4 years later.....May 22, 2010

I haven't updated this blog in a long time. Why do I keep up then you ask? Most people don't want to remember the bad times, but for me it's very important. I need to come back and remind myself where I've been and to see how far I have come...

4 years ago today, I heard what I can only describe as a newspaper being ripped in half. Only, it wasn't a newspaper, it was my right ACL tearing away from my tibia bone. 2 physical therapists, 3 doctors and 2 months later I had finally learned I had a complete rupture of my ACL. What followed was a painful 2.5 hour reconstructive knee surgery, 2 screws holding everything in place, an infection setback and hours of endless, painful physical therapy for months until, finally in January 2011, I was given the ok to start dancing full out again. But that wasn't the end of it. Even today, 4 years after I heard that life-altering tear, I'm still dealing with the after effects.

But none of that really matters - what's most important is, I'M DANCING!!!

It's amazing what a difference each year can make. The endless hours of tears and painful PT have paid off. Today I sit here remembering the past 4 years and what it has taught me and while I never want to have to go through that injury ever again, it taught me a lot - about myself, about other people, about facing challenges head on - being so disciplined that I was able to sit on the floor of my room for up to 8 hours at a time rehabbing my knee by myself.

So I just wanted to send a shout out to everyone who helped me get back to where I am today and for those I met afterward who have helped me continue on my journey - back dancing and tumbling and flying around - I am forever grateful to be doing what I love!

ACL 2010 - motivation video 

JKing Dance Company!

Do you want to make a difference in someone's life? Do you want to help support the arts? Do you want to save a life? Do you like dance? If you answered YES to any or all of the above then now is your chance! 

JKDC’s online auction ends tonight at 10pm (NYC time) so bid now!

JKing Dance Company is not your typical dance company - it's more, way more. And for me, it started even before I had the honor of being a part of JKDC.

It all began for me on Saturday, July 7, 2007. After a dance hiatus, I walked into Steps on Broadway and into the dance class that would forever change my life. A name I had never heard about prior to that day was about to shift my entire world. 

That name - Joyce King - 

I was struck by that first head roll which turned into a full warm up, center work, across the floor and combo....there are no words to describe what happened to me in the hour and a half that I was in studio 5. 

For those of you who have been in her class, you understand what I'm talking about. For those who haven't, I hope that one day you will have the good fortune of being in her class and/or see her work. 

(you can check out her promo reel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhgkxC8eryo&list=UURcuh12bq4dJSMtPhx5mqnA&index=1)

There is something magical about Joyce King and the way she works. I've never been in a class where the first head roll all the way through to the last combo movement has inspired me and made complete sense.  It's not just about the dance steps, it's about the character. She has a way of making you think in terms of story and WHY we are doing what we are doing. Joyce King is not just a dance teacher. She is a genius who inspires you from the moment you step into the room....and it stays with you when you leave. You leave craving more - which is why you will always find me wherever she is teaching. 

On November 14, 2008, I had the honor of joining JKing Dance Company. And I’m lucky enough to still a part of this amazing company! 

I see, first hand, how hard Joyce works. There's a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on in addition to choreography. Joyce is constantly striving to create and produce work as well as giving back. She does so much for so many people, never expecting anything in return. Joyce's heart and soul and passion are evident in everything she does. (Joyce has done more for me than I can put in this email. In simple terms, she's saved my life!) And I feel like it's time to show the world what she's selflessly given to me and countless others. 

I truly believe that if the entire world got just a small piece of what I get from Joyce King, the world would be a much better place. 

There are three ways you can support JKing Dance Company.

1.

Don't forget, JKing Dance Company's online auction ends tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20th at 10pm (New York time). There are items for everyone whether you live in NYC, California, Florida or anywhere in the world! Check out the link below - your heart will smile, you'll get that warm, tingly feeling inside for supporting a good cause, and you will have my endless gratitude for life! 

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=180526933

2.

And if you prefer to just donate via Credit Card, simply go here:

https://www.thefield.org/Profile.aspx?SAID=2207

3.

Also, don't forget to SAVE THE DATE! JKing Dance Company's 2nd full evening of work! Saturday, May 11th at 3pm and 8pm at The Ailey Theater in NYC. Tickets on sale now!

http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?EID=&showCode=~UN&BundleCode=&PackageCode=&GUID=22c6a5f4-38ba-4944-bcf2-bd1f1faf8cd8

Thanks for supporting me and the company I love more than anything else in the world, JKing Dance Company. It's a company that I believe in 110% and know we can make a difference with your help! 

For more information visit www.JoyceKingDance.com

(Pictured Left: me jumping - JKDC Phantasm / Pictured Right: me with THE Joyce King)

"ASKING ME WHY I DANCE IS LIKE ASKING ME WHY I BREATHE" 

-Danelle Herran-

~ UnWrapped ~

I know it's been forever since I last updated this blog. LiL Knee is doing well :) just gets sore every now and then....and it's really good at predicting the weather haha

The more important news is JKing Dance Company's 2nd full length evening performances are coming up again! On Saturday May 11th at 3pm and 8pm we will be at Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC! Tickets just went up on sale so get yours now!

~ UnWrapped ~ Tickets

For more information, check us out at www.JoyceKingDance.com

My Motto:

My motto for dance and gymnastics: 

"Don't take the sport you play for granted. Every time you play, you better be thankful that you get to do something you love. Don't show up to practice complaining about not wanting to be there; you're there hopefully because you love it. Work hard every moment. If you're not working hard, you don't deserve to play. Play every practice or game like it's your last because it very well could be. When you finally reach the day that you can't play, and you can only watch, then you will know how much you love something that you once took for granted."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2012

there are no words to describe how thankful i am this year....dance, Joyce King and JKDC, living in NYC, my new roommates, my knee....i could go on and on....today i joined a special group of dancers to perform and serve food in the Bronx...what a wonderful sight it was - to see everyone come together...to share the stage with friends and new friends...some with handicaps who were so inspiring and

 such a joy to watch....and now i'm back "home" aka housesitting for a friend...sitting here reflecting on everything i have, the people in my life, and the wonderful memories of those no longer with us (and yes that includes OLTL and AMC)....there are many things i wish i had but they are just that - things. things don't matter. people do. and i am so blessed and thankful to have so many amazing people in my life. i may not be rich and famous, but i'm living a life beyond my wildest dreams and i have YOU to thank for that. thank you for being YOU, for being in my life and for always standing by me. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone! :) xoxo

One of the amazing dancers I got to share the stage with today: http://youtu.be/VWIuxLh5IR8

JKDC Newsletter!

check it out! JKDC Fall Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/mZSov

Inspirations....

A big thank you to Nicole De Weever for finding this and posting it. I am continuously inspired by you Nicole. Thank you for being you and for spreading the inspiration..... (taken from Nicole's FB status post)

Nicole De Weever

If there is one thing I have learned about death it is that it is a great revealer. When I woke up this morning I was heartbroken in realizing how much time I waste on NONSENSE. It dawned on me that all we leave behind are...memories. Every moment, every interaction, every word is a creation of a memory.

The memories I want to leave behind should be those that mirror the deepest expression of my soul but in order to do so we must be true. That is easier said then done. Ultimately...the memories we leave behind should reflect how hard we loved and how much we were loved in return. Those memories should mark all we were willing to die for and LIVE for. I pray to leave memories behind so strong, they are tangible enough that those I loved can hold them and be comforted and STRENGHTHEND by them.

Last night I lost my grandmother and that loss reminded me to be careful with the positions I take with people I say I love. It reminded me of the necessity to continue to explore and expand my concepts of love and live up to the standards I discover. It reminded me not to take myself, my loved ones or my situation for granted. Most importantly... it reminded me that no matter what we are going through...we are ALIVE! That means...blessings await :) Grab them...and let's spend more time working towards the miracles we are in this short amount of time we have been given. Love deeply today...
This was written by Jada Pinkett I saw it and I was so moved because I really relate to what is being said.

2 years ago...

LiL Knee - May-July 2010

2 years ago today, I woke up and walked into an operating room for a 2+ hr reconstructive knee surgery. Today I am thankful that I am back doing what I love most in this world - DANCE - and grateful for all the love and support everyone gave me  (and still gives me) during the 8 months I went through the injury/rehab. 

LiL Knee - July 21, 2012

While I never want to go through anything like that again, I will say I am grateful because it taught me a lot and made me see things in a different way. And because of it, I met some pretty amazing people, and found out some pretty amazing things about those surrounding me.

I'm so thankful for Bethany Hamilton, Shawn Johnson, Aliya Mustafina, Alicia Sacramone, Allison Case, Karen Olivo, Courtney Kupets and everyone else who ever had an injury, publicly worked through it, and gave me the strength and courage to keep fighting until I was back. And it's a constant struggle - learning how to get back and re-train with what feels like a totally different body, learning how to trust your body again, having faith that everything will be ok. 

Life is way too short to focus on the bad. This injury/surgery could've been the end for me - but instead, I chose to focus on the positive - to stay close to those who support and inspire, and to steer clear of the negative ones. To keep my eye on the goal - getting back into the studio so I could, once again, FLY....going back and reading through this blog has taught me a lot - about myself, about my body, about others.....and even though I've been officially healed since January 1, 2011, I still keep this blog going to remind myself where I've been, where I'm headed, and where I want to go. 

~Memories In Action~
JKing Dance Company - May 2012

Thank you to everyone who continues to support me and my passion. In the words of 7 year old Xiana, "I LOVE YOU MUCH MUCH!"

"Imagine the one thing you love to do the most. Now imagine, out of nowhere, something happens and you realize you may never be able to do it again. How do you feel? Sad? Angry? Shell-shocked? For me, the answer was all of the above."

-Bethany Hamilton-

Knee Heroes of mine...

JKDC Promo Video

JKing Dance Company PROMO Video

Update

Haven't updated in forever! Summer has started - SO grateful to be dancing and not preparing for surgery! Can you believe it's almost been 2 years since I went "under the knife"??? I'm so thankful to be able to wake up and dance. There are still challenges, but that's life and I'm grateful for them all! And there's so much good stuff going on! Doing lots of rehearsing for JKing Dance Company and I love it! So thankful to be dancing for this amazing company!

In other news.....if you are a fan of gymnastics or want to be inspired, I have two books you have to read asap! The first one is WINNING BALANCE by Shawn Johnson and the second is OFF BALANCE by Dominique Moceanu. They are amazing!



‎"...Take my past and give me grace. Walk the path to which I face. Free my heart from this I feel. Lift me up and help me heal. Save me from what hurt my heart, beat me down, and made me part, made me fear and want to hide. Take away the pain inside...Keep me close to those that care, ones that love and want to share, ones that help when things go wrong, pick me up and make me strong. Let them know what I feel inside: burning flames that will not die...Let them know they changed my life, made me whole, and showed me the light: re-lit the flame that burnt in here, the passion and desire that made it clear, then taught me how to leap and fly...My heart's been turned inside out, but never once did I doubt what it was they gave to me: compassion, love, sincerity." -Shawn Johnson ♥

Don't take what you love for granted....

I know I know! It's been forever since I really updated this blog. SO much has been going on I don't know where to begin.....first of all JKing Dance Company's shows ~Memories in Action~ were amazing! I can't tell you how honored I was to be a part of that show! It was the greatest weekend of my life! I am still on a "high" from it. There is no greater feeling than to be on stage performing. I love it more than anything else! For more information about JKDC check out www.JoyceKingDance.com

Last Sunday I got some sad news. Elite gymnast, Shawn Johnson, has officially retired from gymnastics. Shawn had reconstructive knee surgery 6 months before I did. Prior to my injury I didn't even know she had injured her knee. She was a great comfort to me during my knee injury, surgery, and recovery, and her come back really inspired me to come back stronger than ever. She stated, 

“I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics. Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey."

I am thankful that I am healed and able to dance again. And I'm grateful that my tumbling skills are back. I will say that now that I'm healed, I never take any of that for granted anymore. I recently came across this quote from iSpeakGymnast, 

‎"Don't take the sport you play for granted. Every time you play, be thankful that you get to do something you love. Don't show up to practice complaining about not wanting to be there; you're there hopefully because you love it. Work hard every moment. Play every practice/game like it's your last because it very well could be. When you finally reach the day you can't play, and you can only watch, then you will know how much you love something that you once took for granted."

I'm still doing PT in my room at home daily. I still have pain because there is hardware in my knee. But every day I wake up and thank God for allowing me another day to get out of bed and do what I love most in this world, dancing for JKDC.

‎"Everything happens for a reason. Let that help you keep perspective in the hard times. Try to find the good in everything that happens-it's usually there somewhere." 

-Shawn Johnson

I DIE :)

2 weeks to go!

Just two weeks until JKing Dance Company presents

~Memories in Action~ 

a full evening of work! I am so honored to be a part of this amazing dance company and can't wait to be on stage! I love the work of artistic director, Joyce King! 

I am counting down the days and I hope you will be able to join us! 

May 11th ~ 8pm

May 12th ~ 3pm and 8pm

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/382519915103984/

I am so thankful to be able to dance and do what I love. 

~ Memories in Action ~

You are officially invited to JKing Dance Company's full evening of work, ~ Memories in Action ~
I can't wait to be on stage doing what I LOVE most in this world, DANCE. Hope you can make it!
https://www.facebook.com/events/382519915103984/

Memories in Action

I am honored to be in this amazing company and to have this awesome opportunity. If you are in NYC, I hope you will be able to come. The choreography is amazing! I am SO grateful!

xo Danelle xo

MEMORIES IN ACTION

I am so proud and honored to be a part of this amazing show! I am grateful to be a dancer in NYC and dancing for JKing Dance Company! If you are in NYC, buy a ticket! May 11 at 8pm and May 12th at 8pm (May 12 at 3pm is geared toward children) As always, for more information, go to www.JoyceKingDance.com

xoDanelle

Alicia Keys sings Send Me An Angel at Whitney Houston's Funeral

Beautiful tribute to Whitney Houston xoxo

Whitney Houston I Didn't Know My Own Strength Live AMA 2009 HD

In Loving Memory of the amazing, Whitney Houston. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. You are loved and will be missed and will NEVER be forgotten. xoxo