What I Really Want Is...
When asked what we want we often consider what we think we can have and forget to focus on what we really want.

Think about something you desire with all of your heart. What does that look like? Can you picture it? Can you feel it within your grasp? If not, it may be time to do some goal setting or vision boarding. If you'd like help, just  email me!

One of my dancing goals has always been to be a positive force in the ballroom world. The other is to be a generous and open partner.

I hope that this month's tips will inspire you to map out what you really want and focus on your deepest desires.

In the News:
  • Jessika receives the "Cin-Sational Award" at                    Cincinnati Ballroom Classic                                                  Jessika was selected by the judges for displaying "Star Quality" on and off the dance floor. While unable to receive the reward in person, Jessika said, "It is one of the most coveted awards I have ever received. My motto is to 'embrace grace,' and I thank Ron Clark, our studio owner, for encouraging me to treat everyone in the ballroom world like family." Ron and Jessika are pictured with the trophy at Dance Plus Ballroom.  
  • The Ballroom Dance Coach book is now available in online format for Kindle, iPad, and Nook! To purchase your online copy, simply click the links below:  
  • Diamond Dance and Fitness is now carrying The Ballroom Dance Coach book. Please visit the Gahanna or Westerville studio to purchase your copy! Welcome  Diamond Dance and Fitness to the Next Level Dancing family.  
  • Jeff and I will be at USDC September 3th-6th For those of you competing, we hope to see you at USDC as we dance Rhythm and Smooth. If you will be there and we haven't met in person yet, I'd love to spend some time to get to know you. Good luck to all competitors!


Embrace Grace,

Jessika Signature
Founder

Next Level Dancing, LLC    

Next Level Dancing Tip:  

How to Be a Great Partner

 

I have to be honest. I'm not always  the perfect partner. I can be judgmental, critical, bossy, blunt, a know-it-all, and I have a tendency to blame my partner when things don't go my way. You may find that you can relate to some of these "shadow behaviors," or you may have an impressive list of your own.

 

Despite the list, my partner and I often receive unsolicited feedback about how well we partner. The secret is that we work on the partnership almost as much as we do our dancing steps.

 

These tips will help you "partner like a pro": 
  1. List your most pervasive "shadow behavior" or blind spot. Share it with your partner and ask him or her how they can help you work around it more effectively. Chances are that he or she is already well aware of their "dark sides!" Ask your partner to do the same. 
  2. Get comfortable apologizing and taking ownership of your shadows. If they appear and you aren't able to stop them, apologize. Say you are sorry and recommit to working on them. This goes a long way to reducing tension within the partnership and will likely encourage your partner to openly share his or hers with you. 
  3. Compliment your partner. What goes around comes around. This strategy will help you stay grounded and focused on the positive aspects of your relationship.  

No one is perfect. Remember to give each other grace and focus on what is working in your partnership.  

 

Action Step:

Act now

Take you partner out for coffee or lunch. Make a list of all the things you appreciate in him or her and practice "giving grace." Give each other a few "verbal hugs" and notice if it changes the partnership in a positive direction.

What Our Workshop Participants Say: 


"The concepts that Jessika presents in The Ballroom Coach book and workshop that I recently attended have given me valuable insights into evaluating not only my dancing but also my professional life. To begin applying her recommended strategies to both areas of my life is exciting and challenging."   


Peggy McLean, Amateur Ballroom Competitor, Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

Your Feedback Please: 

We value you and want to provide resources and tips that truly make a difference. Please share your feedback, questions, and thoughts with us. Let us know what tips and tools you use that are making a difference by emailing us at [email protected].