Pointe Shoes, Anyone?

No, Abby did not get her first pair of pink satin torture chambers. {Simmer down, people...simmer down! Hee hee} However, I did run across this fabulous article/radio news broadcast dedicated to the making, purchasing, fitting and wearing of pointe shoes.

It's a definite must-read for anyone in love with the world of ballet! Check it out here.

PS: For the record, I used to attack mine with a small hammer. In case you were wondering...

Farewell, Pacific Chamber Ballet

As I've stated in my previous post, this is such a bittersweet time in our lives right now. While my daughter is now dancing in the school of her dreams, the move comes on the heels of a huge and painful change.  Our alma mater, Pacific Chamber Ballet, is closing its doors after 27 years.

PCB was not my only ballet school, but it was the most cherished. It was under Judy's instruction that I was able to take my dancing to a whole new level and was inspired to perhaps one day open my own studio.

To this day, many of Judy's corrections resonate in my head: To lift my head high when executing a grand jete`, to soften my elbows at the barre, and to fully extend through my foot and keep it strong ("You have a beautiful arch-use it!").

Many of those same corrections were given to Abby over the years as well. (Funny how that happens, isn't it?) She too is sad to see Miss Judy close the studio doors. She was not only her first "real" ballet teacher, but the one who encouraged her to believe that she really does have what it takes to be a ballerina. (It's not just mom being nice!)

We will always--always--be grateful for her many years of faithful instruction. For the way she'd hold our tuition check until next payday. For her friendship and prayers.

Abby and I are planning to stop by the studio on its last day. I don't know about her, but I have to feel the floors beneath my feet and smell the rosin one last time...

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


*Yawwwwwnnnn!* It is soooo dreadfully early, ladies. At least in my neck of the woods (those of you on the east coast, kindly disregard). Dean had to be up at 4am this morning in order to make it to work by 5am. Therefore, today will be a "heavy-on-the-chai" kind of day! :o{  (Good thing I bought another can last night, eh?)

Because I'm still not quite fully functioning, I haven't completed this morning's workout, nor am I too sure how long I'll last when I finally get started. ;o)  Okay, okay...that sounds bad, I know. What I meant to say was, I plan on getting my workout in as soon as I'm done writing this post! :) There. Now I'm starting to feel better about myself. *Hee hee*

This past week, I've been doing more exercises using my own body weight, such as Pilates and various ballet exercises which, by the way, really work your thighs when you do them right! It's been a lot of fun, as I tend to get bored with the same routine week after week. That and feeling the deep, lesser-used muscles engage and respond is always a treat! ;o)

Oh! And I'm pleased to report that my diet has been MUCH better! Woohoo! I've been eating lots of veggie sandwiches and bananas for snacks, and with the exception of a slice of apple pie in honor of Rosh Hashana, I haven't had any "sweets"! (High fives)

My goals for next week are:

• to include at least 3 days of Pilates/ballet into my regular weight routine
• ramp up the produce and water intake. (You know...as a sort of "detox" from all the chai I'm about to consume today...Ahem.)

How was your week? Did you try a new--or "forgotten"--form of exercise? A new recipe? Sign the Linky below and tell us about it! :)

WAIT! One last thing: check out this awesome website called "ShapeUpMom.com". The author is Kathryn Sansone, a woman I first heard about a few years back whilst watching Oprah. (Yes, I know it's cheesy to say that, but it's 100% true.) She's the mother of 10 and she looks absolutely fabulous! Check it out. :)

The High Cost of a Quality Dance Education

During my ballet years, I never once considered the actual costs associated with my training. My job was to simply pay attention and get myself to all my various classes {sometimes as many as 14 a week}, Monday through Saturday. The "minor details"--my tuition, pointe shoes, leos, tights, costume and audition fees--were all covered by my parents.

Now that I have a dancing daughter of my own, I've come to realize two important things:  The cost of a quality dance education is very high, and the decision to enroll one's child in dance should not to be made lightly.

Time and Energy: A Parent's Most Precious Commodity

"Dance parents" give up a lot of personal time to further their child's education. Although weekly class times are set in stone, the pace picks up quite a bit during the winter months (Nutcracker), as well as during May-June (recital season). Additionally, if your child attends a summer session, you can pretty much guarantee she/he will have extra classes in other genres including character, lyrical, Spanish, and/or jazz. {For example, Abby took 7 classes a week this past July.}

Traveling back 'n forth between classes is a necessary burden. If you're having a bad day and/or just don't "feel" like taking your son/daughter to class, they will pay the price. The same rule applies if they're the ones having an off-day. Not only will their teacher(s) be upset, but they will miss out on crucial training and, given the time of year, performance opportunities as well.

Homework for middle and high schoolers is often done late into the evening, and at the upper levels dance classes may not always be conducive to one's school hours.

If your family cherishes Saturdays as "family day" or keeps Shabbat, this will be another important aspect to consider, especially as your child gets older. This is because in the dance world, many rehearsals, performances and required classes are all held on Saturday.

Money: Cha-Ching!

Fund raising is often a crucial component to a dance studio's livelihood. In addition to monetary donations, many families are required to sell products (candy, magazine subscriptions), contribute to an annual auction, or even help run various studio-sponsored events such as mid-year performances and Open House.

Tuition of course, is where the bulk of your money goes. This fee will vary greatly between schools, and even between different parts of the country. Tuition also increases per each level of advancement. {For example, little Anna's pre-ballet class costs $40/month, whereas Susie's tuition is $175/month for 8 classes a week.}

If your child desires to attend a "professional" school {meaning one associated with a company such as Joffery, Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, etc.}, be prepared to pay even more. These schools are considered "the best of the best", and they charge accordingly. ;o]

While these institutions offer both full and partial scholarship programs, parents should be aware of three things:

1. Scholarship funds are often in high demand and in short supply.
2. Monies are given to students who show the most promise.
3. Scholarship families are often required to donate even more time to the school, serving in various capacities.

Miscellaneous expenses such as costume fees and class attire {read: pointe shoes are not cheap!} should also be considered.

Conclusion {or, I hope I didn't totally scare you away!}

As with any worthy endeavor, a quality dance education will cost you quite a bit. And while dance may only be a fun, creative outlet for your child--which is wonderful!--for others it's their life's passion. If this describes your child, then it's important to nurture and encourage their God-given talents and aspirations.

What if you can't afford dance lessons right now? Many low-cost alternatives are available, including community recreational centers. These classes are usually taught by local dance teachers and provide a more relaxed atmosphere for the beginner.

If you own your own business, you may want to look into bartering services such as advertising in exchange for lessons. With the economy the way it is, many studios are being forced to cut back in this crucial area.

Most of all, pray that the Lord would direct you to the right opportunities. If dance is a part of His divine plan for your child, then He will bring those plans to fruition. Guaranteed.

In the end, there is nothing quite like seeing the look of joy spread across your child's face as they take their bows to thunderous applause {insert dreamy sigh here}. It's in that moment that you realize that every penny, every sacrifice, every moment--was worth it!

Abby's Ballet Recital ~ The Dress Rehearsal

Hey, better late than never, right? ;-) The video was recorded during their dress rehearsal on June 18th. Aren't they cute? :)

Saving Money Always Makes Me Feel Better, Etc.

Well, I'm starting to feel "healthy" again but poor Abby has succumbed to The Bug as of yesterday. Ethan's still clinging to The Bug as well (or should I say, the bug's clinging to him). Which means we stayed home from church and we're going through an awful lot of Children's Tylenol! :o/ Good thing I bought a bunch when I did. (Yikes)

I just hope she's able to beat this thing sooner than Ethan. He's working on his second week, which is a bummer in itself. But Abby's in the middle of learning her ballet recital, and every missed class quickly adds up. (Not good!) *Speaking of ballet, the pic to the right is Abby during last week's Parent Watch Day. Isn't she cute? :) *

On a lighter note, I've been feeling rather proud of my recent coupon transactions. Yesterday, I scored 3 half-gallons of almond milk and 3 boxes of cereal for $2.80. Then today I scored 4 boxes of fruit snacks for $2.50 then received a $2.50 catalina (receipt coupon) off my next transaction. This basically made those fruit snacks totally free! :) Hooray!

These little deals make me even more excited to get the Sunday paper and all those yummy coupons! :) I took advantage of a special deal on the local paper to where I'll get 5 Sunday papers each week for dirt cheap. Woohoo! If you're in my neck of the woods (Lynnwood/Edmonds/Everett WA) check out the deal for yourself here. (Thanks, CouponConnectionsNW! :) ) What's more, is that I've got my Mom all coupon-happy now, too. Hee hee! She also signed up for the newspaper deal, so you can tell what the two of us will be doing tomorrow! "Did you see the coupon for XYZ in the RedPlum flyer?"..."Oh goodness, yes!" {Snip, snip!}

And on another happy note, I've received a few books to review in the mail which always makes me happy. (I mean, hello? Free books!) These aren't "school" books either, but actual fiction/brain candy books. :) The good stuff!

Now, I have to get back to "work" and hammer out a few reviews that are due this week. I meant to get them done last week but I was sick sooooo.....yeah. Time to play catch-up!

Pacific Northwest Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty"

 Principal dancers Kaori Nakamura, Carrie Imler and Carla Korbes share their experiences dancing the highly coveted, deeply technical, and extremely demanding role of Princess Aurora. :) I cannot wait to see Friday night's performance!

Dancer Health Screenings

I realize not too many of my readers are interested in dancer health. But for the few of you that are (like myself), I found this interesting article in this month's issue of Pointe Magazine. Perhaps if screenings such as this were available back when I was dancing, it might've made a difference for me. Then again, I was pretty stubborn, so I doubt I would've even taken it. But now that I have a daughter anxiously eyeing the prize of a ballet career, I couldn't help but think this was a fabulous idea that was long overdue. Check it out.

Daybook Entry

To participate in this weekly meme, please click here.

FOR TODAY...


Outside my window... pouring rain. Welcome to Washington in January! :)


I am thinking... how I really tend to bite off more than I can chew, thinking I can handle anything and everything that comes my way. Then I get overwhelmed and frustrated and it's all my fault. (I'm laughing on the inside. Really.)


I am thankful for... a job that allows me to work from home, friends who listen to me whine more often than they should, and a husband who works hard despite the fact that he's sick and should probably be in bed.


I am wearing... workout clothes.


I am remembering... my growing To Do list and the fact that by doing this silly daybook entry I'm once again procrastinating. (Ahem)


I am going... to battle the weather later and pick up some cheap groceries, then this evening it's off to Abby's ballet class.


I am currently reading... a review book (Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling) and the latest "brain candy" novel from Jane Porter. Love her!


I am hoping... that today goes well in spite of my growing negative attitude. Although that seems like a serious contradiction in terms! :)

On my mind... as always, way too much! LOL

Noticing that... the sun doesn't fully rise until about 8am and begins to set around 4pm.


Pondering these words... "If you want a workout that gives results, you're gonna have to earn it!"


From the kitchen... well, I have nothing going on in there yet. But at least everything's clean for the moment. :)


Around the house... judging by the sound of the rain? I suspect plenty of puddles! :)


One of my favorite things... a day where I have absolutely nothing going on. An elusive occurance, to be sure. But at the same time, I dispise being bored.


From my picture journal...

This is Fernando's first full day in his new home. Isn't my baby beautiful? :) I love my little dog...

Nutcracker Review Posted!

Visit the Class Act Tutu blog to read my formal review of Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker!

Also check out the Juicy Couture tutu sightings! Very fun stuff! ;o)

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lesley Rausch as the Peacock
in PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling

Backstage at Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker

On Saturday evening, Dean and I took Abby and Julianah to see Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker. As you may recall from my previous post, there was some concern that the evening's festivities may have been dampened by illness. Thankfully Dean was fully recovered, and the four of us were more than ready to go!

The girls each received a special dress to wear, courtesy of their grandparents, in honor of the festive occasion. Abby was a delight in her shimmering purple gown with swooshy hem, while Julianah dazzled in her black velvet and sparkly cream skirted confection! They each had their hair in ringlets (Julianah's 'do was much more "ring like" than Abby's, which ended up looking more like tousled waves than holiday curls), and a smattering of lipgloss. They were all set!

Not only were they excited to see their first "real" (ie. professional) ballet performance, but they were also in for a very special treat. Lindsi Dec, one of PNB's soloists, had offered to take the girls backstage and tour the Nutcracker sets!

Ok, so back to the story! We arrived at the Seattle Center's McCaw Hall with plenty of time to spare. The girls posed for several pictures, first in front of the large Nutcracker poster...

....then inside on the makeshift Nutcracker stage!

...and with every piece of Nutcracker decor you could find!

The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and gasps of delight. Abby and Julianah were glowing with anticipation. We picked up our tickets and breezed into the gift shop, eager to see what sort of treasures we could find. Abby immediately honed in on a charming Nutcracker doll. She'd been eyeing these all over town (the cheap, crappy kind found in grocery stores) and was very misty-eyed over the one she found. It was perfect!

Then Dean helped Julianah dig through the basket of pointe shoes in search of a pair signed by Carrie Imler, also known as "Clara"! (Hooray!) You'd be hard pressed to find two happier little girls at that moment!

In addition to all the buzz and laughter, several PNB students were walking about with baskets of little Nutcracker "flair" buttons, which by the end of the night, the girls had accumulated about 4 a piece. There was also a choir of lovely Christmas carolers and a funny magician who could've been mistaken for Jack Black's brother.

Soon it was time to head out and meet Lindsi at the Stage Door. We only had to wait two minutes before the beautiful ballerina walked into the room. Oh, but wait! Who's this I see walking in with Ms. Dec? Why, it's lovely Ms. Carrie Imler herself! (Can you tell the girls were thrilled?)

Abby and Julianah were very blessed to have TWO beautiful ballerinas escort them backstage. For them, life couldn't get any cooler than this!

Carrie and Lindsi were so sweet and gracious: they hugged the girls, accepted their little Thank You notes, and told them how pretty their dresses and hair were. The girls were all smiles. Once all the greetings and introductions had been made, it was time to get our tour started!

We saw several exciting things backstage including cannons, masks, the giant Mouse King's "tail", the enormous Christmas tree being lowered down onto the stage, the Chinese Tiger's costume, Clara's bed, the golden boat (*), the cavalry's horses, and several plastic cans filled with Nutcracker snow! Both Carrie and Lindsi provided great explanations of everything the girls saw, which made the show that much more interesting later on.

The girls were especially thrilled to actually *walk across the same stage* their favorite ballerinas dance on! I had told them I wasn't sure if that would be possible, so to actually get the chance to do so was HUGE.

As you've no doubt noticed in the photo above, the girls are standing inside Clara and the Prince's golden boat. This was made possible by the kind suggestion of a very sweet Stage Hand (whom I failed to get his name--but Sir, you know who you are, and I cannot thank you enough!). As we were taking a photo of the boat, the Stage Hand came up and asked, "Would they like to climb up inside there and take a picture?"

Would they ever!! :)

Obviously, they were more than willing to check out this lovely boat for themselves. (I think their happy grins say it all!) As the girls climbed back down, we thanked this wonderful Stage Hand again for his kind offer. He had the sweetest smile on his face as he said, "You're welcome" and walked away.

After the stage, the ballerinas then escorted us across the hall. They pointed out one of their Physical Therapists who, according to Carrie, "saved her life" by fixing her back. Next it was on to the Green Room just a few feet away. Inside were the evening's three "Dervishes" (James Moore, Josh Spell, Barry Kerollis) relaxing and eating a quick bite before their performance. The girls were once again in awe over everything...In fact, I don't think they said much the entire time to be honest with you. Unless you count several rounds of "Oooh! and "Wow!" :)

Our tour came to a close after about 15 minutes when Lindsi grinned, "Well, that's it--in a nutshell!" (Ha ha! Her pun received a round of good-natured groans.) We then made our way back out to the waiting area where the girls said their goodbyes and thanked their lovely tour guides.

You know, I don't think their feet even touched the ground after that. They were just in a state of rapturous joy, floating high above the clouds! But their special night wasn't over yet. It was time to find our seats and get ready to watch the show!

My formal review of the performance will be posted soon to the Class Act Tutu blog, followed by the Vala Dancewear blog, but in the meantime I will say this---it was spectacular!

Pacific Northwest Ballet once again served up a magnificent holiday treat that should not be missed! Everything from the sumptuous sets to the fabulous costumes, to the sparkling choreography to the breathtaking dancers, to finally the lush accompaniment from the PNB orchestra--all these elements came together to create the most inspirational "dream world" for every child in the audience. (Not to mention, two very grateful "baby ballerinas"!)

Thank you once again to Lindsi, Carrie, the Stage Hand (gosh, I really must find out his name!), and all of Pacific Northwest Ballet! We cannot wait to see you again very soon!

*You can purchase tickets to The Nutcracker by visiting pnb.org. Great seats are still available and the fabulous production runs through December 30th.*

Nutcracker Revisited--At Last; I Hope!

Ahh, The Nutcracker...!

The singular ballet Abby has been pining to see since the wee age of three. Back then if you asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she'd always reply very sincerely, "A pink ballerina!" (Emphasis on the pink!)

Now, thanks to the generosity of my charming boss Rebecca, her lovely daughter Rachel, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, Dean and I will be taking Abby and Julianah to see The Nutcracker next weekend. Hooray! This will be the girls' first ballet performance. (Abby technically has been to a dress rehearsal for Swan Lake, which was super-cool, but doesn't "count" in her book as a performance. Ahem.)

This is also a real treat for me, as I haven't seen PNB's Nutcracker since way back 1993, when Patricia Barker was still a Principal with the company. (Do the math.) The girls are already trying to decide what they're going to wear (as am I--ahem!) and saving their pennies to buy something extra special from the PNB gift shop. (They both have their hearts set on a pair of autographed pointe shoes from either Carla Korbes or Kaori Nakamura!) It will certainly prove to be a glorious night to remember, provided no one gets sick.

Now, why would that thought be a consideration you may ask? Well, I'll gladly tell you! It's because Dean came down with some sort of bug today, ushered in on the wings of a fever and a pale face and lips. Charming!

After his shower, I got him all tucked back into bed, soothing him with encouraging words like "get some rest" and "I hope you feel better quickly." I then leaned over and whispered in my most loving wifey voice, "By the way, if you make me or Abby sick to where we have to miss Nutcracker, I will fry you in beer batter and serve you with chips!" *Kiss on the forehead* "Love you!" :)

So, as I was saying...the girlies and I've been given a most wonderful gift that, come disease or storm of night, we shall enjoy to the fullest next Saturday evening.

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Romeo et Juliette

I recently had the privilege of viewing the matinee performance of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Romeo et Juliette. I was prepared to be delighted and entertained, being a tremendous fan of PNB already. However I was not prepared for the high caliber of dancing coupled with such flawless character interpretation as this.

The PNB dancers breathed new life into Jean-Christophe Maillot’s intricate adaptation. From the moment I saw actual credits rolling across the screen, I knew this would be no ordinary ballet with a modern twist. This was history in the making.

The scrawling black and white credits soon gave way to sets that were clean, pure and abstract. The lighting played a greater role than I’d seen in the past, able to change the entire feel of a scene from a misty dream-like state one minute, to a cold starry night the next.

The dancers were so in tune with their characters, you easily became lost in the performance.

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Lucien Postlewaite and Carla Körbes in

Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette. Photo © Angela Sterling.

Postlewaite and Körbes alternate in the title roles with James Moore and Kaori Nakamura.

Roméo et Juliette plays through October 4. Tickets and information at www.pnb.org.

Kaori Nakamura’s Juliette was young, fresh and a bit of a “spoiled, wild child”. From “flashing” her nurse (bad girl!), to her refusal to obey her Mother’s wishes and marry Paris, Nakamura successfully channels all the feisty rebelliousness of the teen years. This is Nakamura’s first time performing as Juliette, and she beautifully exceeds all expectations.

James Moore’s Romeo is everything you’d expect from a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s playful, rambunctious, headstrong, and a bit of a show-off, especially with the ladies. Yet for all his flaws, Moore’s Romeo was a character you couldn’t help but fall in love with.

Olivier Wevers did a superb job as Friar Laurence. As both a silent narrator and active participant to this tragedy, his performance is raw and heartbreaking; his anguish palpable. He is forever trapped in a nightmare of his own making, desperate for forgiveness that will never come.

Equally magnificent was the athleticism of the Friar’s two Acolytes, played by Jordan Pacitti and Sean Rollofson. So much of their movement was done in slow, exaggerated motion: the turns, lifts, and carefully executed rolls off the stage were riveting and poetic.

Her Nurse, expertly played by Chalnessa Eames, was clearly outwitted–and at times overwhelmed–by her young charge’s antics. Although the Nurse’s movements were silly and comedic, they carried an undertone of seriousness to her tasks at hand. There was no question regarding her devotion to Juliette.

Mara Vinson’s Lady Capulet was simply magnificent. From the moment she came into view she exuded superior control and confidence. Every inch the powerful matriarch, Vinson gave a performance so compelling I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.

Seth Orza was a very convincing Tybalt. He successfully conveyed his character’s anger, sense of family pride, and deep loathing of the Montague’s. His movements were commanding, intimidating, and breath-taking.

Mercutio and Benvolio played by Barry Kerollis and Josh Spell, round out the obnoxious Montague bunch. They live to aggravate and annoy the Capulets, most especially Tybalt. They played their roles as troublesome, arrogant pests with a hint of boyish foolishness, to the fullest.

Jeffrey Stanton’s portrayal of Paris was perfect. He was quiet, unassuming, gentlemanly; a stark contrast from Tybalt and Romeo.

Lesley Rausch played a sexy, sassy Rosaline. Her character is well-aware of her beauty and uses it to full advantage.

Story Highlights

The attraction between Romeo and Juliette was undeniably beautiful. The Balcony scene served as an exquisite moment of foreplay, aching with longing. Their wedding was simple and elegant; their wedding night resonating with passion and joy. It was in that moment that Juliette became the pursuer, with her Romeo succumbing to her charms. Watching these two, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was witnessing pure magic.

With the dramatic fight scene at the end of Act II, the audience is suddenly catapulted into the midst of Friar Laurence’s nightmare. Like one possessed, he digs his fingers into the set as it moves eerily across the floor, trying in vain to stop the next chain of events. The terror unfolds in slow motion as the distraught Friar Laurence watches on in agony. This is the moment he was dreading. This is the moment when everything falls apart.

As the action resumes normal speed, the brutality and its aftermath hit you full-force. Lady Capulet flails about in a wild rage, her grief unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Paris must half-carry, half-drag her away from Tybalt’s lifeless form. Her heart takes another devastating blow with the loss of her daughter. She bitterly clings to the walls as if to say, “Take me now! I can’t bear this any longer!” As a mother, you feel her cries echo through your heart as she doubles over repeatedly in anguish. Yet her reaction is nothing compared to Romeo’s. As we know, Friar Laurence’s letter has not reached him in time. Romeo cannot—will not—bear this excruciating loss.

As Juliette awakens from her slumber and discovers that her cherished Romeo is no more, you feel her gut-wrenching loss. Her body is wracked with sobs, her horrified expression crying out, “This was not how it was supposed to be!”

Unable to bear the scene before him, Friar Laurence turns his back toward the grief-stricken Juliette and clings to the wall in sorrow. Juliette then strangles herself and gently falls across her beloved’s body.


Conclusion

I was absolutely enthralled by this performance. It was magical, poignant, thrilling, devastating and beautifully complex. The dancer’s dramatic expressions, the careful subtleties of movement, and the striking character development work together to provide a rich, new layer to this Shakespearean tragedy. I’m so thankful to Peter Boal for adding this production to the company’s repertoire.

What at first felt like a bold move to my “classically inclined” mind, left me with an even deeper respect for PNB as a whole. This is a company that is clearly up to any challenge a choreographer or director may throw their way.

My co-worker and companion on this trip, Lisa-Marie, also found the performance captivating. In fact, this was her first time ever seeing a ballet so I'll let her reaction speak for itself: "I am spoiled for life! I can never see another ballet again without comparing it to Romeo et Juliette."

Run—do not walk—to McCaw Hall and get your tickets to see Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Romeo et Juliette. You will not be disappointed. To view ticket information and more please visit http://www.pnb.org/

By Denise Opper
Media Contact for Vala Dancewear

Abby's New "Class Act" Tutu

As you can see, Abby LOVES her new tutu! She earned this stunning creation by "working" alongside me over at the Vala Dancewear office. Owner/operator, Rebecca offered to make Abby her very own, custom "Class Act" tutu as payment for a job well done. (Wasn't that sweet of her?!)

Abby chose the colors herself, as well as the style and length. The final product is a beautiful treasure....Thank you again, Rebecca. ((Hugs))

Future Vala Models

What a special treat! Rebecca was so sweet to give each of the girls an *exclusive* Vala leotard, just for being fit models for a day. How wonderful is that?!

As you can clearly see, the girls were thrilled beyond description. And yes, the leos are big on them...but they'll grow into them faster than I care to accept. ;o)

Thanks again, Rebecca. You really made the girls' day!

PS: Abby said to me later, "Now I match LINDSI and LAURA!!!!" (Oh my...)

Preview of Upcoming Recital

Parent Watch Day at Ballet Class

  

Releve` at the barre

Flying skips

Grand battement

Tendu

Giggling ballerinas

Chasse`

Abby and Julianah; always together!

Grand jete` over a book

It's Harder Than It Looks

I realize that, "anything worth doing, is worth doing right" and "practice makes perfect". But at the rate I'm going, it'll take more than a few months to whip myself back into ballet shape.

I stretch and practice my plie`s, tendus, and releve`s for 2 hrs a day (broken into 2 intervals). This was at the suggestion of my husband who said, "If you devoted as much time to this as you do to those Firm tapes, you'll be fine." (Easy for him to say. He's naturally flexible.)

However, my flexibility is clearly shot to the four winds. I'd be ecstatic if I could just touch my freakin' toes without groaning in agony. (I feel absolutely pathetic writing that.)

My ultimate goal however, is to be able to do the splits again.

And that, dear friends, would be an accomplishment of epic proportions. :o)

Oh, and speaking of plies. I had Dean spot me last night, to help correct my knee and pelvic alignment. Well, ok. Demi plie? No problem. Grand plies, however...well, let's just say I have what's humiliatingly known as a "duck bottom". Which is when your "tail" suddenly sticks out while sinking into the plie. (Amanda, you know precisely what I'm talking about. Ahem.)

Keeping my wiggly, old pelvis stable is not easy. Or comfortable.

Quack.

My Good News

Although it's still in the early stages, I'm finally comfortable sharing my good news with all of you.

My former ballet teacher (and Abby's current teacher), Judith Ross, has asked if I'd like to train to teach pre-ballet!

(Oh...my...goodness!!! Can you believe it?! Because I'm still in shock over it. And trying hard not to jump like a bunny all over the house! ;o) )

As anyone who's known me longer than a month knows, ballet is one of my passions and something I've always regretted quitting at the age of 18. However, my reasons for quitting were worthy. Simply put, I wanted to be married and have children. (That's rather hard to do when the doctors tell you you're too thin to even ovulate.)

Well, now I have my beautiful family, and it is with a great sense of awe and incredulity that I'm even writing about this amazing opportunity.

I've always kept the idea of teaching children's ballet in the back of my mind. Never really voicing it, or even dreaming that it would one day be possible to do. I mean really...I haven't danced for *years*!

My husband and a few good friends over the years have said, "You should be teaching" or "You should be the one up there dancing." Both sentiments I heartily dismissed as just being nice.

So, when Judith brought the subject up---out of the clear blue--with no idea how I felt--I suddenly felt this wave of peace wash over me. Peace that only comes from God, who seemed to say, "It's time for you to dance again."

Ahh....

Well. Back to the details!

The school currently does not have enough children to conduct a pre-ballet class, so prayers for increased enrollment are greatly appreciated.

However, this actually works out to my advantage, because in order for me to set a good example for my little students, I must first get my body back into dancing shape.

While I've tried to keep myself "relatively" in shape, aerobics and weight training do very little to promote the long, lean dancer's body I once had.

Very...very...little.

So, while our little class slowly comes together (perhaps not even starting until January), it's my job to get my muscles elongated, work on my turn-out, and get my hip alignment down pat. These are aspects that will also be addressed in the necessary classes I'll have to take soon, too.

Me...in a leo and tights. Taking class. With a bunch of teenagers and 20-somethings who've never birthed one child, much less three. Nor are they middle aged. With fat globules.

I'm just sayin'.


The training itself will take several months. To start, I'll be shadowing Judith and taking plenty of notes.

Basically, I'll have to learn what is expected of children's bodies at that age (not that I don't know as a Mom, but still), and how to foster a love for dance, while keeping the students focused and the class fun.

And in time, I may be choreographing a recital for adorable 4 year olds in sparkly pink tutus! :o)

Please pray for me as I embark on this next phase in my life. Pray also for enough little girls to make a proper class, and for my body to respond favorably to the torture I'm about to put it through. :o)


Oh, and one last thing......


I'M GONNA BE A DANCER AGAIN!!!!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!

Vala Dancewear

Woohoo! I got the job taking over for my friend, Lisa-marie at Vala Dancewear.

I...am...sooo...excited! :o]

PS: And no, this isn't what the post below was about.