Finals Fun

While some might sit in a library or computer lab and stress over writing a final paper, or memorizing books' worth of facts--and while I will have to do this for my academic classes, too-- Finals Week is just one more reason I love being a dance major.


The majority of finals for our dance classes are fun--a performance, and a celebration of everything we have learned over the two semesters. For example, my Improvisation class was split into three groups and each were assigned a site-specific project in which you collectively choose a site on campus that inspires you, and create guidelines for a dance. The day of our final, we went around to each groups site and watched their improvisation.


One group danced in Dunn Woods, another at the Music School fountain across Jordan Ave. from Read, and my group danced outside and around the Beck Chapel. Some people might jump around in fountains just for fun at the end of the year, but we got to do it as a learning experience, which was one of the most beneficial assignments for me that we have done all year, making it the perfect final.


While the dancing outside was fun in itself, it was also fun to watch and interpret each group's inspiration they derived from their site. It made me realize how lucky I am to have been able to spend a year with these creative people and learn from them as well as my teachers, and also how lucky I was to be assigned to live in Read's Performing Arts Community two years in a row with many of these same people.

You've Got A Friend

In IU Residence Hall life, your Resident Assistant is not only a leader and overseer, but also a mentor, educator, community builder, and most importantly, a friend. By the end of the school year, most RA's have built relationships with each of their residents, and gotten to know them well. To celebrate a Wright RA's birthday on Monday, residents took her out to dinner.


The restaurant was Asuka, a Japanese sushi bar and habachi grill. RA's also always seem to be a great source of information on Bloomington restaurants and entertainment, since they plan so many programs. If you're looking for the right spot for you or just something to do, your RA would be a great help.




Her residents baked her a cookie cake of her favorite kind, oatmeal raising. In most residence halls, there is a mini kitchen on every other floor, with an oven and stove which are easy to use if you bring the right utensils from home. Covenience Stores, or "C Stores" sell a lot of birthday supplies, like frozen cakes, icing, etc. and you can use your meal points to buy them.

The Big Weekend

Last weekend was too action-packed not to mention, as two of the biggest events of my semester took place. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Read was buzzing with energy from the performance of Hammer and Nail, an annual production by the Student Composer Association and IU Dance Theatre. With Read being a performing arts community, you can imagine what it was like having so many people leaving excited for dress rehearsals and shows, and coming back to the same place with the rush of having just performed.

The shows were Thursday and Friday night, two per night, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater downtown on beautiful Kirkwood.

As if an end-of-semester performance was not enough excitement, Saturday was the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, which I was able to participate in with many of my family members since Bloomington is so close to Indianapolis. It is an amazing experience that I think everyone who lives in Bloomington should try at least once. While aspects of it are very sad, it is also a celebration of those who have defeated or are still living with breast cancer.


The weekend left me with a renewed sense of balance and perspective. I returned ready to knock out the last two weeks before finals and the end of the semester, not to mention take more notice and appreciation of all things pink, especially the beautiful red bud trees and tulips all over campus. Spring is definitely here.

Huge Fun at HUGE Fest 2010

Last weekend was one of my favorite Read traditions: HUGE Fest. This year the theme was luau, and the games, crafts, and concessions were even better than last year. I'd been looking forward to my second annual HUGE Fest since the day I moved back to B-Town in August!


There was every kind of entertainment one could dream of: from sumo wrestling, to blow-up obstacle courses, to a velcro wall, as well as crafts tables, live music, and cook outs. After burning off all your breakfast calories on the many games, there were constantly burgers and hot dogs on the grill, snow cones in the shade to cool off with, and a tropical-themed mocktail bar.


If I had to pick, I would have to say the sumo wrestling was my favorite. There is something about being tackled to the ground and not feeling a thing, and the hilarity of being stuck on the ground like a rolly-polly when you lose, that made the event a great last hurrah before Finals and Little 500.

Eating Right at Campus Sites

One thing I have noticed a lot more of this year is healthy food choices at RPS dining services.



The newly remodeled Dining Room at Read now includes an "Eat Right" line, with healthier alternatives that are changed both day to day, and from lunch to dinner, to provide students with a wide variety of nutritious options. The line usually offers some type of healthier meat, like chicken breast or fish, several vegetable options, and fresh fruit.



There is always a salad bar with fresh veggies, hummus, pita, and a variety of fruits including pineapple, mandarin oranges, or fruit salads. While there are less healthy options as well, like burgers or pizza for days you choose to endulge, if you plan on maintaining a healthy diet at IU, RPS dining services provides you with everything you need.


In addition to all the above, the Hoosier Cafe has also started offering things like fruit plates, soy milk, yogurt, and their own salad bar daily. El Bistro offers less fattening sandwiches, a vegetarian option, and build-your-own dagwoods to get all of what you want, and none of what you don't, as well as options like orange juice, fruits, and yogurts.

Spring at IU: Communities In Bloom

As the weather turns warmer, students are taking advantage of IU's beautiful campus. There are so many beautiful spots to hang out outdoors, and even walking to class seems like recreation instead of a chore.


One nice thing about living in Read is that it houses the Performing Arts Community, so as a dance major, I run into my friends from the department every day. We all have the same core classes so it is always easy to find a study buddy, and on nice days, you can take your studying outside and it becomes both relaxing and productive.


Yesterday I ran into Nicole, who was studying in Kinsey Hollow behind Read, one of my favorite spots, when two of our other friends from the dance program walked up from their Kinesiology class and we all studied together for a bit during our break between classes and rehearsals.

Spring Break 2010: Munster, IN

Many other bloggers would probably have titled their spring break blog something more exciting, like "Panama City Beach" or "Cancun 2010." While Munster may not be the most exciting spring break vacation spot, there was nowhere else I'd rather have been this year, because I got to come home and watch my brother play in Munster High School's Battle of the Bands.


He and I have played small shows and open mics together, but seeing him play in a full band competing with other groups and doing a really amazing job was the highlight of my spring break--the week isn't even over yet and I already know I can say this!



My brother, Michael, plays lead guitar and sings some, too. They played a lot of really challenging songs and pulled every one off great. I felt like both a proud parent and a paparazzi member sneaking up in front of the stage to get photos, but everything about this night was worth it, even though his band, Alterior Motives, didn't end up taking first place. There's always next year!