Grand Allegro

2 weeks and two 2 days

2012-01-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

We have officaly two weeks left before company starts back for the spring season!
Apprentices will start back a week before us so i'll probably go back just for class and to start setting some of the piece im choreographing for the spring!! My friend Kris (ballet master/fellow company memeber) got the O.K. from my director to choreograph a piece that we have been talking about. I am so thrilled to be given this opportunity. Choreography has always been a dream of mine and this will really open that door for me. My career as a dancer won't last forever, but being a choreoographer allows that artistic input and creativity to live on. I feel a wonderful end of the season approaching.

So while there might be two weeks to get my butt back into semi-shape, there are also two days left till i leave for Disney!!!!!!!! I am more than excited. Getting time to spend acting like an 8yr old is just what i need before getting back into the swing of my very busy days. I think it's important that we all take these little breaks to refresh you mind and body and to remind you that life is what you makes it. You can't always work without having some sort of fun time to look forward to.

I've been taking two classes a week with a few other company members and stretching/conditioning on my own. I'm going to do some extra workouts today and tommorow since i know in Disney it will be mickey shaped waffels and riding Dumbo. (both of which i'm totally cool with) I'm also pretty excited to see tinkerbell. ;) Maybe i'll take her part and fly across the castle.

My best to you all...plan a mini get-a-way for yourself. Even a few days can do wonders!
~Sara~

2012!

2012-01-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 everyone!

A new year is upon us and i am excited for all the new projects and adventures that await me. I'm not one of these people who sets a 'new years resolution.' You can do that anytime during the year not just when a new one rolls in.

To kick off the new year (and a month off from the company) i'm going away on vacation. I've always wanted to say this....i'm going to Disney World!!! My thoughtful booba bought us tickets! I can't wait. I've been there before, but it has been years since. Sharing it with my lovely will make it even better.

My holiday was great. I got some relaxing time in and some good eating. Nutcracker is always when i try to keep my weight down for my partners sake. Eating those holiday treats taste 100% better after being 'good' all season. It was great to be with my family for a bit as well. They are such supportive and loving people. They help me out and i know i wouldn't be a ballerina if it weren't for them.

I'm going to take class tommorow and continue to keep in shape as much as i can before we start back in Febuary. Hopefully i won't be too much of a mess! It's sad how fast we loose all that hard work and muscle tone in a matter of days.

Well, my best to you all in 2012~~
~Sara~

Frohe Wienachten!

2011-12-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

In the German tradition, my family does presents this Christmas Eve.

Our last set of shows ended last Saturday....a week ago! I have to say i'm a little surprised to miss it already. I feel like i was in the best shape ive been in a while for these shows and now i'm scared that i will lose it. After only a week off (minus one class i took wednesday because i was bored) i can myself getting weaker. I guess it's hard for dancers during the holiday time off. You lose muscle mass faster than you gain it. I wish i had a way to reverse that AND be lazy eating cookies, but sadly i don't think that is a reality.

I'll rest for another couple of days, then try to get back into a normal class routine. Sadly that mean spending money so it will probably only be a few times a week. My second priority will be getting ready for recital and choreography for the piece i wll be setting on the company with a fellow dancers. (more details to come about that one! ) Needless to say...i am very excited about this upcoming project.

My best to you and yours. A very Merry Christmas.
~Sara~

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2011-12-10T12:36:00.003-08:00

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2011-12-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

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2011-12-10T07:12:00.001-08:00

Pre-show day jitters. I'm always nervous no matter how many times I've been on stage! Two shows today, yesterdays went fairly well.

2011-12-09T07:25:00.001-08:00

Childrens show this morning then one this evening. My snow king is injured, no snow queen for me. I'm bummed :/

Dancing double.

2011-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!!
My company and I have survivied our first set of double nutcracker shows!
They snuck up on us so fast this year that i haven't had a lot of time to update. I apoligize for that, but i will try updating about the shows/techs via my phone from now on. I like to document them so i can share what's going on with you all and also to have a written memory of my dancing days.

Anyway, getting back to the shows. They went really well for being our first. We had well over 200 hundred people for our first show because of the large amount of students we had. The first shows audience was also very responsive and i know we all appreciated that. It allowed us to truely enjoy being on stage and bring everything to life. The second show wasn't as croweded and i know a lot of us had to push extra hard to get through it, but i know it will get easier next week.

We were given today off to rest and will start back tommorow to rehearse the next cast. This coming weekend are two sets of double shows and i will be performing Snow Queen and Arabian. I can't wait! I am so excited and nervous at the same time. These rolls give me an opportunity to really show why i love to dance. I try to become the character the best i can and take the audience with me.
nutcracker 1890.
I

feel like i have a million things to do around the apartment today so i guess i should be starting on that. Don't you love how days off aren't realllllly days off haha.
Hope you are all well!

~Sara~

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Company has off until Sunday where we have rehearsal with the children. For now lots of food and relaxing! Hope you are enjoying the wonderful day!!

Giving thanks today for all the wonderful family and friends around me.
~Sara~

Nutcrackerrrrrrrrrr

2011-11-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

Things this season are moving so fast! I can't believe i am writing about finishing week one of rehearsals for our Nutcracker shows.

My stomach had been in knots for weeks about casting for this production since i got casted down a little in Dracula. I was happy and shocked to see that i was doing arabian, snow queen, and flower princess. I'm so pleased with my parts and actually proud of myself. I've been stretching extra and keeping really focused during class for improvement. I guess putting that extra energy into everything paid off!

This is my third year doing Arabian and my partner and i have some new tricks up our sleeves now that we are comfortable with the part. I can't wait to one-up the already tricky lifts. I trust him completely and know that he would never do any partnering that he doesn't feel safe with. It's so important to have reliable partners!

This weekend will be left for relaxing. I know once shows start there won't be much of those left!

I'd also like the note that i am being such a ninja on ebay doing early Christmas shopping. I love finding amazing gifts and early before the rush!

Hope everyone is doing well! happy 11-11-11!!
ps- i was throwing the idea around in my head , if anyone is interested, in having a penpal? I really miss the old day of letters.

~Sara~

a very important show

2011-11-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend is a set of VERY important shows for us not because of what we are performing, but where. If we do well and impress them we will be asked to return to that space. It's where we will get the most reconition and we deserve to be there! I had a moment last night before the show when i turned to my booba and said, "We finally made it." It's taken a lot of dedication to the company, but i finally feel like we are where we need to be. People will respect us and more importantly we will have a name and an audience.
One more show on Sunday!! THEN.....Nutcracker rehearsals start this week...dun dun DUNNNNNNNNNNNNN. Casting goes up mon/tue. So nervous...i just want to do arabian again. It has got to be my favorite role.

Hope you are all well!!
~Sara~
me in the dressing room, glowing with excitement.

Review

2011-10-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

We had a good show last night.

Dracula got it's second stage time of the year and this was an important one. We were getting reviewed and video taped so had to be on our game. I love performing at the venue we did because i'm comfortable there. It's our third year of Dracula and she's been doing Nutcracker there since she basicly the start of the company.

I'm going to miss performing this production. I can't believe our last show is tommorow!! I will miss putting white face paint on and dark circles under my eyes. Oh, and putting my gold glittery bra on. I will NOT miss having to do extra ab work.

I'm going out for Halloween tonight and i can't wait! Booba is going as a Plague Doctor and i will be a person infected with it. Pictures will follow for sure. ;)

Happy Halloween!!! what are YOU being?

~Sara~

Back to life!

2011-10-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that my computer is back from repair! I was working on an old laptop that i was borrowing. It worked reallllly slow and froze so frequently it was impossible to do anything on it. I am glad to be back in working order!

Our first Dracula show went really well last Friday! We had a new group of production managers come in to run that show and they did a really great job learning cues and props on short notice. All the elements were there to make the show believable and exciting.

Last night we had showing in the studio for our board members and doctors. Some old and some new people joining us this year. This was such a great showing for us. The audience was so responsive and excited to be there. It's nice performing in an intimate setting like a studio because without lights and special effects you get to see their faces and reactions.

We have a really amazing group of people on our team helping us to make this company grow. AND we have a foot doctor joining us this year! I hope he's ready to work because i know we will all be needing his help!

I'm excited to continue this season on a positive note. I feel empowered and motivated after seeing our 'fans' behind the scenes supporting us with such exci

tment.

Keep calm and happy
~sara~

Here we go

2011-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Openng show day of Dracula!

I got my fangs out, white face make-up, and lots of black eyeliner. Today we open our first show of Dracula and i can't wait to transform into a vampire! The make-up and hair for this production is so much fun because our director really leaves it up to us to be creative (and evil of course). I love playing around with different looks and i think i finally have this one nailed down. I'll post a picture later of the end results.

For now, I am relaxing as much as i can and enjoying some coffee in bed. (it really doesn't get better than that). I hope we get a great audience and that everything goes smoothly! I'm feeling the Halloween bug for sure. Don't you just love this time of year? The summer is by far my favorite, but fall is really beginning to grow on me. ;)

Be well!
~Sara~

Feeling fall

2011-09-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, i have been quite busy. Ever since ballet/teaching has picked up i haven't had much time to myself. My days are really long on the nights i am teaching and i go into automatic mode sometimes just to keep up my energy! It's very draining dancing all day then teaching all night. ( I end up demonstarting basicly everything to my students) I like being busy, but it's also nice to have some 'breathing' time. Today i have just that! We worked about 10 days in a row because of our outside free shows the past two weekends. It's nice to now have a day to catch up on cleaning, laundry, and just resting.

Dracula rehearsals are about 3 weeks in and i feel like we are in good shape. I remember last year we were struggling to finish up the third act a couple of days before opening night. I have mixed emotions about the show. I'm excied to be performing the role of 'bride of dracula', but i'm also a little bummed that i didn't get to do Lucy again this year. I had so much fun with that role last year and felt that i really gave it my all. My director was perfectly nice in explaning that although i did a really good job with the role, we don't have strong enough boys for my height. She pulled me aside to have a meeting with me personally to make sure that i wasn't upset and to let me know that it had nothing to do with how i danced. Im still a little bummed, but i understand where she is coming from. It just leaves me a little nervous for Nutcracker. I am worried that she will take roles away from me that i have worked really hard to achieve. I hate the feeling of being casted down. Why work so hard if i'm just going to be ignored and easily replaced? Anyway, these are my conflicting throughts. I pray that this won't be the case with upcoming productions. Im just going to be

working hard and pushing myself until then.
I hope everyone is well!!
~Sara~

Electrotherapy.

2011-09-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

I'm on the last two days of the company lay off and i finally have a silver lining to my annyoning shoulder/neck pain. I contacted our physical therapist and told her i wanted to come in and see if she could check it out. She had me twist and turn and do strength tests and told me it was a pull/strain of the Trapezius muscle. It explained why the pain was in my neck and sprayed out to my shoulder. I was relieved it wasn't anything more serious. She put me on a electrotherapy machien for 15min. I've never done that before and it so strange. It was almost as if someone was lightly pinching your skin. I have to go back for a few more sessions to see results. I'm so glad that we have her helping the company out for free.

For the record, googling injuries is a mistake. It always leads you to think you are dying or have some sort of illness.

Maybe i will step outside the box with the time off and take a modern/jazz class tonight..hmmm ....
Be well!
~Sara~

Not Laboring today day...

2011-09-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

Not me, but i do love this photo!

It's Labor day weekend and i actually have OFF ! The previous years we usually worked on Labor Day because of upcoming shows. Our schedule is a bit different and we actually are laid off for the week.

We were suppose to have a set of shows last weekend, but as many of you im sure have heard, this little lady named Irene blew through and caused us to cancel two rep. shows down the shore. We were only able to re-schedule one of the shows for the end of the month. It's going to be strange to switch gears from starting Dracula rehearsals to going to back to our rep. work in between both productions. When i'm in Dracula mode....i'm in DRACULA mode. It's tricky going form a flapping hissing bride of Dracula to a unitard sun dancer. Should be interesting...

I keep having "casting" dreams lately and it's bugging me. A lot of the new girls that have come in are really good and pushing ahead of me. I keep dreaming that i am getting pushed away to smaller roles. It's not a HUGE deal to me because as long as i am dancing i should be happy with whatever piece i am given , but it's really hard not to feel that i am getting pushed down instead of up. I don't like this feeling of moving backwards. There's not enough time in a career!!

Anyway, this weekend i plan on decompressing and not letting things bother me. Except, i still have a bad neck :/ It's been three weeks, i think it's dreaded 'doctor' time . I really hope it's nothing serious!

Be well and safe!
~Sara~

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2011-08-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

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Tis the season...the beginning of one.

2011-08-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

The season has officially begun!
We are two weeks in and it hasn't been easy. My neck/shoulder decided to go wonky when i woke up on my birthday morning last week. I'm not sure what it could be because the pain is a sharp constant throb from my neck into the top part of my shoulders. I have a hunch that it might be a pinched nerve. The pain really peaked yesterday during rehearsals. I did some move with my arms over my head and i had instant burning pain. I felt light headed and nauseous. Then i couldn't move my left arm. It was such a scary moment and everyone came rushing over to me to ask what was wrong. Working with such a great group of people really made me feel cared for. They all worked together to help me get upstairs and put these pain relief patches on. (those ladies from Japan have these awesome patches that look like giant bandaids that release medicine into where ever you put them) After some advil and laying on my back i felt ok. I'm a tough cookie when it comes to pain, but that was unbearable!
Anyway, besides that little drama things have been ok. LOTS of new people. LOTS of new and GOOD people this season. Looking around the room at the new talent really makes me realize i need to push myself this year. Not that i don't do that usually, but i feel an extra push to keep up with these crazy turners and jumpers. I need to take what i'm good at and excel.
Our first show is this coming Saturday. Much rest and relaxation this weekend to get better for then.

My best to you all.
Ps where is August going??
~Sara~

Hi!

2011-07-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

RIP...laptop.
So, i haven't posted in a bit because my HP laptop decided to stop turning the screen on for no reason. I'm really upset because it is only about 2yrs old and i have done nothing to prompt this malfunction. So fustrating...

ANYway, things have been wonderful. My booba took me on a suprise vacation to the fingerlake ny. He said we needed to celebrate 7yrs properly and wanted to get away somewhere special. It really was amazing and i could go into details, but i will spare you. Instead, i will sum it up: slept in a real old train caboose as a hotel, swam in a huge lake, drank a lot...a LOT.. of great wines, ate amazing food, and had a wonderful time with my best friend ever :)

We are now a week away from the beginning of the season...yikkkkkkkeeeees. Im ready to get back into the routine but this also leaves me about a week to get semi in shape. We have company headshots/bodyshots the day before we start so i have to look in shape and not like i just went on vacation. Should be interesting.

The new apprentices have been slowly arriving to the studio and i can't help but feel the pressure of pushing myself. Dancers tend to judge themselves and everyone else. It's sad, but we have this drive to stay on top of our game. I think i feel the pressure the most because i have been there so long and i am a company memeber. Some of these newbies are younger and better than me. I have this feeling sometimes that they will look at me and say ' how did SHE make it into the compamy '. It's hard for me to get that thought out of my head and I wish that i could just accept me and my dancing for what it is. Time for some positive energry. Maybe i need some yoga because we start? :)

Anyway, i'll leave you with some photos from the trip. My booba and i are thinking about starting a blog called "Ballet Everywhere" . Everytime we go somewhere or on vacation i always have to take my 'ballet shot'. I thought it might be cool to post a blog of me doing ballet ballet poses in different locations. What do you think? Lame, kinda cool, or it's been done. Anyway, hope you all are enjoying your summer and aren't melting too much! <3

summer time!

2011-06-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's summer already! It HAS felt like summer for a bit now because of the temperature, but it is OFFICIALLY here now. Summer camp is in full swing and i am enjoying the students. I teach arts and crafts with the mini campers and workshop to the older ones. Workshop is basicly 1 1/2hrs of me teaching them choreography. I am in love with Florence (band) and am doing a contemporary/ballet piece to her 'Rabbit Heart' song. I've alway had an image of Alice in Wonderland when i listened to the song so i decided to do a cliff note version of choreography to tell the story.

The students are having fun with the piece and that is what is most important to me. If the people you choreograph for aren't enjoying what they are giving them then they won't perform it the way you want them too. I love seeing them laugh and add their imput and ideas. As a choreographer i am always feeding off the the energy from the group and will always listen to their ideas/thoughts. I hate people who get so stubborn about how they want things to go. Keeping an open flow of energy and creativity between the dancers and choreographer gives the piece more excitement and energy. It's a rewarding experience and i just love the process.

In other news, i celebrated 7yr with my booba yesterday. I couldn't be happier. :) He's such a great support system for me and my career. Even in my crazy moments he sticks by me. Love you booba, you're the best.

I REALLY need to get my butt to class. Taking

barre once a week is not going to get my butt back into shape! Next week, i'll work on getting better at that.

Hope you are well and cool!
~Sara~

Getting old.

2011-06-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

So, just a quick post.

I'm a little embarrased becasue all i did was teach last night and at some point in the evening i must have done a funny move to hurt my back. I don't even remember doing anything dramatic! I came home and the pain started to get a little worse. As Irolled overi had awful pain. It's in the upper part of my back and travels along the side of my rib cage. Here i am being lazy and resting my body and i manange to hurt myself. Kind of ironic. I'm hoping it's not serious because at this point standing, sitting, and laying down all hurt. Thank goodness for my lovely booba who bought me Bengay. It's the only thing that i numbing the pain for a little bit.

June Bug.

2011-06-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I got my contract in the mail for our upcoming season last week. I can't believe it's time to sign contracts already?! We start back August 1st and I CAN'T WAIT. Don't get me wrong, i am enjoying the lazy days of waking up (whenever i want) and wondering what Netflix movie to put on. Or, the days where i sit in bed trying to decide where I am going to take an open ballet class at my leisure. It's been fun, but i miss a REAL schedule and consistant class. (and of course performing)

I have my recitals this coming Saturday and i was asked by my director to perform a short piece in them. I get really nervous performing along side the students because i know the moms and dads are seeing the product of what they are paying for. Not that my performance will do much, but it's still a solo on stage. That would make me nervous any day! It's a circus theme so i bought myself a hula hoop and will do my best to fake some hula tricks. I have attempted a few 'tricks' (by tricks i mean throwing it in the air) already and when i'm not dropping it or hitting myself it looks pretty ok. Seeing my students on stage will give me the most satisfaction. Their progress over a span of a school year is amazing. I'm like a proud mama seeing how far they have come. Teaching gives me such a full feeling. Giving back what was given to me.

Today is another lazy day followed by my last Monday teaching. There will be some hard drilling of their dances to make sure they are ready for the stage! Hopefully a few open ballet classes this week so i don't pull anything when i prance with a hula hoop on stage Saturday! :)

My best to you all.
Do something you love, and do it with all your heart today.
~Sara~

Good Morning!

2011-06-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

A photo I took a few months ago.

I'm sitting here enjoying my french pressed coffee on a lovely cool spring morning. We just got over a mini pre-summer heat wave that really made me feel lazy. I did manage to take a ballet class at our studio with the students in NO air conditioning. Even though I was dripping in sweat before tendus, I felt good about the class and was nice to take a smaller class . It's been a while since we've had consistant class/rehearsal and i can feel my muscles having to work a lot harder to remember certain positions. Technique seems the first element to go when you don't dance everyday!

We are still on our layoff until the beginning of August and i am trying to keep myself occupied with recital stuff and get at least two classes in a week. I wish I could take class everyday, but money becomes such a huge issue. My boyfriend and i have a few weddings to shoot and we already had one a few weeks ago. The money from that really helps me and i usually set a side a chunk of it for open classes/gas money to drive to the studio.

I'm feeling positive and trying to keep that way going into the next season. We are getting a bunch of new dancers and from what i heard they are pretty good. I hate competition, but i can't help but feel that i will lose parts if i don't push a little. It's an awful insecurity that i'm sure other dancers share. I want to go into next season in the best shape i can so i can show my director that i am committed and serious about improving. It's time tostep my game up!

Summer is around the corner and wonderful opportunities are lining up. I'm ready!

My best to you all,
~Sara~

That's a wrap.(for now)

2011-05-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've been behind on the posts and i apologize for that. As i had mentioned before in previous posts I have been working on a pas that was performed last night at an award show for arts. I was able to walk away pretty pleased with how it went.

The stage was a bit small and the floor was a little slippery since we didn't bring our floor, but we made it work. It felt really good to be on that stage in front of all those supporters of the arts. I want to show them who we are and what we do. We are a small company and not a lot of people know of us. People were coming up to us saying that they have never heard of us before and they wish they would have. It was nice to network and finally have some possible new fans!

It was such an honor getting to perform that pas. It's so beautiful and full of moments that you can really connect to. I hope in future i will be able to do it on a bigger stage. One can only hope right?

I just feel really pleased in general. I have such a peaceful feeling in my heart knowing that i'm doing exactly what i've always dreamed about. This is who i am through and through.
~Sara~

A show!

2011-04-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

So, here i am enjoying my lazy time off when i get an email from my director. She asked me if i would be willing to do a pas de deux for an award ceremony our company was asked to be in. I am so excited because i have been wanting to do this pas from Eclipse since i first saw the ballet. It's more of a contemporary piece and the music/movement is just beautiful. I'm honored to be asked. I will get to perform the piece on stage in Atlantic City!!

Today was only my second day of rehearsal....and second day back to ballet. I am sore, but content. We finished learning the choreography today but i still have a bit to get back in shape. I missed ballet. It has only about a month too! I can't wait!!

~Sara~

Happy Earth Day!!!

2011-04-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

I am natures biggest fan. I want to celebrate today by enjoying the wonderful gifts we recieve from the earth. Take a moment today to truely appreciate everything around you. Pick up a piece of trash, walk instead of drive, plant a flower/tree, or just take a second to sit outside. Close your eyes and just listen to the life around you. The earth might have something to say. :)

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more.
-- George Gordon, Lord Byron

Spring in the air.

2011-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well i'm feeling much better and not so debbie downer-ish. A few days after i posted my previous blogg i got the yucky flu. I blame it for the bad feelings i was having. It really hit me hard and had me in bed for a few days. Coming out of it has left me feeling refreshed and motivated. I'm happy to be back to myself and will make sure to wash my hands extra after teaching my little ones. (where i most likely picked it up)

I should start getting back into class again. I've been trying to stetch a little here and there so i don't get too stiff, but i need a good class to kick my butt and sweat out some toxins.

I've been debating going for light jogs i'm just worried it will build the wrong muscles. The ideas of just running in the park with the birds and fresh air sounds really refreshing to me. I guess i can weigh the pros and cons of it.

Not too much else going on here. Lazy days followed by occationally teaching in the evening. I wish more was going on. I'd like to pick up added hours teaching and have been looking into summer programs. I hope i can get a nice line up so i'm not totally broke before our season starts back.

I will be assisting in photographing a few weddings this summer with my booba so that's some extra income. I can't wait. I love getting to make extra money working with my boy and best friend. :) I'd really like to see our mini side buisness of event photography take off a bit more. Landing some more gigs would really help me out.

Hope everyone is doing well!! Go outside and get some of that lovely spring air. It's alive and full of new hope.
~Sara~

Good Morning.

2011-04-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone! Today i will get my butt back into class. It's been about a week an a half now since my last class and my body and emotions feel it. I've been a bit depressed. This happens to me everytime the season ends and i'm forced to face life without a routine. It's the routine of getting up, bunning my hair, and mentally preparing for class and rehearsal that i miss. People that work a 'normal' job have consistancy(for the most part) that a performer does not. Our schedules change so often that we are always re-adjusting the way we do things. I hate change and need to have a routine to fall into. Adding class back into my life will change my mood significantly. I think dance will always have to be a part of my life. I feel so lost without out. It's who i am and how i express myself. When i don't have it i feel like i've lost my identity. I'm curious if other artists feel the same way? Not even just dancers, but all forms of art. Do you lose who you are when you stop doing what defines you? DOES it define you? My head has been swimming with these questions lately. I guess we all hit these road blocks in our career. It will all pan out i'm sure. We all have our purposes. :)

Getting ready for class now, my best to you all. Keep positive and go for what you want. Do what you love and you will be rewarded.
~Sara~

Bed surfing.

2011-03-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Our last show is officially and it went well. The energy on the stage was very positive because we all knew this would be our last show. It gave everyone an extra push of even after performing some of the pieces multiple times. I know i felt it. I remember a point where i just looked around and thought to myself, "this is my JOB, how did i get so lucky?" My body gave it's all and my heart felt so light. I can't wait to get on stage again. Now i just need to get through some down time.

To clear my thoughts from dance for a few days i decided to make a 'dream board'. I put thing on it that i want and will for my future. I say i will have these things not to be selfish, but to set a goal for myself and approaching them with a positive attitude. "Maybe" just doesn't cut it. Why can't we have what we want and love what we love? Sometimes our negative 'not good enough' attitudes get us in the wrong mindset and repeatative 'can't' gets us down. So today say "i will __________" and keep that positive outlook even when it looks dim. You might not have 'it' right away, but look around you, do you have a part of it already? Be grateful for what you have, after all, did you not wish for a few things that you do have in your life ? We all just need to take a step back sometimes and realize the wonderful things we have already and set those goals for our future dreams. Here is my "Dream 'i will' board" filled with just a few things:
(not really career related right now, that will be a whole new board later :) )

An Ending...

2011-03-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Our last show of the season was last night! I can't believe another season has come to an end and another season of trying to figure out what i'm going to do has started. More posting when i have recovered and rested my bod for a day! :)
~Sara~

Big Apple!

2011-03-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

We are off in those lovely stretched white vans tommorow for two shows in NYC!! I get a little bit more nervous for the shows there because there is more pressure to be perfect. NYC is such a huge hub for the dance world. When you go there to see dance people know what they like and don't like. We usually only perform so our audience consist of fans ofthe company or locals looking for something to do. New York will bring us dance critics, a possible booking agent, and other dancers curious to see who this small company is.

There was a lot of tension today in the studio. Last rehearsals before a set of important shows will do that. We ended up running and cleaning more than usual and ran out of time to run the last rep. piece. Yikes. I feel the most comfortable with that piece, but it still makes you feel a little anxious having not run and fixed little pre-show kinks. Hopefully we will be able to give the piece some extra time tommorow before the show. Keeping positive until then!!

Long weekend, bring it on!!
~Sara~

Warm it up..

2011-02-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

We are in rehearsals now for a set of shows (3 shows total) that we will be taking to NYC! This will be our second time returning there and i am very excited. We will have two shows there and i will get to stay overnite with a good friend who use to dance with the company.

I am in three of the four pieces so i have a lot of dancing to do. It's a good thing, but my body is feeling it. It's the end of the season and it's alway around this time when old injuries and new ones start popping up because of constant wear and tear throughout the year. Alas I have found a good solution for temporary help and pain relief. My plug in heating pad. I've been bringing it to class with me and warming up my hamstrings and hips before barre. It does wonders!! Having the heat allows my muscles to warm up quickly so stretching is less painful. It's my new best friend! :)

Season is over in less than a month, where did the time go? But more importantly...what will i do with myself?!
~Sara~

Be Mine.

2011-02-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!
My heart is filled with love today and everyday. <3
~Sara~

One day away!

2011-02-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that we are on stage this coming Saturday. During Nutcracker we rehearsed for about 3 or 4 weeks. Those rehearsals become more like a relearning and perfecting process since the steps are already in my body. In this next production I am really going to need to focus and concentrate to get the movements right. My body doesn't have the choreography completely set just yet. (considering we just finished the one modern piece today) I will really have to pull things together tommorow for our final runs. It's so bizzare to be on flat shoes more than pointe for these productions, but my feet haven't been complaining!

I'm excited. I have that lump in my throat not just from nerves, but from getting to perform a piece that requires you to push your body through drops to the floor and contractions. They aren't 'pretty' movements, but they are raw and show true emotion digging from the gut of your stomach. We were told by the choreographer to work off of breath. To let each movement have a rise and fall. We had to make the steps look effortless and she actually told us to mark and be off balance. Off balance?! Telling that to a ballerina is even more challenging than telling them to roll on the ground. I think in the long run we will pull it off the best we can. We shall see. These are the final hours!!

My best to you all,
~Sara~

I forgot what it felt like.

2011-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, we are week three into rehearals with about a week and a half till our valentines lovers program. It's going so quickly. Sometimes i wish i could just slow thing down because after this show we only have a few more and the seasons OVER. And this season just went wayyyyy to fast. I want to be able to dance forever!

But, even as time spins past me i am enjoying our spring rep. They are alllll contemporary pieces which is very different for our company. We had a woman come earlier this week to audition us for her piece. Six girls and three guys. I got picked and have bruised knees and a very sore back. I haven't moved like this since my modern classes in college!! It does feel nice on my body (minus bruises and sore) and i'm really feeling comfortable in body for once. I'm not looking at myself in the mirrow and seeing how i have bad turn out and arms. When i dance contemporary i can turn in, fling my arms, contract, and show real emotion. It's not for everyone, but i am certainly enjoying the switch up of movement!

Well, mr. groundhog says early spring, so we shall see!!
Hope everyone is well~
~Sara~

Is it spring yet?

2011-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Oh, well hello there spring season. Too bad the weather doesn't match! We are one day away from finishing off an interesting first week back since nutracker/winter break. My body is, of course, feeling a little rough. It's not as bad as i thought since i was a good ballerina and did a bit of stretching in betweeen cookies. Learning new choreography has been challenging since i haven't really done modern in about 4yrs. I am really enjoying it and feel like this will help me to be more well rounded again. It's so nice to turn in and get close to the floor once again. I forgot how much i did enjoy movements where you don't have to force turn out and a smille.

It's suppose to snow tonight and i'm hoping it doesn't affect my morning commute to class!! I'm suppose to learn a little pas de deux from a contemporary piece we have been setting on top of the modern one. I usually love snow days, but i really want to finish up these pieces so i can start putting myself into them instead of just learning the movements. I love getting lost in a role and i don't feel like i have accomplished true artistry until i have done so.

I need some warm weather and wine. I'm trying to get out of the winter blues these past few weeks. I keep taking myself back to the warm days of spring and picnics with booba. I'm such a summer child. Me and cold.....NOT friends.

Hope you are all well and not getting the 'debby downer' winter blues too bad.
~Sara~

My eye stopped twitching.

2011-01-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

For the first time in months my eye has stopped twitching.

I just got back from my yearly trip to Florida with my booba post Nutcracker/fall season. It's a way to celebrate getting through the first big chunk (and most challenging physically) of our season and enjoy some warm weather mid-winter. The warm weather for a couple days gives us a break from the cold and makes us excited for spring.

The trip is exactly what the doctor ordered. Two days into our trip my eye stopped twitching! A break from class, rehearsals, teaching, driving, and cold did wonders for my health and spirit. Don't get me wrong, I am in love with my life and all it's chaos, but when your eye twitch starts making you feel like a crazy person with a screw loose it's time for a break! I also think the vitamin D I received from mr. sun was a HUGE help. A gummie D vitamin can't compare to the real deal.

So company starts back next week and it's only now that i am starting to regret that big fruity cocktail and fried seafood. Ok, i am not regreting it at all, but come leotard time i probably will.

Spring season already?? I can't beleive it. I am more excited than ever. We are doing some really wonderful and some new pieces. I love working on new and contemporary choreography. It challenges my brain and awakens my artistry. Bring it on!

Now i just need to work on the six pieces i need choreograph for the students recital. Yikes. Lets see how long it takes before that i starts twitching again haha.

Of Florida. I miss you already.

Sorry for my long v-cay from bloggin! I think i need a disconnect. Hope you all are well!
~Sara~

Holiday rest!

2010-12-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! May visions of sugar plums dance through your head!

~Sara~

Evaluations.

2010-12-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we wrap up Nutracker after our final two shows this coming weekend. Where did the time go this season? It just zipped right by. I feel confident about performing having done the shows previously so many times already. I am still a little nervous for arabian because i have a new partner who has never done the part before. We have been doing ok in rehearsals this week, but stage nerves always get the best of you. I have faith that we will do ok. (fingers crossed)

Today after rehearsals is the dreaded evaluation. (dun dun dunnnnnnnnn) We have individual meetings with the director to talk about our progress in the season and what we need to work on for the spring. I never was nervous for these before because i don't mind getting things i can improve on, but i had a bad experience one year where i was left in tears. I know she was just trying to push me to be the best i can be as an artist, but it really hit home and left me questioning if i should continue. It was a very low point in my life. I'm very happy that i sucked it up and stuck with it. How could i give it up? Dance is my life. It choose me and i said yes. It becomes your life through and through.

I still have a bit of Christmas shopping left. After the shows, and after a glass (few) of spiced wine, i will finish that up. Can you believe Christmas is next week already??? I need a rewind button!

Happy Holidays to all of you! Be safe..and happy :)
~Sara~

A long weekend.

2010-12-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

We finally wrapped up our longest weekend of shows as of last night. It was tough this year for some reason. (Maybe i'm just getting old!) My body just feels like it was very heavy by the last show. I really had to push the last bit of energy i had to get through flowers. (which is the hardest dance i think i've ever had to do as far as staminia) It's a non-stop cardio work out with lifts and jumps and running and posing...it makes me tired just thinking about it. BUT, i can't complain because i always miss it when it's over. I feel bad sometimes complaining about something I am so happy and blessed to be doing still.

Two more shows to go!! Then it's resting, eating, resting, presents, resting. Then Spring Season! (which we have started already in between Nutcracker shows.) Hope everyone else doing Nutcracker out there are having good runs! :)
~Sara~

2010-12-04T12:22:00.001-08:00

At the theater for show one! Helloooooo butterflie in the tummy.

helllooo.

2010-12-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry i have been absent with my updates. We have been so busy with rehearsals and i've been picking up extra hours teaching i just haven't had time. That and thanksgiving break i spend being a zombie eating and playing video games with my booba. It was just what i needed to get away from nutcracker for a few days.

The past two days have been rough. My director has been really hard on me. Or at least that's what it feels like. Have you ever had those moments where you feel like someone is mad at you even though you have no idea why? I'm getting those vibes from her. She knows we have been working since Sat. and we are working an 8day week WITH two opening hows. Yet, she has been pushing me so hard to point where i feel like i'm going to pass out. I don't get it. Well i might be speaking out of total exhaustion, but i get those vibes that she's trying to push me for some reason unknown to me.

But, i won't let it get me down.

I have to focus and know my limits so that i am ready for two shows on Saturday. I know it will be fine. I just need to rest when i can and take care of my bruised body! Besides, it wouldn't be nutty nutcracker without some blood, sweeat, and tears....literally.

~Sara~

In full swing.

2010-11-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

Nutcracker rehearsals are in full swing and i am feeling pleasantly pleased.

I just feel a great sense of joy and happieness this time of year. Nutcracker is still such a wonderful ballet even if i've been doing it alllll these years. Something about it's magic never gets old for me. Maybe because it's story is something we always day dream about as children. I'm a sucker for fantasy.

This year i got Arabian again and a new role of snow queen. I feel very lucky to have gotten good parts even though i would be happy with any part really! I consider myself blessed to be still dancing and performing. I'd stand on stage in the back holding a prop just to get that feeling!

On top of my love of dance, i am deepening my love for photography. With the help of booba, of course. I am learning so much and really enjoying taking pictures. Booba and i shot a sweet 16 party this weekend and i just had so much fun working beside him and capturing those unplanned moments on a screen. It's so satisfying. I also got photoshop this weekend so i can fine tune the photos. I'm very excited.

Ps It's doesnt feel like mid-fall. It's lovely and warm. I'm not complaining!
~Sara~

Pjs.

2010-11-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hi!!!

The last Dracula show is over. It went wonderful...beyond my expectations. Sure i didn't have a perfect show, but i put my all into Lucy and gave her a great last time on the stage. Not to mention what a wonderful almost FULL audience we had. They were very responsive which really helps us as performers to get into our roles. There was a part where the brides come and wake me from my coffin for the first time and i roll up and show the audience my new fangs. As i looked out into the crowd i heard a guy go " ohhhhhhhhh my !!!!" Like i really was a vampire. It was so funny and i tried not to lose it on stage. Our board president came as well and told me i did fantastic job. He's so wonderful. I love how much he supports us and any praise from him makes me feel like we are doing our job.

So now it's time to bring on the Nutcracker! The company is laid off for a week and apprentices are in learning their parts. I am being my usual lazyself and sitting in my pjs all day watching movies and doing some lesson plans. I feel great. This little break will really refresh me for the upcoming rehearsals/shows. This time of year is exhausting, but at the same time makes me smille. There's so many wonderful things ahead:
-nutcracker!
-an away nutcracker show and a b&b with my booba :)
-(christmas) i'm already thinking of present ideas. Yes, well i do have some time on my hands
-End of nutcracker vacation!!!
Does anyone know an affordable all inclusive (or not) warm escape destination??

Hope you are all well~
~Sara~

Take a bow

2010-10-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today is our last Dracula show! I cannot believe how fast they went. I'm a little bummed about it because i look forward to this production every year and i always miss the freedom it gives me as an artist. This ballet really allows you to explore another side to your performance quality. You can add to the character you are playing and really get lost in the role. Both dark and beautiful, my director has really created something special. You just can't get the same emotions from sugary sweet Nutcracker.

Well i must keep it short. We have company class and then a full tech. run through before the show. I'm getting in touch with my inner Lucy! Here we go!

ps- what will YOU be for Halloween?
~Sara~

Aftermath.

2010-10-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

We had a long weekend, two shows in two different states. I feel they both went pretty well. Our director gave us a good speech before the one show telling us that we are really strong dancers. She wanted us now not to just dance the role, but to become it. I really took this to heart and let myself give in. Letting yourself get lost in a role is such an amazing feeling. You get transformed into another universe and live this person/things life for a moment in time and feel what they would feel.

I got to do Lucy for the first time yesterday and i definately had one of those moments where I WAS Lucy. There was no audience or stage. I was haunted and hunted by Dracula and killed by the suitors. I felt so alive after the show. Sure it wasn't perfect and it had it's flaws, but the satisfaction of letting go on stage and immersing myself in the role was amzing.

Today was had off to rest and our last show is on Thursday! I can't wait to get on that stage again. :)

Almost Halloween, time to do the finishing touches on my costume and carve a pumpkin.
~Sara~

2010-10-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Almost there to a very important show today! Blogging from the white van. :)

Crossing my toes.

2010-10-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

We have a busy weekend. Two shows this weekend and i'm flipping between doing brides on Saturday and Lucy on Sunday.

Todays rehearsal started off well. My director brought the Lucy costumes so i could practice moving in them with lifts. I got to do one section of the ballet, but we began to run out of time when she started working more on the brides dance. SO, i didn't get to run second act and only quickly ran through two sections of Lucy. I am freaking out. I feel so under-rehearsed and it makes me nervous because i have a bunch of people coming to see me do this role. I know i might be just freaking out and everything will be ok, but it so hard to not worry that it won't get well. We are our own worse critics! The only bit of comfort from the day came when my director leaned over to me and said, "I think Lucy is going to look really nice." It instilled some confidence in me, but it also said that she could feel my anxiety.

I will be crossing my toes during the Sunday show. Now all i can do is focus on Brides for our big show Saturday.

AND on a Halloween note, i am happy to say that i will be portraying Marie Antoinette this year with my booba as my butler. I can't wait. My wig, that i bought super cheap on ebay, just came today in the mail and it looks great!

What will you be?

A few days later.

2010-10-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of a butterfly the next day after our show. It really captures the feeling of flight of being on stage. And just as performing is satisying so was capturing this moment in a photo.

So, the show was last weekend and for a first show of this production i think it went the best it could. There are always going to be some problems that come up with stage crew, lights, dance moves ect. It's hard to avoid and reminds us that we do make flaws, but with those flaws we work to better ourselves for the next time.

Our next show is a very important one so this week is cleaning up our technique. I will also be rehearsing the part of Lucy since i am to perform her in the next upcoming show. I can't wait to get out there with a new character! Don't get me wrong i lOVE being an evil bride, but there is something about the role of Lucy that i can connect to.

I'm already thinking about nutcracker casting. Is that wrong? I guess getting through three more shows of Dracula should be more of a focus ha.

My best to you,
~Sara~

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2010-10-09T17:33:00.001-07:00

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Fall.

2010-10-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe it is fall! OR that it is October 2nd. Crazy how fast time goes.

I'm a little nervous about this upcoming week for a few reasons. a. I had to take off two days from rehearsal/class to be a part of a wedding. b. we have our opening show of Dracula this Saturday. c. I still have a big section of Lucy to learn. The part where she is turned into a vampire and gets killed by the suiters. Yikes. I should be perfecting movements not learning this close to a show.

BUT, on a positive note, the wedding was beautiful and i had so much fun. It was really a flashback for me getting to hang out with my best girls from college and watch our friend get married. It took me back to those days where you could stay up till the sun came out and function on 2hrs of sleep. I have great memories of those four years and i was able to have them all come rushing back for one night with the people i love around me.

I can't wait to get back to ballet Monday. I miss it already! It's crazy how much it is a part of me. It's my sanity and my insanity. Ask any dancer and i'm sure they would agree.

Today felt good. I got to go out and shoot some photos today with booba. I want to learn as much as i can. I love the way it feels to see a moment or image and capture in a way that my eyes perceive it. I have a LOT to learn, but i think every bit of practice and guidance helps.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Do something you love and tell someone you love them. Lifes too short to wait.

~Sara~

“Ballet's image of perfection is fashioned amid a milieu of wracked bodies, fevered imaginations, Balkan intrigue and sulfurous hatreds where anything is likely, and dancers know it.”
-Shana Alexander

So excited.

2010-09-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

I'm tired and it's been a long week so i'll make it brief.

Casting went up for Dracula this week and i'm doing Lucy!!!!! I am also doing my old part as a Bride and alternating with another girl. I have been waiting to do the of Lucy since we started doing Dracula. I'm going to do my best with this role and become the part.

Rehearsal for rep. have been going the same time we have been learning Dracula so it has been a bit rough. Our last rep. show goes on stage Saturday and then we will be in full blown Dracula mode for our opening show on the 9th of October.

Did i mention this was a busy season right now? :)

Can't complain, i'm doing what i love!

Hope you are all well
~Sara~

Relax/rewind.

2010-09-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

After a week off and lots of watching movies i'm back in the swing of things at the company. We had two new boys join us this week. One is from Japan and the other is from Romania. The guy from Romania actually danced with us about 3 years ago and decided to return back to the company after spending time home training.

I can't believe how many boys we have now! The boys in the company out number the girls. That is very unusual for us. I think my director was worried going into the season that we wouldn't have enough guys, but now we have more than enough. I guess that is a good thing. You never know who will stick around.

We have been rehearsing the rep. still from our last show in the Hamptons and putting the new boys in it. I love the pieces we are doing, but at this point i'm ready to be done with them and move on to Dracula. I am SO excited. I look forward to this ballet every year. It's such a unique piece for our company and appeals to a variety of viewers.

I really hope i get to do the part of Lucy this year. But, i'm not going to get my hopes up. I did understudy the role last year and got to fill in when the girls playing her was out sick a few times. So, guess i'll just keep my fingers crosed! But honestly, i would love any role in this ballet. I just enjoy being a part of it.

Alright my brain is going to shut down for the evening.

Hope all i well *
~Sara~

Good Morning!

2010-09-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

I have been lazzzzy.
It's true.

Our director gave us some time off after the show and the company members got layed off for an extra week. A show we were suppose to have the first week in October got cancelled so the budget was affected. Since we were unable to get paid for a week she decided to lay us off. It feels a bit counter productive for me becaue i was really getting back in shape. I am going to take class today in the city to feel a little less lazy and keep my body from thinking we are on summer break again!

I started teaching on Monday at the new studio and i just LOVED it. I am so excited to be part of a new dance/teacher family. They all are such wonderful students hungry to learn. I can't wait to share with them my love for dance and teaching.

This year is going to be a good one. And on a side note....
Wedding season is almost over. This year i went to more than i have ever been too!! And still to come is one i'm in the first week of October and then going to one at the end of October. Don't get me wrong , i LOVE weddings. They just don't love me and my artist wallet.

I'm entering this season feeling positive and motivated.
-Work on my dancing and stretch LOTS.
-When given a role, find ways to really study and become the character
-Teach to the best of my ability and make it fun for the students.
-Find a way to really engage them in the movement and learn the importance of dance.

I'm ready, lets go!
~Sara~

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2010-08-31T18:13:00.001-07:00

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2010-08-31T15:57:00.001-07:00

Well, class and rehearsal are over and now putting make-up on. Show opens in about an hour from now. Merde to us!

2010-08-31T06:25:00.001-07:00

In the van listening to my meditation podcast on our 4hr drive to the Hamptons! Ballet company road trip in full pursuit. :)

season opens

2010-08-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

We have our official first performance of the season in the Hamptons, NY tommorow!

I'm very excited to be performing again. Even though it hasn't been that long since our last show, I always am looking for that next stage to step out on and shine. It's such a wonderful rush that is hard to replace.

It's going to be a LONG day though so i hope that i am able to do my best in the evening. We leave 7:30am from the studio and drive up in two vans with out 5hr commute. Getting in around 12pm or so (traffic pending) we will set up and space at 2pm. Company class probably around 7pm and show opens at 8pm. Show ends about 10pm and we pack up and head back 10:30pm. Get back to the studio around 2am and i drive home getting to my wonderful bed at 4am. yike. Luckily we have off the rest of the week so guess what i am doing lots of. Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. (and yoga later in the week)

It will be a fun adventure with new and old company members. We will be able to get to know each other better and bond. These are always great opportunities to get closer with your fellow dancers. I can't wait. :)

My best to you and your dreams - however big or small*
~Sara~

ouch.

2010-08-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Worst blister ever. I feel like i wore pointe shoes for the first time ever. Wearing my new shoes without wrapping my toes first was a bad choice. I ended up with some pretty bloody and unhappy blisters on my big and little toe.

This of course also happened on a Monday so i have been struggling to keep them clean all week. Today we had dress rehearsal in the studio and after running one piece i couldn't take the pain any more. I'm usally a tough cookie when it comes to pain, but this was unbearable. I HAD to take my shoes off and put my flats on. My director understood, but i still felt bad for my partner who didn't really get to do the piece full out with me.

I hope these heal quickly and i can get my shoes back on without flinching. The show is just around the corner!! AND teaching is starting up soon as well.

Time to put the peroxide on the toes and rest my legs!

~Sara~

Rainy Sunday.

2010-08-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hi!!

It's a rainy Sunday, but that's ok. I feel like it's justified to be lazy today. Being back with the company feels great even though i still don't feel 100% back in shape like i was back in April. I am regaining my stamina back slowly.

Our show opens in about a week. I can't believe that we will be on stage so soon again. It all feels a little surreal, but i can't wait. I always miss the stage and performing the most.

This year is really shaping up to look like a good one. I have a great new partner who is tall. We are a shorter company so getting a tall guy for once is such a nice change. He is a bit older too so he knows how to partner well and picks up quickly to where i need to be as far as turns and lifts. It's great when you have a partner that is really in tune with your needs. The chemistry on stage will be better and you will be able to get through any little mess ups without being noticed.

Besides the company i will be starting at two new studios teaching this year. I feel like there are new doors being opened this year and although i don't adapt well to change this is a positive step in my life.

Here's to a new year that is already promising to be a good one.

What are your plans/goals ?

~Sara~

Hello!

2010-08-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well i'm back!

Recap:

*Colorado was BEAUtiful. We went on a train ride through the mountains that just showed the true beauty of the landscape.

*The wedding was wonderful. They got married in the woods by a stream. It was so lovely and i know they will be happy together.

*At the reception they had a salsa instructor come and teach an hour lesson. Even though i was date-less, i had fun. The instructor came over and danced with me for a bit and even taught me some new moves they weren't showing other people because i was picking it up pretty quick. (future career? hah...probably not, i'm just good at faking it)

*This week finished up week one back to the company.

*Re-learned the rep. pieces and finished two of them.

*I'm still getting to meet and learn the names of the new dancers. There is a handful of them and the most i think we've had all season. They all are very nice and quick learners

*It will be an interesting season and one that i am very excited for.

My brain is fried from a very long first week back. From being lazy most of the summer to full time really knocked me out. My body is sore, but my mind is in the right place. Lets DO this. :)

~Sara~

Bye!

2010-08-05T07:21:00.001-07:00

Well i'm off to Colorado in about 5hrs for a wedding of childhood neighbores. I was suppose to go stand-by with my parents, but the flights are all booked so i'm traveling solo!! I'm excited for my first flight alone. I still remember my first time traveling to NYC by myself going to an audition. Every little adventure alone makes me feel more confident in my independance. I like being able to do things on my own, itmakes me feel accomplished!

I'll be back Sunday with just enough enough time to sew up some new shoes and head off to company class Monday morning. It's going to be a little rushed, but I'm ready to head back into the studio.

Yesterdays master class i taught went really well. I love teaching and sweating, sometimes more than the students. I know that i gave them my all. After i taught there was a guest teacher doing a contemporary class and guess who took it, ME. It felt good to dip into another style. Actually, it felt GREAT. I didn't realize how much i missed the other forms i use to take in college. You get so wrapped up in the daily ballet class that we forget our body CAN roll on the ground and contract. Today i am feeling sore so it's good that i just have to sit on a plane.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Updates when i return :)
~Sara~

Birthday birthday birthday !!!

2010-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

I still have two hours left of my birthday so I figured i would milk it.

I had a wonderful birthday; breakfast, games, the ZOO, and a lovely evening drink (or two). This years birthday was a great one. AND the first time ever i had a suprise party. (thanks booba) I'm all smiles.

AND, i'm off to slumber because this birthday girl has to teach pretty early tommorow morning. Busy next couple of days coming up.

I hope everyone is well!
~Sara~

Angel project.

2010-08-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

I got to have another wonderful photoshoot with the photographer i worked with a couple of months ago. The project he is doing is a benifit for all the local police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. I brought with me two girls from our company so it was nice to not be alone completely in front of the camera. He also snapped from shots of us for a tutu website that he works with. It was a fun day for sure!

I love that i will have these captured memories for when i am older. I can look back and remember all the great adventure this dance path has taken me on. I am so, so lucky.

I am also very lucky because last night my booba threw me a suprise party for my birthday. (well, my birthday day is Tue. but it's easier to celebrate on the weekend) I felt so loved to see all the people who came out. I also got to sing and dance the night away. AND had a delicious cake that booba picked up for me from china town - chocolate with chocolate fudge frosting...YUMMMM.

One week in counting of break left before back to the company!
Birthday Tuesday, and teaching in the evening.
Teaching a master class on Wednesday.
Thursday, leaving for Colorado for a wedding!
Coming back Sunday (dads bday).
Company class/rehearsal Monday.
BRING IT ON! ;)

~Sara~

The turn around

2010-07-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have to start off this post by first thanking everyone who responded to my desperate cries for help on how handle a group of 7-8yr olds in ballet. I can't tell you how helpful your ideas/thoughts were and I really appreciate the feedback!

THANK you.

The class went SO much better. I don't know if another teacher gave them a stern talking to or what, but they were on a totally different level than they were in the previous weeks. For their choreography class i decided to collaborate with them. I had them come up with a story/theme. They all wanted to be bees. So, i created a piece around the day of a bumble bee and it was probably the most fun they have had all week. In the end we created a really cool piece of choreography. I found that involving them more and letting them have a voice (besides a loud,complaining one) really helped them focus and engage in what we were doing. It was also my last week with them.

I finished a piece of choreography that i set on the older campers. (really mixed group, age wise) I feel pleased with the work and how they are presenting it. It's harder for a younger group to express certain emotions so i try to give them big traveling steps that occupy alot of space. I feel like this forces them NOT to hold back and allows to open the door more for self expression. I told them to connect the movement with a story in their head. I know they will do well on Friday when they present the piece. I feel satified that it is a finished piece of work. It's like i was in thereapy and got it all out of my head. That's the release after a piece is done for me.

Well i hope everyone is well. Things are looking up still and i will continue to push ahead a little more everyday. I am blessed to be able to be a teacher while being a student - always learning everyday - still. I am blessed to be able to dance still and express myself. I am blessed that i am able to support myself with what little money i bring in. It's worth it to do something that i love and sacrafice not having deigner bags or my nails/hair done. It's the little things that matter most.

My best to you!
~Sara~

ps- i apologize for my grammer and spelling mistakes in my posts. I always go back and re-read older posts and slap my hand to my forehead for some of grammer mistakes i make. I think i need someone to proof my posts before they go out to the public! :)

pps- the wedding booba and i shot was beautiful. We made a good team and got some great pictures out of it. It was also wonderful practice for me. I can't wait for the next one!!

Chin up! (pointe your feet)

2010-07-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Things are looking up!

I finally got a semi-schedule organized for next year and that makes the OCD in me calm down. I think as dancers our need for control and perfect spills over into our everyday lives. Things need to be certain and have a sequence. I am very pleased that i got the job i interviewed for. I feel that this studio will help me grow as a teacher and further fine tune my abilities to lead.

Speaking of abilities to lead, how do you convince a groupd of 7-8yr olds who hate ballet to enjoy it?! The youth camp i am teaching this summer is just not grasping the idea that ballet can be fun. I make the class easy and fun with lots of jumps, but i still get the "this is boooorrring", "i don't want to do this". It's very fustrating. That age group can be really rough and i feel that some of them are merely there because their parents needed a place to put them in the summer while they go to work.

I am having a good summer camp experience overall. I LOVE with the new studio i am teaching at. Such wonderful students hungry to learn. I feel like i can give them so much material and they just eat it up wanting more. It is a good fit for me and i really hope i can pick up one day a week with them at least.

Last weekend i shoot an engagement session with booba that went really well.(http://specularhighlight.blogspot.com/) My choreography skills came in handy with coordinating different shots. I think my dance background will help with my photography practices because i already know a bit about lines and aesthetics. Although i have a LONG way to go learning about photography, i feel like i have a great teacher (thanks booba) and an open mind (and eye).

Shooting my first wedding tommorow!! I am SO excited. I just love this couple. We hung out with them and ate chinese a few days ago to talk about shots they would like. They are very layed back and will be easy to work with. AND it's a wedding on the beach, how beautiful. I love being an assistant.

Exciting things are happening and i feel blessed for my triple excursions. Which follow , from my heart, in this order:

Dancer.
Teahcer.
Photographer.

My goal for this coming season is to excel in all three to the best of my ability. I feel fullfilled. Isn't that untimately the goal in everyones journey here?

What drives YOU?

My best to you all
~Sara~

Camp time!

2010-07-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

Teaching summer camp kicks off today! Thank you 100+ heat wave for your timing.

I am actually really excited to start teaching today. I have missed the studio and it's only been a couple of weeks. This studio I am heading out to today seems really laid back and I already know a couple of the students. I interviewed there last week (as i had posted previously) and felt right at home. I hope they are hungry to learn! :)

Tommorow I am planning on taking company class and then i have a marathon of teaching 10:30- to about 6pm. (of course with some small breaks in between) It is at our companies international summer camp. I am VERY excited for this one. I teach arts and crafts, ballet, and two workshops!! I finally get to choreograph again and get all those ideas and movements out of my head. It's amazing how quickly they start pilling up in there when you sit around the pool all day like a bum drinking margaritas. (which i have enjoyed completely) It's time to get MOVING again.

I am teaching a demo-ballet class for another place that i interviewed at last Friday. I was horribly late to it thanks to fouth of July traffic, but i think it went fairly well. I really hope i get it! $ <- this is making me nervous again as per usual.

Almost a month to go before company starts! (yikes!) I am boot camping my butt back into shape when this heat wave stops frying us like an egg.

Here's to summer dance camps and lazy weekends!
Hope everyone had a great fourth of July (where is the summer going??)
~Sara~

I'm back

2010-07-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

On the ocean in Cape May!

I had a lovely trip to Cape May last weekend to celebrate my six year anniversary with booba. It was very relaxing and i came back feeling refreshed.

I have two interviews this week for possible teaching opportunities for next year. The first one was today and it went well. The owner was very sweet and i look forward to teaching there this summer and hopefully into next year! Another interview tommorow and i'm sending out a few more resumes. I choose dance as a career and now i have to work three jobs to support it.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

We got the schedule for the company next years - all the tour dates,places, and shows. It's got me excited to go back and be on a real schedule. Better start taking more classes to get in shape. We start August 9th...a few days after my birthday. Bring it on season!!! ;)

Hope you all are well.
~Sara~

Melting.

2010-06-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so i love living in a city and all, but when it gets hot and humid like this i feel like i am inside an oven!!! I'm in the living room with a tiny little ac blowing on me still sweating and it's only 10:02am. Today would be a good day to run away from the city...and i think i shall.

I took class on Tuesday. One of the boys in our company taught and there were only three people. So, needless to say, it was very intensive. I'm glad i went (minus the no AC in the studio that day) because it felt good to be covered in sweat and finally be moving again. Dancing in the heat is good for your muscles. They get warm very quickly, stay warm, and you just feel more limber. Not to mention all the toxins that build up in your body that come out of your pores. You feel very refreshed after classes like that. Even better after a shower.

I'm still trying to get my butt into more teaching hours as i know summer will fly quickly. I really need more hours and money. It's so scary to think about how i'm going to pay my living costs, but i'm trying hard to make it work. So far i have two 'new' studios in line for next year. I will be interviewing for them both next week after my trip with booba. We are going away for two days to celebrate six years together. Crazy, time flys and i still feel like we met only yesterday. He's my greatest support team (minus my parents, which is a given) and i can't wait to spend two stress-free days on the beach with him. <3 booba.

We are getting new apprentices in July and i have a teaching schedule for our schools summer program. I'm excited to be choreographing again this year for that and i hope maybe i can set a piece on the new girls coming in! I feel exciting things are coming. I miss teaching and i can't wait to get back into the studio with a for real schedule. Don't get me wrong, i love being lazy and having time off, but a week is enough for me!

Ok, seriously, get me out of this living melting pot. I'm out of here!!! Peace out to the city.....helllllllooooo my parents pool. I know the won't mind a visit ;)

~Sara~

shameless plug...

2010-06-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

...for myself.

http://specularhighlight.blogspot.com/

as in dance and all other things, practice make perfect (well, hardly perfect) See my photos of the world around me when i'm not in the studio.

Summer is upon us.

2010-06-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

To start off, Romeo and Juliet was beautiful.

I'm off to compmany class today!

I got an email earlier in the week that our director will be teaching class this afternoon for those company members that our still hanging around. I'm a little nervous. Although i was a good ballerina and took two classes last week, my body is no where in the shape it was when we had our last show back in April. I just hope it is an easy class so I can walk tommorow.

On another note, i'm trying to organize my summer teaching schedule. I need more hours!! Money really has me worried for the summer into the fall. It has really taken over my brain for the past few months. Now that the recitals are done and no company till august, i have no paychecks coming in. I just want to be able to pay for the apt., bills, and food. I'm willing to suffer for my art, but surviving is another thing.

Positive note: I am teaching a modern class this summer. It's exciting to get back into the movements. I haven't really been exposed to much modern since college. I've been watching videos, boughts books, and studied up on modern dance to refresh my brain and give the best class i can to the students. It will be a modern/yoga class. I wanted to create a fussion of these two because i feel they are closely related as far as concepts. Creating this class will benifit the students and allow for movement exploration.

Ok, time to bun the hair and get the old leotard on. Have a great day everyone!

~Sara~

Productivity

2010-06-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Students from the recital on Sunday. I love my students :) photo by ME :)

Today i took a really great class with a teachers in the city that i took a master class with back in the winter. My knee behaved for the most part. I was pretty stubborn and shook it off everytime i felt it work against me. The class was good. I just wish i didn't have to wait a month before taking it because i felt so out of shape. On a positive note, the teacher remembered me from the winter class and gave me tons of correction on top of calling me by name. I felt really honored that he would take the time and gave me pointers that really made sense. I'm really going to enjoy going there for my 'getting back in shape' classes. I'm kicking my own butt and getting things done. Hurray for being productive!

Happy Hump day, off to teach a demo class for prospective students tonight then relaxing with booba.
~Sara~

To the pointe.

2010-06-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Again, reports are minimal and i am taking adavantage....ok, being lazy...with time off from the company. The dancing for the companys wine tasting fundraiser fell through because my partner disapeared off to teach up in NYC instead. My director was upset at this since she had a piece picked out for us and everything. Another girl from the company will be dancing instead. I'm very ok with that. I got more knee resting/recital prep. time.

First set of recitals open Sunday! I can't wait to see my students on stage. I'm like a proud mama when it comes to them. It feels so wonderful to give back in this field. :)

Class tomm.....if my knee behaves.

Side note.....when did we skip spring and head right into summmer? I'm melting in this lovely no ac apt. Also, teaching tonight in the BROKEN ac studio and in the NO ac gymnastic gym. I'm going to melt away. I know there is 'hot yoga' but is there such thing as 'hot ballet'? It's happening tonight for sure.

~Sara~

OH....also, Romeo and Juliet ballet opens friday. I can't wait to go on a date to see it. That is by far my favorite ballet. The music, emotions, dances, everything about it moves me. I know i'll probably cry. How can't you? :)

ah, Wednesday

2010-05-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

My cat does yoga.

Hellllo :)
It feels like summer today! It makes me happy, hot, but happy. AND luckily, tommorow is tech. rehearsal for my one studio so i will be inside for most of the day in lovely free airconditioning. I'm excited to see my students dance the pieces they have been working on the big stage. All the rewards of working hard through out the year pays off.

I also am finishing up some last min. touches on costumes/props. I've really been enjoying making some of the details for my costumes this year. I feel like it is a substitute artistic vent since i haven't been dancing with the company. And you know what, it really does help to release that built up stress. I can see myself getting into the arts/craft field when i retire. It makes me almost as satisfied as dancing. Well, ALMOST. Nothing beats dancing though. That will alway take the cake and leave me feeling the most alive. I feel like i become a whole person when i dance. It's hard to explain, but performing shows the person that i am deep inside my heart and soul.

That being said, I need to do that 'taking class' thing again ASAP! But, probably not happening this week with recital stuff happening. I think i'm going to head over to an open class here in the city soon. I just wish it didn't cost money. I hate having to pay for a class. Money is tight to begin with! Well i hope everyone is well, i wish i had more exciting news these day, but downtime leaves me sitting around a lot figuring out future plans. I'm sure things will pick up soon!

Take care~
~Sara~

Maybe probably sore tommorow

2010-05-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

i'm not sure who took this picture, and i feel bad not giving it due credit. It's a cool shot.

So, i sucked it up today and drove out to the studio for class. I think i have been holding back because i was afraid to see how my knee would react to it. Luckily it went ok. I didn't stay for jumps because i didn't want to push it. I've been off for about a month now and doing too much at once is a bad idea. I will try to take another class Friday or Saturday. Wedding for a past company member on Sunday! I can't wait. It's going to be a big ballet reunion with girls i truely miss dancing with. And the bride and groom i know will be lovely. I can't wait to see them officially married. (they were already married in my head for years now)

It's beautiful out today. I'm off to teach in a bit. It's my last Thursday class/rehearsal with the students before their tech. next Thursday. I know they will do great. I'm so proud of my students. They are just such a great group of kids and i have really enjoyed getting to know each of them over the past year. I hope i was able to teach them something they can take with them in the dance field/life.
Yay for the up-coming weekend!
~Sara~

thinking of a solo.

2010-05-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Loving this band.
Also thinking of choreographing a solo for competition to it.
My thinkings of the day.
~Sara~

Chin Up.

2010-05-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance for any 'debbie downer' posts that have been sneaking in here. Three weeks without class has caused my dancer depression to sneak its way in. With no outlet to release my emotions, they get bottled up inside with no proper outlet. It's so crazy how your whole body adapts to your environment. One alteration in your everyday routine throws the chemicals off. Anyway, i'm trying my best to avoid the ever creeping "am i good enough? what am i doing with my life" demons that pop into my head. I guess i just have to keep in mind that everyone forms their own opinions. Not everyone i going to like what you do and that doesn't make it 'wrong'. Trust yourself and what you believe in.

There , got THAT out the way.

Anyway, my planned class for the week fell through. The truth is, i think something is wrong with my knee in a more serious way and i'm scared to take class to find out i can't move it properly. It's been hurting every time i teach. It's so awful when your body starts to give out on you. I'll keep you updated on it's progress.

I'm have a bad week so i think tonight i should do something to cheer me up. Maybe a date with booba.

Music editing tommorow for recital stuff.

Have a great weekend!
~Sara~

A new project

2010-05-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

www.craigbillow.com

Happy Monday everyone!
Booba show went very well. It was nice to have a room full of art and artists. He had a great turnout so a big congrats goes out to him. And a as proud girlfriend i'm sharing some of his pictures/illustrations as promised.

I'm off to teach tonight. Cleaning up the recital pieces is in order for this week. Possibly class this week?

On a side project, i have started a photography blog for myself. Booba got a new camera and i have been using his old one. I've alway enjoyed photography and felt i could see lines well because of my dance background. I want to use the blog as practice and a place to get advice. Check it out if you are interested: http://specularhighlight.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful day
~Sara~

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Julie Kent taking class with child. She is amazing.

To all you moms out there, take today to relax and be pampered. I will be spending today with my mama just hanging out around the house and appreciating all she has done for me. She's my biggest support system and I love her endlessly. Now go hug your mommy! :)

~Sara~

Happy Birthday Tchaikovsky!

2010-05-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

"Pëtr Il'ich Chaikovskiy, IPA [ˈpʲɵtr ɪlʲˈjitɕ tɕɪjˈkofskʲɪj]; often called Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky (pronounced /ˈpiːtər ˈɪlɨtʃ tʃaɪˈkɒvski/) in English) (May 7, 1840 [O.S. April 25] – November 6, 1893 [O.S. October 25])[a 2] was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. Tchaikovsky wrote music across a range of genres, including symphony, opera, ballet, instrumental, chamber and song. He wrote some of the most popular concert and theatrical music in the current classical repertoire, including the ballets Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, as well as the 1812 Overture, his First Piano Concerto, his last three numbered symphonies, and the opera Eugene Onegin."

Well, i finished my last recital piece last night. RELIEF. Now all i have to do is clean all my pieces. I'm very happy to be finished with the choreography end of the process. Picking mama up from the airport today. She was out visiting her sister. Hopefully i will get my butt into class next week and probably starting rehearsals soon for the wine tasting in June.

Big opening thi Saturday for my booba and his Yoga/Ballet inspired illustration/photography. I'll post picture of the piece after the show. They are really lovely.

T G I F!
~Sara~

upcoming.

2010-05-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

My sweet Onna :) (you know a picture of her ends up in my posts when i'm feeling a little bummed, she makes me smile ) photo by : ME :)

I've been good and have rested now for about a week. (besides teaching) Trying to get this good'ol knee back to good.

I'm on a mad hunt for teaching hours. I'm loosing hours next year and it has me really worried about my financial situation. I guess that comes with the territory of being an artist. We are always looking for ways to support ourselves outside of our career. I really do enjoy teaching and I am feeling a little discouraged. I always thought i was doing things correctly and passing my knowledge down, but recent events have made me question my abilities as a teacher. I hate that feeling. When i am with a group of students I always try to make the class fun , but also challenging. I want them to get as much as they can out of it. I just feel a little let down. What can i do to be a better teacher and to keep the students engaged and coming back every year? That question keep floating around in my head.

Well, not much to update today. It's humid and uncomfortable and i'm trying to organize a busy month of May with recitals, techs, and weddings. Hope everyone is well!

~Sara~

A great experience.(and a vanity post)

2010-04-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

So, i had my photoshoot yesterday with the photographer i had mentioned in a previous post. It went very well dispite my nerves i was feeling before the shoot. I was nervous because this was someone who is a big deal in the dance/ballet photography biz and also because of standing in front of a camera that isn't boobas. You would think i would be use to it by now i know, but it's just an unfamiliarity with how a person works and if they will like what i am doing. He made me feel comfortable right away and i was honored to be able to be part of his art! It was a really great day.
I have been just feeling very positive overall. I always come to these great revelations while i am driving somewhere in my car. (car rides make for great thinking/bad singing/choreographing time) I thought to myself, "Wow, i am so blessed. I have such wonderful opportunities and loving people around me. How does it get this good?" I think we all need to take those moments to step back and look at the whole picture instead of focusing on little things that really aren't soooo bad in our lives. Those good things usually out weigh the bad anyway by a long shot. I am just content and excited to see where this life takes me next! But for now, i am satisfied drinking my coffee and writing this blog to those of you out there who read it. Thank you for taking the time to read my silly little rants. :) I do apprecitate it and feel happy that art can make these connections.

My tip of the day: do something that makes you happy. Even something as little as taking a nap in the sun.
~Sara~

Goooooood Monday Morning

2010-04-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

Morning! I'd like to say it's a beautiful morning, but the weather is blah and rainy. Nothing too eventful has been going on as far as dance is concerned. I got to take class yesterday which eneded up being one of the most cardio ballet workouts i've taken in a while. Being out of shape and injured, it wasn't exactly the kind of class my body needed. It was enjoyable and i was able to ignore my knee for a bit. I know i should be resting my knee, but i got asked to do a photoshoot with a pretty well known dance photographer in the area. I don't want to be a complete mess when i go tommorow. (tue!) Not going to lie, I am feeling a little nervous for the shoot even though i'm comfortable in front of the camera. I will update i'm sure after the shoot.

I was going to take another class today, but i think it would be best to rest since i have to teach tonight for a while. I'm almost done all my recital pieces. One more to finish tonight then clean clean clean them!

I am watching the documentary "Margot" today. I am very excited. She was truely the definition of 'ballerina'.

Have a good one.

~Sara~

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-22T07:05:00.001-07:00

this is my ode to earth day from the photoshoot with booba.

Happy (40th) Earth Day everyone! Wear your green, and DO something green. <3

Short one.

2010-04-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this video because it really inspires me. I'm resting today again before teaching tonight. It's really hard to not go and take a class. I know i need to rest the knee. I'm being good. Have a lovely day!!

one week

2010-04-19T07:26:00.001-07:00

Julie Kent. Still my favorite till this day!

We have been off from the company now for exactly one week. I have taken exactly 1 and a 1/2 classes since then. Not to shabby.

Unfortunately, my knee is still bugging me a lot. I rested it for a good four days and made it through a full class no problem. Yesterday, after stretching before class, i noticed the tell tale signs that it was going to give me problems again. Of course today it is swollen and i can't straighten it all the way. LAME.

I am planning to seriously rest it now. I learned my lesson. It's so hard as a stubborn dancer to just sit still and NOT take class. But, i need to listen to my body that is throwing signs at me to rest it a bit longer. I have till the end of May at least when we start learning rep. for the fund raiser in early June.

Stupid knee.
I hate getting old.
But it is lovely out.
And i have a photoshoot with booba today.
yay.
happy Monday to everyone!
~Sara~

A post for Simay.

2010-04-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you SOOOOO much. <3<3<3 We opened your package today and were like kids on Christmas. You are so sweet and we miss you! (so does your little poop she was smelling the box and making sad faces, she knows it came from mommy!)
you.
are.
awesome.

done!

2010-04-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

All shows are now finished and the season is over. It's bittersweet. All those hour spent in the studio and at the theaters now come to a short ending. I will miss it all in a few days. Until then i plan on resting my injuries and getting some things done i haven't had time to do before. I think overall it was a great season. I will miss my company friends. We all become so close that it's hard to break that bond and seperate. Especially those gone off elsewhere next year. I will miss them most. Today is a day of rest today followed by a round of much needed food shopping! My best to everyone.

~Sara~

Booba had a photoshoot yesterday with my favorite girls and I. I love how he captured us in the element that allows us to shine. I love my ladies and these pictures. <3
www.craigbillow.com

Reality.

2010-04-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the meeting went well. Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement!

I walked into the meeting not knowing what to expect, but she sat me down and began by asking what my plans were for next year. (if i was staying or not) I responded with , "I would like to stay, but only if you want me here". She said she did want me here, but let me know that she doesn't think next year will be any better than this year. (money wise) I told her i realized that and i was happy that we were still surviving in this economy. Which really is true. It was nice to sit and be honest with her about the company and how negative behaviors were effecting everyone even if it was coming from one person. All in all it went well. She talked about things i need to improve on , but overall how she felt stated that I have gotten stronger and that my parts have reflected it. I left feeling confident. I'm just blessed to still be dancing.

Our last show of Sleeping Beauty is tommorow and our last rep. show is Sunday. Two days and it's over. Crazy. I'm a little nervous for the shows not because of choreography this time, but because my knee is, for a lack of better term, gone 'poo' on me. Oh the reality of getting older. I've been resting it and icing it for the last two days and it is a bit better. I guess we will see. Being a stubborn dancer i will just dance through the pain and baby myself later. Ah, the life of a dancer.

Merde to us and a good weekend to you!

~Sara~

and to put you in a good mood watch this video. and watch the tiger on the left.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN9XrTL76iA&NR=1

Company meeting.

2010-04-05T17:49:00.001-07:00

The show went kinda rough this past saturday. It wasn't BAD just very unpolished. It was obvious on a lot of the dancers faces that we weren't ready completely for the show. Instead of enjoying the time on stage and dancing comfortably through the movement we looked scared. The time on stage was spent thinking ahead what step was next instead of thinking about acting. I'm sure with the extra weeks rehearsal next weekends show will be better. Oh and i also messed up my variation by skipping a step and having to make up half of it to make up for time. Our director said at least i covered it well. Ugh, i wish sometimes there was a due over button. I would be using it right now.

In other news, on top of running the Rep. show this week AND Sleeping Beauty, we have company meeting with the director. We will be meeting with her individualy to talk about what we will be doing next year (staying or going) so she knows who to hire from the audition. I'm so nervous. I'm previous years this meeting did not go so well for me. I'm afraid she doesn't want me to stay. I wish i was more confident sometime or that i had a back up plan! Being a dancer is so scary. You work so hard for such a short amount of time to shine. I feel very anxious. It's a good thing i'm on spring break from teaching this week! At least i will have the evenings of to relax and de-stress. Oh , and this weather is just lovely! I'm trying to stay positive!!

~Sara~

Show Day!

2010-04-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Our eggs for the bunny to hide Sunday

So today we open with Sleeping Beauty. I'm pretty nervous, but i think after our spacing rehearsal i will feel a bit more confident. I know the other company members are feeling the nervous tension since many have never performed the ballet before. We did pretty good getting it together in two weeks. That took a lot of concentration and focus from all of us. Some die hards even went to the studio yesterday on our day off to run a few things on their own that they were still feeling uncomfortable with. Me on the other hand spend the day resting, going to eat Mexican with my family and booba, painting Easter egss, and going out for a quick drink in the evening. I'm feeling semi-refreshed in the spring air.

Here's to show day! Merde to us!

~Sara~

Huh?

2010-04-02T06:06:00.001-07:00

www.craigbillow.com
The director giving us a day off the day before the show? I can't say i understand it or think it is a good idea, but I certainly will take it with 70 plus degrees forcasted for today!!

oh and i finished another recital piece last night. Every piece finished is another weight lifted off my chest.

Happy Good Friday!

~Sara~

Rehearsal.

2010-03-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

I love this artist. I have a few of his pieces framed : David Delamare
check him out! I swear he makes art from what's in my head. I wish i could pose for a piece.

We got to rehearse today with a performing arts highschool that will be doing some parts in Sleeping Beauty. There were a TON of them and we barely all fit in our little studio. It was pretty productive for the company because we were forced to treat the rehearsal as if it were a show. I think the students were happy to get to be there and sit in on our rehearsal. I'm sure it was a good exprience for them and their future careers to see how a company runs first hand. I like that they are doing the shows with us. We are a smaller company and to have them share the stagesame makes everything feel larger. There is just something about watching big groups of people move together at the same time that still is impressive to me. Power in numbers!

I still need to get a game plan together for my time off in two weeks when shows wrap up. I need to find a new studio to pick up some more teaching hours on top of my current teaching. I think i'm going to be taking a cut in hours and i'm getting nervous about this stuff -> $
I'm also going to research some more company stuff. Even though it seems pretty pointless because a. audition season is winding down if not finished b. NO places are really hiring anyway because of economy hurting the dance field. I picked a challenging career. It's short and discouraging at times, but fullfilling. That's what is important anyway.
Oh, and i have no regrets, at ALL.

Two days till the show!!

~Sara~

2010-03-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I was really quick to get ready for the show! Now just doing final makeup touches and putting the pointe shoes on. Merde to us!

Part 2.

2010-03-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Degas <3

Show day part 2 today!

I am feeling MUCH more confident about these shows today. The extra week of rehearsal and having done it already on stage makes me feel more prepared. I'm sure my fellow company members feel the same.

One of my favorite movements of the four rep. pieces has to be when i am on stage performing a variation with four other girls. I have danced the longest with these girls and we sync well together. When you have been dancing and performing with the same people you being to share similar styles and expressions. I can almost feel what move they will do next and hear the thoughts that are in their heads. We can predict each others moves and dance with fluidity. It's nice and i hadn't really noticed it till given this chance to dance together with them.

Well, i have a long day ahead. (mostly in travel) I hope everyone has a lovely weekend planned!

~Sara~

under the weather..

2010-03-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Well, i'm feeling a little sick today so i'm taking the day off from company. It started Monday night while i was teaching. It was hard to breath because my chest felt heavy and my body ached. I'm sure it's nothing, but i want to take today to rest to make sure i'm ok for the rest of the week.

Sleeping Beauty rehearsals started Monday and i'm sure we will start running the rep. show tommorow for our show on Saturday. I enjoy being this busy right now but fear the end of it come mid-April. I have to, once again, find things to do with myself to stay in shape (without breaking bank).

Nothing major to update besides trying to knock whatever this is making me feel poo. I wanted to share with you some of the pictures booba took of me this past Sunday i had posted about earlier. I really like the way they turned out. :)

Oh and here's a plug for him :) - www.craigbillow.com

Cheers!
~Sara~

blisters.

2010-03-21T15:10:00.001-07:00

picture from last nights show. I'm glad he helped me to "get the leg up" haha.

Sorry. I didn't get to update via the show. The second we got there we were rushed onto the stage for a photoshoot for promotional work and then we had spacing/tech rehearsals following right after. We JUST finsied tech. in time to finish putting makeup on and get ready for the opening of the show. Crazy.

The show went......ok. We all were feeling a bit under rehearsed. What should have been a clean show felt more like a tech. rehearsal. But, it wasn't awful and the audience seemed to enjoy it. Some guy in the front row was clapping along to the pieces. It made me feel inspired and smille extra big. Having a good audience really helps the performance feel more like a performance. You know people are enjoying it so you give that much more to them.

I'm looking forward to our show next weekend. I feel that we will be more together and can just enjoy performing it instead of worrying what the next steps are.

Today i spent outside with booba. It was so nice. I feel like a new refreshed person. Oh, not to mention we had a photoshoot.(had a picnic and drank meade) I will be posting them once he edits them. I wanted to do a shoot with him and I in it instead of just me. I like sharing the screen with him. :) <3

Hope everyone is well and most importantly HAPPY :)

~Sara~

Vernal Equinox

2010-03-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring.

What great weather for the first day of Spring! Oh, and i'll be stuck inside all day teching for the show at 7:30 tonight. Well, at least Sunday is suppose to be just as warm and we have off. (yay!)

I'm a little nervous for the show tonight. I think my parents are coming along with booba. Another week of rehearsals would make me feel better, but nothing we can do about that now! I'm going to try and do the pieces as full out today in tech. to make sure i know what i'm doing!

I'll try and report via my phone at the theater.

Go do something outside today!
~Sara~

booba and i had a photoshoot last weekend. I think this should be my new headshot. We were going for a flash back to the 1930s "Noir" look.

green day.

2010-03-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! AND Happy Birthday Rudolph Nureyev

Im sure i have Irish in my heritage somewhere? Well mostly German, but still. I will be sporting a green leotard today in honor of and i'm debating stopping and picking up the company something green to eat. Maybe donuts or cookies will do.
Yes, i am the cheesey one in the company who will bring valentines day cards to hand out atill.

Rehearsals have been progressing. I can't believe we open on Saturday. It feels so soon and i know an extra week of just running the program would help. Unfortunately, our Friday show cancelled. I haven't heard details on why just yet from our director, but i'm going to assume it's from poor ticket sales. Hopefully Saturaday we will have an audience!! Nothing is more discouraging than stepping out onto that stage to hear crickets instead of clapping. (wa-waaaaaaaaaaa) Keep our fingers crossed!

On a side note, it is getting warm and lovely out. My body just absorbs the fresh air and sun. It makes me so happy and refreshed. Amazing how Mr. Sun can change my mood almost instantly. Guess that's the Leo in me.

Ok, time to get ready for class/rehearsals and finish up my coffee. (i love you coffee <3)

Go ahead, wear something green and eat an irish potatoe today. It will make you smille!
~Sara~