The Swing of Things

I ran 6.5 miles today. It wasn’t for a race or anything of that sort. It was just to do it. It’s funny how we stumble into pastimes. I certainly wasn’t planning to start running everyday, especially because I don’t really even like to run. And I certainly would not call myself a runner seeing that I haven’t even made it to a half month with this running thing. But, so far I really like it. It’s sort of addictive and I think it just might stick. We’ll see.

April in New York is a funny month. The weather is out of control (I wrote that and then I thought “ironic”)! Last week it snowed and then got up to 65 degrees. Strange. But, I honestly can’t complain because the sun is finally shining and I love the way it feels. Maybe that’s why I’m finding myself in the park so much.

The newest on the dance front is that I made it on to Stiletto Entertainment’s dancer “HIRE” list, which means I could very likely be dancing on a Holland America Cruise some time in the coming year! Sounds like an adventure. I like it!

Rafaella has become a new favorite spot of mine. It’s this tiny, quiet restaurant in Chelsea where I love to go for breakfast and just spend time with the Lord. I always sit at the same table in this big, cushy chair with a view of the cross streets. God has continually filled me up here and thus, it has become somewhat of a habit of mine.

Easter was a whole new experience for me this year. God is certainly changing and growing me with each passing day and because of that I found myself saying “Happy Resurrection Sunday,” and digging for the real meaning of a holiday I used to equate with bunnies, eggs, and lots of candy. I’ve begun to realize how pivot this time is in the Christian faith. The sacrifice made and victory Jesus won has overwhelmed me with love. I can’t explain it. I wish I could.

Life is good in every sense of the word.

A Mouth Full

As fate would have it I’m pretty terrible about this whole updating the blog thing. But, currently I’m sick (nothing big, just a cold) and stuck at home so I’m going to try and give a brief update on the past 2ish weeks. I feel like every time I turn around God is there to bless me in a new way. I have a few stories to demonstrate what I mean.

Auditioning is good...
Really busy actually. I average at least 5 auditions during the week. They are all very different depending on what the gig is. Broadway stuff is usually packed like 200+ and the choreography is short and simple and usually quick. I got called back for High School Musical, which was exciting. They said they would call if I land the part, so I have no way of knowing if or when I will hear from them.

I also auditioned for a hip hop/ jazz funk/ contemporary company called Fear-Less Dance Co. and I made it! I think the company is only about 8 people and the guy who is starting the company is very talented. His name if Justin Conte if you want to youtube him. His choreography is legit. So, I’m excited!

I’m also dancing with a dance project called Kairos. It’s a Christian modern group that I started rehearsing with at the beginning of the week and I love it. The vision is very refreshing/ cathartic. It’s a prefect time for me to refocus on the Lord and why I dance in the first place.

As far as friends go…
I was at an audition last Thursday and I walked by someone's stuff and a Francine Rivers book was laying there. So, this girl walked up and I got to talking to her and it was the coolest thing...turns out she is a Christian as well and has been praying to meet other Christians auditioning (like me). She's been extremely nice and invited me to do things with her. The girls at auditions are pretty great. I’ve been to lunch, etc. with several new friends and it’s really fun!

I’ve also been reconnecting with old friends from all walks of life. It’s fun to see who’s here and what they are doing. It’s been surprisingly easy to make friends here. Just yet another way God is blessing me.

Churches…
I’ve visited several churches here and I have been blown away with people’s generosity and warmth. I’ve been going to a small group for Manhattan Church of Christ and the people are wonderful. Both times I’ve been to church there people have taken me out to lunch after. So kind. I’ve also visited Apostles and in a lot of ways it feels like home. It just reminds me so much of Stone, which I am missing. I went to a small group of theirs that Julia Youngblood leads and I loved it. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be in a room full of Christians who can’t wait to just sit around and talk about Christ.

Anyways, things are good. I try to spend time weekly walking through the city/ central park to reflect, and I feel so humbled to be here. All thanks and praise to Jesus.

With Only A Song In My Heart

The view from my room on a rainy day

To include as a list in my fifth grade year book, the editor (who also happened to be my mom) asked all the students what they wanted to be when they grew up, and I, of course, wrote "Broadway Dancer." So, after years of waiting, I finally made it to New York City!

The move has been exciting, nerve-racking, terrifying, joyful, and a lot of other emotions I can't seem to find a name for. Honestly, it was harder to leave Austin than I was expecting, but now that I'm here it feels like the right thing for me. I'm still not sure what to make of the constant buzz, salivating delis, gargantuan buildings, hidden parks, and the "on the go" people here. At this point I'm just trying to figure out how to make sure I'm headed the right way on the subway (which I have already botched up a number of times that I can't bring myself to admit).

One surprisingly amazing thing has been how welcoming so many people have been since I've gotten here! I can't tell you how many friends of friends have emailed me advice, leads, etc over the past week and a half. God truly is Jehovah Jireh, the great provider. I am continually amazed. I feel humbled at the way that so many have reached out to me and offered to cook me dinner, drink coffee with me, or take me to small group. I hope that one day I can return the favor to someone else who makes the transition into what can feel like a foreign country.

My bedroom

Since I arrived I've been working hard to get settled into my quaint apartment on 33rd between 8th and 9th. So far I love everything about it...the location (right next to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station), my friendly doormen (Sandy and Gus...love them), my sweet roommate Maddie (she's been so helpful), my little room (which is actually half of the living room that has been sectioned off by a pressurized wall), and my beautiful view (I can actually see the city and the Hudson river!). I am blessed.

At night

I've also been taking classes, voice lessons, and I have several auditions lined up for the coming month! As far as class goes I'm going to try and take all different styles and from all different teachers, at least until I figure out what is best for me. I found a voice teacher here who I really like. She makes me feel so comfortable and she knows her stuff, so I feel like I'm in good hands! And, I'm planning on auditioning for basically everything from productions of High School Musical to modern productions like "Artists for Peace." I have no idea what to expect, so I'm just going to have a good time, and at the very least I'm getting some quality free dance classes. :)


I know that this post has been extremely broad, but I just wanted to give an overview of life so far. If you are reading this, thank you for caring enough about me to want an update. Please pray that God give me direction and purpose with my time in this city. More than land a job I want to be a missionary for Christ, and I feel like I am in need of frequent reminders of that ultimate goal. And, also pray a prayer of praise if you have a second, because already I can see and feel God's presence.


"I will rejoice. I will declare God is my victory and He is near."
Desert Song by Hillsong (my favorite song...listen and be blessed)