Holiday rest!

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

~Sara~

Evaluations.

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.

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~

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

helllooo.

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.

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.

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~