Nutcracker Week

Nutcracker Week is here!

Saturday and Sunday were complete run-through's in costume at the Studio, while, at the same time, a crew of volunteers were loading everything into the theater.

I had hoped to attend rehearsal on Sunday. Bill was scheduled to oversee the load-in crew. I awoke and didn't feel very good at all. But with the help of a few medications, I decided to go. I'm so glad I did.

I have special permission to sit by the mirrors and watch the whole rehearsal. I even gave some opinions on costuming, took a few notes for the Director and chatted with one of the little dancers who sat next to me. I also sketched and hope to do some paintings of the dancers soon.

I was very worn out about an hour before we could leave - but I had a wonderful time! Most of all, I enjoyed being with Ellen!

The pictures I've shared in this blog are Ellen and one of her friends, Leah, in their "Doll" costumes. They love to laugh and this old fashioned hand game is one they do in their "Doll Box" (in the dark) before they are let out to dance! :-)



Tonight is what they call a "Tech rehearsal". They are the longest, most trying rehearsals for everyone involved! I stayed home with Chris tonight. We did a bit of Christmas baking. He made the most delicious Apple Cranberry pie and I made Orange Cranberry Bread. Yum!

Bill and Ellen will be home very late. Tomorrow is another Tech rehearsal - one for each of the two casts. I won't go to that either.

But Wed and Thurs are Dress Rehearsal's and I hope to go to both. They are not open to the public at all, but once again, I have special permission to be there, and even have a special spot sitting next to the Director during these rehearsals too. Jan is a good friend and so sweet to include me as much as she does. I can't wait!

Thanks for letting me share my joy of watching and experiencing Ellen's gift of Dance! Isn't she a cutie?

Costumes are copyrighted to Columbia Dance
No copies of the images or costumes are allowed.
Thank you.

Little Dancer Hugs

Yesterday, I had a physical therapy appointment. It's in the same building as my daughters dance studio. She's a Sr. and is dancing some great parts in the Nutcracker this year. But, as a HS credit, she's learning to teach creative dance and early ballet classes.

Before I was sick, I started the creative dance program at this studio. I taught it several years, but due to my illness had to pass it on to a new teacher - who has done a wonderful job. But I miss those little dancers and my involvement with the studio and the Dance Company.

Yesterday, after my PT appointment, I went to watch the end of the ballet class - the class my daughter is learning to teach.

The Artistic Director and I have been great friends through the years, but rarely see each other now that I'm stuck home ill.She waved me into the studio and I went and sat by the mirror and watched the little dancers.

After class, they always give their teachers a hug. Yesterday, Jan, the artistic director, introduced me when I came in. Afterwards... she sent them all over to me to give me a hug!!!

I really miss little dancer hugs!!! And it was so wonderful to get some yesterday!

Today I am very thankful for Little Dancer Hugs!!!

"The young women will dance for joy,

and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration.

I will turn their mourning into joy.

I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing."

Jeremiah 31:13