April: Heather Hardesty

April: What are you plans for this summer both in relation to your dancing and personally?

By: Heather Hardesty – Professional Mentor

Summer is almost here and I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and I love teaching but a break is sometimes needed.  Quite a few years ago I made the decision to not teach myself over the summer.  There are many reasons why which include:

1.       Avoiding burnout

2.       Creating extra time to go to conventions to train

3.       Having more family time

4.       Enjoying not having a schedule

I’m very fortunate that I can hire teachers to teach for my business so I don’t have to and that the studio I teach for understands my need for summers off.  My summer is jam packed with things that are meant to nourish my mind, body and soul.  This summer I will start with a week-long singing tour in Canada with my choir.  A year ago we were asked to do this and now it’s just weeks away.  This is one of those bucket list items for sure!  I’m excited to visit Canada (I’ve never been there before) and I’m learning a bit of French to be able to converse with the locals. 

Following that trip, we take our annual vacation as a family.  This year we are going to the Grand Canyon.  We are also super excited as none of us have ever been.  This will be the first half of our vacation while the last half will be spent in Scottsdale, AZ at Camp Pulse Nationals.  My daughter and I will take part in 3 ½ days of dance training and the resort it’s at is super nice!  

Late in July my daughter and I hope to make it to Dallas for Hip Hop Fest and from there we are traveling to L.A. for a week at Monster’s of Hip Hop – L.A. Tour Finale.  Hallie received a scholarship in January to attend and while she’s in class I’m going to fit in some classes at the Edge.  After L.A. it will be back to home and planning for the new season and choreography camps.  Although our summer is busy, there’s lots of time for sun and fun!  It’s just what I need (as well as my family) to start the new year out fresh and ready to go.  Have a wonderful summer everyone!