Dreaming of the New Year
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2017!
A lot of people hated 2016 and were anticipating the end of 2016.
NOT ME!
Yes- 2016 was the hardest year for me, but also the BEST year of my life. You heard it here first people- 2016 was the best year ever.
So much happened for me personally and spiritually that I learned from over the course of the year, but the biggest event of the year was MY DREAMS BEING ACHIEVED! I BECAME A PROFESSIONAL DANCER. That is actually crazy. One year ago, I had no idea what I was going to be doing... if I was even going to be dancing. To come home and share to people that I get to do what I love and I am the happiest I have ever been in my life is humbling and such an honor.
But what is next?
What are your resolutions, Matthew?
Well- I actually consider my birthday, March 22, my new year and so I will have resolutions then, and I am currently still working on my resolutions for "my year." Even though I do not have full resolutions for the calendar new year, being home has given me a lot of time to reflect on myself in a lot of facets of my life.
I am anticipating a lot of exciting events for 2017. I will be in a number of productions in the next six months and then I have a summer layoff before I start the next season in the summer/fall of 2017. Ballet Austin will be presenting some huge shows that I cannot wait to perform. Most notably, we will be finishing the season with Septime Webre's Alice and Wonderland. This is a big production with lots of sets, costumes, special effects, and, of course, dancing!
Summer layoff?
A teacher does not teach for all 52 weeks, and in turn they have a summer layoff. Same with my contract. During this time I can do whatever I want. If you know me, I believe that there is no such thing as vacation. Yes, rest from what I am currently doing, but I always want to be active in creating and growing in my life. There are some cool things in the works- stay tuned.
Overall- 2017 has a lot coming. I get back to work on January 9th, and we will get right back into rehearsals. I am definitely nervous and anxious to start. I have really analyzed myself over this holiday break and I am truly looking to push myself further. I want to go to greater heights as an artist and continue to share my passion for dance and life with everyone.
Thank you for everyone who reads this blog- it means a lot. I hope that I can continue to share my life, not to show off, but to inspire those reading to chase after their dreams. I am hopeful romantic, and I am dreaming about big things to happen in 2017. I think 2017 will be even better than 2016!
I made a cool video to reflect on 2016 that you should watch and make sure to follow me on social media for the latest updates. I would love to hear your ambitions for 2017 in the comments below!