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
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
Sycamore Stories 