Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 12.15.2023 Opportunities for Inspiration Last month, I took a week away from the studio to participate in a “bucket list” continuing education opportunity: a conference for business leaders at Ramsey Solutions in Nashville, Tennessee. The wow-factor—in both the learning and the environment—was huge! Regular participation in learning…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 11.15.2023 The Value of the Compound Effect In 18 years of owning Chara Christian Dance Academy, I’ve found there is one thing—the “eighth wonder of the world”—that yields results no matter the application: the compound effect. The compound effect is made up of small, consistent steps…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 10.15.2023 The Discipline of Receiving Feedback As a kid, my favorite response was “I know.” “Shanna, it’s your turn to unload the dishwasher.” “I know.” “That transition is on count 5-6.” “I know.” “The way you spoke to your sister just now was not OK.” “I…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 9.15.2023 The Value of Positive Mentors There are many women who have had a tremendous impact on my life—as mentors and role models, teachers and guides. Some of them I’ve known since childhood; others I met as an adult. This summer, I took time to connect with…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 8.15.2023 Tears Are Okay A child’s first dance class comes with a lot of NEW. A new room, new teacher, new wardrobe, and new friends. It is common for children to have a hard time with all of the NEW, especially when it comes at a time…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 5.11.2023 Developing Strong Mental Skills Through Dance and Music Along with May flowers, Mother’s Day, and the excitement of summer around the corner, this month ushers in awareness of an essential topic: mental health. Back in 1949, Mental Health America (then known as the National Association for…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 4.15.2023 The Grandparent Impact Last month my family had the complete joy of celebrating my grandparents’ 70th wedding anniversary—how incredible is that milestone?! I am in awe of them. I always have been. My grandparents have been heroes to me all my life. In addition to my amazing…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 3.13.2023 Music Matters Steven Curtis Chapman. Cindy Morgan. DC Talk. Watermark. Many of you are probably familiar with these names. These Christian artists helped shape my personal theology and outlook on life. As a child, my home and my dance studio were both filled with Christian music.…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 2.21.2023 The Art of Receiving Feedback As a dance student, I loved hearing from my instructors in class! Whether it was a critique or praise, I held on to every word. I can remember how much I desired feedback—in my mind, I would file away their comments…
DetailsWritten by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 1.14.2023 Combating “Age Compression” When you think of the definition of “childhood,” what words come to mind? Perhaps words such as playful, imaginative, innocent, or fun-filled. Certainly these are words that drive our joyful, faithful mission here at Chara Christian Dance Academy. But they are not always words that describe childhood…
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