With the new school year schedule this year, it not only causes us to change our breaks but it changes the way we test as well.
Every year us students are used to taking three finals at the end of each trimester. Now, with us only have semesters, we only take two finals. There are many pros and cons to this situation.
One pro is that we only have to worry about two tests in the year and don't have to worry about a third one. Another pro is you have a longer period of time to get help and get your grade up if needed. Also, we have our first final later than usual so now we don't have to hurry and learn the information so fast, we get more time to go over everything that is being taught.
One con is that our first final is right after Christmas break. We get two whole weeks off of school for Winter break and most of us forget a lot of the curriculum and struggle with remembering when we come back. Another con is since we only have two finals we have to test over more things than we did with three finals. It is hard to remember things that we were taught four months ago and test well on it.
With this being the first year with semesters, I've noticed students and even some teachers a little bit more stressed out with finals because of all of the cons. It seems as though the cons that i listed are overruling the pros to this situation.
I feel (and I'm sure many others would agree) that if we tweaked when our finals were to maybe having our first final right before Winter break and having more time to review everything that we learned from the beginning then people wouldn't stress nearly as much. I also feel like more people would much happier and content with the new schedule.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Spring Break
Every year schools get a week off for what is called "Spring Break". It occurs in March depending on what school you go to. This year for Kennedy, spring break is a week earlier. It starts March 12th and goes until March 20th.
Everyone looks forward to this break because a lot of students go one a vacation. Usually they go some where warm to get away from the cold here in Iowa. Some people go to the same place every year, some adventure to different places, and others just stay home.
Staying home isn't a bad thing, that's what I usually do except for this year. It's nice to just have a week off from school and relax, get away from all the homework and stress. It's like a week of Summer but not really because it usually isn't warm. But, you still get to hang out with friends and do whatever because the whole week is like a weekend!
One of my favorite things about Spring break is when you follow other people on Instagram or Twitter and you get to see where everyone goes or what fun things they did. I enjoy hearing about where people go and what kinds of things they got to experience.
A lot of Seniors are going to Mexico this Spring break as the "annual" Senior break trip. Every year I see pictures and get to hear about how fun it was to leave home for a little bit and be with friends. They all say that there is never anything to do in Cedar Rapids so it's nice to actually be able to do fun things with their friends. I hope I will be able to experience that trip next year when I am a Senior.
During Spring break there are lots of things to do and lots of places to go, expensive and inexpensive. Do some research, look around, and book somewhere and you'll be having a great Spring break. You can also stay home, catch up on sleep and do your fun things that you do on your weekends. Either way no one is complaining since we don't have school!
Everyone looks forward to this break because a lot of students go one a vacation. Usually they go some where warm to get away from the cold here in Iowa. Some people go to the same place every year, some adventure to different places, and others just stay home.
Staying home isn't a bad thing, that's what I usually do except for this year. It's nice to just have a week off from school and relax, get away from all the homework and stress. It's like a week of Summer but not really because it usually isn't warm. But, you still get to hang out with friends and do whatever because the whole week is like a weekend!
One of my favorite things about Spring break is when you follow other people on Instagram or Twitter and you get to see where everyone goes or what fun things they did. I enjoy hearing about where people go and what kinds of things they got to experience.
A lot of Seniors are going to Mexico this Spring break as the "annual" Senior break trip. Every year I see pictures and get to hear about how fun it was to leave home for a little bit and be with friends. They all say that there is never anything to do in Cedar Rapids so it's nice to actually be able to do fun things with their friends. I hope I will be able to experience that trip next year when I am a Senior.
During Spring break there are lots of things to do and lots of places to go, expensive and inexpensive. Do some research, look around, and book somewhere and you'll be having a great Spring break. You can also stay home, catch up on sleep and do your fun things that you do on your weekends. Either way no one is complaining since we don't have school!
Pep Assemblies
Being a Kennedy cougar is without a doubt the best thing
ever. One reason I say this is because of the outstanding pep assemblies.
Every school year at Kennedy high school they have 3 pep
assemblies; a Fall one, Winter one, and Spring one and it seems like they only
get better each time. With 1800 students plus staff members participating in
this you would think it would be chaotic but in reality it’s just amazing!
Between the celebration of old sports, introducing new sports, occasional
performances, and the spirit competition it is an event that everyone looks
forward to.
Aaron Stecker does a great job of organizing each pep
assembly and if you are there you can tell he loves it. With the help of other
students come up with the games and judges keeping the scores fair as possible,
the assembly goes on smoothly. Kennedy’s colors are green and gold but the one
day a term the gym BLEEDS green and gold.
Every time you step foot in that gym you shouldn’t know what
to expect. Each assembly get bigger and better with new ideas. With the 2015-16
seniors being the winners for the past couple of years, it strives the other
grades to do better and be more creative with their cheering and decorations.
I can already tell that this coming Spring assembly is going to be very competitive and intense. Who knows what will happen and who will win. The Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors are coming for the Seniors!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Penny Wars
Kennedy is always looking to make money for good causes. One of the ways we earn this money is what is known as "Penny Wars".
Penny wars is a type of fundraiser we have for students and teachers to give money towards children against hunger.
Each class, typically your 3rd hour class, collects money for a couple of weeks to help the kids in Africa to get the food they need. At the end of penny wars we package all the food to send out for those kids.
We get very competitive with it but it's for a really good cause. Each class competes to raise the most money in order for a "prize". This year it was for a spirit stick point for our school pep assembly.
The 2015-16 winner for penny wars has still yet to be determined.
It's one of many fundraisers that Kennedy does but this one, everyone gets into it and get excited. People tend to look forward to it considering it is a fun activity that the students get to be involved in and it's supporting a great cause!
Penny wars is a type of fundraiser we have for students and teachers to give money towards children against hunger.
Each class, typically your 3rd hour class, collects money for a couple of weeks to help the kids in Africa to get the food they need. At the end of penny wars we package all the food to send out for those kids.
We get very competitive with it but it's for a really good cause. Each class competes to raise the most money in order for a "prize". This year it was for a spirit stick point for our school pep assembly.
The 2015-16 winner for penny wars has still yet to be determined.
It's one of many fundraisers that Kennedy does but this one, everyone gets into it and get excited. People tend to look forward to it considering it is a fun activity that the students get to be involved in and it's supporting a great cause!
WPA
Every year Kennedy High School holds a homecoming dance, a WPA dance, and of course prom.
"WPA" stands for women pay all, it's kind of making up for the guys paying for almost everything at homecoming and also gives the girls a chance to be creative and ask the guys to the dance.
It is similar to a winter formal considering that it is in the winter time. Every year it is some time in March and this year it is held on March 24th.
It is also very similar to homecoming, it is located in the same spot and the same kind of music is played. There will also be a photographer there to take professional dance pictures. Although the dances themselves are about the same, there are some differences.
There is no king or queen, WPA is not as dressy as homecoming or prom, it is much more casual and like I said before the girls ask the boys this time. Another thing that is different is not as many peope go to WPA as they do for homecoming. About 500-700 people attend. People usually do the same when they take pictures, go out to eat, and then attend the dance.
WPA is 5 dollars to get in and it is one of the many fundraisers that we have to help out in different ways. There will be a D.J and a theme determined by the student government who is involved in planning most of the dance.
Even though WPA doesn't attract as many people, it is still a fun experience and you only get to do it once a year in your high school career.
"WPA" stands for women pay all, it's kind of making up for the guys paying for almost everything at homecoming and also gives the girls a chance to be creative and ask the guys to the dance.
It is similar to a winter formal considering that it is in the winter time. Every year it is some time in March and this year it is held on March 24th.
It is also very similar to homecoming, it is located in the same spot and the same kind of music is played. There will also be a photographer there to take professional dance pictures. Although the dances themselves are about the same, there are some differences.
There is no king or queen, WPA is not as dressy as homecoming or prom, it is much more casual and like I said before the girls ask the boys this time. Another thing that is different is not as many peope go to WPA as they do for homecoming. About 500-700 people attend. People usually do the same when they take pictures, go out to eat, and then attend the dance.
WPA is 5 dollars to get in and it is one of the many fundraisers that we have to help out in different ways. There will be a D.J and a theme determined by the student government who is involved in planning most of the dance.
Even though WPA doesn't attract as many people, it is still a fun experience and you only get to do it once a year in your high school career.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Popular Retired Teacher: "The Great Cary Beatty"
Former Kennedy teacher, Cary
Beatty substituted for Mrs. Haynes-Moore’s 5th hour Journalism class
and held a press conference. His dedication and love for teaching was
inspiring.
Mary Wilcynski, who was the former principal at Kennedy High School,
hired Beatty and was also the most influential towards him. “She genuinely
cared about every student”, “It was like she would go home and study everyone’s
names because she always knew everyone”, says Beatty.
His love for teaching
grew with him throughout his life. Beatty always thought about teaching and it
ran in the family. Another interest he has is directing school plays. He
directed about 5 plays a year and said that was his favorite experience.
With
him being retired and besides subbing, his hobbies include playing with his
dogs; Boner and Piglet, and traveling with his wife. They have been to most of
Western Europe and South Africa but aren’t able to travel much right now with
his mother-in-law being sick. He never had any kids but it was like he didn’t
even need any because he always had his students.
Some things that guided
Beatty through his teaching experience was, “Don’t take too many things
seriously because it’s just school not real life.”
The hidden Cougar Den
In the small
corner, by the south end of the school, the Cougar Den, is a place where you
can load up your Kennedy gear.
There is a small area by the south
lot doors where the Kennedy High School’s cougar den is. People go there to get
new apparel, souvenirs, and more.
“I think it’s a good place for kids
to turn to. A lot of people don’t know about it because it’s not on the
announcements or really talked about, but there are so many items there,”
Aubree Langhurst, jr., said.
There have been students who have
gone through their high school years without much Kennedy apparel to wear when
supporting the Cougars. Due to this problem people have requested that the
Cougar Den be in a more noticed area or talked about more so fans don’t forget
about it.
“I wish the school would mention it
more. I’m always looking for more things to wear at Kennedy games and always
forget about the Cougar Den. I’ve heard they have neat stuff and would like to
go but I never know when they are open,” Kirsten Wenclawski, so., said.
Langhurst also states that Kennedy
is very fortunate to have an apparel shop because schools that don’t, run into
a problem of their fans not having anything to wear.
“I think it’s quick and convenient
for everyone and the stuff in there is fairly priced as well,” Langhurst, jr.,
said.
The Cougar Den’s hours are Mondays and Fridays
from 12:15- 12:45, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30- 3:30, and at select
sporting events. If there are any questions, the Kennedy webpage has the Cougar
Den website and has a list of emails you can contact.
Kennedy to the dome (throwback to football season)
The
Kennedy football team was hoping for a big win at the UNI dome
Friday, November 13, 2015. After the big win against the Washington Warriors
(21-7), they were ready to go and were more pumped than ever.
The Kennedy Cougars had an outstanding season being 12-0 before heading
down to Cedar Falls. Kennedy played Bettendorf (12-0) in the semifinals and the
rankings were close with Kennedy being ranked 3rd in the
Iowa High school Football rankings and Bettendorf right in front them
in 2nd.
Cougar nation was a major supporter for the football team. Kennedy’s
student section and faculty are their number one fans along with the families.
This season has brought them closer than ever, just like the wooden block that
the football team swings before each game that says “family”, they are family!
As
good of teamwork the football team has put forth during the season, they aren’t the
only ones who showed team work. Between the players watching out for one
another on the field, the coaches on the sidelines helping them through
practices and the game itself and the whole crowd cheering the varsity team on,
they represent Kennedy a whole new way.
Everyone
a part of Kennedy couldn’t have been more proud of how far the team had come and were hoping to make it all the way to the end. “It’s the biggest game of the year so
far”, says many people from the student section, “So be
proud and loud!”
The
whole team said they were more ready than ever and The Jungle was ready to be
loud and represent their green and gold! What a great start of year it was to be a
Kennedy Cougar and as always go Cougs!
New schedule for the 2016-17 school year
The school board for the Cedar Rapids district held a meeting to discuss the new changes that would be made for the new year.
They came to a conclusion that the schools will be adding 35 minutes to their regular school day. Also, we will be having 7 periods in the day instead of 6 and have no academic zero hour. Along with this change, teachers could be possibly losing there jobs due to budget cuts.
For the next years seniors, it sucks because all of our goals was to start early so we could leave early or vise versa since most of us won't be having a full schedule. But now, they are no longer letting students have academic zero hour.
I don't understand the reasoning for this change, I think the way things are now are working just fine.
Yes, it will be fine for the incoming freshmen, but i think it is just going to stress out the upperclassmen more than it already has. Junior and Senior years are the most important years of your high school career and we shouldn't be making as many changes as there have been.
In my opinion, I feel as though if we could eliminate all the chaotic changes and stick with the same things for more than 2 years it would also decrease the amount of stress for everyone.
I don't understand the reasoning for this change, I think the way things are now are working just fine.
Yes, it will be fine for the incoming freshmen, but i think it is just going to stress out the upperclassmen more than it already has. Junior and Senior years are the most important years of your high school career and we shouldn't be making as many changes as there have been.
In my opinion, I feel as though if we could eliminate all the chaotic changes and stick with the same things for more than 2 years it would also decrease the amount of stress for everyone.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Smart Lunch
There has been a lot of debate on whether smart lunch is
really helpful or not. Some think it is a complete waste of time but majority
find it very awarding towards their education. Smart lunch is a 60 minute
period split into two tutorials; tutorial A and tutorial B. Smart lunch is
meant to allow students to study, work on homework, get help from teachers, and
eat with the remaining time. Kennedy High School is the only school in Iowa
that has smart lunch but is having much discussion on whether to keep it or not
due to some students not using it to their full advantage and taking it as a
joke. Some people at the school find it completely useless and others find it
extremely helpful.
“Smart lunch is a necessary and vital tool in my school life.
I have many activities and obligations outside of school and without smart
lunch, I wouldn’t be able to get half of my homework done. Although I
understand why it isn’t fair to provide smart lunch to everyone as some
students view the period as a long break, it wouldn’t be any fairer to take it
away from students who need and use smart lunch every day.”, said Tasneem Sadok.
“I think it’s definitely helpful but not just in the sense that
it helps you do homework; it’s nice having that destressing period with
friends. It’s like that little push that gets you through the day.”, said Gaige Wessling.
“I think it’s helpful because for people with
extra-curricular activities we don’t really have time outside of school to do
our homework and it helps us get our work done on time.”, Kirsten Wenclawski said.
“I think it is helpful because I am in sports and smart lunch
gives me the extra time I don’t have at home to study and get homework done.”, said Nate Sternat.
As you can see the students' response, smart lunch is very beneficial to lots of people. It should be kept around for the future students to experience.
Longer Winter Break
This year
during 2015-16, Kennedy High School along with the whole Cedar Rapids district
had an extra-long winter break and has students feeling all types of different
emotions.
The Cedar Rapids district has
decided to divide the 2015-16 school year into semesters and with this
occurring it also includes two weeks off of school for their winter break.
Students are usually used to trimesters and having finals right before thanksgiving
break but with this change, the breaks are much different.
This year’s winter break started
on December 19, 2015 until January 4, 2016 and finals are on January 14 and 15.
Now with the semesters, students
leave for two weeks and come back with less than two weeks to prepare for
finals. The real question is “Was it worth having this super long break when
you have to come back and work extra hard for the semester tests?” and “How did
kids really use their extra time during break?”
“I thought the break was just
right and super fun! I got to hang out with friends and travel when usually I
don’t have any time for friends.”, said Kirsten Wenclawski so. “Even though I
had to come back and study extra time, it was worth it because I never get the
free time to do whatever.”
It is clear that many students
enjoyed their fun over break but others thought it was very effective for their
classes.
“I liked the longer break and I think that a lot of other
people did too. There was definitely more time to do homework and I know that
helped me because I had to make a spaghetti bridge along with many other
students for a physics project over break.”, said Madison Palmer jr.
As the break was effective to some students, a couple still
didn’t enjoy having to study so hard after the long break. Some thought it was
difficult to remember everything after not having that daily learning with
their teachers. Also, a couple of students felt rushed into learning the
material all over again.
“I didn’t like having finals after break because I felt like
we had a break from everything and if you didn’t study you probably forgot some
things, then had to get right back into it. When I came back we had to do a lot
of review with teachers.”, said Palmer jr.
Instead of having finals after two weeks of fun, it is clear
that students would much rather them be before break. “It puts a weight off of
a shoulder and gives them time to relax just a little bit more than this year”,
said Wenclawski.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
New Semesters, New Breaks
This school year the district decided to go by "semesters" this year. It's not an easy transition due to having trimesters for so long, but I would say the students here at Kennedy High School are doing the best they can.
With a new semester being, the finals are filled with a lot more information that us students need to remember. Our daily routine is the same as they have always been, it's just that we don't get fresh start with a new term three times, now we only get two.
Along with the changes of having our school year be spilt up into semesters, our breaks during the year change as well.
Our Thanksgiving break is only 5 days long this year. We get three days of school off along with a two day weekend. We used to get a whole week off with finals being right before. It was our break along with a new start to school and we didn't have to worry about any homework.
Another break that has changed is our Christmas break. Christmas is now exactly two weeks long, but we still have to worry about homework and finals since they are two weeks after we get back. It's nice getting that much time off, but with all that time off tends students to forget more of what they have been learning before.
The last break that is changed is Spring break. It doesn't change much just that it is a week earlier this year. Spring break is now during March 12 to March 20.
There are clearly ups and downs to this new semester thing and to the breaks but as the years go by they will hopefully be able to tweak it to everyone's liking for the future high school students.
With a new semester being, the finals are filled with a lot more information that us students need to remember. Our daily routine is the same as they have always been, it's just that we don't get fresh start with a new term three times, now we only get two.
Along with the changes of having our school year be spilt up into semesters, our breaks during the year change as well.
Our Thanksgiving break is only 5 days long this year. We get three days of school off along with a two day weekend. We used to get a whole week off with finals being right before. It was our break along with a new start to school and we didn't have to worry about any homework.
Another break that has changed is our Christmas break. Christmas is now exactly two weeks long, but we still have to worry about homework and finals since they are two weeks after we get back. It's nice getting that much time off, but with all that time off tends students to forget more of what they have been learning before.
The last break that is changed is Spring break. It doesn't change much just that it is a week earlier this year. Spring break is now during March 12 to March 20.
There are clearly ups and downs to this new semester thing and to the breaks but as the years go by they will hopefully be able to tweak it to everyone's liking for the future high school students.
Friday, January 8, 2016
How to keep your energy up
There are many different things you can do to keep your energy up. Keeping your energy up is very important because of many reasons. It keeps you motivated, concentrated, and helps with a positive attitude.
One way to improve your energy is sleep. Make sure you always get a good sleep during the night. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the full amount of hours of sleep every single night, but if you train yourself to get in bed at a certain time it will help a lot.
Another way to keep your energy up is your eating habits. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you should never miss it. Getting the rights nutrients in your body can start you day off great by feeling full and refreshed.
Stress causes a lot of low energy. Try to eliminate some of the stressful things in your life. I know it can be difficult but try talking to someone who can help you with the thing that is causing you to have anxiety. Anxiety has been shown to take up almost all of your energy so if there is anyway you can take that away you would feel a whole lot positive.
Drinking lots of water is another way of keeping your energy. Instead of drinking really sugary juices or pop, drink water. It fills you up more and doesn't slow you down. Also, when eating, don't eat lots of sugary foods or unhealthy foods. Keep it very nutritious.
Like I said before, keeping your energy up can be very difficult, but with these extra tips you will be more positive and energetic in no time!
One way to improve your energy is sleep. Make sure you always get a good sleep during the night. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the full amount of hours of sleep every single night, but if you train yourself to get in bed at a certain time it will help a lot.
Another way to keep your energy up is your eating habits. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you should never miss it. Getting the rights nutrients in your body can start you day off great by feeling full and refreshed.
Stress causes a lot of low energy. Try to eliminate some of the stressful things in your life. I know it can be difficult but try talking to someone who can help you with the thing that is causing you to have anxiety. Anxiety has been shown to take up almost all of your energy so if there is anyway you can take that away you would feel a whole lot positive.
Drinking lots of water is another way of keeping your energy. Instead of drinking really sugary juices or pop, drink water. It fills you up more and doesn't slow you down. Also, when eating, don't eat lots of sugary foods or unhealthy foods. Keep it very nutritious.
Like I said before, keeping your energy up can be very difficult, but with these extra tips you will be more positive and energetic in no time!
Thursday, January 7, 2016
How Hip Hop is different than any other dance
People take hip hop for many different reasons. It is completely different than any other dances. Hip hop the dance started as "street dancing" and originated from the South Bronx in New York City. There are many moves you can do with this style of dance such as; breaking, locking, and popping.
Hip hop is a very difficult dance to do, you have to be able to move your body a way that no other dance shows. For some people, it comes natural to and others it does the complete opposite. Some dancers don't know how to pop their bodies like natural hip hoppers do. But then again some dancers don't enjoy super graceful movement such as ballet, etc. which is one reason hip hop became so popular.
This style of dance has become very popular over the years. the most popular hip hop dancing that people nowadays know more would be the line dances such as; "The Cha Cha Slide", "The Cupid Shuffle", etc.
Hip hop is also the only dance that doesn't require you to take ballet along with it. Due to the different technique between ballet and hip hop, dance studios don't require dancers to take both.
Because of how different hip hop is from other dances most people decide to just take it considering it is much faster than others.
Hip hop is also the only dance that doesn't require you to take ballet along with it. Due to the different technique between ballet and hip hop, dance studios don't require dancers to take both.
Because of how different hip hop is from other dances most people decide to just take it considering it is much faster than others.
Dance is harder on your body than you think
Dance is a very physical and active sport. Just like any other sport you have to be mentally and physically prepared for everything that is about to come.
Depending on the type of dance you are doing you could be moving fast or slow, but it all takes a lot out of you. When dancing you have to have strong legs and a good core.
As you get older, your body gets weaker there's no question about that. Dance is very hard on you joints when dong it for so long. Instead of strengthening it as it does when you are younger it starts to hurt you more and more as you get old.
Dance is a very good exercise and does great things for your body when you are young; it is god aerobics, stretches your body, give you the energy you need, and it gets you going for the day. Although these things are very good for you it only does it for so long.
Like I said before, your body gets weaker as you get older and your muscles and joints can't take as much as you used to be able to. You also can't move as fast as you used to.
So, when dancing make sure to prepare yourself as best you can. Stretch all the time!! Also, make sure to eat healthy and keep your energy up.
Depending on the type of dance you are doing you could be moving fast or slow, but it all takes a lot out of you. When dancing you have to have strong legs and a good core.
As you get older, your body gets weaker there's no question about that. Dance is very hard on you joints when dong it for so long. Instead of strengthening it as it does when you are younger it starts to hurt you more and more as you get old.
Dance is a very good exercise and does great things for your body when you are young; it is god aerobics, stretches your body, give you the energy you need, and it gets you going for the day. Although these things are very good for you it only does it for so long.
Like I said before, your body gets weaker as you get older and your muscles and joints can't take as much as you used to be able to. You also can't move as fast as you used to.
So, when dancing make sure to prepare yourself as best you can. Stretch all the time!! Also, make sure to eat healthy and keep your energy up.
Dance vs. Cheer
People who are not in dance or cheer get confused on the difference. They just refer them two completely different sports as the same.
Dance is a little bit more graceful. It has more of a flow type of movement. There isn't usually a whole lot of tumbling and stunting unless you are doing acrobat. In dance, if you jump it usually leaps, you don't really jump in one place the whole time. Another thing that is different is the music. With dance you usually do one song. There are also different types of dancing that you can choose to do.
Cheer is more robotic. It is very stiff and sharp the whole time. Although some types of dances are also this way not all are. Cheer is filled with stunts and tumbling. It involves a lot of jumps as well such as; toe touches, pikes, hurdlers, etc. Again, even though dance does this occasionally, they don't do all the time like cheer does. With cheer's music it is usually a remix verses one song the whole way through with dance.
Yes, cheer is a form of dance in some way but the differences are clear to some and not to others. It can be difficult to tell the differences because they are both filled with spirit and have dance sort of movements.
Dance is a little bit more graceful. It has more of a flow type of movement. There isn't usually a whole lot of tumbling and stunting unless you are doing acrobat. In dance, if you jump it usually leaps, you don't really jump in one place the whole time. Another thing that is different is the music. With dance you usually do one song. There are also different types of dancing that you can choose to do.
Cheer is more robotic. It is very stiff and sharp the whole time. Although some types of dances are also this way not all are. Cheer is filled with stunts and tumbling. It involves a lot of jumps as well such as; toe touches, pikes, hurdlers, etc. Again, even though dance does this occasionally, they don't do all the time like cheer does. With cheer's music it is usually a remix verses one song the whole way through with dance.
Yes, cheer is a form of dance in some way but the differences are clear to some and not to others. It can be difficult to tell the differences because they are both filled with spirit and have dance sort of movements.
Ballet Requirement
It is easily determined that to achieve most dances you have to have the technique you get from ballet. Ballet is the foundation of all dances. Although it may be boring to some dancers, people don't realize how much of an impact it really makes.
When signing up for any dance class besides hip hop you have to also take ballet. Some people get frustrated by this requirement, considering everyone who takes dance classes isn't going to have an actual dance profession when they get older.
The way that some parents and kids see it is "Why would I take or spend money on a dance class that my kid doesn't enjoy. All s/he wants to do is have fun with a class they love. They are just doing it for fun, I don't see why I can't just sign them up for one class that they will love."
It is clear that some people have an issue with this requirement, but it is more than just another dance to others. Ballet has been shown to have other benefits besides being just another dance that some kids enjoy.
Ballet is a slow moving dance, but that is the beauty of it. It gives you the time to relax, stretch, and give you the technique of a real dancer. Ballet has been proven to improve coordination, flexibility, and it is truly healthy for you. It also improves strength, alignment, and balance. Ballet is also a stress reliever and helps with any problems you may have.
When doing ballet you must have the right technique and proper training. Ballet is a very high risking sport of injuries when not properly doing the dance correctly.
Based on this information it is shown that the ballet requirement exists not only because of it just being another dance but there is more to that.
When signing up for any dance class besides hip hop you have to also take ballet. Some people get frustrated by this requirement, considering everyone who takes dance classes isn't going to have an actual dance profession when they get older.
The way that some parents and kids see it is "Why would I take or spend money on a dance class that my kid doesn't enjoy. All s/he wants to do is have fun with a class they love. They are just doing it for fun, I don't see why I can't just sign them up for one class that they will love."
It is clear that some people have an issue with this requirement, but it is more than just another dance to others. Ballet has been shown to have other benefits besides being just another dance that some kids enjoy.
Ballet is a slow moving dance, but that is the beauty of it. It gives you the time to relax, stretch, and give you the technique of a real dancer. Ballet has been proven to improve coordination, flexibility, and it is truly healthy for you. It also improves strength, alignment, and balance. Ballet is also a stress reliever and helps with any problems you may have.
When doing ballet you must have the right technique and proper training. Ballet is a very high risking sport of injuries when not properly doing the dance correctly.
Based on this information it is shown that the ballet requirement exists not only because of it just being another dance but there is more to that.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Competition Day
Dancers are always excited for competitions. Spending months and months learning different dances to get ready for these days is exciting but can also be exhausting.
Usually the day of a competitions start pretty early considering you have to wake up get your hair and makeup done, make sure you have all of your costumes, shoes, accessories, and props in your bag with you, and be there two hours before you perform to warm up.
Once you get there it is pretty hectic. Depending on if your dance studio has their own dressing room or if you have to share with other studios determines how crazy and crowded it can really get. There are girls and their moms all running around like crazy trying to hurry and get you ready to go practice the dance a million times before you go out and perform.
When you are all ready to go through your routine that you are about to perform, you go with the other dancers and your dance teacher/s and get lined up to go behind stage. This is about the time when your nerves start kicking in nut when you are on stage the adrenaline kicks in and you don't even realize what's all happening because it goes by so quick.
After that, depending on how many dances you do it is usually an all day thing and most studios have all dancers stay for awards.
Yes, it is an extremely busy and chaotic day but for some weird reason, us dancers love it! It's what makes us want to come back and do it all over the next weekend. It's because we are doing what we love and nothing is more important than that.
Usually the day of a competitions start pretty early considering you have to wake up get your hair and makeup done, make sure you have all of your costumes, shoes, accessories, and props in your bag with you, and be there two hours before you perform to warm up.
Once you get there it is pretty hectic. Depending on if your dance studio has their own dressing room or if you have to share with other studios determines how crazy and crowded it can really get. There are girls and their moms all running around like crazy trying to hurry and get you ready to go practice the dance a million times before you go out and perform.
When you are all ready to go through your routine that you are about to perform, you go with the other dancers and your dance teacher/s and get lined up to go behind stage. This is about the time when your nerves start kicking in nut when you are on stage the adrenaline kicks in and you don't even realize what's all happening because it goes by so quick.
After that, depending on how many dances you do it is usually an all day thing and most studios have all dancers stay for awards.
Yes, it is an extremely busy and chaotic day but for some weird reason, us dancers love it! It's what makes us want to come back and do it all over the next weekend. It's because we are doing what we love and nothing is more important than that.
Nutritious meals
When dancing and doing any other sport it is important to stay fit and keep healthy. You also want to keep your energy up with the hard going sport. Food is major thing to keep you healthy and your energy up. It's choosing the right things to eat that can be difficult for some people. Depending on how much you dance determines how much you should eat. Full time dancers have to eat a lot each day to keep their metabolism up. Dancers need lots of carbohydrates, right kinds of fats, protein, and micronutrients.
For full time dancer it is important to eat a good breakfast before going to class. Some nutritious breakfast ideas are:
1) Blueberry Soy Shake
**For 1 and 2 website- http://www.actsafe.ca/wp-content/uploads/resources/pdf/dancernutrition.pdf
Being a dancer it is also very important to eat many snacks during the day when you have time. Some healthy snack choices are:
1) Vegetables and low fat dips such as avocado-yogurt dip, creamy garlic-herb dip, smoked salmon dip, lima bean dip, and guacamole. To find these recipes and many more low calorie dips go to http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/low-cal-dips-spreads/low-cal-easy-guacamole
2) Fresh fruit
3) Nuts
Lastly, dancers need a good dinner. Some nutritious meals are:
1) Poached or baked chicken/fish with no skin
2) Steamed vegetables or rice
For desserts you can try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or popcorn with NO butter.
**For more ideas and recipes go to this website: https://www.theballetworkshop.com/Nutrition_and_the_Dancer.html
For full time dancer it is important to eat a good breakfast before going to class. Some nutritious breakfast ideas are:
1) Blueberry Soy Shake
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries
- 1 cup of a soy beverage
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp. flaxseed oil (optional)
**For 1 and 2 website- http://www.actsafe.ca/wp-content/uploads/resources/pdf/dancernutrition.pdf
Being a dancer it is also very important to eat many snacks during the day when you have time. Some healthy snack choices are:
1) Vegetables and low fat dips such as avocado-yogurt dip, creamy garlic-herb dip, smoked salmon dip, lima bean dip, and guacamole. To find these recipes and many more low calorie dips go to http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/low-cal-dips-spreads/low-cal-easy-guacamole
2) Fresh fruit
3) Nuts
Lastly, dancers need a good dinner. Some nutritious meals are:
1) Poached or baked chicken/fish with no skin
2) Steamed vegetables or rice
For desserts you can try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or popcorn with NO butter.
**For more ideas and recipes go to this website: https://www.theballetworkshop.com/Nutrition_and_the_Dancer.html
Monday, January 4, 2016
Lucky hair tie
Many people have that one thing that gets them through every game, competition, etc. It's their lucky charm, they can go a day without or else they will "lose". That lucky charm is different for everyone who has it, for me its a lucky hair tie.
When it is competition season for dance it get kind of intense. Everyone is rushing to get all of their hair and makeup done and making sure they have all the costumes they need. Every weekend I happen to just use the same hair tie to hold up my hair; a dark purple, thick, and average sized ponytail. I know people would say that would stand out with your hair too much but my hair always had to be in a bun, so therefore when my hair is being wrapped around ten million times you can't see it. The reason I always use this hair tie is because it just always happens to be sitting out and it always the one my mom picks.
At one of my competitions I was getting ready to go on stage, I was already so nervous (this is also when I was a lot younger) and I was focusing on not forgetting the dance. who knew that was thing to not worry about. As I was dancing I felt my hair becoming loose. I started to panic a little inside but kept dancing hoping it would stay in just a little longer. I had a dance move coming up where I had to whip my head and I knew at that moment I was going to get I trouble by my teacher for not putting my hair up tight enough because it was clearly going to come out by the end of the routine.
The move came upon me and my hair had came out and the ponytail had flew across stage. I was so upset when I went back to the dressing room (mainly at my mom because she was the one who put my hair up). I noticed my purple hair tie in my dance bag and wondered why I didn't have it in my hair. My mom and I always laugh we have noticed I always happen out of coincidence to use the purple tie and we both thought it was weird how this one day I didn't use it.
Being a normal 6 year old I freaked out and told my mom to put the ponytail in my hair and started accusing my hair catastrophe on the black hair tie that I used that day instead. Ever since then I have always double checked that I have my "lucky" hair tie with me.
When it is competition season for dance it get kind of intense. Everyone is rushing to get all of their hair and makeup done and making sure they have all the costumes they need. Every weekend I happen to just use the same hair tie to hold up my hair; a dark purple, thick, and average sized ponytail. I know people would say that would stand out with your hair too much but my hair always had to be in a bun, so therefore when my hair is being wrapped around ten million times you can't see it. The reason I always use this hair tie is because it just always happens to be sitting out and it always the one my mom picks.
At one of my competitions I was getting ready to go on stage, I was already so nervous (this is also when I was a lot younger) and I was focusing on not forgetting the dance. who knew that was thing to not worry about. As I was dancing I felt my hair becoming loose. I started to panic a little inside but kept dancing hoping it would stay in just a little longer. I had a dance move coming up where I had to whip my head and I knew at that moment I was going to get I trouble by my teacher for not putting my hair up tight enough because it was clearly going to come out by the end of the routine.
The move came upon me and my hair had came out and the ponytail had flew across stage. I was so upset when I went back to the dressing room (mainly at my mom because she was the one who put my hair up). I noticed my purple hair tie in my dance bag and wondered why I didn't have it in my hair. My mom and I always laugh we have noticed I always happen out of coincidence to use the purple tie and we both thought it was weird how this one day I didn't use it.
Being a normal 6 year old I freaked out and told my mom to put the ponytail in my hair and started accusing my hair catastrophe on the black hair tie that I used that day instead. Ever since then I have always double checked that I have my "lucky" hair tie with me.
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