Days 104-112: Dhoonya Tech III

Monday, September 12th: Tonight was my first Dhoonya Technique III class of the semester. Tonight was the first night I went to a dance class feeling nervous. Although I had danced growing up and had years of training I hadn't danced in 6 years when I started Dhoonya classes in April. I also had never taken Indian dance lessons in any capacity. Deciding what techniques class to take was difficult. I had taken Level I/II over the summer and enjoyed it. In fact, I felt like I excelled at it every week. I really wanted a challenge in the fall. I remember choreography easily and have good body awareness but am lacking in style and technique. I was hoping the technique III class could help me focus on my body alignment, style and expression. The first class was a bit intimidating. Everyone in the class is extremely talented and also has no problem remembering choreography, so as I hoped we were able to spend more time perfecting our individual styles. This class was my favorite yet, which is saying a lot considering I haven't missed a class yet and look forward to Dhoonya instruction every Monday.

Tuesday, September 13th: Enjoyed another lunch at Starbucks and an evening catching up on television shows.

Wednesday, September 14th: Went to the farmers' market and Whole Foods after work, enjoyed a dinner of cheese and olives and then took my second Oriental 2 class with Nica at Saffron Dance studios. I love taking class with Nica so much and tonight was no different.

Thursday, September 15th: Met up with my girlfriend and my sister at my sister's new apartment in DC. Enjoyed a pizza dinner at Red Rocks in Columbia Heights.

Friday, September 16th: Went to Sweet Lobby in Barracks Row with my BFF to pick up macarons and then enjoyed a fabulous dinner of mussels at Ted's Bullentin.

 The INCREDIBLE Sweet Lobby. Cannot recommend more.

 Delicious gin cocktail at Ted's.

Mussels and frites. Nothing better.

Saturday, September 17th: Woke up super early for a Saturday to attend my first big event for the Junior League. Our new member Saturday Session at the Washington Court Hotel by Union Station where we learned all about the League and our requirements for the year. Enjoyed a bagel and coffee at the banquette hall and had a lunch of cheese and crackers when I returned home. Went with the boyfriend to a Fraternity alum's house for a delicious BBQ of burgers, bison and sausages. Met a lot of great married couples who love food just as much as me and the boyfriend. Even met a lovely girl who loves Disney as much as me. Fabulous evening, especially with the wonderful fall weather.

Sunday, September 18th: Went to a fabulous Pilates reformer class today with a jumpboard. I felt like I was flying through the air on a trampoline, only lying down. I can't wait to go again next week!

Monday, September 19th: Enjoyed lunch from a kabob truck in town. Love the spicy chicken! Ran 3 miles after work, picked up an iced chai for dinner at Northside Social and then attend my second Dhoonya Tech III class. Class was brilliant tonight! Loved the new song in the warmup. Really felt alive. Learned a bit more of our dance for the semester. The song is really growing on me. I'm loving all of the sassy movements and learning how to style my arms, hips and eyes. Especially love a particularly cheeky part in the dance where we shake our heads side-to-side. 

Tuesday, September 20th: Had lunch at a Cajun food truck today. Gumbo was perfect for a rainy Tuesday. Met up with a girlfriend after work at Art & Soul and enjoyed a delicious Flounder (sad to be eating my favorite character from Little Mermaid though). After dinner and drinks I went to Pentagon City mall in search of khaki pants. Happy to report I found some at Banana Republic. (They're required for a Junior League event this weekend.)