’m still trying to learn how to be a good mom, trying to make sure I don’t mess up, trying to be as good a mother as my own Mom was to me. She was a tough act to follow.
I often wonder how my life would be if she were still here. I wonder if her loss and the ultimate changes it created in my own life’s path were destined. I know her life was too short, but in my heart of hearts I believe her end was my beginning. Had she not died I would have been on a different path, for starters I would have gotten married to the wrong person. I would not have found my best friend. I would not have my amazing daughters. I wouldn’t have founded the dance school. Life would be different.
Her gift to me was ultimately her life. Knowing that, I have always worked to live my life to the fullest, give back to others as much as I can, and to keep on dreaming with her spirit living inside of me. I often do things for Mom. When I’m on a trip I see something that she would have loved, and I look at it or touch it – letting her see it though me.
It’s weird I know, but she and I are still connected in ways that many may never understand. I go to Rocky’s and have her favorite pizza so she can taste it on her birthday. I decorate her grave even though many never see it, because she would want it nice if someone comes to visit. I say things to people because that’s what she would have said and sometimes she even tells me what to buy people for gifts. She lives in me in many ways and she always will.
For those of you who still have Mom’s living – enjoy them. You just never know when time will stop and your path will change. But when it does remember that a Mom’s love is stronger than anything and it conquers all – even the pain of her loss eventually.
It's been 18 years and I still think of her every day.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Just in case you missed this article
This article is what landed me the opportunity to help write the new American Girl book "Dance!" - thought I'd share it with you in case you missed it.
Use the power of positive psychology to differentiate your school.
Written by: DeAnne Boegli, owner BHF Dance Academy and Releve’ LLC. Published in Dance Studio Life Magazine, August 2007
Recently, positive psychology stories have been hitting the news and bookshelves. Positive psychology experts recommend thinking positive thoughts to get a positive outcome. Some take this to the extreme saying they can imagine a parking spot and get it. But in general, this is not a new concept. Motivational speakers have been pitching the power of positive thinking to their audiences for years, so why now is it getting mainstream attention?
Positive attitudes can make a difference between struggling with a challenge and tackling it head on. If we are not confident we can not make good things happen. Adapting to change takes confidence and we live in a world of change. So today more than ever we need to think positive.
How does this impact dance teachers?
We’ve been teaching self-confidence for years. We tackle the world’s greatest fear -- public performance or public speaking every year, recital after recital. As a dance teacher, I’ve always prided myself in preparing young students for their first stage performance. That first exposure is critical to long term success. Training students to feel the adrenaline rush rather than the fear is what is so important. What a huge gift we give to our students -- freedom from fear. And the ability to use that “rush” to perform to the best of their abilities. After a positive stage experience self-confidence starts to grow and they can’t wait to get back up there.
In college I majored in psychology and journalism at the University of Wisconsin. My goal was to become a public relations professional. I’ve accomplished my goals. I’m still active in the profession and enjoy it daily. But along the way I found a need to listen to my creative voice, so I started a dance school in our small town in Brodhead, Wis. I wanted my daughters to have all of the gifts dancing provided to me. (thank you Ms. Ginger) And a school was born.
At my school we are all about teaching self-confidence. It’s my single goal. Our tag line is “Life is a Stage. Start Dancing™.” And I mean this. I want to raise confident young students with great attitudes. Sure, if we grow some amazing dancers along the way I’ll consider it a great success, but it won’t be my crowning achievement. Seeing a successful person with exceptional confidence in everyday life will be my reward.
Each class we put a twist on the Reverence tradition. We state our Reverence verbally. And through the years the kids have added their own choreography to it from time to time. We say at the end of each class… “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!™.” For five years my students have been repeating this and they believe it. (And so do their parents.) Go ahead; say it to yourself out loud.
“I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Doesn’t that make you feel good? That is positive psychology in the works. Repetitive self-affirmation is good for your soul.
At first, I had young girls who couldn't say it because they didn’t believe it. I would have them stand in front of the mirror and tell themselves “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Some couldn't look themselves in the eye. It was a sad moment for me, but it made me even more dedicated to this activity with the students. If no one else in their life was going to tell them they were smart and strong then I certainly wanted to teach them how to tell it to themselves.
I had a good laugh when the senior class took some artistic license to our statement. They chanted “I’m hot, I’m tired and I want to go home” with a few giggles. I had to admire their creativity, I was tired too.
Before each recital back stage while the kids are anxiously waiting, I shout “I’m going out now to open the curtain for you… let me here it!” Then young voices say in unison “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!” I get goose bumps each time. It calms the dancers down. It equalizes them. From the youngest to the oldest they all say it together. They are a team, even though some of them have never met. They are in control of their emotions. They are building self-awareness.
I had some staff that doubted this technique until they saw it in action backstage. They are believers today. And we even say it at the end of the grand finale’ of the final performance as a way to say goodbye until the next season starts.
I encourage you to find your own statement.
Say what comes naturally and fits with your teaching style. I’m confident you will find success. As it becomes part of your brand it will help you differentiate your school from competitors programs. One hint: don’t change the statement often. It’s something that you need to drill over time. Something that when they are 40 they will still remember….I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!
It’s fun. Try it.
Use the power of positive psychology to differentiate your school.
Written by: DeAnne Boegli, owner BHF Dance Academy and Releve’ LLC. Published in Dance Studio Life Magazine, August 2007
Recently, positive psychology stories have been hitting the news and bookshelves. Positive psychology experts recommend thinking positive thoughts to get a positive outcome. Some take this to the extreme saying they can imagine a parking spot and get it. But in general, this is not a new concept. Motivational speakers have been pitching the power of positive thinking to their audiences for years, so why now is it getting mainstream attention?
Positive attitudes can make a difference between struggling with a challenge and tackling it head on. If we are not confident we can not make good things happen. Adapting to change takes confidence and we live in a world of change. So today more than ever we need to think positive.
How does this impact dance teachers?
We’ve been teaching self-confidence for years. We tackle the world’s greatest fear -- public performance or public speaking every year, recital after recital. As a dance teacher, I’ve always prided myself in preparing young students for their first stage performance. That first exposure is critical to long term success. Training students to feel the adrenaline rush rather than the fear is what is so important. What a huge gift we give to our students -- freedom from fear. And the ability to use that “rush” to perform to the best of their abilities. After a positive stage experience self-confidence starts to grow and they can’t wait to get back up there.
In college I majored in psychology and journalism at the University of Wisconsin. My goal was to become a public relations professional. I’ve accomplished my goals. I’m still active in the profession and enjoy it daily. But along the way I found a need to listen to my creative voice, so I started a dance school in our small town in Brodhead, Wis. I wanted my daughters to have all of the gifts dancing provided to me. (thank you Ms. Ginger) And a school was born.
At my school we are all about teaching self-confidence. It’s my single goal. Our tag line is “Life is a Stage. Start Dancing™.” And I mean this. I want to raise confident young students with great attitudes. Sure, if we grow some amazing dancers along the way I’ll consider it a great success, but it won’t be my crowning achievement. Seeing a successful person with exceptional confidence in everyday life will be my reward.
Each class we put a twist on the Reverence tradition. We state our Reverence verbally. And through the years the kids have added their own choreography to it from time to time. We say at the end of each class… “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!™.” For five years my students have been repeating this and they believe it. (And so do their parents.) Go ahead; say it to yourself out loud.
“I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Doesn’t that make you feel good? That is positive psychology in the works. Repetitive self-affirmation is good for your soul.
At first, I had young girls who couldn't say it because they didn’t believe it. I would have them stand in front of the mirror and tell themselves “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Some couldn't look themselves in the eye. It was a sad moment for me, but it made me even more dedicated to this activity with the students. If no one else in their life was going to tell them they were smart and strong then I certainly wanted to teach them how to tell it to themselves.
I had a good laugh when the senior class took some artistic license to our statement. They chanted “I’m hot, I’m tired and I want to go home” with a few giggles. I had to admire their creativity, I was tired too.
Before each recital back stage while the kids are anxiously waiting, I shout “I’m going out now to open the curtain for you… let me here it!” Then young voices say in unison “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!” I get goose bumps each time. It calms the dancers down. It equalizes them. From the youngest to the oldest they all say it together. They are a team, even though some of them have never met. They are in control of their emotions. They are building self-awareness.
I had some staff that doubted this technique until they saw it in action backstage. They are believers today. And we even say it at the end of the grand finale’ of the final performance as a way to say goodbye until the next season starts.
I encourage you to find your own statement.
Say what comes naturally and fits with your teaching style. I’m confident you will find success. As it becomes part of your brand it will help you differentiate your school from competitors programs. One hint: don’t change the statement often. It’s something that you need to drill over time. Something that when they are 40 they will still remember….I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!
It’s fun. Try it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gift Idea for Christmas
American Girl has just released a book simply titled Dance! It retails for $9.95 and is a great idea to give to parents for a gift giving treat to thier dancer. Even if they already dance a lot this book talks about many issues surrounding dance...
- School dances
-Why you can't just start dancing with your best friend if she's been taking classes for a number of years and you have not.
- Great tips for how to work with your dance teacher if you are having trouble.
- And even cliques in the classroom, but not the dance studio - how to work with kids you don't normally hang out with in school.
(I helped write the book, but get no monetary reward for it, so I'm out promoting where I can just because I love the book and I'm proud of it.) It has some locker size posters in the back that are really cool too. Check it out! at www.americangirl.com or direct to http://store.americangirl.com/agshop
Put one in the waiting room for parents to browse! (you may need to tie it down :)
Dancingly Yours, DeAnne
- School dances
-Why you can't just start dancing with your best friend if she's been taking classes for a number of years and you have not.
- Great tips for how to work with your dance teacher if you are having trouble.
- And even cliques in the classroom, but not the dance studio - how to work with kids you don't normally hang out with in school.
(I helped write the book, but get no monetary reward for it, so I'm out promoting where I can just because I love the book and I'm proud of it.) It has some locker size posters in the back that are really cool too. Check it out! at www.americangirl.com or direct to http://store.americangirl.com/agshop
Put one in the waiting room for parents to browse! (you may need to tie it down :)
Dancingly Yours, DeAnne
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