Revive your Why - The "Power of Purpose"
I have been wanting to revive the blog for some time now. It started in 2018 with me just wanting to share my words to my students and to find an outlet to spark motivation. In 2020 - 2021, I felt called upon to start the Heart to Heart Video Series (and if you haven’t watched them please do) when we all were forced to step outside of our dance and yoga studios/communities, performers could not take the stage, and most of us were at home during the Pandemic. The vlog brought a sense of community and a sense of connection to others in the dance world, and I hope it brought motivation to others to keep pursuing their dreams during the challenges. In 2022, I started the year with the start of “season 2” but #momlife kind of happened and there was more on my plate; not an excuse, just being honest. I am a big believer in listening to your intuition and what you are being called to do. For many of us, it may be that we are called to take care of others, start a new journey, find faith in a higher power, etc. Now, being a mother of a one-year-old, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a community leader, I find that its so important to revisit and to revive THE why.
In talking with students, friends, family, I realize how many people are burnt out. All craving for that vacation, time off, a chance to just breathe. Is it because we are living in a society that is overworked, spending an average of 92,000 hours at work over a lifetime? Or that we are overstimulated with phones, tv, screens constantly in our faces, taking away from being present with other humans? Or that have we have a hard time saying NO to others? And even when we get a chance to rest, do we even rest? Yup, all of these factors could be it. A study from IDEOU states that a purpose-driven individual is more likely to be high performer and obtain higher levels of fulfillment. And crazy enough, IDEOU has an entire course on the “Power of Purpose”. So if we can just take that idea that has been scientifically proven and copy-paste it into our personal lives, would we then have higher levels of personal fulfillment leading to happiness and joy? Aha! I do declare! And here is what you should think about—
Power of Purpose defines these steps and suggests doing this 5-minute exercise like a MadLib activity. I added my own take as well to make it more personal to reviving/finding your why—
Step 1: Look for Passion —Where has it shown up already? A moment you are most proud of, something that made you feel good, when you have been at your best. Write down/sketch a moment and be specific.
Step 2: Look for People — Purpose can often show up in the service of others, When you think of meaningful moments personally or professionally, who were you helping? Who do you want to help?
Step 3: Look for Impact — Ok, it gets deeper - what impact do you have on the world around you? What’s the impact you want to have? How do you want to improve people’s lives? How will your helping benefit them? How do you want to improve your own life?
Step 4: Why do you exist? — As if it couldn’t get any more nitty gritty - You don’t have to believe in a higher power to believe that you were placed on this Earth for a reason. We may not know it, or even ever find out, but we can have a hand on why we believe we are here. Bring everything together into a simple purpose statement (key word: simple). Are you here to take care of your cat? Are you here to bridge the gap between distant family in a far away land? Are you here to solve a problem in your community? Are you here to be the voice for your group? Are you here to create something that would not otherwise been created if it wasn’t for you? Are you here to start a movement? Stretch and think beyond what you’re currently doing. This can take some time, and that’s ok. Sometimes we won’t have the answer, but it will get our minds thinking toward an answer. Imagine the impact you want to have in the future.
“I/We exist to __________ (desired impact) in order to serve __________ (intended audience).”
Give it a shot.
Here are some examples graciously given:
“I exist to encourage others to achieve their dreams, which will lead me on the path of achieving my own.”
“I will do whatever it takes in my power to be the best mother and stronghold for my family.”
“I seek to provide a community for others to use movement as a sense of expression, healing, release.”
Boom, bam, bing! Did you reveal a compelling purpose in service of others and yourself? The MadLibs activity is not everything, but it may be getting to the core of why you do what you do. Sit with it. It’s getting the wheels turning to something that will lead you in a clearer direction. Mission statements are not just for business and the Power of Purpose is giving that. It brings light to what drives you. This mission statement can come up in ways of affirmation and commitment to yourself in challenging times or on a day-to-day motivational standpoint.
I hope that you will share your findings with me. There’s no better time than now to revive your why and find your purpose. We are all on the journey, so lets make it worthwhile and the most exciting times yet! Cheers to the holiday season and a continued living through of meaningfulness, intentional quality time, purposeful interactions, and happiness to all!
—Lee-Ann
Heart to Heart Video Series - Season 2: Episode 37: Natasha Filipov, This Blonde Means Business + Former NFL Cheerleader
We’re back with Season 2! Heart to Heart Episode 37 features Founder of This Blonde Means Business and dancer, Natasha Filipov. Natasha shares her passion for the being a woman in the business world as well her passion for the performing arts. Check out her inspirational posts, blog, and tips @thisblondemeansbusiness. Also stay tuned for more #SpotlightSpecial Pro Cheer Jazz classes with Natasha in the future with Two Hearts!
Heart to Heart Series: Episode 36 - Jaqueline DAmico, Holistic Life Coach + Dancer
Jacqueline D’Amico is a holistic life coach, yoga instructor, and mindfulness expert based in Dallas Fort Worth. Originally from the New Jersey, Jacqueline studied at Muhlenberg College. She then pursued her passion of becoming a holistic life coach at the Health Coach Institute, mastering in Habit Change and the Transformational Coaching Method. Her passion has led her building her own wellness collective, where she is able to help individuals seek holistic support and tap into a better version of themselves.
Follow her @jdancinyogini
Sideline Prep Presents: Coaches Corner w/ Director of Coaching, Lee-Ann
A note from Sideline Prep's Director of Coaching, Lee-Ann...
" As a performer in the entertainment industry, it is so important to "stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. "
"... Especially in this unpredictable world of auditions that are ever evolving and changing to cater to times. This year has been a testament of that, am I right?! Many have had to learn how to audition virtually, but also many audition processes continue to amp up their requirements and the talent they are seeking continues to change as well. Plus... it can be a nail biting waiting game for teams to announce their audition schedule. In the past, we could predict when auditions would be based on when they were held the previous year. Not now. The "regular" schedule is no longer regular... which means you have to always be ready.
The playing field has changed. For example, in the pro cheer world, more and more teams are going co-ed, and some have changed their signature styles entirely to cater more to a "hype squad" rather than the typical cheerleaders we are used to seeing. Whatever it is, it's time to bring your A-game, because being prepared will set you apart from the rest in the audition world. Here are a few tips on prepping for auditions:
1. If you want to be a professional athlete, you must train like one! That means creating consistent routines and practices that are going to get to your goals naturally. Create the "athlete lifestyle" for yourself by allotting yourself the time with time blocking to make sure you stay on track. Have a consistent training schedule that includes fitness, dance technique, taking classes, and target time to improve specific areas will yield the results you need. Yes, our program is designed to help you create this lifestyle, but it's up to you to show up everyday and be consistent.
2. Know the team! This may have single-handedly helped me nail the NBA Washington Wizards Dance Team auditions. I went to every single prep class they offered, in which I also took the time to introduce myself to the coaches. I went to multiple games, just to watch and observe what they did. I talked to current teammates to get a grasp of the lifestyle, the schedule, and their experiences so I can see how it would fit into my life. You gotta do your research, and put yourself into those boots/sneakers like you're going to be on that team. This will go a long way and judges can who has done their due diligence to make the team.
3. Above all, HAVE FUN! These organizations hire dancers to entertain the crowd, and at the end of the day, that is what your goal should be. Light up that room, show off your talent, shine bright bright bright! The best way to do that is go into the audition with a simple intention-- to have fun. That is exactly the mindset I had when auditioning for my team. I did not expect in a million years to make it my first year. Three-hundred girls showed up that year, and I remember looking around thinking there was no way that I would be picked to make that team of 20. I thought I would just learn about the audition process and try again. So I decided, I am going to have fun today. And because I didn't feel stressed out, I truly believe that had a huge impact on me making the team. So honey, into your audition with the pure intention of having a great time and showing people how fun you are! You got this!
It is my pleasure every day to be in the position to help Lovelies reach their dreams and achieve their goals. What I love most about being able to help Lovelies make teams is seeing the organic transformations. I've seen Lovelies with low-confidence, little dance training, and "I can't do this" mindsets end this program having become glowing superstars, inside and out. This program is not just about training to be a pro cheerleader, its about training to be a positive leader in the community and setting the bar so high for yourself where you can reach any goal you go for! I look forward to helping you make your dreams come true! It's time to get prepared to take on the world, Lovely! :) "
Want more information on the Pro Cheer Coaching Program the Lee-Ann is talking about? If so, click HERE!
Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 35 - Taylor Hulitt, Former Disney Princess + Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancer
Taylor is a graduate of The University of North Texas with a BBA in Marketing. She has had several years of dance experience from teaching, to professional cheerleading, to industry work with major corporations. She was a Dallas Desperados Dancers and Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers alumni. With both teams, she attended appearances all over the country. She was the only rookie on the team chosen to perform on the hit television show America's Got Talent, Good Morning Texas, and DFW Sports Beat. She has also done industry work with Pepsi, Party City, DIFFA, and Rascal Flatts. She is former cast member at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. There she danced in several shows, commercials, parades and brought several world famous Disney characters to life. Follow Taylor on Instagram @taylortot88
Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 34 - Michelle "Chellie Fig" Figuieredo, Choreographer + Former 76ers Dancers Captain/Dancer
Michelle “Chellie Fig” Figuierdo graduated magna cum laude from Rider University with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience, B.A. in Dance Performance, and a certificate in leadership. Throughout college, she was a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and trained with American Repertory Ballet at the Princeton Ballet School. Michelle is a former four-year veteran and two-year captain of the NBA’s Sixers Dancers. While representing the Sixers Dancers, she has performed internationally across China on an NBA China Tour (4x). She danced on the NBA All Star Dance Team held in New Orleans, Louisiana (2014) and the NBA All Star Game in New York City (2015). She has also appeared on local television channels, radio stations, and performed back-up for various artists. Chellie is also an accomplished dance adjudicator and instructor. She is on faculty with Impact Dance Adjudicators & ELEVATE Dance. She teaches at Koresh School of Dance along with Dance Arts Conservatory. Chellie completed a teaching tour in Germany and had the opportunity to choreograph for Liberty Dance Team. Currently, she is a versatile, freelance dance artist based out of Philly, dancing with AJ Harper Dance Project and separately under Melissa Rector.
Learn more about Chellie at chelliefig.com and follow her at @chelliefig on Instagram.
Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 33 - Cierra Kaler-Jones, Unlock Your Story + Dancer
Heart to Heart Episode 33 features Cierra Kaler-Jones. Cierra is a social justice educator, writer, scholar, and artist based in Washington, DC. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership at University of Maryland - College Park studying minority and urban education. Her dissertation explores how Black girls use arts-based practices (e.g. movement, music, hair) as mechanisms for identity development and resistance through the co-creation of a healing-centered out-of-school space. She is the founder and director of Unlock Your Story, a coaching and consulting business aimed at helping people tap into the stories that they are bravely meant to share with the world. As a former professional dancer in the NBA, a fitness instructor, yoga + meditation instructor, and dance educator, she also uses movement and art as a way to encourage others to take care of their minds, bodies, and souls throughout the process of sharing stories. Learn more about Cierra on IG at @_cierrajade_ and @unlockyourstory . Visit her website at unlockyourstoryco.com
Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 32 - Shannon Dooling-Cain, Dance Educator + The Holistic Dance Teacher
Episode 32 of our Heart to Heart video series features Shannon Dooling-Cain, Dance Educator + Founder of The Holistic Dance Teacher. Shannon spent most of her life dancing in the suburbs of Philadelphia, we met each other when she lived in the Washington DC area for 6 years, and now she is currently living in Arizona. She is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned an MFA in Dance in 2013, and Desales University in Center Valley, PA, where she earned a BA in Dance in 2007. Shannon teaches dance to students from age 2 - 60, from absolute beginner to professional, and has been a faculty member and guest artist at universities, studios, schools, and community organizations. For seven years, she co-directed New Street Dance Group with Krista Armbruster and she went on to co-found the NACHMO/D.C., a hub of the National Choreography Month initiative, alongside the amazing women of Glade Dance Collective. She is active as a teacher, choreographer, coach, adjudicator, and solo performer. She is a blogger and the creator of The Holistic Dance Teacher, helping dance teachers elevate their teaching without sacrificing work-life balance, and creates tools for planning. Visit Shannon's newly revamped website www.shannondoolingdances.com for more information.
Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 31 - Malika Yates, Elite Miss Delaware Earth 2020
Malika is from New Jersey but has lived in Delaware for over five years now. She graduated from Wilmington University with a degree in Education and the Arts and has one year left to complete her Psychology degree from Florida International University. She holds the title as Elite Miss Delaware Earth 2019 and 2020. Which means she will represent Delaware at the Miss Earth USA national competition in Orlando, FL. During the pandemic, she founded her environmental nonprofit, The Global Ripple Effect Project Inc. Her mission is to inspire and nurture students to become environmental leaders, encourage communities to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable practices and make our environment healthier than what we inherited globally. Follow Malika on Instagram at @elitemissdelaware and learn more about her eco-education program and her nonprofit @theglobalrippleeffectproject
