Category: Travel

Gratefulness in the Dance: Navigating Motherhood and Ballet with Joy

ABL_Dance
Strolling with my little one through Siena

Balancing motherhood and a professional life is a journey filled with highs and lows, but it’s one that brings immense gratitude. As a dance teacher in Munich and a mother, I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories and challenges alike. Finding harmony between these two important parts of my life has become a source of deep fulfillment.

Grateful for the Challenge of Focus

Staying focused on work while caring for a little one isn’t always easy, but it’s a challenge that I’ve come to embrace with gratitude. There are days when my attention is divided between teaching ballet classes in Munich and meeting the needs of my daughter. In those moments, I remind myself of the privilege it is to be able to pursue my passion for dance while also raising a child.

Being present in the moment, whether during a ballet lesson or a family activity, has become a practice that brings me closer to both my students and my family. This approach allows me to fully appreciate the joys of both motherhood and my professional life.

Grateful for the Freedom to Travel and Explore

One of the greatest gifts of self-employment is the flexibility it offers, particularly when it comes to travel. Despite the complexities of managing work and family life, my family and I have been fortunate enough to continue enjoying our kind of holidays—active, adventurous, and full of discovery.

This year, our travels took us through the stunning landscapes of Italy, from Emilia-Romagna and Lago d’Iseo to Tuscany, Parma, Trento, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lake Garda. These trips reminded me that even though motherhood changes your life, it doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create memories with my family while staying active and exploring new places together.

Grateful for the Flexibility of Self-Employment

Being self-employed in the dance world comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to financial stability. However, the flexibility it provides is something I’m incredibly thankful for. Running my dance lessons in Munich allows me to create a schedule that works for both my family and my passion for ballet.

Though there are uncertainties—like the occasional no-show at a ballet class or an unexpected doctor’s appointment—each day ends with a feeling of gratitude. Even on the toughest days, when I fall into bed exhausted, I’m thankful that I made it through. The exhaustion wears off, replaced by a sense of pride and joy in having managed my work, made my child happy, and handled the countless little tasks that fill my day.

As I reflect on the day’s challenges, a brief moment of uncertainty might creep in—what will tomorrow bring? A doctor’s appointment? A call from the Kita? Too many no-shows at a ballet class? But this uncertainty quickly transforms into a feeling of curiosity. I remind myself that I made it through today, and I know I’ll find a way to master tomorrow as well.

Inspiring Young Dancers with Gratitude

We all have our struggles and burdens in life. I have mine, and I’m certain that others might even face bigger ones. But maybe my story can serve as a bit of inspiration for you as you navigate your own challenges. If I can make it through a hard day, juggling the demands of motherhood and my work as a dance teacher, then so can you.

To my young dancers, I know you face your own challenges with school, dance, and the expectations placed on you. Ballet is a demanding art form, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every challenge you encounter is an opportunity to grow and develop, not only as a dancer but as a person. Even on the hardest days, when you feel exhausted or unsure of what the next day will bring, be grateful for the progress you’ve made. The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges is something to cherish.

Final Thoughts: Grateful for the Journey

Managing the demands of motherhood and a professional life isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey filled with moments of gratitude. As a dance teacher in Munich, I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my passion for ballet while also raising my daughter. This journey has taught me to appreciate the little things and to find joy in the interplay between work and family.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire other mothers and young dancers to embrace their challenges with gratitude and to find joy in their unique paths.

With Love,

Harriet xxx

Reclaiming my Passion

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My little daughter and myself in Italy



It’s been a long, long time since I last wrote to you, and so much has changed since then. Life has taken me on a whirlwind journey, one that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As I sit here, in the serene beauty of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, staying in a magnificent hotel that once was an ancient castle, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about the future.

A New Chapter Begins

The past few months have been nothing short of a roller coaster. In February, I took the plunge and started my new career as a dance teacher. After years of gracing the stage as a professional ballerina, transitioning to teaching was both a natural progression and a completely new adventure. My love for dance runs deep, and I wanted to share that passion with a new generation of dancers.

Starting my dance classes has been a mix of triumphs and trials. Some classes filled up quickly, brimming with enthusiastic students eager to learn the art of ballet. Other classes have required more effort to attract attendance, but I see this as part of the journey. Every student, every class, is a step forward, and I am committed to making each lesson a memorable experience for my pupils.

The Joys of Motherhood

Adding to the excitement, my life was blessed with the arrival of my beautiful daughter. Motherhood has been the most profound and life-altering experience. It has brought immense joy, countless sleepless nights, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Balancing my new role as a mother with my passion for dance has been challenging, but every smile from my daughter makes it all worthwhile.

A Much-Needed Break

This holiday in Emilia-Romagna couldn’t have come at a better time. The past few months have been a whirlwind, and I desperately needed a break to recharge and reconnect with myself. Our hotel, nestled in an ancient castle, feels like something out of a fairy tale. The old stone walls, the breathtaking views, and the rich history of the place create an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.

Italy, with its warm, inviting culture, has always held a special place in my heart. Here in Emilia-Romagna, the rolling hills, the vibrant vineyards, and the charming towns offer the perfect backdrop for a much-needed retreat. This region is a feast for the senses, from the delicious cuisine to the melodic Italian language that fills the air.

Finding Balance

During this holiday, I’ve had the luxury of time – something that has been scarce in recent months. Time to relax, to reflect, and to dream about the future. It’s been a precious opportunity to find balance in my life once again. As a new mother, it’s easy to lose oneself in the demands of caring for a newborn. This trip has allowed me to reconnect with my own needs and desires.

Every morning, I take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, breathing in the crisp, fresh air and soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside. These moments of solitude have been incredibly restorative. They remind me of the importance of self-care and the need to nurture my own well-being in order to be the best mother, wife, and teacher I can be.

Embracing the Future

As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My return to the world of dance, now as a teacher, has reignited my passion in ways I never expected. Seeing my students grow and develop their own love for ballet is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me of why I fell in love with dance in the first place – the grace, the discipline, and the sheer joy of movement.

I am also eager to continue my journey as a mother, watching my daughter grow and discovering the world through her eyes. This new chapter of my life is a beautiful blend of my past and my present, combining my love for dance with the deep, unconditional love I have for my family.

Gratitude and Reflection

Sitting here in this ancient castle, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Emilia-Romagna, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had, for the support of my loving husband, and for the gift of being a mother. Life has been a series of unexpected twists and turns, but each moment has brought me to where I am today.

I am grateful for the challenges, for they have made me stronger. I am grateful for the successes, for they have reaffirmed my passion. And I am grateful for this holiday, which has given me the time and space to reflect on my journey and to dream about the future.

A Message to My Readers

To my loyal readers who have followed my journey, thank you for your patience and support. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. I hope that my story can inspire others who may be facing their own challenges. Life is a dance, full of unexpected steps and turns, but with perseverance and passion, we can find our rhythm and move forward with grace.

As I continue my holiday in this enchanting part of Italy, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I am ready to embrace the future with open arms, to continue sharing my love for dance with my students, and to cherish every moment with my precious family. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and I am excited to see where the dance of life takes me next.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more stories, more insights, and more moments of joy with you in the months and years to come.

With love and gratitude,

Lets Spread The Joy of Dance a Little Further

I am back and hoping I can raise some money for a dear friend of mine by selling my signed pointe shoes and the story that comes with them

lwjoefmy3 Comments

Hello again. How are we all? After not being on social media for a while, due to feeling personally a little strange about posting about my lucky circumstances compared to other people’s difficult situations all around the world at the moment, I have decided to come back for a reason and am hoping you lovely people out there may help me a little.

At home during lockdown trying to stay in shape and motivated but now grateful that was as hard as it got for me

With the world going through what it is at the moment causing many people to loose their loved ones and livelihoods I feel beyond grateful for getting through the crisis pretty much unscathed so far. I am back doing what I love in the studio, and even on stage spreading the joy of dance to a live audience once more. My hope is to now spread that joy a little further and help someone who means a lot to me.

Meeting the lovely Pia for the third time in Bangkok

Her name is Pia. She is a dear friend of mine from Thailand. I have written about her before because dance actually brought us together while I was on tour in Bangkok with the Staatsballett Karlsruhe back in 2013. We met when she was my Masseur in the Thai massage parlour we always went to and even though we could only communicate very simply, she was so sweet and kind it was the beginning of our long distance friendship.

It was sealed when I offered Pia a bouquet of flowers I received from the Princess of Thailand after performing for her as our guest of honour. I wanted to give her a small thank you and seeing as the people of Thailand love their Royal family, I thought she would really appreciate it and could see what an impression she had already left on me..

Performing ‘Sonata’ with Admil Kuyler in Bangkok for the Princess of Thailand the year I met Pia

Two years later I returned to Bangkok for the same dance festival and was eager to try to find this memorable Thai woman in the hope she could remember the little English ballerina she once massaged. Amazingly I found her on my last evening there and it was a wonderful reunion. This time we exchanged names and addresses and once I was home I sent her some gifts and a letter; written in English and badly translated Thai. Some time later she found me on Facebook; we have been in touch ever since.

I have met her once more in Bangkok since then, where she watched me perform and met my husband and I her niece. Every time we have met she has shown me so much unconditional kindness and motherly affection, she has come to mean a lot to me and me to her.

Recently however she is really struggling due to the Corona crisis in Thailand and she has not been able to work for several months. With the city not getting the needed tourists to provide work for the locals she can no longer afford the room she has in the city to be near her job.

Hearing this from her has urged me to do something to help her and her family, and although there are thousands of families in the same situation all over the world, being so connected to her I feel I need to do something for my friend. Dance brought me to Pia and dance brings joy to so many people so I hope it can bring even more than that to someone halfway across the world who’s simple, humble life is being taken away from them.

My first idea is to offer pairs of my old pointe shoes, signed and with a little message and the story that comes with the shoes to anyone who is interested and the donation will to go towards this small cause to help a friend in need. 

So please contact me if you are interested and want to help me help Pia get through this difficult situation she faces. I for one will be so grateful for anything and I know she will be even more so. You can either write to me through here, or my Facebook or Instagram accounts. I hope to hear from you soon and thank you in advance.

With love,

Harriet

Getting to Share My Knowledge of the Thing I Love Once More

Home for a few days and planning to fill my time in the studio teaching

lwjoefmy1 Comment

With my mid-season break approaching fast I am so excited to be planning a few teaching appointments back in England for when I return home for a few days.

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I will be returning to The Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester for some Beginners and Advanced ballet classes and will also be teaching some young ballerinas back at my first ever ballet school Lynn McCheyne – Ballet/Tap/Jazz Department.

I can’t wait for another opportunity to share my ballet knowledge with eager students as teaching is becoming one of my new passions the more I do it.

So if anyone is in Manchester on the 13th Feb come and join us in the studio. For more information contact me or click here: Beginner/Pre-Intermediate & Advanced Ballet Workshops Tue 13th.

I look forward to teaching, learning and sharing the love of dance.

With love,

Harriet

Every End is a New Beginning

lwjoefmy3 Comments

So today is the last day of my long summer holidays and the day before the ballet season starts again. I cannot believe that my holidays – six weeks in five countries  – are already over. A daily routine will soon be here and I find myself in a studio instead of a beach.

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Me & friends from the company, Marseille

However, the hardest part is not regaining the previous strength, the discipline, or the long and late hours of work. The most difficult part at the end of every summer is saying goodbye to my family. Continue reading “Every End is a New Beginning” →