Time for a change. Not How The Story Ends served its purpose, saw me through the thousand-mile journey which in so many ways continues. And although I think the overriding message there is one of hope, it is still a bit backward looking. My hope now is to live in the moment and tell stories … Continue reading Pressing Reset
Ballet
Elusive Friendship and Little Swans
Last week we wrapped up a three-week summer intensive at ballet school; on Saturday the high-intermediate-level students showcased their work in a studio demonstration for their families, something that usually happens at the end of intensives. Each of us on staff was asked to set something on them. I chose Cygnets ("young swans"), the dance … Continue reading Elusive Friendship and Little Swans
White Noise
This is theatre week for us at ballet school; Thursday we have lengthy tech rehearsals, Friday dress rehearsals, and two curtains on Saturday. The academic year draws to a close, its labors bear fruit, the school's young dancers showcase what they have learned in the guise of ambitious new works created just for them. Predictably … Continue reading White Noise
Once More, with Wiggly Animals
Between episodes of attempting to catch a cheeky groundhog and putting in my first-ever vegetable garden, spring arrived here in Vermont in earnest. The lawn needs mowing and the house needs dusting. My Subi needs its snow tires off and oil changed. I need to wash the windows to welcome in the warm sunshine at … Continue reading Once More, with Wiggly Animals
On Being Steadfast and Astonishing
Franco De Vita (American Ballet Theatre JKO School Principal) once quipped that he loves teaching thirteen-year-olds simply because he enjoys that particular age; the context for his remark was a discussion around one kid in particular who happened to be thirteen at the time and who is clearly destined for ballet greatness. I was picking … Continue reading On Being Steadfast and Astonishing
Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, and All That. (Beauty herein.)
Promised rain and chilly temperatures came to my corner of New England today, and so I did the only reasonable thing under the circumstances. The season's first pot of chili now sits on my stove. My little loft has been filled variously with the earthy aroma of boiling Mung and Azuki beans (gifts from Handsome … Continue reading Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, and All That. (Beauty herein.)
Sweating the Small Stuff
I have a moderate case of self-diagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It does not impede my everyday life. (At least, I don't think so.) And I would even submit that it often helps me produce better work. A few days ago I had to let go of it in the interest of putting kids in front … Continue reading Sweating the Small Stuff
Waning Summer in Lake Placid
In case you wondered dear blogosphere, I am still alive and well. This week I have a guest teaching engagement at Lake Placid School of Ballet, where there has been a cold drizzle and kids attending dance camp have come trickling into the studios covered in fleece. Strange mid-August phenomenon, especially for this Southern girl. … Continue reading Waning Summer in Lake Placid
Make ‘Em Laugh
Lariska Dumbchenko, aka Raffaele Morra; http://www.trockadero.org Important lesson: take your work seriously, but not yourself. Prima ballerina assoluta Dame Margot Fonteyn is quoted as having said this, as are scores of others. I heard it again earlier today during a conversation with Raffaele Morra, who was visiting the ballet school where I teach this morning … Continue reading Make ‘Em Laugh
Cage Rattling
This beauty arrived at my cottage early last week and hung out with me a few days, taking flight just before Handsome Chef Boyfriend's happy arrival Thursday. Lately I have felt unsettled, a little jittery, like I've had too much coffee, but all the time. My first academic year on the teaching staff at White … Continue reading Cage Rattling
Sycamore Stories 