Abortion

“Q: Do you personally believe that life begins at conception?
A: This is something that I have not come to a firm resolution on. I think it's very hard to know what that means, when life begins. Is it when a cell separates? Is it when the soul stirs? So I don't presume to know the answer to that question. What I know is that there is something extraordinarily powerful about potential life and that that has a moral weight to it that we take into consideration when we're having these debates.”
Obama

This video clearly shows the answer to this question. Do not try to tell me that what you just saw can not be considered a person or alive.

I am going to state the fact of the matter clearly in one point:
If you are not prepared to have a child, then do not have sex. You can not be fully prepared to have a child unless you are married because a child needs both parents (though I understand that God has a different plan for some people). Thus simple logic would be that you should not have sex until you are married.
Don’t be selfish and give in to you own desires, there could be another being depending on you.

Alina Cojocaru

On my other blog (www.reallifeofadancer.blogspot.com) I recently wrote about how Alina Cojocaru is my inspiration. I thought I would share a video of her that I found on youtube. She is portraying Giselle, a young women who fell in love with a prince but could not be with him because she was low class. She kills herself and becomes a ghost.

In this video the Prince sees her ghost and they dance a beautiful Pas De Deux. Even when portraying death, Alina is stunning and believable!

Dancer Profile: Rudolf Nureyev

Nureyev was born in Tatar, Russia on March 17th 1938. Nureyev loved to dance from a very young age, but was unable to enroll in a ballet school until 1955 because of World War II. Nureyev was sent to the Vaganova Choreographic Institute and the teachers soon noticed that he was the most gifted dancer they had seen for years, but they also noticed he had a difficult temperament.
Within two years Nureyev was one of the Soviet Union's best-known dancers, in a country which highly valued the ballet and made national heroes of its stars. It was a rare privilege for people to travel outside of the Soviet Union, but Nureyev was allowed to go to Vienna once to perform, but soon after he was restricted to leave because of his temper.
In 1961 Nureyev's situation changed. The Kirov's leading male dancer was injured, and at the last minute Nureyev was chosen to replace him on the Kirov's European tour. His performances electrified audiences and critics, but he broke the rules about mingling with foreigners, which alarmed the Kirov's management. The Union wanted to send him back to Russia again but on June 17th 1961, Nureyev defected.
Soon he was signed up by the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas and was performing major roles. Margot Fonteyn soon became Nureyev’s dancing partner and they soon became the most famous dancing “couple” still known today. Fonteyn and Nureyev were great friends, on and off stage, even though Nureyev proved to have a horrid temper that would flair up when practices did not go well.
In 1964 he came to the Vienna State Opera, where he remained as a dancer and chief of choreography till 1988. Around 1964 he became involved in filming his ballets, many of which are available to watch today on VHS. During the 1970s, Nureyev appeared in several movies and toured the Untied States in a revival of the Broadway musical The King and I. His guest appearance on the then-struggling television series The Muppet Show is credited for boosting the series to worldwide success.
In 1983 he was appointed director of the Paris Opera Ballet, where as well as directing he continued to dance and to promote younger dancers. Despite advancing illness towards the end of his career, he worked tirelessly, staging new versions of old standbys and commissioning some of the most groundbreaking choreographic works of his time.
By the end of the 1970s he moved into his 40s and his strength and ability to do such amazing dancing declined. He unfortunately continued to tackle the big classical roles for far too long, and his rather undistinguished performances in the late 1980s disappointed many of his admirers. Towards the end of his life, he was wracked with the ravages of AIDS, but he still worked tirelessly on productions for the Paris Opera Ballet.
Nureyev died in Paris France in 1992 at the age of 54.

Dancers Feet

Yup… I’m talking about it! One of the subjects most ballerinas like to avoid… their feet. Pointe shoes are lovely, and add so much to ballet… but for your feet, well let just say that they aren’t a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers!

No, that is not a picture of my feet… but it could be. Most dancers have very battered feet, just like in the picture. When not properly taken care of, you can do a lot of permanent damage to your feet (bunions, missing toenails, etc.) Many professional dancers are so afraid of being replaced (because there are so many talented dancers in the world and very few jobs) that they will dance though pain… even broken bones. So this is just a reminder to all you dancers out there, please take care of your feet! You only have one set, and you need them!

The_Ballerina

Tag from Judi!

1. Do you like blue cheese? I haven't tried it before... but if cheese is blue, I probably wouldn't want to eat it :P

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette: No!

3. Do you own a gun? Not personally, but I live in a hunting family so we do have some...

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? ummm kiwi? I have no idea...

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? sometimes!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? hot dogs as in the food or hot dogs as in dogs that are hot?

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Santa Clause!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water

9. Can you do push ups? haha, I'm sure you would like to see me try!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My birth stone ring my daddy gave me!

11. Favorite hobby? dancing

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Of course no... oh look a bunny!!!

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? my sillyness

14. Middle name? Leanne

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: What am I thinking about, how am I supposed to have three thoughts at one time, and I want chocolate!

16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? not a thing

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Milk, and water

18. Current worry? guy troubles and auditions!

19. Current hate right now? evil doctors!

20. Favorite place to be? Outside in the great fall weather

22. Where would you like to go? Ireland!

23. Name three people who will complete this? People who aren't busy

24. Do you own slippers? yes, ballet slippers lol

25. What shirt are you wearing? a black hoodie

26. What year would you go back in time to? 1832 (no i'm not just making this up lol)

27. Can you whistle? yes

28. Favorite color? purple

29. Would you be a pirate? I always said that If I had to go back in time and I couldn't be a pioneer, a victorian lady or a regency gal, I would be a pirate. lol

30. What songs do you sing in the shower? Sing? in the shower? where people might hear me?!?!

31. Favorite girl's name? I don't really know, somthing victorian though

32. Favorite boy's name? Stetson Wayne

33. What's in your pocket right now? nothing

34. Last thing that made you laugh? my brother being silly

35. Worst injury you've ever had? My hip!

36. Do you have a crush on someone? yes I do

37. Do you love where you live? yes

38. How many TVs do you have in your house? two (but one is a mini tv lol)

39. Who is your loudest friend? Amanda (homeschool friend)

40. How many dogs do you have? one

41. Does someone have a crush on you? i don't know. If someone does, i haven't noticed.

42. What is your favorite book(s)? Pride and Prejudice, anything by Lori Wick

43. What is your favorite candy? at the moment, cookies and creame candy bars

44. Favorite Sports Team? Greenbay Packers

45. Your favorite meal? anything Italian

46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping (strange I know)

47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I'm going to wash my hair!

48. Do you have any odd habits? Not unless you consider dancing down store isles odd.

Pacific Northwest Ballet

Pictures from PNB (my current favorite company!)

Tag from Judi!

I am: A Dancer

I know: God is in control

I have: a ton of good books

I wish: for an answer

I hate: the sound of cotton balls being squeezed

I miss: my friends

I fear: being afraid/failure

I feel: alright

I hear: my little brother and sister

I smell: fresh cut grass

I crave: white chocolate!

I search: for new good books

I wonder: about my future

I regret: nothing

I love: My family

I am not: alone

I believe: in God

I dance: always

I sing: when no one is around

I cry: over sappy movies

I don't always: understand what people are saying

I fight: with my temptations

I write: often

I win: at put put golf

I lose: at anything math related

I never: eat fast food

I always: brush my teeth

I confuse: lots of people

I listen: the rain when there is a storm

I can usually be found: in my room

I need: new clothes

I am happy about: being called by God

I imagine: who I will marry

Tag: Erin, Hannah

Rudolf Nureyev

Nureyev was born in Tatar, Russia on March 17th 1938. Nureyev loved to dance from a very young age, but was unable to enroll in a ballet school until 1955 because of World War II. Nureyev was sent to the Vaganova Choreographic Institute and the teachers soon noticed that he was the most gifted dancer they had seen for years, but they also noticed he had a difficult temperament.

Within two years Nureyev was one of the Soviet Union's best-known dancers, in a country which highly valued the ballet and made national heroes of its stars. It was a rare privilege for people to travel outside of the Soviet Union, but Nureyev was allowed to go to Vienna once to perform, but soon after he was restricted to leave because of his temper.



In 1961 Nureyev's situation changed. The Kirov's leading male dancer was injured, and at the last minute Nureyev was chosen to replace him on the Kirov's European tour. His performances electrified audiences and critics, but he broke the rules about mingling with foreigners, which alarmed the Kirov's management. The Union wanted to send him back to Russia again but on June 17th 1961, Nureyev defected.

Soon he was signed up by the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas and was performing major roles. Margot Fonteyn soon became Nureyev’s dancing partner and they soon became the most famous dancing “couple” still known today. Fonteyn and Nureyev were great friends, on and off stage, even though Nureyev proved to have a horrid temper that would flair up when practices did not go well.



In 1964 he came to the Vienna State Opera, where he remained as a dancer and chief of choreography till 1988. Around 1964 he became involved in filming his ballets, many of which are available to watch today on VHS. During the 1970s, Nureyev appeared in several movies and toured the Untied States in a revival of the Broadway musical The King and I. His guest appearance on the then-struggling television series The Muppet Show is credited for boosting the series to worldwide success.

In 1983 he was appointed director of the Paris Opera Ballet, where as well as directing he continued to dance and to promote younger dancers. Despite advancing illness towards the end of his career, he worked tirelessly, staging new versions of old standbys and commissioning some of the most groundbreaking choreographic works of his time.



By the end of the 1970s he moved into his 40s and his strength and ability to do such amazing dancing declined. He unfortunately continued to tackle the big classical roles for far too long, and his rather undistinguished performances in the late 1980s disappointed many of his admirers. Towards the end of his life, he was wracked with the ravages of AIDS, but he still worked tirelessly on productions for the Paris Opera Ballet.
Nureyev died in Paris France in 1992 at the age of 54.


Don't forget to check out my other blog www.reallifeofadancer.blogspot.com

Back on Track

Its time I got back to the purpose of this blog, which is to inform and discuss dance. I created a new blog, on which I will talk about my life “outside” of dance.

Visit it here at

www.reallifeofadancer.blogspot.com

So be expecting more Dance posts here soon!
The_Ballerina

Currently Watching

North and South




If you have seen Pride and Prejudice and enjoyed it, You will LOVE this movie. Its about a young woman who is forced to move from her lovely home in the south to a working class town in the North. It’s a great story, I highly recommend it!

So you think you can dance finale!

So for all you SYTYCD fans, I'm sure the sadness of the ending of the season has set if for you too. I just wanted to point out that Joshua who is this years winner, gave credit to who it belongs to when he won. He gave God all the credit for getting him where he is. I was very happy to hear that! GREAT JOB JOSHUA!

Romantic Pictures

I’m Back!

My vacation was really fun! I enjoyed visiting my grandparents and seeing the sights. We stopped at a butterfly garden and I got some great pictures!





I was also able to take 2 ballet classes. The classes weren’t very challenging, but it was good to be moving again. It was just a local school, and though the teaching wasn’t what I’m used to I will say that the studio itself was very well decorated!
Have you been on vacation lately?

The_Ballerina

Vacation

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I am currently on vacation, visitng my grandparents out of state! So I won't be posting until I return, but I look forward to telling you all about the ballet classes I am invited to take and a school here!

The_Ballerina

Update!

I’ve been “off” of ballet for about 3 weeks… since then I’ve only taken 2 classes. I feel horrible! Not dancing is making me crabby and unmotivated to do anything. I’m really looking forward to it starting up again! I HAVE been trying to get to as many classes as possible, but I live about an hour away from the studio and gas money is an issue. Plus all the bad weather we have been having.

I didn’t realize just how happy ballet made me, until I didn’t have it anymore. I miss it, and even thought its only been about 3 weeks, it feels like its been an eternity!

Have you ever felt this way about anything?

Love,
The Ballerina

Giselle Synopsis

Act 1
A young innocent village maiden named Giselle is in love with a man she knows only as Loys. Loys is actually a nobleman named Albrecht (and is betrothed to Bathilde, daughter of the Duke) who had disguised himself as a peasant.

When Gisele discovers the deceit of Albrecht, she is inconsolable and dies of a broken heart.

Act 11
Giselle’s undying love for Albrecht saves him from the wicked magic of the Wilis (Wilis are ghosts of betrothed girls who have died before their wedding day). The Queen of the Wilis, Myrtha, forces Albrecht to dance again and again but Giselle intervenes long enough to spare Albretch’s strength and all him to survive until morning.

After dawn the Wilis must return to their grave, but before Giselle does she lets Albrecht know that she forgives him of his sin against her and they pledge their love to each other. But Giselle must go back to the grave and they are separated for all eternity, because Giselle must remain a Wili forever.


Characters

Giselle - a young, pretty seamstress with a weak heart who falls in love with Albrecht.

Albrecht - Giselle's love interest. A prince who is in love with Giselle but is engaged to Bathilde.

Hilarion - the village gamekeeper who is in love with Giselle.

Berthe - Giselle's mother.

Wilred - Albrecht's squire.

Bathilde - Albrecht's fiancée.

Myrtha - the Queen of the Wilis.

Alina Cojocaru as a peasant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FNRzsor-kY&feature=related


Alina Cojocaru as a Willi



Alina Cojocaru talking about Giselle




The_Ballerina

More Answers

More answers for you guys! Thanks so much Hannah and Erin for your questions!

How often are you in a dance class a week?

During the year I take 4 to 5 classes a week, depending. If you are serious about dance, three classes us in bare minimum to take.

Have you ever taken any other kind of dance?

Ballet is my “forte” but I have taken some Jazz, Musical Theatre, Character, and Modern (I’m adding modern classes all year round this year!).

Do you have a dream role in a ballet?

Many! I would have to say I would pick Aurora from Sleeping Beauty though. Here is a video of rehearsal for the Rose Adage.

What is your favorite ballet?
Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, or Swan Lake!


Any books or movies on dance that you would recommend?

I love reading Pointe Magazine! It has lots of helpful tips and great stories. And if you check out your local library I bet you can find Swan Lake (on video)!

What does a typical class look like?

Oh, this is a long one! Lol

First we start off at Barre wish consists of plies, tendus, etc.

Then we move to center, were we usually start out with some Adagio (which is slow moving combinations)
Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJs1DCJCd-M

Then we do some Turns
Example


Then we Move on to Jumps AKA petie Allegro (or fast jumps)
Example


We usually end the class with a few more turning combinations and some across the floor leaps.
Example or Leaps

Answers!

Here are my answers to the questions asked by Erin! Thanks for asking Erin!!!

What your goals are as a dancer?

I really only have one main goal, and that is to become the best artist that I can be! God has blessed me with the natural ability to dance, and I am so thankful for that. Though I have short term goals such as more turns, higher leaps, and faster foot work, but ultimate goal is to glorify God though dance!

What first got you interested in dancing?

I’m sad to say that jealousy is what got me to my first ballet class. My best friend was taking ballet and that was all she talked about. I wanted to be able to talk about it too so I convinced my mom to let me try ballet. It turns out I’m the only one of my close friends who still takes ballet seriously!

What inspires you as a dancer?

Whenever I’m feeling low or drained from dance, I love to go on youtube and watch professionals dancing. It reminds me what I’m aiming to be.
I’m also inspired my music. There are just some songs that make me so sad or so happy that I have to dance to get that emotion out, because I know I wouldn’t be able to say it with words.

Why you love to dance?

I love dance for many reasons! Sometimes its because it’s a great emotional outlet and I can express what I can’t say. But I think the one thing that really keeps me drawn in is the fact that you can always be better. There is no such thing as perfection in dance; it can always be better!


I hope to get more questions soon! In case you are wondering what is going on, read my previous post!!!

Here is my question to you!
What is one thing that you would love to know about ballet or life as a dancer?


The_Ballerina

One thing you want to know

Hello eveyone!

As I was trying to think of somthing to post about, and an idea came to me. "What if instead of posting what I think is relevent to ballet and my life, I asked YOU what you wanted to know about". So...

What is one thing that you would love to know about ballet or life as a dancer?

I'm really excited to try and asker you questions! Please feel free to ask anything!

The_Ballerina

Tagged!

Okay so here are the rules:
- Link the person who tagged you.
- Mention the rules in your blog.
- Tell about 6 funky quirks of yours.
- Tag 3 following bloggers by linking them.
- Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers' blogs letting them know they've been tagged and telling them to go to your blog for the details.


1) What were you doing 10 years ago?

Umm well probably pretending to be a Pocahontas! I loved that movie and would always pretend I was her!

2) What are 5 things on your to-do list today?

Stretch for an hour, Do a full barre workout, work on student list for teachng ballet, Read my Bible, play with my little sister!

3) The last 3 books you've read

Circle oh Honnor, Mark of Salvation, The Price of Freedom.
Read about them on my other blog! http://ballerinasbookreviews.blogspot.com/

4) Snacks you enjoy

Trail mix, Fruit (any kind), and Peanutbutter cookies

5) Things you would do if you were a billionaire

Move to Ireland and live in a Castle. Fly to New York everyday for ballet lessons. Pay off my parents bills, and buy them somthing nice. Donate to charities!

6) People you want to know more about

YOU! So make sure you fill this out if I tag you! lol


I'm going to tag:

Erin (http://actressbackstage.blogspot.com/)

Hannah (http://strong-at-heart.blogspot.com/)

Holly (http://holly.normania.net)

Bittersweet

Summer Intensives are over and my teachers (Mr. and Mrs. F) and retired now. It’s really… Bittersweet.

I knew it was coming and I was prepared for it, but it is still sad to see them go because they have taught me so much! They have shown me not only good ballet technique but also how to be an artist. They may be done teaching now (though no one can stay away from what they love and I'm sure they will teach again someday) , but I will forever carry their words of wisdom with me. This is just the beginning of something great in my life and my love of dance!

Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. F! It was appreciated more than you know!

The_Ballerina

My Summer Goals

First of all, I’m back from being “out”! My sunburn is almost healed, and for anyone who has a bad burn now… I feel your pain! And try Aveeno its amazing!


Well now that it is officially summer, I thought I would share with you my summer goals!

Stretching everyday! - This is my biggest goal right now, I really need to get my extensions higher and I need to stretch to do that.

Lose some weight! – I am currently about 10 pounds heavier than I would like to be, and by loosing the weight I will b able to move better.

Stop eating junk food! – I don’t drink soda except on special occasions, but I have a huge weakness for chocolate (what girl doesn’t?)

Get my double pirouettes consistent (and maybe even start on some triples).

Prepare myself for auditions! I have so many things I want to do and audition for and I need to be at the top of my game!

Its a lot, but I know I can do it if I set my mind to it!
The_Ballerina

Out for a while!

Hey all! I’m going to be out for a while due to major sunburn! Its hurts to be alive right now. I have very fair skin and I spent 5 hours tanning the other day…. Not a bright idea! Now I’m as red as a tomato, and I’m not exaggerating.

Hope to be back soon!
The_Ballerina

Special Visit!

My First ballet teacher and her family are here for a few weeks! I am so excited to see them! They will be here in one hour and I’m ecstatic!!! I better go get ready!

Tootles!
The_Ballerina

Surprise!

In dedication of my first day of Ballet Intensives and my promise to post something special… *drum role please* Here is a picture of me actually executing a arabesque! My extended leg isn’t very high and I need to square my shoulders, but I think it pretty good for a picture taken in front of church with friends being silly!



In other news, I’m making a doctors appointment tomorrow for my toe. My toenail fell off (because of pointe) a few weeks ago and its really been hurting to do pointe lately. I hope all goes well! Maybe he will prescribe a magical pain numbing cream! Lol, one can only hope!

The_Ballerina

Update on my summer

Summer is finally here! I’ve been enjoying my week of from ballet by staying up until 2 and waking up at 10 and its going to be quite painful when Monday roles around and I have to be up at 6 am. Monday is the start of my summer intensive (my ballet school does it), it is three weeks of intense ballet training everyday! This will be my 3d year doing it (I did it two summers while I was still at my old studio). I’m not nervous because it’s my same teachers; I kind of miss that feeling of anticipation for something new and unknown!

Speaking of the unknown…next year will be my senior year and I’m starting to feel the pressure of decided what I’m going to do with my life! What are you guys planning to do? I’m thinking about taking a year off and working and possibly traveling.

Well that’s all I have to say for now. Oh but keep an eye out! I have something special planned for my next post!

The_Ballerina

New Blog!

Visit my new blog! I will post my book and movie reviews there!(Don't worry, I will still be writing on this one!)

http://ballerinasbookreviews.blogspot.com/

The_Ballerina

Random

This is my last week of official ballet classes! I thought I would make a random post of videos and pictures that kept me inspired! I hope you enjoy it!













The_Ballerina

Harry Potter

I have to admit it.

I really enjoy Harry Potter!

I’m going stir crazy waiting to get my hands on the third and fourth books! (Yes I have seen the movies, but books are so much better!).
I’ve heard that Harry Potter and being a Christian don’t go together, but I disagree. I can see how, for a young Christian, reading this books could lead to confusion in their faith, but being the grounded Christian young woman I am, I can spot and understand the fallacies. For me, these books are exciting, and give way to thinking creativity in a way I thought I had lost.

Anyway, I really am enjoying these books and the movies and I can not wait until the next movie comes out… and I might just loose my mind if I don’t get those books soon! Lol


What are your thoughts?
The_Ballerina

Update!

So, I’ve been a little naughty and haven’t posted in a while! I was out sick for the last few days though. I sat around for 3 days and watched all the Harry Potter movies for the first time ever. They were really intriguing and I’m looking forward to seeing the next one that comes on in November.

Next week is my last “official” week of ballet classes for this year. I have to say I’m really impressed with the improvements I’ve made! My first ballet teacher is coming back for a few weeks this summer and I’m looking forward to showing her how much progress I’ve made. I’m also looking forward to my schools summer program, although it will be sad this year because my two teachers are retiring! I hope they come and guest teach for us!!!!

Well that’s all I have to say for now!
Blessings!
The_Ballerina

Videos I Found Beautiful

Now that I have been blessed with DSL, I’ve been cruising youtube and have found amazing videos of all my ballet idols! I thought I would share a few that I really enjoyed with you.

His jumps are amazing in this video. And at the end, I can't tell if he lost his balance, but if he did I still can't figure out if he meant to finish like that! And of course Paloma is amazing!




This Le Corsaire video is just so captivating!




The_Ballerina

Update

Our performance of Don Q (the dream scene) went pretty well on Sunday. Except for a missed position in one variation (some of the corps didn’t move so the rest of us stayed, that way it looked like it was supposed to be that way) everything went smoothly. It was a great experience! We were a part of Day of the Arts in our city, it’s a huge event where the best musicians, dancers, and actors all come together and perform. It was so big that we (the performers) had to have backstage passes with security guards showing us where to go and taking names, it was quite the experience.

I unfortunately didn’t get any good pictures because of the fact that my mom didn’t push the right button on my camera. But I still had a great time.


The_ballerina

Don Q on Sunday

My first performance with my schools junior company in this Sunday! I’m just a lowly Corps De ballet member, but I’m still excited, this will be my first ever performance with these people. I’m hopping that if I do a good job I will get moved up to soloist for our December show… I think we will be doing Giselle. I’ll try to post pictures if I get any good ones!!

The_Ballerina

P.S. Isn't this picture of Alina Somova amazing?! I think its a little... excessive but it takes a lot of skill to pull that off!

Beautiful Pictures

The_Ballerina

Scrapbook!!!

I hope you didn’t think I abandoned you after my whole spiel about being more dedicated! For some odd reason my blogger account wasn’t working (oh the horror!). Anyway…


I received a scrapbooking kit for my birthday last year, it is full of neat pages and stickers. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to use it for because I have SO many pictures! Yesterday I finally decided how to fill the pages, I’m putting together a Ballet Memories scrapbook.

After having a tough few ballet classes I really needed a "pick me up", and going though all my old ballet pictures and letters from my first teacher has been great! They reminded me how much fun ballet can be and to let go of the stress and fear of not being good enough. I can’t let hard times crush my spirit and love for dance, and I won’t (mostly because I’m stubborn like that, lol). I’m looking forward to making the next page in my new scrapbook!

The_Ballerina

Facing an unexpected blow

Yesterday I had my first class since spring break with one of my toughest teachers. I had prayed the night before that class would go well and that I would do my best to glorify God. I went into class feeling good and working hard.
Then after making a couple failings in a ronde jamb excersize my teacher lost it. She told me that I just wasn’t getting better and she couldn’t lie and pretend like I was. It was very hard to hear, not only because I spend so much time pouring my heart into my work but also because a few weeks ago she said I was improving so much. I don’t know what to do and I don’t know how much longer I can go without hearing something kind and motivating.
To say the least, I really miss my old teacher. She moved out of state last year, she was the one who introduced me to ballet when I was 11. She taught me everything until this year, she was always supportive.

I pray that I will improve to meet my new teacher’s standards, but until then I’m going to need a lot of support from my friends and family!

The_Ballerina

In the Spotlight: Diana Vishneva

You may know of Diana Vishneva, if not from her dancing, then possibly from this picture that is featured in most dance magazines.

Diana Vishneva was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1976. She graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy, joined the Mariinsky Theatre Ballet in 1995 and was promoted to principal in 1996. During her last year at the Academy, Vishneva began working at the Mariinsky Theatre. She is now a Principle dancer with ABT (and supposable Kirvo).

She has had roles such as Kitri in Don Quixote, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and many many more! She was also on the cover of Dance Europe.

Pointe Shoes and New Devotion!

I’ll be the fist to admit that I am not the most dedicated blogger, as you can see it has been 14 days since my last post *Gasp*! I don’t even have much of an excuse, I had spring break last week so I had no ballet (but I did have to do school… being home-schooled does have some disadvantages). I need to be more dedicated, even if no one is reading my blog, this is a great opportunity to work on my writing skills (which really are not that great) and to praise God for all He has done for me.

So, to start of my new streak of dedication I’m going to talk to you about pointe shoes! The only form of torture still allowed in households across the world…

Ok so pointe shoes aren’t as bad as all that, but for many new students putting on pointe shoes can be very painful. When you are a young girl, getting pointe shoes is what you work for and dream about. Getting your pointe shoes is like crossing the threshold of being a girl to being a ballerina.
I still remember my first pointe shoes. They were beautiful! The pink satin and silk ribbons were what I had always dreamed of. My mom helped me sew on my ribbons and elastic, and my teacher showed my how to break them in. My first pointe class was fun. Being up on your toes is quite a sensation! The trouble started with my second class, which was not as pleasant as I had anticipated. As I took off my shoes, I saw the red welts forming on my toes. To say my feet hurt would be a gross understatement. My next couple of classes were pure torture. I hated every second of it, but I pressed on because I knew that the only way I was going to get to be a real ballerina was if I fought through the pain.

One fateful day (after many horrible classes on pointe) I learned about Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes (http://www.dancer.com)/. They are the most amazing pointe shoes I have ever had. Finding the shoes that are right for your feet make a world of difference, and I’m enjoying pointe more than ever!

I’ve been doing pointe for around 3 years, 2 of which I’ve been using Gaynor Minden Pointes. I feel like a real ballerina because I am a ballerina. I realize now that being on pointe in not the end all be all. It is just one part of being a ballerina, but it is a magical part that I hope every aspiring dancer will have a chance to try!

Warning: You should only buy and use pointe shoes when you have permission from a professional (i.e your ballet teacher) Useing pointe shoes before your ready could result in major damage!

Keep Dancing, even when it hurts!
The_Ballerina

Seeking Praise

I had my second Monday ballet class yesterday. It was a good class (as always) and I learned much. One thing really stuck out though.

During a combination my teacher mentioned that I work harder when I know I am being watched, and that isn’t going to do me any good. I came to the conclusion that I love to receive praise from people. Working harder when I know I am being watched stems from that.

Praise from man is good, but I should be working to give glory to God! When I’m focused on myself, I am full of pride. God is the only one who deserves praise and if I am going to be seeking praise, only Gods praise is lasting!

The_Ballerina

My Ballet Goals

I just thought I would share a few of my goals for the year with you. Summer vacation is coming up soon and I will have plenty of time to devote to my goals!

1. Get my middle splits.
I can do the splits to the middle but my goal is to have my legs perfectly strait across, like in the picture shown. Right now I’m more like the girl in the back.

2. Get my double and triple pirouettes down!
I’ve always been a little frightened of turning (or as my teacher says, "flipping") sense a pointe accident I had when I was younger. I really want to nail my turns and get over my fear!

3. Move up to being a Soloist in our cities dance "company".
I just joined the "company" this year and I’m in the corps de ballet. I am hoping that I will improve enough to get promoted!

4. Have my teacher tell say "That was beautiful" to me
My teacher only gives that compliment to the highest/best dancers in my class. I would love to hear her say that to me!

5. To become better friends with all the girls in my ballet class
I’m new this year, and all the girls have known each other for most of their lives. I really want to make a better effort at getting to know them!

Those are my goals! What are yours?

The_Ballerina