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