First post...

Hi All

I have to admit to feeling a little overwhelmed currently.  I've just moved Countries and am on a 7 hour time difference to the UK which is really hindering my productivity!  Getting things done here is not easy, and now due to the time difference getting things done there (UK) is not easy either!  I'm not really sure what to write here, so I'll explain my journey over the last year...

I am Megan, an ISTD teacher, and have been since 2003 when I first qualified with my Tap Associate.  Dancing is all I've ever known. Over the years I had taken various further qualifications including my DDI in Modern and Ballet, and my FDI in Tap and trained extensively with both the ISTD and free classes.

My current journey started back in April 2012 when I contacted the Principal of my old college to enquire about possible classes. However an event in June last year took my life slightly off the course I had been merrily and successfully cruising along and as a result I took on a series of tasks that lead me to where I am now.

I'd been reading in the ISTD Dance magazine about a BAhons program affiliated with Middlesex University and decided that, despite moaning about them for years, I was actually going to bite the bullet and finish these new ISTD qualifications and get myself on that course... from then on, I barely got a chance to breathe:

Despite all of my other commitments, I took classes leading to the following examination/course schedule:

August: ISTD Chichester Residential Course / Elite Summer School
September: DDE Modern unit 4
October: DDE unit 5
November: DDE unit 1&2 interim examination
December: Advanced 2 Tap examination
January: DDE unit 1&2 External examination
February: BAPP RoL course starts - I'D DONE IT, I'D GOT ON THE COURSE!
April: New Advanced 1 Modern
May: Submission of work to Middlesex
June: GCSE Science examinations
July: Advanced 2 Modern examination / Licentiate Modern examination

I'd done it!  I'd achieved everything I'd been thinking about doing for years! And I'd expanded my opportunities.

When I look back over the last year I can't believe what I achieved, or the journey that it has taken me on.  I've had to make some tough decisions, and do things more mentally and physically demanding than my body was happy with. But I did it. And I did it well.

Back in the real word, where I am not a 30 year old dance student wondering how I ever had the confidence when in full time training to run across the floor and dive at it without thinking I might do myself a mischief, I ran a high achieving Dance School, and a house and taught full time. Balancing everything was tough.  But I managed. As I'm sure many of you are too, us dance teachers are married to the job.

However, following the completion of my RoL module on the BAPP I decided I needed more.  How could move forward? How could I top last year?  What new adventure could the career I LOVE take me on? I know, I thought!  I'll move abroad! And here I am...