ATLANTA BALLET!!

Happy New Year's Day everyone! And the New Year's gift from me to you is my retelling of the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker!! Yay!:)

Brandon and I started off the day leaving around 11:15 AM and drove for over three hours! It was a fun ride and we both enjoyed every bit of it:)


When we finally made it to the ATL, it took us forever to find our specific parking garage. The Fox Theatre has different parking garages and they ALL LOOK THE SAME! So we spent 10-15 minutes trying to make sure we parked in the correct one! We did NOT want my car to get towed:)

Brandon and I literally walked for four and a half hours around Midtown Atlanta. There aren't any places to shop there; it's mainly restaurants and stuff. But we ended up finding stuff for our family for Christmas:) Random Note: Coming from such a small town, it felt so cool to act like I lived in the big city:) Every bit of it was awesome even if my feet did hurt the next day.


After all that walking, we decided to find a place to eat dinner. Luckily for us, there was this nice Italian place literally right next door to the Fox! It was super delicious! Brandon and I gladly ate up our dinner with delight:)


When we got to the Fox, the doors hadn't even opened yet, so we had to wait outside. But it gave us time to admire the architecture. It turns out, that my aunt help paint the Fox when it was getting restored. HOW COOL IS THAT?! When it was getting close to the doors opening, Brandon and I tried to get as close to the doors as possible! Neither of us have been in the Fox before, and everyone who has gone kept telling us how beautiful it was. We wanted to see what all the fuss was about!

We couldnt take pictures in the actual inside of the stage so here is a picture of the ceiling outside the stage!

When the doors finally opened, my jaw dropped at how beautiful the theatre was! They don't allow pictures to be taken inside the theatre so I don't have any to show you:( But I will try my best to describe it! The ceiling was designed to look like a night sky with twinkling stars and everything. And, get this, IT MOVED! Ever so slowly, I noticed that the clouds on the ceiling were rotating! I was blown away and the ballet hadn't even started yet! The stage itself was HUGE and had all of these side compartments that people could pop out of. To me, it looked as if it was designed after some castle. It was gorgeous.


Finally the lights went down, the orchestra began playing the Overture, and the curtain went up. I was beyond excited!!!

As much as I want to tell you guys about every little detail, I know that I can't, so I will just talk about the Battle Scene. I know, I know, shouldn't I be talking about Snow? Or Flowers? Or Sugarplum? Surprisingly, I began crying during the Battle Scene because it was so beautiful. Weird, I know.

There was just this one part in the scene that took my breath away. The big rats had come to cause havoc on Maria's dreams when Drosselmeyer came out. He told her to go into this puppeteer playhouse for protection. I thought to myself, "Well, that isn't really going to protect her well. That's silly!" Then, the playhouse began ascending far above the stage and I was just so mesmerized by it! I just thought that it was so beautiful, watching her ascend so gracefully into the air.

Then, she got down because she saw the Nutcracker needed her help. She took his sword and slain the Mouse King. And even though I have seen the Nutcracker since I was like 3, this felt like I was watching it for the first time. My breath was taken away at how much Marie loved the Nutcracker and would do anything for him! The dancer who played Maria, Alessa Rogers I think, danced the battle scene so gorgeously. She had these wicked arabesques and these beautiful banana feet. Her acting and talent made even the Battle Scene look beautiful.

(Marie got a HUGE Nutcracker)

As a whole, every bit of this Nutcracker was amazing. This was the first time I have seen a classical ballet performed live by professionals. Everything was magical. I cried about ten times because of the beauty of it all! All of the dancers performed so effortlessly and floated perfectly. It really inspired me to be even MORE focused on my dancing and my stretches list has definitely increased!


Well, have a Happy Dance-Filled New Year!


Hugs, Kisses, and Big Rats,
Anne:)

Jenifer Ringer: Every Dancer's Hero

If you are my friend/follower on other social networks, I apologize because this will be the THIRD time you have heard this story! Anyways, most dancers should know by now about the Jenifer Ringer controversy. She dances with the New York City Ballet and this Nutcracker season, she is casted as the Sugarplum Fairy. A critic, Alastair Macaulay from the New York Times, wrote that Ringer looked as if she had "one sugarplum too many." Ringer, in the past, has been very open with her eating disorders and to receive such a comment set the dance world on fire to defend her.

I found this video which has Ringer on the Today Show discussing the issue. Watch and see why she should be your hero!
Hugs, Kisses, and Girl-Power!
Anne:)
PS: i couldnt get the link so work so just copy and paste. sorry for the trouble!
http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2010/12/13/jenifer-ringer-reacts-to-critic-on-the-today-show-video/

My Worst Audition

That's right, I said it. I, Anne, had the WORST audition last week when I auditioned to be in the Darton Dance Department. The audition required of me to take a ballet barre, a modern across the floor, an interview, and a 2-minute solo piece (of course, mine was only 1:05, but it was ok!)

Just like at any audition, we all had to wear a number somewhere pinned on our leotard. I picked the number 2 without fully processing I was the second person in the line-up and the second person who would be performing my solo. I tried not to let that stress me out, even though it really did!

Anyways, the audition started out fine with the ballet portion and the modern across the floor. I was feeling pretty good about myself. I was really excited about my solo because a) it was a solo I have already performed, b) I was the only one in this go-around who was doing classical pointe, and c) I was dancing to the Spanish variation from Nutcracker (please see post about how I wish I was Spanish.)

When it was my turn to perform my solo, I gave Jenn my CD and went into my starting position. The CD player was on the floor and every time I jumped near it, the CD would skip. I was COMPLETELY off the music the whole time. I was doing four fouette turns in my dance, but because my music skipped, I could only do two but I didn’t even have time for those. My music stopped mid-turn. It was so bad! And, not to mention, one of the judges was a dancer with the Atlanta Ballet! I was so embarrassed! I tried to not let my music situation affect my interview, but as soon as I walked out of the studio, I called my boyfriend and just cried on the phone for the longest time.

Being the fantastic boyfriend he was, he knows how to handle an Emotional Anne, he comforted me and reassured me that I should be a dance major and pursue dance as my career. He had to reassure me because when Emotional Anne comes out, so does the Melodramatic Anne.

After the auditions were over, I stuck around to talk to Jenn and apologize for my horrendous audition. "Are you kidding?!" she said. "The judges loved you!" You have no idea how much better that made me feel! I was so happy!

Even though I still consider it my WORST audition, I need to remember that I judge myself harder than most judges will for me. I am my own worst critic, true story. I need to not freak myself out when little things (like a CD skipping) happen. Mishaps like this happen everyday and I need to be sure that my dance ability and love of dance shine through all of those unfortunate events.

Ok, so I am a very spiritual person. And that day, I was NOT dancing for God. I was dancing for myself and it went bad. One of the things that my boyfriend told me was that God put me on this earth to dance, and even if I did a HORRIBLE job, He is still proud of me and loves me. How cool is that?

What I’m trying to say is that having a bad class, bad audition, or a bad performance should not stop you from doing what you love. If you believe you were put on this earth to dance, then by jove, dance! What are you waiting for?!

BOYFRIEND BRAG!!!! I meant to say this a long time ago, BUT my boo surprised me with tickets to see the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker Boot Boot Hoot Yeah! All he does is win!

Ok, so I have two pictures this week: one is my winner of a boyfriend, and the other is a result for typing in "sad dancer" into google images!

Loser (because she let a bad performance affect her love of dance)

WINNER (for allowing me to see 3 Nutcrackers!)

Hugs, Kisses, and Sugarplums!
Anne:)

Not having the feet, and accepting it

Brianna here! So I must applaud Anne. She has totally been dominating the blogs and doing an awesome job keeping up with it! I'll admit, she does a much better job at managing her time than I do. I'm learning! So please accept my apologies for my absence! But I'm back! Promise! This first semester of college has definitely been such a learning and growing process for me. I could cram everything I want to in this post like I want to, but I solemnly swear to not overwhelm you with awesomeness.
Like Anne stated, we have an interview with Jennifer, and on top of her unexpectedly telling me so many uplifting and encouraging things about my dance, we also discussed how I don't have the feet for classical ballet. I told her I had realized this late in the summer and that I had grown okay with it. We also discussed how she thinks that I could choreograph classical ballet pieces and even teach it. But performing it stresses me out to no end. The two point pieces I have been in made me look like this guy:
Jennifer also thinks that because I don't have the ominous stress of pointe lingering in the back of my head as I'm at the barre during ballet, that my ballet has improved! YAYYY!
My POINTE (pun 100% intended) in all this rambling is that, sometimes you just have to be real with yourself. Take a look at yourself and take a look at your feet. It's not the end of the world if you don't have the feet for pointe. There is still so much that you can do with dance!! So never be discouraged! If your body gives you limitations, look at what you can do differently (like Anne with her flexibility stretches) to improve yourself, or look at other things you can do that will still help you blossom your dance career and extend your passion even more! That's it for now! Promise to be back uber soon!
Procrastination, sleep deprivation, and rest,
Brianna<3

DCDC in the NYC!

A group of dancers at darton college are planning a trip to NYC! Brianna and i are, of course, in this group of dancers! The trip is about $2000-$2500 for each of us to go. yes that is a HUGE chunk of change! I just created a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group to gain support. a Paypal account will also be made in the future. here's the link to like!!!

Interview with Jenn!

Hey Guys! Anne here:) I found some interesting stuff about my dancing and wanted to share it with you all!

Every semester, every person taking a dance class at my college has an interview with the dance director (the FABULOUS Jennifer La Curan!!). Jenn films our dance classes. Then, we have to watch the video and critique ourselves (oh the horror!). After we have critiqued ourselves, we have an interview with Jenn to get advice and to get tips to improve our dancing. My interview was Oct. 29th and I found a lot of stuff out!

Pelvis Problems:
Growing up in dance, I was always told to not stick my bottom out. Hearing this, I did the opposite by tucking my bottom in. Tucking the bottom in pushes the pelvis forward which creates an awkward line and prevents you from doing many steps properly. For example, whenever I did an arabesque or an attitude, I would thrust my pelvis out and it would feel very uncomfortable. I found out that I not only need to work on my back flexibility but also my hip flexibility. Along with my back exercises, I am also doing hip flexibility exercises. If you have any suggestions please comment!!:)

Pointing vs. Crunching My Toes:
Again, when I was a child, I was always told to point my feet. For some strange reason, I thought this meant crunching the toes (or pointing from the toes.) My mother always tried to correct me, but I never understood how to point them properly. But Jenn showed me that I need to point with the muscles in my foot, not in my toes. Pointing them correctly has made it somewhat easier to flair my feet (another thing I was just told about last summer.) However, I need to build those muscles in my foot up so I will be doing arch exercises as well:)


Well, it is almost time for Thanksgiving Break and I am super excited! I need to rest for awhile:)
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Hugs, Kisses, and Flexible Hips!
Anne:)

GIVEAWAYS AJHDKJDSHKDSJF!

Yo, wassup? Anne here! I follow Pointe Magazine on Twitter and they are having some pretty sweet giveaways this month! And me, being the coolest blogger ever, am letting you in on the giveaway too!
OK, the first one is to win a GORGEOUS Elegant tutu!
http://pointemagazine.com/contest/win-elegant-tutu click here to register!
The second is to win a Tiara to match!
http://pointemagazine.com/contest/win-regal-tiara
And the last and best giveaway is....(drum-roll please!!) to win AUTOGRAPH POINTE SHOES BY THE ONE AND ONLY POLINA SEMIONOVA!
http://pointemagazine.com/contest/win-polina-semionovas-pointe-shoes

GOOD LUCK!
i'll post something about my arabesque improvements I SWEAR!
Hugs, Kisses, and Luck!
Anne:)

TASTE OF THE ARTS!:)

As promised, here are some pictures from Taste of the Arts! Enjoy!











Hugs, Kisses, and Hairspray,
Anne:)

showzzzz!

Hey guys! Anne here:) So, my computer decided to break so I can't blog as much, BUT luckily my boo let's me use his laptop whenever I need it. High five, boifriend, high five.

ANYWAY! As you know, I'm putting A LOT on my plate this semester: I am doing Taste of the Arts, Midsummer Night's Dream, Dance Showcase, AND Nutcracker all while trying to maintain my grades. I thought it'd be helpful for you guys to have a little brief explanation of all the shows and what I'm doing in them. yaayyyyyy!

Taste of the Arts: This is an event to raise money for all the arts at Darton College! Majors from the Theatre program, the Art program, the Music program, and (you guessed it!) the Dance program! The theme this year is Roaring 20s. Doesn't that make you want to die?! I am so excited! The Dance program will be doing three pieces all inspired by 1920s pieces! One of them is a ballet number and we have to wear 1920s inspired swimsuits which means SWIM CAPS! YAYYYY!! We are also doing a modern piece which is inspired by Salvador Dali and it's sooo cool. It is very geometric and awesome. The third piece, which I couldn't be in but Brianna is in, is a Charleston musical number! It's super cute!:) What's really awesome about this performance is that it is on my birthday:) Oct.1,2010 is the date, yo!
Here's the website: http://atasteofthearts.org/

Midsummer Night's Dream: The Theatre and Dance program are always trying to be collaborate in showings and Midsummer is perfect! It is by Shakespeare and it is freakin' hilarious. Most of the dance majors are fairies:) Brianna is Titania, Queen of the Fairies, and I'm Puck! This is my first straight play and my first role in a play sooo I'm really excited. And there are hopes that I will fly!:) It will be Nov.11-13. YAY!

Dance Showcase: This is basically a show that has everything in it! Dance majors are choreographing stuff and we are always doing stuff from Taste of the Arts. Brianna is choreographing a piece, but I will let her talk about that:) I'm really excited about the dance for my ballet class. We are dancing to Train's "Marry Me." We are all in this knee-length wedding dresses. There is only one guy in our ballet class (perks of living in South GA) and he is supposed to be our ideal guy. It is so beautiful and breath-taking! It's going to be Nov. 19-20!:)

Nutcracker: I was asked to be in FRDA's Nutcracker! But due to my crazy schedule, I couldn't get all the parts I really wanted. But I am in Snow, Flowers, and Lead Bon-Bon. Don't look up Bon-Bon, because all that will come up is Mother Ginger. The choreographer made a new variation because some many people are in it. I'm really excited! It is going to be Dec.10-12!:)

Pictures of all of these fun events will be posted:) Oh and I promise that I will get a picture of my arabesque improvements soon too!:)

Here's the PERFECT signing off picture:


Hugs, Kisses, and Classy Dancin'!
Anne:)

Hi my name is Brianna, and I'm a dance major.

I feel this title is appropriate, because I feel like I have exposed myself to something highly addicting and intoxicating: being a dance major. Like Anne said in her absolutely hilarious post, I suddenly want to be in everything. I'm actually surprised at just how many pieces I'm involved in, but at the same time, I feel like there is so many more I could be doing. So, for you, I will do a pros and cons list of being a dance major. Sorry, I'm too lazy to find hilarious pictures like Anne did.

PROS:
1. Getting credits and grades to dance.
-This is the best thing that could have possibly ever happened to me. Especially since I want/need to get my gpa up.
2. Constantly having the need to be in shape.
-As Anne stated, we have to have 28 hrs. of cross training.
-I really love to exercise.
3. Pushing yourself to a higher level.
-There are so many different levels of experience in our dance department. You learn from all levels. Sometimes it's what not to do, others it's to remind yourself that there is always a higher bar to reach!
4. Learning how to put my ideas out there.
-I'm an extroverted person, yet sometimes my own choreography ideas intimidate me. That's changing.
5. Just going for it.
-Sometimes, even if you don't feel confident about a step or combination, you just have to go for it and see what you're really capable of. You'll be amazed at what you can do.
6. Being able to actually put all my pieces together and see my choreography performed.
-Nuff said.

CONS:
1. Being sore frequently.
-Sore muscles, marley burns, and bruises have become my best friends.
2. Not having free time.
-What's a social life again?
3. Never having enough dance attire.
-Like Anne said, I see everyone with amazing dance attire and I suddenly NEED everything. I spent about $90 dollars on dance/workout clothes today. Take it in.
4. Lulu Lemon
-Old Navy eat your heart out. I wish I would have spent $90 bucks here...is it too late to return my purchases?
5. Just not feeling it.
-Sometimes, I just don't have the energy to go and dance my heart out.
6. Late night practices.
-Some of my dance practices are until 10 at night.

There are so many pros and cons, but overall I LOVE being a dance major. I guess this would fall under pros, but it feels absolutely amazing to go to school everyday to better yourself and do what you love more than life. Breathe dance, live dance, be dance.

-Brianna

Stuff Dancers DONT Like

Brianna and I have just started school and have been thrown into a whirlwind of dance productions! It is so exciting and just where we want to be:) To be funny, I thought I'd make a list of what dancers DON'T like. Enjoy!

10. Not Being Able to Do Everything
Ok, this is so me. A lot of dance majors are doing choreography this semester, and I want to be in all of their pieces! They all seem like a challenge (emotionally and physically) and it is so sad that I can't be in all of them! But I know that I can't overload myself and I hate it! Darn you, BALANCE!
Which brings me to my next subject:

9. No Time
Just started school, and I am already involved in a number of pieces which means long rehearsals. My laundry hasn't been done and my room is a mess. Messy room+dirty clothes= mad Mama Beth. Oh, and even though my boyfriend and I go to the same college, I haven't seen him for like a week. All we have been doing is talking on the phone. So, No Time= Mad Mama Beth and Lonely Boyfriend.


8. Melting Water Bottles
So, I just got this new cute water bottle. I used it every day and I loooved it. My mom was trying to help me out and washed it in the dishwasher. I woke up to find that it had melted! So I had to buy some SmartWater because you just can't throw those bottles away!:)


7. The Gym
As a part of being a dance major, Jennifer (the director of the dance dept.) wants all dancers to do cross training. She does this so that we will become stronger and less likely to injure ourselves. I have to go to the gym 28hrs this semester. I know it's for good, but I still hate it. n I guess because I'm still scared I'm going to end up looking like some body builder...even though I've been told I will not.


6. Jobless....?
Before I start this one, I technically DO have a job. I teach dance for an hour once a week. But that's it. And I looooove it! Anyway, this is more so for the other dance majors:) Due to performances and rehearsals, it is hard for a lot of dancers to maintain school, dance, AND a job. I know some people do it, but I am not one of those people! One of my friends just had to quit her job so that she could participate more in the program. I guess it's BROKE artist before STARVING artist!;)

5. Not Getting a Certain Step
My problem is that I make steps too "pretty" or too "ballerina." SO FRUSTRATING! I try and I try and I still look like I belong in a tutu! It wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't in my modern or dance improv. class! I hope I will be able to transfer my steps to modern better....seriously.

4. Realizing You Need More Dance Supplies
I look at all the dance majors and see their cute supplies, and suddenly, a want turns into a need. A fellow dance major had these leg warmers that covered her whole leg and had a drawstring on them! I can't find a picture of them online but holy cow they were cute and would come in handy!


3. Not Remembering Steps or Timing in a Dance
Happens to me all the time. And I don't realize that I have missed a step until it's too late. Wah wah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh.

2. Physical Ailments
Trying to do ANYTHING with a physical injury is hard, but I often find it hard to be a dancer with such injuries. I am recovering from TWO right now: scratched cornea and pulled hamstring. With my scratched cornea, I can't wear my contacts, so I have to wear glasses while in dance class which becomes a problem. They get in the way and I have to take them off for partnering or spins. So bothersome.
On WebMD, it says to stop doing the activity that caused you to pull your hamstring. But I'm a dance major, I can't stop dancing ever! I enjoy it far too much. But come auditions, I have to dance full out which really hurts the next morning!
For your pleasure: I was really sensitive to the light at first, so this was what my eye doctor told me to wear until I was able to be in the light.



AND THE NUMBER ONE THING STUFF DANCERS DO NOT LIKE IS:
1. Pointe Shoe Damage
True Story: I was running to get out of the rain (which was like bullets of water) and one of my pointe shoes fell out on the road. I didn't realize this until I got home that night. The next day, my friend texted me saying that she found my pointe shoe. I ran to go meet her only to find that my poor shoe had been hit by a car. I have never been so upset in my life! Luckily, a fellow dance major accidentally ordered the wrong sized pointe shoe which just so happened to be my shoe and my size! HOLLA!:) But here is my poor, poor, poor pointe shoe who was hit:


Moment of silence please? ......thank you.

Well, I hope you were able to laugh a little and relate to this!
Hope you enjoyed!
Hugs, Kisses, and Uninjured Bodies!
Anne:)

Arabesque Improvements!

Check out how much better my arabesques have gotten!



It's a small improvement but I'm stil happy with the results and will continue doing the exercises! Another thing i need to work on: ARMS!:)
Hugs, Kisses, and Strong Backs!
Anne:)
(p.s.: what is it about the beach that just makes you want to dance?)

Summer Dance Intensive! Anne's Recap

Brianna is right, we HAVE been busy! My brother got married, I went to the beach, and I'm preparing for college...oh yes, things have been a little busy:) But anyways, we are trying to get back to blogging regularly for all...six of our followers;)

OK! Back to the Summer Dance Intensive! We started off with a ballet technique class, which is one of my favorites:) My teacher, Leslie Hodges, focused on everyone's technique as well as everyone's performance during class. She really helped me see that a dancer should always perform, including class. Class is a great way to practice performing so that it will eventually come naturally to you. She also reminded me about the Laws of Circles when it comes to ballet arms. I'm telling you, she helped me a lot!

The next class we had was pointe/variation. No joke, I was always that girl who was like "YAY! POINTE CLASS!" I know, I'm crazy:) It was a hard class, but I tried to work through the pain by reminding myself that it was good for me. The teacher, Sarah Muncie, really pushed my limits but that's always good! I've eralized I really need to work on my lame ducks and pique turns. In that class, I learned three variations, Odette's Variation, Blue Bird Variation, and Kitri's Variation. I then had to try out for them on Friday to see which one I would perform for the Showcase at the end of the day. I know, I blogged earlier about how I wished I was Spanish, and I still do, but I really loved Odette's! And I was sooo excited when I found out that I was performing it!!!:) Here's the vid:(NOTE: I'm the tan one and I know it's rough. I hope I get another chance to perform it because I see all the mistakes I've made in this run-thru!

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We did Contemporary as well and learned a dance to "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles, which is one of my favorite songs! As you will see in the video, it was quite the bruiser! I had tons of bruises from doing this dance. Chelsea Hodges, my teacher, was a great choreographer and I really enjoyed this dance a lot! Yay contemporary!(NOTE: i'm the one with the green shorts)


I also did some partnering which I was so excited for me because I have never really had the chance to do major partnering. It was very educational for me. Like Brianna said in her last blog about Romeo and Juliet, I had to learn how to work my body for my partner. It was fun:) Here's the vid and the biggest wedgie of my life!


OK! Now for the moment you've been waiting for: Peter Sabasino's classes! He was only there for Monday and Tuesday, but it was so much fun! He taught us tap, hip-hop, and some salsa! We did a vaudeville style tap piece which was a blast to perform! He taught me that in tap, you want to keep your knees bent and bottom out. Which is totally different from ballet. He was such a fun tap teacher! I really wished he could have been there for the whole week because maybe he would have taught me how to master wings!:) For hip-hop, we danced to "Fame" by David Bowie (love!). Not going to lie, I am not as ghetto as Brianna, but I tried! Hahahaha. It was so fun! We then learned some salsa and Brianna was my dance partner (NOTE: she was the guy! pahahahha) I have always wanted to take salsa and this was a good window into it. Someday, hopefully, I will because it is a lot of fun! Also, it will get me one step closer to being Spanish (ok..pseudo-Spanish) I wished I had videos of these pieces but unfortunately, all i have is this photo:


For the days that Peter was not there, we did musical theatre! I am a huge sucker for Broadway (obviously) so it was a blast! In my class, we did two songs from Chorus Line: "What I Did For Love" and "I Hope I Get It." For obvious reasons, I was the voluptuous girl in "I Hope I Get It." ;) I wished I had videos of these as well but my camera ran out of memory:( But just know that it was SUPER fun!

I must sound like a Positive Pollyanna in this because I keep on saying how much "fun" everything is, but it really was! And it was indeed painful (I pulled a muscle in my left hamstring..wah wah waaaaaaah) but it was totally worth it. I feel like I have really improved because of this intensive! And, yes, I did my back exercises during this week and I will hopefully be posting my improvement soon.

Hugs, Kisses, and Sore Muscles!
Anne:)
P.S.:Sorry this was so long, but recapping a week..takes a while! Especially if it was almost a month ago!:)

New York New York!!

Brianna here! I'm soso sorry it's been a billion and one years since I've posted something. Anne and I have been pretty busy getting ready to start college and everything. Things are finally starting to slow down, and I have time to write! So at the beginning of July, I went to *sigh* New York...you need to know my heart is completely taken and it is aching for the Big Apple!!! While I was there I saw two shows: Mary Poppins (magical) and American Ballet Theater's Romeo and Juliet (no words). I'll start with Mary Poppins:
Think of any fantabulous word and you just described Mary Poppins on Broadway. Not only do I absolutely love musical theatre, but of course I L-O-V-E the dancing. The choreography was absolutely astounding. I sat there bedazzled and in awe in my seat. I cheered, I clapped, whooped, and hollered...especially after the number, "Step In Time", an absolutely incredible tap number...did I mention Burt (played by Christian Borle)tap dances on the ceiling?!! Yeah, I know! Not to mention whenever I watched the number "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", I thought to myself, "How did the choreographer come up with that?!?" So incredible. One thing is for sure and that the choreographers on Broadway know what they are doing, and they are good at it...but then again, it IS BROADWAY!! I highly recommend the show!
And then there was the American Ballet Theater production of "Romeo and Juliet." Though ABT did present it, it seemed to mainly be students from there school and summer programs. And though I didn't see any principal dancers such as..oh I don't know Gillian Murphy, the ballet was beyond incredible. Since "classy people don't woo" (which is what I told my father), I oohed and awed and repeatedly stated, "Oh that's so beautiful." over and over again. As always, not only did I sit in my seat and find everything that happened on stage unbelievably beautiful and impressive, but I was amazed by the choreography. It was so beautiful. For instance, when Juliet appears to be dead, her and Romeo are doing all these beautiful lifts. But, she has to maintain the appearance of being "asleep" while at the same time doing her job to keep her muscles tightened, and her feet pointed...it was just so amazing. If you ever have the opportunity to go see any type of professional ballet...GO! It will blow your mind...and make you want a ballet class right then and there.
Well that's all I really have to say. I wish I could have been a little more articulate, but there's only so many words to describe the experience of Broadway, or a ballet! See you next time! Oh! And here's Ashley Brown as Mary Poppins in the number supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkHV6THFoDs I saw Laura Michelle Kelly (the original Mary on broadway) and a different cast but I didn't think you would mind!! [:
Hugs and kisses,
Brianna

"Big girls you are beautiful"

Brianna here! As Anne explained, I have been in lack of internet access BUT not anymore! [: So I'm not exactly a size 2 or a size Anne [; But I was watching SYTYCD and this bigger girl auditioned and she was an absolutely beautiful dancer. She came to life when she danced and that's completely how I feel when I dance. I come alive. Well when she danced it really hit home with Mia Michaels who also struggles with weight. As a matter of fact, Mia Michaels never got a job because of her weight. So she became a choreographer...a creator of these beautiful pieces. If you don't know me, I plan on getting my degree in choreography. I create dances in my head ALL. THE. TIME. If I'm with you and I'm being quiet, I'm probably creating a dance. If my eyes are closed or I'm staring at something random, I'm probably choreographing a dance. Choreographing is part of my passion for dance. I'm constantly observing other choreographers (like Mia Michaels) and learning how to create different things with my dances. I've rambled too much. Anyways, I know with my weight, and my lack of technique, etc. that I will never be an incredible dancer. As a choreographer, Mia Michaels already inspires me so much. She thinks so similar to me (or vice versa). The emotion she puts through her pieces, the understanding she has for dance being from the heart and not just from being a beautiful dancer.
So, all those girls out there who know what it's like to not have the ballerina body, if dance is your passion, look at the other ways dance can be a part of your life and what you can do with it. Don't be discouraged. If dance is birthed inside of you, you can use it [:

i want a better arabesque!

Anne here again! Brianna just moved so her internet isn't fully set up yet, so I'm doing most of the blogging:] Anyway, whenever I watch So You Think You Can Dance, I marvel at the girls' and boys' arabesques. Seriously, I make a comment about them every episode. By watching SYTYCD and going online to look up dancers my age or younger, I have decided that I will have a beautiful arabesque! I WILL I WILL I WILL!!!!

I've looked up great stretches on http://www.dance.net/ and the amazing Yahoo! Answers:] Some of the stretches I thought were interesting were placing your leg onto something within your flexibility range (chair, stair....bear, etc.) and then lifting the leg above it for a few seconds then back down to rest. Another one was doing back bridges and trying to walk your hands to your feet (say whattt!?) But hey its worth a shot!

Here are my arabesques before! I'll take more pictures a month from now to see if there are any improvements!

(Left)
(Right. i love how my cat is creepin)

Pretty soon, I'll have amazing arabesques like Billy Bell, Ashley, and...this girl.



Oh and here's a video with more stretches that I will be using. Check out BalletBrunette92's other video of her arabesque....mannnn this HAS to work!


Hugs, Kisses, and Strong Backs!
Anne:]

summer classes! FTW:]

Anne here again! Sorry, I'm on blogging tirade!:] Anyways, today is Monday. For most of you, it is a horrid day filled with annoying alarm buzzes, wishful thinking, and empty coffee makers. But for people like me, who have no job, I LOVE MONDAYS! Especially because of summer dance class!

As a child, I wasn't too keen on taking dance classes in the summer, but when you are bored, you are willing. But, as I got older (and by talking to my dance teacher, the amazing Jennifer DeBritton), I realized that unlike dance classes during the school year, summer classes really perfect your technique! Think about it: during the summer, there is no big performance the studio is trying to put together and your dance teacher isn't trying to choreograph anything for a show, which means that there is a lot of time on your teacher's hand to help your technique! Don't you just...love it?

Anyway, I'm taking classes all the way in Pelham, GA with the Flint River Dance Arts! It's so much fun! I learn new things, meet new friends, and perfect my technique! fdshfsdjkfsdjfhsd! It's so much fun! The studio is in this beautiful old school building and it is to die for. The class I'm taking right now is every Monday from 7-9:30. It includes ballet/pointe and partnering (which is a real hoot for me because I've only partnered a few times). Best part is, it's cheap! Only $15 a class!

Of course, the classes are only going to last until the Summer Intensive (which is from July 19-23). But hey! It's still sooo much fun! And speaking of the summer intensive, a guy from SYTYCD is going to be teaching some of it! Since I only just started watching SYTYCD last season, I don't have a clue who he is... but his name is Peter Sabasino and I'm going to be looking him up any day now:]

But yeah, so excited! I think Brianna and I are both taking the Intensive so, we'll let you know how that goes!
Hugs, Kisses, and Calluses:]
Anne
ps-Since I have no idea how to put names to links...here is this long link for you to check out Flint River Dance Art's facebook page!:] http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camilla-GA/Flint-River-Dance-Arts-Dance-Theatre-South/324064956170

"Dance is not just an art form, its a heart form"

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I am WAAYYY late with this! But, I'm going to talk about my views of this season of So You Think You Can Dance anyway!

I totally agree with the judges about performing. So many of this season's dancers are not giving us a show. They are not telling a story. They are just doing a bunch of movement that just so happen to follow well with the music. A lot of dancers, even professional dancers, don't know how to perform well. Dance is not about plastering a generic smile on your face while you do a set of movement, it is a form of EXPRESSION! You have to, as Brianna stated in her last post, feel the music.

Nothing is more disappointing to me than watching a beautifully techniqued dancer with absolute NO emotion. As a dancer, you are an actor. It's just the way it is. It is up to you to tell the story. If you don't, then the audience just feels awkward and confused. Most of the audience you are performing for, are not skilled dancers. They expect a good show. Therefore, they are NOT going to look at your feet, like your choreographer or other skilled dancers (ahem me and Bri). Instead, they are going to look at your FACE. So, give them a story! Don't leave them hanging or questioning! GIVE THEM A SHOW! There is obviously something your choreographer or teacher wants to express through a dance, which means that you have to express/feel that as well. Be believable with your acting. Make me believe that you are a single mother with no job and is beaten daily by her ex-boyfriend. Make me
believe that you have found the man of your dreams at the local cafe. Make me believe that you are angry at the world. MAKE ME BELIEVE YOU! Weak emotions equal weak dance.

On a quick note, WHO IS EXCITED ABOUT NATIONAL DANCE DAY JULY 31!? Dont forget to download the dance at http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/
hugs, kisses, and pointed feet!
anne:]

"I wanna feel music to know what it taste like."

Brianna here! If you watched the premiere of "So You Think You Can Dance" this season, then you saw the black, deaf guy that auditioned. I sat there, texting Anne the whole show, critiquing each audition. Then, I saw him. At the end of his audition, I had chill bumps all over me and tears in my eyes. I don't know if it's the fact that I also have a high interest in the deaf and sign language or what, but I suddenly had a revelation after watching him dance. I suddenly realized that everything I have been dealing with in my head, everything that overwhelms me, that it was okay...because I have dance. I don't only dance because it's my passion or because I love praising God with my dancing. I dance because it's what makes sense to me. If I can just dance, I know that I'm okay. Everything suddenly becomes so clear and real to me when I dance. I face my problems when I dance. I face my fears. So if you're out there, no matter what you do, be it dance or not, never lose sight of why you do what you do. Always keep that inspiration alive, the fire. Learn to FEEL to know what it TASTE like.

I wish I was really Spanish...

So, I'm going to start with the first blog! It's weird to think I, Anne, am writing one...just so odd. Oh well, let me cut to the chase! I have been told I have a very...ethnic look. People say I look Indian, Greek, Egyptian, etc; when actually, I really have no ethnicity at all (unless you count one-sixteenth French...I don't). I'm just a white girl with dark features is all. But, I owe to God for giving me this "ethnic flavor" because that's probably the main reason I got casted as Lead Spanish in Ballet Theatre South's (forever more called BTS) 2008 production of the Nutcracker. Since then, I have gone Spanish crazy! I re-choreographed the dance for my school's talent show this year and during the recital, we danced to a song from Carmen! All this has made go on to Youtube frequently to find classical Spanish variations. It is seriously become a top researched subject, I kid you not.

Why? Simple: Spanish Variations look more fun! It is sultry, daring, and flirty....yet not really slutty. I love the attitude and the Spanish-esque moves! All of it can be soooo addicting! And have you heard the music?! I love all the trumpets and other Spanish-y sounds. None of it really sounds all that depressing, it all sounds pretty fun to me!

And let's not forget the props...9 times out of 10, you dance with a fan. I mean, despite having to learn how to use it properly while dancing, you are basically being given the okay to wipe--or should i say fan--the sweat off while doing a dance! Totally comes in handy. Also, the colors are generally red and black which, to me, really gets the audience's attention. And let's not forget the lace and the rose: which reiterates that whole sultry yet not slutty thing. Just a touch of it makes it look so very nice!

Now that it's summer, my trips to Youtube-topia are becoming a lot more frequent (being that I have no job or no summer dance classes to attend yet...). So I have decided to post a few of my favorite vids just for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg8oxM1QXWs&feature=related
(looove their mirroring fouettes! love it!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvrG1bE2Xak&feature=related
(i HAAADDD to be a kitri variation...its a no brainer!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vw6bbqXm2A&feature=related
(carmen...another no brainer! GOOD GRAVY HER FEET AND CONTROL ARE AMAZING! this is the song my class danced to..nowhere NEAR as good as this!)

So, in conclusion, I am so tempted to lie now when people think I am Mexican or Spanish because I really wish I was...why couldn't my parents have been Spanish diplomats or something? Hope you've enjoyed!