Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Thanks to modern technology and the gig economy, many people are turning their hobbies into business opportunities. In a job market where more and more skills are being outsourced or automated, some experts believe entrepreneurial endeavours will play a large role in the future of the workforce. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to take the leap into running your own business, you might find that the thrill of trying something new or the flexibility of being your own boss are just what you need. If you’re serious about launching a business, here are some ways to get started:
E-commerce
One of the quickest ways to test the waters of entrepreneurship is by launching an e-commerce store. Online stores can be an affordable and convenient option for selling your products to potential buyers. Rather than being limited to shoppers in your local area, you can sell your products on a global scale.
These days, there are several convenient resources to help you grow your online business. Since you’re just getting started, search for free online guides to teach you the basics. For instance, Oberlo provides a user-friendly e-commerce wiki that covers essentials like customer service and branding, along with techniques like growth hacking and search engine optimization, which will help you reach more people.
Blogging
Another way you can make money via the internet is by blogging. For instance, you might enter the gig economy as a freelance writer or launch a professional blog on your e-commerce website. In addition to making residual income off ads on your blog posts, your blog also helps drive traffic to your site. Start by researching your ideal customers and writing some posts that prospective buyers might be interested in reading.
Even if your writing skills aren’t up to par, you still have several options for getting started with blogging. For instance, you could simply record yourself talking about a subject related to your website, then pay someone to transcribe the audio into a written post. Transcription services are low-cost (or free) and easy to use, and you’ll have a finished post in a matter of minutes. Best of all, you don’t need to invest in any expensive equipment or fancy tech tools. You can transcribe audio with the click of a button using an online voice recorder tool.
Online Marketplaces
If you’re not ready to launch your business website or if you want to branch out and sell products on sites your customers already use, an online marketplace could be a wise choice. The specific marketplace you use will depend upon your products, services, and business needs. For instance, if you’re selling hand-crafted artwork or jewelry, Etsy or Society6 can boost your sales. For screen printed clothing or boutique items, RedBubble is another good option.
Regardless of whether you opt for an online marketplace, a business website, or both, a social media presence will be essential to your business. Research the networks your ideal customers are most likely to use, then create an official business page on each. Ask your friends and family to support your new endeavor by liking your page and sharing it with their networks. After all, word-of-mouth and networking are still powerful, time-tested tools for building a business.
Have a Plan
Whatever your hobby might be, there’s probably a way to monetize it as a business idea. However, before you quit your day job, it’s crucial to be realistic. Most businesses don’t have overnight success. Rather than risking your livelihood on a dream, it’s best to have a solid business plan in place. Talk to your local small business administration for free or low-cost assistance with everything from market research to funding assistance to business mentoring.
Lastly, plan an exit strategy for how you’ll leave your current job. That way, you’ll have time to save up a nest egg and build a solid foundation for your startup. Whichever route you take with your new business, you’ll have a wealth of online resources at your fingertips to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Maria Cannon believes we’re never too young to dedicate ourselves to a hobby. She created Hobby Jr. to encourage young people to find a hobby they love. Maria has suffered from depression and anxiety for years. Her hobbies–gardening, quilting, sewing, and knitting–play a major role in maintaining her mental health.
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SCIENCE
Holiday Pajama Drive Benefiting Hospitalized Children
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is heating up the holidays with seasonally-themed activities, camps and special events through February 2020. Santa’s helpers of all ages can enjoy the wide range of seasonal offerings, including making their own snow, rocking out to favorite festive classics with laser light shows in the planetarium and experimenting with frigid science demos.
The highlight of the season is “Noon Year’s Eve,” a family event to help ring in the new year. Staying up to bring in 2020 will be easy with a midday dance party, science crafts, themed activities and food. A dry ice apple cider toast at noon will usher in the new year. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 31. Event is included with paid admission and is free for members.
New this year, the Science Center is partnering with Casey Cares, an organization offering critically ill children positive experiences and support. Guests attending Noon Year’s Eve are asked to wear pajamas and bring a pair to donate so hospitalized children do not have to wear gowns.
“This is the perfect opportunity to make a difference this season,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “We are also going to dress up some of our dinosaurs on the Fisher Family Science Trail, so don’t sleep on this fun opportunity! We want to make sure the kids keep learning outside the classroom, and these holiday-themed activities and camps are a great way of keeping them engaged.”
All donated pairs of pajamas should be new with tags intact and sized for kids aged anywhere from 18 months to 18-years-old. “Casey Cares is excited to partner with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium,” says Jennifer McCorvey, Casey Cares Development Director of the Southern Region. “Having a community partner that cares as much about children as we do is a great way to start 2020! Donations from the Noon Year’s Eve party will help us provide services to families here in our community at a very fragile time for them. We are looking forward to an exciting event and a growing relationship.”
Winter camps are scheduled until the end of February at the Science Center, and these science adventures will be offered at both the Science Center and the STEM Studio on Main Street in Jupiter. From turtle talks to storm chasing and robotic learning, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can also experience the blockbuster exhibit, Hall of Heroes, which examines the science behind fan-favorite characters like Iron Man, Wonder Woman and The Hulk. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful weather by playing a round of mini golf on the Conservation Course, recently named one of the Travel Channel’s top 13 mini golf courses in the country.
Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for members and kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. Hall of Heroes runs through April 19, 2020.
For more information about the Holiday Schedule, the Conservation Course, or other Science Center programming, please call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
Please see below for specific information about the seasonal activities now being offered at the Science Center.
SUNDAY ON THE WATERFRONT: ALOHA ISLANDERS TROPICAL ISLAND SPECTACULAR
Sunday, December 15, 2019
4 – 7 p.m. FREE | Palm Stage | Great Lawn on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (N. Clematis St., just west of Flagler Drive)
The 7th annual Sunday on the Waterfront Aloha Islanders show is the ultimate show of “Holiday in Paradise.” Where else in the world can visitors go to see a holiday-inspired Polynesian revue? West Palm Beach residents and visitors won’t need to book flights to far off lands but can instead make plans to attend this annual tradition! Aloha Islanders will take the audiences on a journey through Polynesia with pulsating drums, beautiful hula dancers and exciting Samoan fire knife dancers. The action-packed, highly interactive, non-stop show features dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and sit back, relax and enjoy this journey through Polynesia. For guests who want to get in on the fun, show highlights include:
· The “Big Kahuna” – one lucky male fan will be pulled on stage and dressed in traditional hula garb, including a coconut bikini top and traditional grass hula skirt!
· The Conch Blowing Contest – anyone from the audience can participate (with advanced registration required on-site). The Aloha Islanders men give a conch blowing demonstration prior to the contest to help the contestants learn – and then they put their skills to the test! Prizes will be awarded!
DOUBLE FEATURE Holiday movies: Grinch (2018) (PG), and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (PG)
Free family fun starts at 6:00 p.m. | Great Lawn on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (N. Clematis St., just west of Flagler Drive)
Dress up in matching holiday themed jammies with your family and friends for the Pajama Party! Between the movies, guests will have a chance to win prizes for their Pajama Party outfits. Santa will be present during this event to visit with guests and take photos. Additionally, there will be a face painter to finish off festive looks!
The Grinch (PG) (2018)
The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet. His main source of aggravation comes during Christmastime when his neighbors in Whoville celebrate the holidays with a bang. When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realizes there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (PG)
Young Clara needs a magical, one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift. A golden thread leads her to the coveted key, but it soon disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. In that world, she meets a soldier named Phillip, a group of mice and the regents who preside over three realms. Clara and Phillip must now enter a fourth realm to retrieve the key and restore harmony to the unstable land.
Outdoor movie watching has never been more inviting than on the West Palm Beach Waterfront on our brand-new giant LED screen. Monthly, on the second Friday of the month, the City of West Palm Beach turns the Great Lawn into an open-air theater – movie and included views of the stars and sea are both FREE. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and snuggle up for featured films – including newly released hits and throwback favorites. After hours, please call 561-822-2222 for information on event cancellations.
WISE Women Scientists Welcomed at Scripps Research in Jupiter
Institute to launch Women in Science Education (WISE) initiative to support graduate program fellowships with December 3 kick-off event at Scripps Research.
Innovation flourishes in a climate of diversity, and that’s the climate at Scripps Research, Florida, where women now number 39 out of the 72 students attending the institute’s internationally recognized graduate program, the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences.
While women comprise only about one-third of the science workforce around the world, Florida’s Skaggs graduate program attracts women doctoral students at a rate of over 54 percent. To build that momentum, the institute’s Jupiter campus is launching an important initiative: Women in Science Education (WISE). For a limited time, a generous donor has offered a half-million-dollar match to enable a permanent graduate school educational endowment.
Scripps Research Florida plans to introduce its WISE program at an on-campus kick-off event on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at its Jupiter campus. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be enjoyed by attendees, who will also be given an overview of the graduate program by Christoph Rader, PhD, associate dean of the graduate program in Florida. The event is free-of-charge and open to the public with advance registration. To register to attend the WISE kick-off or for further information, please visit www.Scripps.edu/WISE or call (561) 228-2015.
In the months that follow, the WISE Committee will hold a number of philanthropic events, including private dinners, a symposium aligned with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and a first-of-its-kind, family-friendly “science stroll” throughout the Scripps Research campus.
The Skaggs graduate program is small and specialized, widely recognized for its high quality. U.S. News and World Report has ranked it #2 in the nation for biochemistry, #5 for organic chemistry, #6 for chemistry overall and #10 for biological sciences.
Students work closely alongside faculty mentors, whose work is changing science and medicine. They include Microbiologist Hyeryun Choe,PhD, who studies why the Zika virus causes birth defects when a nearly identical virus, dengue, does not. She found an answer in placental cells, and is now working on new approaches to protect babies.
They also include Biochemist Laura Bohn, PhD, who studies how to create pain relievers with the efficacy of opioids but without the life-threatening side-effects, and Chemist Kate Carroll, PhD, who has discovered why pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancer types that doesn’t respond well to a powerful class of therapies called kinase inhibitors. She recently discovered the reason lies in a specific type of chemistry, and is now investigating methods to make those drugs work for thousands of cancer patients.
Scripps Research is focused on enabling more talented young women to pursue careers in science, according to Rader.
“The graduate program at Scripps Research is a magnet for young scientific talent,” Rader says. “It’s highly competitive—only 22 percent of more than 800 annual applicants are admitted—and highly popular, partly because the students know they’ll be working in our labs alongside our renowned scientists from day one. When they emerge with their doctoral degrees, they’ll be equipped with the education and training to make a positive impact on human health.”
The WISE committee comprises business leaders from throughout southern Florida. They are: Monique Brechter, former Executive Director of Development, Transmission at NextEra; Michele Jacobs, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County; Karen Marcus, former Palm Beach County Commissioner; Elaine Solomon, founder and co-chair of the PGA National Women’s Cancer Awareness Days, and Patti Travis, senior managing director of First Republic Bank.
In May of this year, the Skaggs Graduate School conferred doctoral degrees on its largest class in school history, 54 students. According to its statistics, 20 percent of the school’s graduates go on to earn tenure-track positions at major universities and research institutes and 33 percent pursue careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
About Scripps Research:
A leading nonprofit biomedical research institute, Scripps Research is ranked No. 1 in the world by Nature Index for scientific innovation. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks our graduate school in the top 10 in the United States. Our unique structure merges foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational research to produce the next generation of drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. On campuses in California and Florida, scientists in the institute’s five academic research departments work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr, our drug discovery division. We train the next generation of scientific leaders, expand the frontiers of human knowledge and accelerate the development of new medicines to improve lives around the planet. Charity Navigator has rated Scripps Research four stars, its highest rating. To learn more about Scripps Research, please visit www.scripps.edu. To register for or learn more about Scripps’ Florida campus events, please call (561) 228-2015 or visit www.scripps.edu/news-and-events.
FoundCare, Inc., a federally qualified health care center serving more than 15,000 local residents each year, was recently awarded $80,000 by the Promise Fund of Florida to pilot an innovative program designed to help people with breast and cervical cancer access critical services. The program will cover the spectrum of care – from providing education about breast and cervical cancer and linking people at risk to screenings such as mammograms and PAP smears, to helping those diagnosed with cancer identify the best resources to facilitate their treatment and meet other daily needs.
“One of the largest challenges faced when getting a diagnosis of cancer is not even knowing where to turn for assistance,” said FoundCare CEO Yolette Bonnet. “The Promise Fund has recognized this need in our community, and our navigators will be ready to help guide and support patients through the process of accessing care and other services.”
FoundCare is working with existing patients who receive their primary care through FoundCare’s two locations in central West Palm Beach and North Palm Beach. According to Bonnet, many women at risk for breast and cervical cancer often come to FoundCare without a history of prior routine screenings, so they need to be referred for these services. Those diagnosed will receive follow-up services, as well as resources for such assistance as transportation to medical treatment and access to financial assistance for rent, food and other needs that can be strained by a cancer diagnosis. As a pilot program, FoundCare will work closely with the Promise Fund to collect data to document the services provided and document the large need for services, especially for those who are uninsured.
One of the navigators is Sagine Lhermite, a medical case manager for FoundCare for the past 16 years. A breast cancer survivor herself, Lhermite is now in remission and says she is thrilled for the chance to provide support to others faced with the same diagnosis.
“For me, it was the financial barrier and for the local Haitian community, the language barrier may also be an issue,” says Lhermite, who is Haitian-American and speaks English, French and Creole. “I had many doctor visits, which meant I had to pay my copay almost every week. I was blessed to have a navigator through my insurance who helped me fight, helped pay my rent so I could pay my copays, the water bill, and the electric bill. Resources pointed me in the right direction, but after chemo, I wasn’t even able to talk to people because I was so tired. You don’t have the strength to do it by yourself, and a navigator helps. If I can be a help to someone, I would love to be able to give back in the way I was helped.”
FoundCare’s other navigators include Laura Friedman, Orquidea Acevedo, and Xiomara Herrera. This diverse team of women are able to assist Spanish, Creole, and English speakers and they have extensive experience in helping both insured and uninsured women navigate what can often be a very confusing and complex health services delivery system.
Nancy Brinker, one of the founders of the Promise Fund, notes that Florida ranks among the lowest states in the nation for cancer prevention and treatment. The Cancer Action Network, the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society, recently announced Florida hadn’t met any of the Network’s eight benchmarks for preventing and treating cancer – and that efforts like FoundCare’s navigator program could help improve those statistics.
“We know there is a critical need to improve both screenings for cancer as well as helping those diagnosed take the next steps for optimal care,” said Bonnet. “We believe FoundCare will be an important part of ensuring more people get the appropriate care and find the resources they need throughout their treatment to have the best possible outcomes.”
In 2018, FoundCare served more than 15,000 patients at its six Palm Beach County locations. Of those patients reporting their incomes, more than 80 percent are living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. More than half were either covered by Medicaid or had no health insurance at all. FoundCare uses a sliding-fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay for services.
To meet its mission of fulfilling unmet healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families, FoundCare offers pediatrics, adult medicine, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, laboratory work and X-rays, and an on-site pharmacy – all as a one-stop shop at its West Palm Beach location.
FoundCare, Inc. accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay is based on income and family size. FoundCare has been named a Health Center Quality Leader by the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2017 and 2018. For more information about FoundCare or to schedule an appointment at one of its locations, please call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849) or visit www.foundcare.org.
Promise Fund of Florida is a 501(c)3 organization eliminating barriers to quality healthcare for our Palm Beach County neighbors to save lives due to late stage breast and cervical cancers. This will be achieved through patient navigators, community outreach and education, advocacy, and the establishment of a network of cooperating healthcare providers. For more information, visit www.promisefundofflorida.org.
I am feeling very well-rounded lately with the chance to perform my own poetry, the opportunity to publish a book and the ongoing classroom experience that I get teaching first graders. But what exactly was my life missing? The answer is plain and simple – Dance!
Fast forward to my interview with the very talented, optimistic, and personable owner of the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Wellington Doreen Scheinplug Fort. Let’s journey through the initial interview, the grand opening party and my enlightening dance lesson!
The Interview:
Doreen took time out of her busy day to meet me at Brooklyn Water Bagels to do an interview with me. I really didn’t know what to expect, waiting for her. A young, blonde-haired woman that looked like the model in a Covergirl “clean and natural” commercial walked through the door, strolling in with a sleeping 8-week-old baby girl (who, by the way, slept peacefully through the entire interview). I think I learned more about dance in those 40 minutes than I had in my entire life. Let’s dive right into the interview.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
AW: How long have you been dancing? Tell me more about yourself and your experience with dance.
Doreen: I was born and bred in a city called Dresden in East Germany. I began dancing at the age of 5 (she smiles proudly) in my aunt’s kitchen. It was very natural for me and fun. Germany’s philosophy of dance is different than in the Unites States – Wellington, Florida specifically. In Wellington, it is about bettering ourselves and status. In contrast, in Germany is was about being social and competitions were in gyms not at fancy places. Wellington is more independent, not group-based, like Germany.
AW: I’ve heard of other dancing schools giving lessons in the Lake worth area, what sets your school apart from the others?
Doreen: Wellington needed more entertainment that would be family-centered that would bring the community together and provide a social realm with personality. Teachers at my school are not only passionate about the dancing that they do, but also with WHO they do it with. At Fred Astaire, the teachers are highly skilled and qualified. They need to take exams every 6 months and undergo teacher training and skills to deal with many different types of people. These teachers are ordinary people. There was a couple here that used to see Real Estate, but they fell in love with dancing and now they are instructors here.
AW: What is your advice for the “average Joe” who knows he/she will never be on “Dancing with the Stars,” but wants to dance anyway?
Doreen: Just come in, just try it…Dancing is good for you. It is good for families and couples. It is the only “sport”/hobby where you must work together with a partner to perform a dance. If both parties aren’t into it, physically and emotionally, the dance won’t work! Dancing with the Stars is a great show, but the difference is that it’s real life – DWTS is based primarily on performance and choreography. Our dancing school is not just for entertainment, but it is social, emotional, and even therapeutic.
AW: What are your recommendations for someone starting a “dance experience?”
Doreen: Start with basic steps then progress. Give yourself a variety of skills with different dances. Some dances should be fast and some slow. Don’t limit yourself, be versatile. In real life you won’t just dance to one style and in most social settings, you will be exposed to a variety of dances. It is best to be prepared.
AW: Obviously, dancing might not appeal to some people because of physical disabilities. How do you handle clients with specific challenges and needs?
Doreen: Actually, like I said earlier, dancing has been proven to be great for the body and the brain. In fact, patients with Parkinson’s disease that have come to our school have had better control of their bodies and even feel more relaxed in general. This month is National Alzheimer’s month. We just recently did an interview with Lindsey Mulock, the spokesperson and director of the Non-Profit organization called Alzheimer’s Care. She stated that “dance helps patients not only have a sense of purpose but improves their memory. This is especially evident in learning the dance steps and the focus it takes to perform this activity.
AW: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Doreen: My parents put me in dance because it connected family and groups of people. Now, it is not comparing myself to others but instead being who I am and seeing how I can help others perfect dancing – basically our mission statement. My husband, Brian Fortman who works for Force AV did all the “behind the scenes” work with the audio and visual needs that were mandatory to the success of the studio. He also helps shoulder all the “daddy” responsibilities with our 8-week-old daughter, Anya.
AW: What are your future goals for dance and Fred Astaire school?
Doreen: I have competed my whole life. At this present time, I am focusing more on training and helping others. I love how people “fall in love with dance” and it’s an escape from their everyday lives. In fact, the two instructors that I mentioned earlier in this interview, Ana Esquerre and Carlos Galdamez were in Real Estate and now they teach Dance. They have found new passion in this sport!
AW: What are the most popular and trendy dances of today?
Doreen: Latin Dances are popular in South Florida. The Salsa, Bachata and the Tango are a few of the favorites. We also do a lot of work with wedding choreography for “the first dance” and major events. We even have classes for children!
AW: What else do you want people to know about you?
Doreen: I am not trying to be like anyone else. I want to dance the way I like to dance. I don’t have competitive goals. Our mission statement is to enrich people’s lives.
AW: What do you consider to be one or your weaknesses?
Doreen: I guess being a perfectionist. I try to multitask a lot and make sure that everything is exactly the way it should be. All the details need to be in place.
AW: What are your future goals for Fred Astaire?
Doreen: I want to focus on developing staff and “matching” People to the right people.
AW: When can I come to the studio?
Doreen: Actually, you can come to the grand opening and then also “experience” dance by taking a complimentary dance lesson.
AW: (jumping up and down in my mind) but calmly stating I will do both.
Let’s Dance…. The Grand Opening
Dancing brings people together. This was the lesson I learned at the Grand Opening Gala Event. When I came to the dance studio, I was late due to a previous commitment. I felt a little intimidated coming in and knowing no one. But then I spotted a colleague from work who is also an amazing dancer. There were people there from various locales that I had frequented.
I stood there, observing and one thing was quite evident: Dancing does not discriminate. There was a woman that looked like she was pushing 80 and she shimmied to the Hustle like someone half of her age. There were young people, middle aged people and people from all walks of life there with a common love of dance bridging them together. Suddenly, I could feel that positive, energetic vibe and my friend grabbed me and said, “Come, I will teach you the Hustle.” Well, she did “try,” but I am more of a free style kind of gal. Regardless, I didn’t want to ruin the party and held on to my friend’s hands tightly as she led me through the dance. Initially, I felt dizzy and awkward. I told my friend that I was “no Jennifer Grey “in Dirty Dancing and she assured me that this was about having fun! Guess what? It was exactly that – fun, and I could always use more of that in my life. Always.
Denise and Doreen
Dancing Queen
The day had arrived for my complimentary Dance lesson. I was giddy and had a little bit of anxiety (but not the debilitating kind). I didn’t know what to expect. Would people be staring at me and laugh if I screwed up the steps? I ended up coming almost an hour early for the lesson!
When I got to the studio, the owner, Doreen offered me coffee and water. She was extremely chipper and positive. This woman loved her job and that was so evident in all that she did! In the background I could hear a private lesson in session with lots and lots of laughter. But it wasn’t people laughing “at” someone, instead it was a client and the instructor laughing “with” each other. The woman sounded so happy and excited. I started to feed off her good vibes and energy and my anticipation was reaching a plateau.
Dress Rehearsal
I found myself mesmerized by this closet in the lobby that held elegant dresses. There were some in black and then various, bright colors. The dresses were long and flowy and some mid-length. Doreen was sporting a maroon one. She explained that the clients who were scheduled for competitions “practiced” with these dresses so that could mimic the actual performance naturally. Doreen elaborated by stating that, “if a dance is doing a Waltz and they don’t practice in a similar dress as the one they will wear to a competition this could affect the performance.” For example, if a female dancer always performed in something shorter while practicing and then suddenly on the day of the performance she wore a longer dress she might get her shoe tangled in the dress or perhaps the moves would not come so easily – just by this one change. Everything for dance is perfectly planned, so that it will appear natural and flow for the dancer. The dancer needs to be and feel comfortable, especially in front of an audience.
The Lesson
Michael and Denise
I was greeted by a very funny, middle-aged man named Michael Chaves. He would be my instructor for this lesson and perhaps future lessons. Michael and his wife Tanya had started to work with Doreen in the West Palm Beach studio, and they became fast friends. Doreen saw great potential in both, and she brought them with her to teach in Wellington. I could see why she loved Michael – he had a positive attitude and was extremely patient and understanding. I had asked about what you need to wear to the lesson, prior to the lesson. Doreen explained, “just don’t wear gym clothes.” I ended up wearing dress pants and a nice shirt, plus shoes with a small heel.
We had our lesson in the main ballroom, and it was nice and private. Initially, I kept staring down at my feet, self-conscious that I would do the steps incorrectly. But my anxiety diminished quickly.
Michael took me through some beginning exercises to warm me up and to get into the flow of the steps. One was having me walk with him like we were “crossing a street,” the regular way. Then, we “walked” across the street backwards. For our last exercise, we had to pretend we were in a crowded movie theater and we had to get up past many people without bothering anyone. So, we practiced walking slowly and methodically, back and forth. I found out that all these exercises would prepare me for the lesson. As a teacher, I could totally connect to the “engaging mini lesson” before the regular lesson. As a poet, I devoured all that amazing imagery!
One foot… Two foot…Three foot…
I learned the steps to the Waltz, the elegant Fox Trot, and the Hustle – all in a half hour. I remember mixing up the steps and getting nervous at various points in the lesson. Michael was reassuring and patient. He encouraged me to “let it flow” and to “stop thinking” (always my biggest problem). If I did a step wrong or forgot a step, he scaffolded me by practicing it again. There was never any harsh judgement nor criticism. And. Just. Like. That. There was beautiful Waltz music in our room, and I stopped staring at my feet. I stopped “thinking.” My back was “straight,” and my hand was in his. My feet finally “did their work.” And, the absolute BEST part of it all? When I danced, with each step of the dance, I forgot about everything that stressed me; my cares floated away. I was absolutely in the moment and I was doing it CORRECTLY!
At the end of the session, I was sweating. I thought to myself, “this is definitely going to burn calorie.” Michael told me that I did well. He asked if I had fun and would I like him to be my instructor should I take more lessons? My reply was, “the lesson is over?” I felt like a kid leaving the best Disney vacation to go home early. The best comparison for you to fully comprehend the experience would be to ask you if “you know the scene in “Dirty Dancing” where Jennifer Grey’s character “Baby” had to dance the finale in front of her family and a huge crowd? Remember that look of confidence and pure bliss captured in her smile? Well… THAT WAS ME!
Game Over?
So, was this it for me? Had I had my fill of dancing? If you come to Fred Astaire on Monday night (after a long and stressful day), you might bump into me doing the hustle or gliding through a waltz because that is what I will be doing Monday nights. Just the thought of it makes me smile. Dance is passion, freedom, and empowerment-give it a try! Until then, see YOU on the dance floor.
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Denise is a Writer and an Elementary School teacher in Palm Beach County. She has found writing to be a major catharsis in her life. You can hear her poetry at Open Mic night at Village Music in Wellington every Wednesday night.
One thing not stressed enough to teens is mental health. While there
are plenty of resources for teens to get help, the problem is they
don’t. According to the U.S. Preventative Task Force only 36% to 44%
of children and teens with depression receive treatment. A study by
psychologist Jean Twenge found that individuals reporting symptoms
linked to depression over that past year increased 52% among teens and
63% in young adults. It was also reported that death from suicide
increased 56% among teens 18 – 19. While these statistics are
incredibly sad, it’s important to acknowledge them so that we can make
our best effort to lower them and this starts with you, many teens may
feel depressed but assume that it’s simply stress.
If you think that you might be depressed here are some symptoms of
depression, so that you can better understand if you may be depressed
and find the help you need. Lack of interest in things once enjoyed;
if hobbies that you once felt were engaging seem uninteresting and
boring, this is a big sign that you might be depressed. Over or under
eating; often people who are depressed will develop these unhealthy
eating habits. Lack of sleep or extended sleep can also be a sign of
depression, as well as consistent feelings of anxiety. Lastly any
thoughts of suicide are serious red flags that should be acted upon.
No one is above asking for help and if you feel like any of the things
listed apply to you, then speak to your parents or your teacher who can
direct you to the help you need.
Your doctor will want to know things like when and how long you’ve had
said symptoms, their severity and if your family has a history of
mental illness. This can be some important information so that the
doctor can make a proper diagnosis. Substance abuse is also a very
important topic to bring up to your doctor. Substance abuse can come
in many forms and should be treated seriously. Often teens with
depression unknowingly use substances to self-medicate in an attempt
to ease the feelings associated with depression. This, however, can be
a slippery slope to addiction and use of life threatening drugs.
Here are some additional resources that can be used to help anyone
with depression.
Lifeline crisis chat (http://www.contact-usa.org/chat.html) offers
immediate chat rooms for those with depression or just needs to talk
its available from 2 pm to 2 am and connects users with trained
specialists.
Reddit subreddit r/getting_over_it
(https://www.reddit.com/r/getting_over_it/) is an online community for
those with depression and those who overcome it. It offers a place to
freely express your thoughts and emotions with those who can
understand.
The national suicide prevention hotline (1-800-273-8255) operates 24
hours 7 days a week. If you are considering suicide, please make the
call. The responders are ready to listen and de-escalate.
Health In One Teaspoon – 7 Healthy Spices that Could Boost Your Health Significantly
By Cheryl Alker
Most of us only see spices as a flavor enhancer but did you know that many spices hold powerful anti-inflammatory properties and could hold the key to disease prevention?
Below we list 7 healthy spices that you should be adding to your food or drinks as often as you can.
GINGER:
We recently posted an article on the wonderful health benefits of ginger and also posted a video about one of my favorite drinks when I have an upper respiratory infection that contains ginger. However, this powerful spice is so good it made our top seven! For centuries, ginger has been used as a natural way to remedy nausea but it is also very cleansing and is thought to even to contain some anti-cancer properties.
GARLIC:
Open any recipe book and you are going to find the addition of garlic, and rightly so, not only does it add wonderful flavor but next time your are cooking add another clove as garlic contains some pretty impressive health benefits. The ability to regulate high blood pressure is one, it also has the ability to fight off germs. So next time you jump on a plane amp up the amount of garlic you eat a few days before, it may just save you from catching a cold.
TURMERIC:
Turmeric has certainly been hailed as one of the world’s superfoods at the moment and is probably one of the healthiest spices on the market. It is of course known for its anti-inflammatory properties; however, it has also been known for its ability to help fight depression, to act as an antiseptic and a cancer-fighting agent.
CINNAMON:
Cinnamon on oatmeal is just delicious and the great thing is, children seem to love it. As it is loved by so many you would think that cinnamon is just a flavor enhancer, however, it has a wonderful ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is also another cleansing spice with anti-inflammatory properties to boot.
FENUGREEK:
I have started to see Fenugreek used more commonly now in many vegetarian dishes I cook, however, it is still in its’ infancy as a commonly used spice, but next time you are cooking give it a try. Fenugreek has been known to assist those who have diabetes as well as improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
CAYENNE PEPPER:
If you like a bit of heat you will no doubt be a lover of Cayenne pepper. However, funnily enough this spice is, although spicy in nature, a great way to calm your digestion, it also improves circulation and is a great body cleanser.
ROSEMARY:
Who doesn’t love the smell of Rosemary? Not only does it smell good it is commonly known in its’ ability to aid a healthy immune system but can also improve circulation and calm an upset stomach.
So go ahead, add more spices to your shopping cart and experiment with them in smoothies, oatmeal, soups, teas, cookies in fact add them as often as you can to all your recipes adding flavor and boosting your health all in one teaspoon!
But what exactly was my life missing? The answer is plain and simple – Dance!
