Introduction to a Writer in Tights
Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Joni and I am from Rockville, Maryland. I originally came to the University of Oklahoma for the ballet program, pursuing a degree in Ballet Performance. I have been dancing since I was seven years old and I am extremely passionate about it. One of the best parts about being involved in the fine arts department is getting to perform; if you've never ventured to the theatre on the North Oval, I highly recommend seeing a show there!
During my sophomore year I decided to tackle a second major in International Studies, concentrating on the Middle East. I took a course called 'Poverty and Inequality in the Middle East' last semester that revolutionized my outlook on the region and how I think about the choices people make in their lives. It was fascinating to analyze the differing perspectives of the history books versus the people themselves.
Although having two majors has proved challenging at times, I am very grateful to be able to pursue both of them! I love the balance between the physical work I do in the dance studios and the more rigorous academic work of the classroom.
Words hold a special place in my heart. Reading and writing have always been favorite hobbies of mine, and I can spend hours poring over stories or creating them myself. One of my favorite books growing up was The Secret Garden; I love classics and fantasy. Yoga is another one of my favorite pastimes. It provides a great balance between the exploration of physicality and spirituality, and I feel incredibly strong when I am practicing regularly. There is a yoga studio in my hometown where I have found a wonderful community, and I always look forward to going there when I am home on breaks.
I also really enjoy spending time outdoors exploring nature. I believe engaging with the earth is one of the best ways of getting in touch with our roots and understanding the beauty that surrounds us. There is a certain magic about hiking through the woods, swimming in ocean waters, gazing at the horizon, and walking under the stars. I love to travel and explore new places, and I have been fortunate enough to spend time in Israel, Spain, Scotland, England, and France. Scotland was particularly special because I got to perform with a ballet company there! I hope to visit many more places and travel the world.
During my sophomore year I decided to tackle a second major in International Studies, concentrating on the Middle East. I took a course called 'Poverty and Inequality in the Middle East' last semester that revolutionized my outlook on the region and how I think about the choices people make in their lives. It was fascinating to analyze the differing perspectives of the history books versus the people themselves.
Although having two majors has proved challenging at times, I am very grateful to be able to pursue both of them! I love the balance between the physical work I do in the dance studios and the more rigorous academic work of the classroom.
Words hold a special place in my heart. Reading and writing have always been favorite hobbies of mine, and I can spend hours poring over stories or creating them myself. One of my favorite books growing up was The Secret Garden; I love classics and fantasy. Yoga is another one of my favorite pastimes. It provides a great balance between the exploration of physicality and spirituality, and I feel incredibly strong when I am practicing regularly. There is a yoga studio in my hometown where I have found a wonderful community, and I always look forward to going there when I am home on breaks.
Camel pose, one of the fundamental postures in yoga. Source: Wikimedia Commons
I also really enjoy spending time outdoors exploring nature. I believe engaging with the earth is one of the best ways of getting in touch with our roots and understanding the beauty that surrounds us. There is a certain magic about hiking through the woods, swimming in ocean waters, gazing at the horizon, and walking under the stars. I love to travel and explore new places, and I have been fortunate enough to spend time in Israel, Spain, Scotland, England, and France. Scotland was particularly special because I got to perform with a ballet company there! I hope to visit many more places and travel the world.
The view from Edinburgh Castle. Personal Photo.
Hi Joni! I think that's so awesome that you came to OU pursuing ballet performance! I love dance as well, but I am definitely no where near the level of being able to study it (haha). I always knew that the theater put on shows, but I didn't know what kind, but now that you mentioned dance is being showcased, then I might start checking the theater out!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! I didn't know you were taking this class too. Olivia and I decided to take this together and we keep finding other people we know taking this class too! I had no idea that you performed in Scotland, that is really awesome! I was going to enroll in a yoga class this semester but by the time I got to enroll IT WAS FULL :( Hopefully next semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! It is really cool that you are here at OU to do ballet. I have never gone to the theatre on the north oval. I guess I better get going soon, since I only have a few months left on campus. I completely agree with you about the outdoors. There is nothing quite like it. As an Eagle Scout, I have always enjoyed going backpacking and hiking. I even had the opportunity to compete in a swim race in the ocean which was a unique experience to say the least. Traveling is always fun and I wish you luck in the future with your studies and goals!
ReplyDeleteHey Joni! -- you visited my digital "house" and I wanted to return the call :).
ReplyDeleteI love your set of majors. It's a rare person who goes for something as life-consuming as Ballet Performance and then chooses to add something so different just because they think it's interesting, and then actually manages to pull it off!
"Words hold a special place in my heart." I like that. (And ditto!)
Looking forward to seeing you around the blogosphere (which, thankfully, my spellchecker indicates is *not* a word) and reading your stories!
-- Alby
Hello Joni! I think that it is awesome that you are a part of OU ballet. I have been to several ballet performances myself and I remember as a little kid my grandmother would always take me to the Nutcracker ballet. It was truly wonderful and part of the reason I still love going to ballet performances today. I enjoy reading also, but I haven’t come across The Secret Garden, so I’ll have to check it out! Like you, I share a love for the outdoors and enjoy getting to hike whenever I can. Recently, I went to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and did some backpacking for a week. I would also recommend hiking the Appalachians if you ever get the chance.
ReplyDeleteHi Joni!
ReplyDeleteMy dad and his side of the family are from Maryland! He grew up in a small town called Hooper's Island. I haven't gotten to visit that much but I remember my favorite part being Ocean City! I loved looking at the art people would make out of the sand, it was HUGE and so detailed. Also I liked going to the Ripley's believe it or not museum because it had a ginormous mechanical shark sticking out of it. Wow two majors!! Good for you!! That is going to make you look very diverse which I think is important in looking for jobs one day. I hope you have a great semester!
Oh, you are really making the best of what OU has to offer with that combination of majors, Joni! Fantastic! And please let me know about any dance or other performances that I can include in the class announcements... especially if you are performing in any pieces this semester! And have you had a class with Joshua Landis yet? My great adventure in the Middle East was getting to go to Syria back in 2005, before the war, when he was there for a year in Damascus with his family (his wife is from Syria). It was the most amazing travel experience I have ever had, and I follow Joshua at Twitter now to learn news of the war and what is happening in Syria. I met so many amazing people there, and saw so many beautiful sites... but the war has changed everything now, in tragic ways. This Indian Epics class can be a way to explore the fantasy worlds of mythology but also to learn about India the actual place too, so I am glad it fits into your program of studies. Stretch your body, heart, mind: stretch it all.... and learn! :-)
ReplyDeleteHI Joni! How do you find time to have those two majors? Ballet is soo time confusing-- you guys have rehearsal so often! It is beautiful and your shows are amazing. I always wanted to dance when I was younger, and I leave the shows feeling like I am 6 about to beg my mom for lessons. How was Israel? I really want to go and may apply for the birth right soon, before I lose my chance. I've heard so many different things, you probably just have to go see for yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! Super cool that you are here for ballet! I am dual major as well in professional aviation and saxophone performance so I spend half my time at the airport and half of my time in the practice rooms just across from the dance studio! I am in my third year here and I have yet to see a ballet recital or show? I am not sure what you call them but something I need to see before I graduate! I am also super jealous of all the fun places you have traveled! Good luck with handling your two degrees, I know how challenging and frustrating it is, but it is possible! Just keep chipping away at that endless list of courses, it will all be worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! I think it is awesome that you're a dancer, and I agree with Laura! You really are taking advantage of a lot of things this wonderful University has to offer. I am super impressed that you're a dancer considering just how much discipline that takes. No wonder you're able to tackle two majors! I myself will be graduating with two separate degrees in May so I understand the challenge. I wish you the best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Joni,
ReplyDeleteThat’s great that you are a double major in international studies and ballet. It must be really difficult to balance the workload, but you seem very passionate about these disciplines. It’s interesting that you practice yoga because I used to practice yoga when I was a kid, though I gave it up a couple of years ago because of college. Also, I love nature as well. Overall, I really liked your introduction and can’t wait to read more of your stories.
Hey Joni,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, North East gang represent! I am from New Jersey, so meeting people at OU who aren't from the south or Midwest is always exciting to me. I think it's dope that you came for such an uncommon major, now I definitely got to see a production at the theater some time. I hope this never ending winter concludes soon, as I 100% agree with you on being outdoors and in nature. Can't wait to read more of your work, as well as hopefully see one of your shows!
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty cool that you are from Rockville, you got me beat on distance away from OU (Illinois). The DMV is a pretty cool area and I have gotten to see each part of it while working in DC for a small internship. Even if Rockville is more of a suburban town, it still must have been a big change coming here. The dual major is definitely tough, but you're probably getting close to the finish line!
Hey Joni! I hope your semester is going well so far. I don’t meet many people at OU who are not from Oklahoma or Texas. Ballet is a very impressive major. I am sure that it is incredibly physically challenging. Also adding international studies must add a lot of work. Good luck pursuing both degrees, and hopefully you enjoy this class.
ReplyDeleteJoni, I must admit that I am jealous of your journey to Edinburgh. It is on the growing places that my wife and I wish to travel to but haven’t yet. The city and the surrounding area look so interesting and beautiful. From the roman ruins to the parliament building, what an architectural gem it must be as well. What venue did you get to perform in?
ReplyDeleteHi Joni!
ReplyDeleteMy major is international studies too- I was actually in that Poverty and Inequality in the Middle East class with you! It definitely challenged my thoughts significantly on my previous knowledge of that region and opened my eyes a lot. When I studied abroad I went to 20 countries and it really opened my eyes and gave me a better global perspective. I always get so excited to see that other people have had the same opportunity to experience the same thing.
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that I have found another person in this course that is from Maryland. The only thing is that I am from Baltimore, Maryland, not Rockville, Maryland. It's odd being away from home, isn't? I have been desiring to travel out of the country, but unfortunately I have not been able to. International Studies must be a fun major to have. Originally I was a Psychology major, but then switched to Letters and Religious Studies. In hindsight, I should have picked International Studies. I hope you enjoy this class and I look forward to your writings!
Hello Joni! That is so cool that you do ballet at OU! It must have been a change since you moved from Maryland to Norman. That is awesome you have two majors too. It sounds like it can be pretty hectic, but I am glad you are pushing through and still enjoying it! Good luck in school!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! I loved getting to read about you and get to know a little about you! I used to do ballet, so I think it is awesome that you are majoring in that as well as international studies! That is very impressive! Also, I am so jealous of you because my dream is to travel the world and you have been to so many places! That is seriously so awesome! Good luck on the rest of your semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni!
ReplyDeleteI think it's really cool you decided to double major. I didn't know you could do a dance major and something else. You're exploring two vastly different fields as well which must be a great experience! Just curious, what company did you travel to Scotland with? And since your second major is International Studies, I imagine you want to continue in companies that travel a lot. I think you were one of the first people to comment on my Introduction post a while back, so it's nice to finally meet you! :D And you had asked about music suggestions then, some Caribbean genres I listen to are dancehall and soca. One of the artists I currently really like is Koffee (check out her latest songs Rapture; I suggest this one in particular cause I like to tap to it haha).
Hey Joni,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for taking on a double major! Per your suggestion, I think I may visit a theater in the North Oval. I also really enjoying take classes about other regions. It really broadens your perspective. I took African Repercussions with Ricardo Souza. I recommend that you take that class! Also, I admire the fact that you have been able to travel to so many places. I hope one day I get to go to the places you have been so far!
Your classmate,
Joanna Yoon
Hi Joni!
ReplyDeleteWe have a weird amount of stuff in common between the ballet and the reading and the yoga and the traveling and the outdoors, it’s almost like we absolutely have to be best friends! I can’t believe I had no idea you were in this class, and also please don’t judge me too much for how weird my stories are. Keep me updated about whenever your next performance is because I definitely want to come see it!
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteYour introduction has an interesting title, and after reading it, it just makes sense. I am not very familiar with Ballet; I don't even think I've ever even been to a performance. But you seem very passionate about it, and you also seem to pursue your passions which is a quality that I highly respect! I hope you are having a great semester.
-Kevin
Hey Joni,
ReplyDeleteI think its awesome that you are pursuing ballet performance. It's nice to see that you're doing something you are passionate about. It must take a lot of hard work to balance that with another major. International Studies sounds really interesting too especially since you like to travel. I used to be obsessed with the Secret Garden when I was young! I completely forgot about it and now that you mentioned it I kind of want to go back and read it again.
Hello Joni!
ReplyDeleteFirst, your Intro was so serene. You writing even came off calm. Does that make sense? I have a crazy all-over-the-place energy and I believe that is why I enjoy other peoples calming natures. I loved that you have traveled so much! I loved the photo of the castle you included. It looked like a perfect day! I loved reading what you had to say about yoga. I have been thinking about trying to yoga, but not have done so yet. Reading your thoughts on it just reinforces to me that I should give it a go. Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Joni!
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat how you've found a balance in your education between challenging your mind and challenging your body. I too love the outdoors. I grew up in Wyoming, with plenty of hiking and camping and swimming, and I've missed that since coming to Oklahoma. Have youfound any good outdoor recreation areas here? Best of luck in your studies!
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteIt is very nice to meet you and get a little insight on your life. How cool is it that you are in the ballet program here! I have always been so impressed by those in the ballet and especially ones who perform point. I am so jealous of how much you have traveled! All of those places sound incredible I would not even know which to go to first. Hope you have a good end to your semester
Hi Joni!
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool you're from Maryland! My cousin lives there. However, I have not gotten the opportunity to visit there yet. I hope to soon! I also love the outdoors! I think ballet is so beautiful! I wish you all the best in achieving your goals!!!
Hi Joni! So I saw you do yoga, i have tried and tried to do yoga without much success. I was Buddhist and did much of intense meditating that involved a lot of serious sitting in specific ways. I guess it was pretty close to yoga? I think of myself as unathletic but I can still touch my toes and stuff. I love the outdoors and I love to hike. I'm from Texas so there's not much but I went to Big Bend once!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni,
ReplyDeleteI think it is very cool that you came to OU to get a degree in Ballet Performance. Reading and writing are also some if my favorite hobbies. I like reading books that can make you feel really immersed in the story. I have also read The Secret Garden before and I really enjoyed reading every page. I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!
Hi, Joni! It’s nice to meet you! I think it’s really cool that you came to the University of Oklahoma for the ballet program. What made you start dancing? My mom signed me up for dancing when I was younger but it never really stuck to me because things got busy. I also love yoga! I often do yoga as a way to release my stress and anxiety.
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! I love the title of your post! I think it is so cool that you came to the University of Oklahoma for ballet. I honestly did not know that you could get a degree in Ballet Performance, but that is so unique! It sounds like you have quite a full schedule, which is awesome how you balance it all!
ReplyDeleteBallet is such a respectable art form, and honestly one of the most intense I've ever learned about. I recently watch a video that showed the changed in ballet over the centuries and it's incredible what humans have learned to do with their bodies. I've always wondered what it feels like to perform in front of a large audience but I know stage fright would get the best of me.
ReplyDeleteJoni, I really thought your introduction was interesting. I really enjoy the outdoors as well and backpacking. Your love for yoga also sound cool. My ability to do yoga is very minimal, but I do enjoy it whenever I get to do it. Thanks for sharing some about yourself, it was great getting to know you some through your post!
ReplyDeleteHello there, Joni!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really cool that you get to pursue a career in things you are so passionate about. I am a vocal music major, and I would definitely say that my experiences in the school of music have prepared me for so many aspects of my future! I also love the outdoors and love to explore new places! I wish I liked reading as much as you do, but I think if I read the right book it could get me hooked on them!
Hey Joni,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog, even though I know some of the things you mentioned. You never seem to amaze me and I learn new things about you every time we talk. I am glad that we share a love for travel and the outdoors. I will also never forget all the memories we shared on our trip to Israel!