Eliza Jane: the lowdown

It has been 15 weeks since I moved to NYC, and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed (almost) every minute. My mind has been opened in so many new ways. When I began school, I felt like I had to basically strip away all previous information about what dancing meant to me, and almost start over in a different way. In order to obtain all of the new information I have been receiving, I've had to take a step back and learn how to work in a more efficient way... a process which I will continue to learn and re-learn my whole dancing career. The thing that I have been so impressed with about this program is the emphasis that is placed upon how individual each dancer is. We are not at Juilliard to conform to any specific "ideal". I've never felt so comfortable in my own skin, while simultaneously feeling so out of my comfort zone. It's pretty amazing. Aside from the wonderful program and my growth as a dancer, I've learned so much about myself while being so far from home. I have a clearer understanding of who I ultimately want to become, and am constantly surprised at how much I still have to learn about life and my purpose, not only here in NYC, but wherever I may be.

I live in a small dorm room in a "suite" with 6 other girls, and share a room with my cute friend Juliann. She is from California, and is here for a masters in piano performance. We get a long great, and I am loving getting to know her better!

Jules and I :)

My room and view from the suite

I eat in the cafeteria everyday, and basically eat the same thing every single day... oatmeal for breakfast, a turkey wrap for lunch, and a big salad for dinner. It's all great food, just lacks variety sometimes! My liberal arts classes at the present time consist of writing seminar, and music studies... both very interesting and fun! I'm taking a tap class, ballroom, lots of modern, partnering class, ballet and pointe... and of course rehearsing in the mix of all of that. The days are long, but not overwhelmingly so.

My singles ward is great! I've met some very sweet people. I'm definitely one of the youngest in the ward, so it's been a bit of an adjustment from what I was used to at home, but I'm loving the people and experiences there. I also love my class of dancers. I get along with all of them really well. On top of all of that, the transition has been surprisingly easy, I have yet to feel major homesickness. I didn't expect that at all, but I am most definitely not complaining. With every great thing happening, I can only feel incredibly grateful to Heavenly Father, and know that it all comes from Him. He is so aware of not only me, but of all of His children. I have received so many answers to prayers, and can feel myself developing a stronger relationship with my Savior and Heavenly Father. I have truly felt so blessed.

Few random pics....

My first time crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Gorgeous!