From Plies to Pirouettes

December Fitness Routine

2011-11-29T15:48:00.004-05:00

Ok, recently I've decided that I need to step up my workouts. A few crunches and releves aren't cutting it. I've moved past that stage. It's about time. I've been doing them for 2 1/2 years.

After doing a bit of research (and by research I mean Pinterest) i concocted a recipe for my daily workout.

FIRST OF ALL. I am taking this pledge:

1. Drink one glass of water every hour. It will make you feel full. 2. Drink ice cold water. Your body will burn calories just getting the water to a normal temperature to digest. Also it is great for your complexion. 3. Drink 3 cups of green tea daily. It will help boost your metabolism, plus its anti-oxidants make your skin look great. 4. Take vitamins daily. Do not take vitamins on an empty stomache, otherwise they have nothing to catalyze with. 5. Eat ice or gum when hungry. This will make your body think it had food without the calories. 6. Eat spicy foods. They raise your metabolism. 7. Take cold showers because your body will burn calories to heat you back up. 8. Brush your teeth so you won’t be tempted to eat afterwards. 9. Wear a rubberband around your wrist. Snap it when you want to eat. 10. Use smaller plates and utensils so it seems like you ate more. 11. Chew each bite of food thoroughly and then take a sip of water between bites. You will feel full quicker and will not eat as much. 12. Sleep at least six hours a day. If you get less than six this can lower your metabolism by 15%. 13. If you start to feel hungry do sit ups. 14. Pamper yourself! Give yourself a facial, paint your nails, anything to make you feel pretty. 15. Keep track of everything you eat to manage your weight better. 16. Keep good posture, burns 10% more calories when you sit up straight. 17. Make a list of all the “bad” foods that you crave and tend to binge on. Each day, pick one to take out of your diet that you cannot eat again. Take one off the list each day until there are no more bad foods you can have. 17. Avoid alcohol! A shot of liquor has 100-120 calories, a glass of wine has 80 calories, a lite beer has 110-120 calories, and a regular beer has 140-170 calories. 18. Avoid eating anything bigger than about a cup, your stomach will expand and then you’ll get hungry more. 19. The smell of coffee is thought to supress appetite. 20. Wear applied lip gloss. It makes you more aware of what’s going in your mouth. Also, flavored ones may help with cravings. 21. Have 6 small meals a day. 22. Low calorie hot chocolate curbs chocolate cravings, and makes you feel full. 23. Take a picture of yourself wearing a bathing suit or something equally important to you, look at it before you want to eat. 24. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to realize the stomach is full. 25. Eat lots of fiber. It makes you feel full and takes fat with it out of your body. The natural cleansing helps improve both your energy level and overall feeling of wellness. 26. Before you dig into that cake, bag of chips, candy, or whatever, take a deep breath and count to 100. Usually by the time you get to 100 you will have convinced yourself that you don’t really want it. 27. Celery actually burns calories. Every hour eat a stalk of it. Not only will it fill you up, but it will also get your metabolism kicking. 28. Read the nutritional information. Remember, fat-free does not mean calorie-free. 29. Keep an eye on fiber content. Get as much fiber into your diet as you can, while cutting fat and calories. 30. Don’t eat a lot at once. Spread your food throughout the day. This will help to avoid binging and keep your metabolism going. 31. Avoid alchohol. 32. Do not eat in front of the computer or TV. This distracts you from recognizing you’re full. 33. Stay away from Slim-fast and other so-called “healthy” candy bars and shakes… one look at the nutition facts will tell you why. Save yourself the money, and the calories. Buy yourself some flowers instead -- they make you happy. 34. When having cravings try drinking a tall, icy glass of water with slices of lemons or oranges - sometimes what you think is hunger is really thirst. 35. Remember, an occasional binge doesn’t hurt, in fact it’s quite beneficial if you have reached a plateau (stopped losing weight). Just don’t binge too regularly! 36. Love and respect yourself and your body.

It's quite the read, but read it through and you will want to take it with me.

SECONDLY, I am going with this plan:

"Set your alarm for 6am. Don’t groan when it goes off and pull the covers over your head, get up and start your day. Put on a baggy top and running shorts. Go downstairs and pour yourself a nice big glass of ice water. Cut up some fruit and mix it in with yogurt. Add some granola. Now go outside. Stretch for 10 minutes. Skip for 5 minutes. Jog for 10 minutes. Run for 10 minutes. Walk back. Lay out a towel on the ground and lie down on it. Do 50 crunches. Yes, they hurt, but they are 100% worth it. When you’re done, get in the shower. Use a nice smelling shampoo and matching conditioner. Shave your legs and wash your body. Exfoliate your face. Get out of the shower and let your hair air dry. Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, good for you. Do this every day and you will continue to love yourself. If you don’t like what you see, do this every day and pretty soon you will. Being lazy might feel good at the time, but being active feels better in the long run. How badly do you want it?"

Now, to that plan I am making a tiny adjustment. Along with the 50 crunches, I am adding:

3 sets of wall holds, for as long as I can

15 to 20 bent-knee push-ups

20 chair dips

40 second plank into tummy tucks (as many as possible)

30 donkeys

20 front lunges on each leg

Jumping on the trampoline for (at least) 10 minutes

SO. here is the total workout:

"Set your alarm for 6am. Don’t groan when it goes off and pull the covers over your head, get up and start your day. Put on a baggy top and running shorts. Go downstairs and pour yourself a nice big glass of ice water. Cut up some fruit and mix it in with yogurt. Add some granola. Now go outside. Stretch for 10 minutes. Skip for 5 minutes. Jog for 10 minutes. Run for 10 minutes. Walk back. Lay out a towel on the ground and lie down on it. Do 50 crunches. Yes, they hurt, but they are 100% worth it. Then, 3 sets of wall holds, for as long as I can. 15 to 20 bent-knee push-ups. 20 chair dips. 40 second plank into tummy tucks (as many as possible). 30 donkeys. 20 front lunges on each leg. Jumping on the trampoline for (at least) 10 minutes. When you’re done, get in the shower. Use a nice smelling shampoo and matching conditioner. Shave your legs and wash your body. Exfoliate your face. Get out of the shower and let your hair air dry. Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, good for you. Do this every day and you will continue to love yourself. If you don’t like what you see, do this every day and pretty soon you will. Being lazy might feel good at the time, but being active feels better in the long run. How badly do you want it?"

THAT is my December pledge.

oh. boy.

2011-11-29T15:29:00.003-05:00

ONCE AGAIN.

I go through a long bout of being unpredictably silent. Oh, me. Why are you so fickle? One moment you LUURRRVVVV blogging, and the next you don't post for a month!!!

Aye Aye Aye.

At times like these I wish I was a pirate.

here is what happened since my last post:

1. HALLOWEEN. I went as none other than Jack Sparrow.

2. I went to DisneyWorld. (fun stuff)

3. I went to the mountains for a weekend.

4. I had Thanksgiving dinner with my best friends and their family.

5. I got sick.

6. I watched every Disney Princess movie in a row.

7. I am watching last year's Spring Concert with my 6 year old sister while she sings every single song. Did I mention she has Ethel Merman's voice?? Yeah, I have a headache in places I have never had them before.

7. I decided to blog while I still have the chance.

8. Did I mention I haven't been at school for 3 weeks? vacation + Thanksgiving break + sickies = i'm gonna get smacked with reality like a one-eyed porcupine.

whew!

So, while I veg out on the couch with oreos and ballet concerts, I decided to get stuff done. Pointless stuff that means a lot to me. Like blogging and making a work-out routine. My all-time biggest excuse for working out it that I don't have a routine. Well, while I still have time, I am making one!! I will post later when it is finished! I hope that some of you will take the pledge with me :)

Sincerely,

Rebecca

2011-10-05T20:35:00.002-04:00

I couldn't have said it better myself.

I am so embarrassed about my July post. I will NEVER quit dance and I will try my hardest to NEVER quit Plies. I cannot thank you enough for all of your encouraging comment - I love you all so much!! And for that other dancer...... well, she's 2233.2 miles away. Ancient history.

In the meantime, I will give you a run-down of what has happened since then.

1. I visited with a good friend who I hadn't seen in 8 years
2. I had another bithday
3. School/Ballet started
4. I planned a trip to Disney
5. I auditioned for Cinderella
6. I got the part of one of the stepsisters
7. On September 29, 2011, I made a trip to Dance Fashions Superstore with my ballet teacher to try on none other than.................POINTE SHOES.

Yep, I got my pointe shoes. I haven't even had them for a week. They don't smell bed yet :)

Quick question for experienced dancers: Is it normal for the satin to come off of the toe within the third wear? 'Cause mine did.

Well, are we caught up? I hope so.

I decided to change my theme to Halloween, so I would be obligated to change it in less than a month, ensuring that I will stay connected with Plies :)

Love,
Rebecca

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies

2011-09-05T18:56:00.005-04:00

Hey ya'll! It's a rainy Labor Day down here.......... and so Pinterest consumes my day, instead of homework.

I am a nerd. via Pinterest (duh!!)

I am a nerd. I KNOW I should be working. I feel so bad, skimping out on homework to blog and repin and repin again.

It's time to get the pack of 318562881356 cans of Pumpkin at Costco...... via Pinterest

But what a loverly day to sit back and bake some pumpkin chocolate chip brownies. Yep, I've got a recipe for ya'll! It's time to get the pack of 318562881356 cans of Pumpkin at Costco....... It's fall! Finally...... for any others out there who live in the South, you KNOW why I am so happy. For others who are unaware, it is HOT. Too hot. So hot its not fair. I can't wait until its cold.

Recipe Adapted from this loverly lady.

Enjoy!

2011-07-06T11:55:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry about the last post. I meant most of what I said, except for the quitting parts. I will keep Plies alive, but I can't post everyday. I am definitely keeping up ballet classes. After taking my first summer ballet class yesterday, I replenished the aching part of my body. My mind clouded with thoughts as my pique turns got faster and faster. Eventually, I did a semi-double without falling over. That's a first for me. My body does not like turning.

Thank you so much for all of the warm comments. I have never felt more cyber-loved. I know that I am not strong enough for pointe, but I just want to be. Because that other girl has never been nice, I felt like she didn't deserve them, you know?

Will return,
Rebecca

a depressing matter

2011-07-05T09:29:00.002-04:00

Hi. I am writing this post while I am on vacation because it needs to be written. Other posts have written about the general matter, but this post is coming from my heart. I woke up this morning in tears because my feelings were so strong.

Last night at a Fourth of July party, a fellow dancer came up to me. She is quite younger than me, very immature, but she has amazing feet. She asked me when I was getting my pointe shoes. I told her the truth, this fall or winter if I work hard. She responded in a snotty way, "I am getting mine Thursday." Now, you must understand, my dance teacher is so kind, she sends out an email saying who will get their pointe shoes, so that no other dancers have the shock in class. I was told of three dancers getting their pointe shoes by my mom several weeks ago at home. When this dancer told me of this, I was shocked, and it was all I could do not to burst out in tears.

It's not selfish. You might not understand, but I've worked harder than that dancer. No doubt I am happy for her, but it's just depressing.

I sometimes doubt if ballet is worth all of the heartbreak. Maybe I'll quit after summer term. I don't know. Maybe this is just one little speed bump in life that has flattened my tire. Will I wrangle enough courage to put the spare on? Or will I wait for someone to rescue me?

Dancing is heartbreak. As long as I dance, my heart will break. After I get my pointe shoes, there will still be more instances. Why me? Why couldn't my mom have put me in ballet class when I was two? It's not her fault. I have so many thoughts spewing out of my fingers.

Alone in this messy room, I feel small and weak. I have a voice telling me it;s not worth it. "Why don't you just stop the painful mornings of prepointe? Throw away that theraband. Just throw out your ballet bag and never return to classes!"

My face is damp with tears. It took so much guts to write that. Ballet is hard, but that's why I do it. No one knew about these hidden feelings, but now you do. I had them all bottled up inside. I had to let it out. If I told one of my ballet friends, it would get around and make a huge fight with that one dancer. If I told a non-ballet friend, he/she wouldn't understand and would flip out over my tears. If I told my mom, she would make me do something I didn't want to do. Talk to that other dancer. That's the last thing I want to do. I never want to see her face again. She's moving in a few weeks. This may sound horrifyingly horrific, but I can't wait. Her brother is one of the sweetest boys I've ever met, but she has been nasty and rude ever since I met her.

I hate ballet. I love it, also.

I'm sorry I ever promised to keep up with posts. I knew I couldn't. I might not ever again. I might come back, once a week, month, year, but I'm not sure. For now, I just want to curl up in a corner and die. I love the 3 people who read my blog with all of my heart, and I will cherish you forever.

Goodbye.

2011-06-25T16:55:00.002-04:00

Going on vacation. Will return on Monday, July 11th. Hey, at least I warned you this time. I may have a few posts from my phone, but I may not have internet connection out in the booneys.

2011-06-24T23:23:00.004-04:00

Soon I will post a tutorial. I prepared one for you, but then I found out that someone has made something exactly like it, and I wanted to avoid getting accused of stealing it. But I will give you one. Unless I get paralyzed, decapitated, lose an arm, leg, or any other valuable body part, receive an iron lung, have a heart transplant, get in a car wreck, get amnesia, break my ankle, get appendicitis, or something possible but not likely happens.

I swear on my very own pas de chats.

2011-06-22T17:39:00.001-04:00

I have a tutorial coming up for ya'll. No, I didn't miss a post.

It's raining.

Strange things happen in my sewing room while it's raining.

Strange things.

Like tutorials.

Stay tuned for the next episode.

My Dream Laundry/School Room

2011-06-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

Whadya know? I did put a thoughtful (husky) post in for tonight? How generous of me!!

I got Photoshop working sooner, so I made one (three) of my color palettes that I used to make forever ago!! This time, they actually are for something. Not just random pics.

I was browsing Pinterest (my all-time favorite thing to do now that I made an account this afternoon), and I made a board of a bunch of stuff I would like in my dream home. Now, I have one of these, so I will be printing out pictures and sticking them in it.

Here is the first collage:

Top left-hand corner: Loving the fabric mini-curtain! I would use some Cath Kidston Fabric. I love the map, which gave me the idea of combining the laundry room and school room (I am going to homeschool). I can do laundry while I teach the kiddos! Perfect!

Lower left-hand corner: So cute! I love this!!!

Lower right-hand corner: This is just too cool. I thing I would wait to make this until my kids were older (5-10) and I would put their favorite books on the steps.

Lower left-hand corner: Can you tell I'm in love with window seats? I just love the magical feel! I would stock the bottom shelf with vintage books of all sorts, like this one.

Center: Why did I never think of organizing books by color? It looks so shabby, yet elegant.

Upper right-hand corner: More window seats...

Left: Oh yes! I would have loved to do my schoolwork in a tent! Plus- no bug bites! I love the precious chandelier!

Right: This is a great idea! It would fit perfectly in the laundry room! Plus, un-dealt with mail can haunt me forever until I deal with it.

I hope you enjoyed my fantasy dream room as much as I did!!

2011-06-21T19:27:00.002-04:00

tonight..... there may or may not be a post. well, actually there will be because I am posting now. what I mean is, there might not be a fat post. husky, chunky, if you will. it will be kind of bare and scrawny.

I am finally installing Photoshop.

This might take a while.

How Graceful is Green Tea?

2011-06-20T19:41:00.004-04:00

Recently I was reading a post on BalletDancersGuide.com about the importance of Green Tea. Occasionally I drink tea, but I didn't think it was as healthy as water until I did some studying.

This is a table I created of the three main vitamins and antioxidant found in Green Tea.

If you can't read it, click on the image and it will get larger. Green Tea contains lots of vitamins, and us dancers love vitamins, don't we?

You could have a meal of Crab, swiss cheese, blackberries, potatoes, and chocolate for dessert, and you would have the same vitamins as you do in a single cup of Green Tea.

Before you get all "Well, maybe in the winter, it's hot now." You will forget. So, this summer try some iced Greed Tea. Brew some up, and pour it onto some ice. It tastes the same, same vitamins, but it's summertime! We can't be walking around the house with a cup full of hot tea! We might melt!

What's even better that iced Green Tea is Green Tea Ice Cream. Yum........ If anyone has a good recipe for it, please tell me! I will be testing....

If you drink at least one cup of tea (not including ice cream) per day, I can guarantee that you will see an improvement in your dancing. Depending on your body, it might not be big, but it will be an improvement.

Shopping for Leotards

2011-06-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

Warning: this is a post for girls ONLY!!

Ugh. Shopping for leotards. Everyone hates it. Ugh. Double ugh.

I can help you search for leotards by following these simple rules, online and in stores.

My all-time favorite online dance store is discount dance. It has trust-able products at affordable prices. Nuff said.

The best brand out there is Eurotard, which Discount dance does not sell unfortunately. I own 4 leotards currently, two of which are Eurotard, 1 is Body Wrappers, and 1 is Capezio. To be honest, I dread wearing the Body Wrappers and Capezio. It's horrible.

This is the Capezio one I own. It has no shelf lining at all. Shelf lining is the extra piece of fabric on the front of the leotard for extra support. You ALWAYS want extra lining.

Plus, This on has a very funky bust seam. It bunches and twists all weird.

This is the other one I have. I hate wearing this one even more. Where do I start? This one did not have lining, only in the bust area, so it is not firm around the stomach area. This lining was described as "supportive". HUH! It's not at all. While I was dancing, The sides kept slipping inwards, and somethings that were not meant to be exposed were almost exposed. To keep it from slipping, I had to sew the straps, which were loose. It still slips. The back is very low, which I prefer, but there is also very little fabric around the rear area. The elastic around the leg holes is very tight, which makes a odd lumpy figure on my seat. Save yourself, don't buy any Body Wrappers Leotards. I also bought a nude camisole which is the same way. Yeesh.

Save everyone else, too. Have you ever tried Natalie, Dance Department, or any other brand? Have you had better luck on other websites? Write a review! Comment or post the link here on this post and it will be shared for everyone else!

The Perfect Ballet Body

2011-06-18T13:16:00.001-04:00

Let me introduce a new part of Plies, Class is in Session. This is where I let the lectures that bubble inside of me loose. Just Kidding. I am going to be your "Educator" for numerous things. No, I believe in self education, so actually you will be your educator. You will read my thoughts, and then brew on them until you do something about it that makes you happy. Let's get started!

Our first class is about the perfect ballet body. Don't click that red button in the right upper corner. Just don't. This post will benefit everyone who reads it. Trust me.

Take notes! They will come in use when you are feeling down. Keep them in your ballet bag. When taking notes, make little bubbles. Bubbles make me happy.

Bubble #1: No perfect ballet body.

It's true. If you think about it, there is no such thing as a perfect ballet body. But there is such a things as a beautifully translated body whilst dancing. See the difference? If you don't, I will tell you. A perfect ballet body is something you may never acquire, but you can control a beautifully translated body whilst dancing. This is not to be confused with "lying" to everyone. That is not a good quality for a dancer to have.

Bubble #2: Use, don't clench.

When dancing, you use muscles, correct? When muscles are used, they change shape, correct? very rarely do they make you look heavier. For example, your abs. When you look in the mirror, and turn to the side, lift you shirt up. I'm not one of those idiots who just tell you to "embrace your body the way it is, because it will never change". Look at your stomach relaxed. Not everyone's is a pretty sight. Now, use your abs. Don't suck in your stomach, don't clench. Just use them to hold a beautiful alignment.

Bubble #3: The Healthy You.

Even though I cannot see you, you probably look 100% better than you did relaxed. Now, Don't walk around everywhere with your abs clenched, that's not what I'm getting at. And don't suck your stomach in either. Sucking in your stomach and using your abs do the same thing, but they have a different result. They both make you appear thinner. But using your abs makes you look healthier, not thinner, not heavier.

Bubble #4: (choose your own) Adorable, Beautiful, Cute, Delightful, or Elegant

When choosing your body type, you can't lose! The best way to choose you body type, is something called a Missus Smarty Pants ID Me. Let me walk through the 5 basic body types. I am going to use the descriptions from the website. All credit to MSP.

Your legs are slim and your bottom isn't very big or round. You have hips that are narrow. Your torso is straight with little waist definition. Your shoulders also appear wider than your hips. Your bust is usually small to medium. You would like to have more feminine curves.

Many people envy your shape, but you're not sure what to wear to look your best. A Personal Profile will show you how the right clothes can really add the feminine curves you want!

(This is my body shape)

You have a feminine shape, but sometimes your clothes make you appear heavier than you are. You're not always sure what styles are best to play up your assets.

Your legs are fairly shapely and your bottom is rounded. Your curvy hips balance with your shoulders. Your waist is defined to undefined. Your bust is usually average to full.

Your hourglass shape is the desire of most women, but knowing how to dress it will get your looking your best everyday!

Your bottom half is larger than your shoulders. You carry most of your weight below your waist. Your waist is defined to slightly undefined.

This is a PLUS size body type.

Your legs, hips and bottom are ample. You may have some waist definition. Your shoulders are average to smaller compared to your lower body. You carry most of your weight in your lower half.

You want coverage, but don't want to skimp on style. MSP knows the fashion industry is only now realizing what REAL women look like! MSP will get you up-to-date and delightful!

This is a PLUS size body type.

Your legs are fairly shapely to full. Your waist may have some indentation to undefined. Your bust is usually full and your shoulders broad.

See how pleasant it is? I am proud of being a "B"eautiful person! Have you noticed that none of these REAL body types are ballet bodies? hhmmm......

You are a beautiful person. You may not be as strong, tall, thin, graceful, or pretty as the dancer next to you, but you are beautiful, inside and out. The world or your classmates don't determine how beautiful you are, you do.

Princess Camp Diaries: Pictures

2011-06-17T20:56:00.001-04:00

During the Princess Camp Diaries Week, I had left my camera at the studio on numerous occasions. These are the photographs that were trapped on a little blue card in a silver box. There were so many, I had to put them on slideshows by the day. There are no photos of the first day, because I forgot my camera, and someone took photos of the performance with a fancy camera.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Princess Camp Diaries: Day 5

2011-06-17T19:45:00.002-04:00

Last day! I will definitely miss my little girls!

I have decided that the post above you will be a post of pictures. I don't want to re-edit the other posts.

Yesterday, my teacher gave me all of the little girls' coloring pages. I have a binding machine at my house, so last night I bound all of them together with a personalized cover for each girl.

This is Elle's cover.... can you tell?

I brought the coloring book this morning, and today the campers drew a picture of themselves on a blank page in the back.

You know the routine already, games, stretching, ballet class. Next was snack, and after that our dance teacher gave a devotional. After talking with our little campers, we practiced each dance once or twice.

Finally, it was time for the performance. All of the moms and dads arrived and took seats outside the marley floor. The first dance to be performed was Maggie's dance with Isabella, Elle, Lilly, Gracie, Kariss, and Meredith. These were the younger dancers, ages 4-5. They danced to a song from the Beauty and the Beast, "Something There". Alaina helped with that dance.

Next was Savannah's dance with Jadah, Nedage, Lucy, Marin, Hailey, and Erica. These were the older campers, 6-8. They danced to "Ever After" by Carrie Underwood from the movie "Enchanted". I helped with this dance.

Yes! It was my dance! The finale! It went perfect. We waltzed through Belle, swam through Ariel, swept through Cinderella, skipped through Snow White, and napped through Briar Rose. It went easily without any falling, tripping, or yelling. It was so cute!

After the performance, we gave our little campers their boxes, and talked about what good princess qualities they had. Over the week, we had been slipping little rewards into decorated boxes when a little camper shared, helped, cleaned up, etc. The week before the camp counselors had a huge sleepover while we decorated the boxes.

Then we had to clean up. ughgh. But it went pretty fast with all of us working. Afterwards, we had lunch, then we went home. Then, I wrote this post. Tada!

I hope you enjoyed your virtual princess camp! Pictures above!

Princess Camp Diaries: Day 4

2011-06-16T16:15:00.003-04:00

Whew! I am sooooo tired!

Today was as usual, we colored, I made Cinderella and a dancer from our recent concert. We played free dance and made a straddle split "pizza". Kiera taught the ballet class again today, and Savannah did music. After barre, they did skips and leaps, and all of the camp counselors did a combination for the little girls.

After ballet class, we all had a huge tea party (once again I will post pictures later because I left my camera at the studio). We had small treats like cupcakes, cookie, brownies, and rice crispy treats. We also had sugar cubes and cream to go along with it.

After tea, we read stories and took pictures of the campers on the throne (pictures!). We went over the dances, and then played games until all of the parents got there.

four days down, one to go! aaahhhhh...

Princess Camp Diaries: Day 3

2011-06-15T19:00:00.002-04:00

Third day... this post might be a bit bare...

Once again, we colored while everyone waited. Lucy, Jadah, and I drew Coppelia this time.

Same as yesterday, we stretched and played movement game that had a princess theme.

Savannah led today's ballet class. I helped with her music.

My mind is kind of blurred right now, I can't exactly remember what we did in the center, but it was most likely skips, leaps, runs, twirls, anything princessy. I know that the play Rocks in the Garden, a freeze-dance game.

After a short snack and some lemonade, we listened to Kiera give the devotional again, and we played Frog, Frog, Princess with the campers.

After practicing their individual dances, the older and younger campers joined to learn the end of my dance. My song is The Princess Dance on Disney Princess Tea Party.

For a craft, we traced our camper feet in first position, which, because of their poor turnout, made the shape of a heart. They then decorated it with stickers and crayons.

Sorry about a small post, my memory is kinda wiped today. I'm super tired.

Princess Camp Diaries: Day 2

2011-06-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

Second day down! Three more to go..........

The campers came one by one, and they sat down and colored. Jadah, Lucy, and I colored The Firebird and Sylvia.

Like Monday, we were led onto the marley after coloring. Emma and Maggie led us in some games and stretching.

Today, Kiera taught the ballet class. I felt bad because all of the little campers wanted me to teach it, but they had fun anyways.

Kiera led them in some skips, leaps, ballet walks, and some free dances.

Like Monday, we had snack, and then we did a devotional with Alaina.

Our little girls were really eager to get all costumed-up, so we picked out their costumes, and then I taught them my dance. Because it was longer than the others, I wasn't able to finish it.

After this, we took their costumes off, and we headed into the back room the make crafts. Today, we made cards for loved ones. Jadah was hiding her card from me, because she made it for me. So sweet!

All of this also took about 3 hours.

Yesterday I promised pictures. Today I left my camera (memory card) at the studio. Sorry!

Post again tomorrow!

Princess Camp Diaries: Day 1

2011-06-13T17:44:00.001-04:00

First day of Princess Camp off my plate! Whew! It actually went pretty easily.......

When each camper arrived, they were led to a room where there were coloring pages and crayons for them to draw with. Each camp counselor was assigned two campers to be "buddies" with. I was assigned two young campers named Jadah (Jay-duh) and Lucy. Jadah got there first, so I sat down and drew Snow White. Shortly after, Lucy arrived and we drew the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Afterwards, we were called in to begin camp. Our first activity was movement games led by Emma and Maggie, two twin sisters in my level. We played "Princess May I?" (Mother May I?) and "Frog, Frog, Princess" (Duck, Duck, Goose). After that, we began our stretching, also led by Emma and Maggie.

And finally, it was my turn. I got to lead the entire ballet class. SO fun! We first started with barre, plies, tendus, echappe, etc. Nothing too complicated.

But when we got to corner work, then the princess stuff began! We began with skipping, one way across the floor. To get back to the other side, we ran and leaped over pointe shoes. Next, we practiced our princessy ballet walks on a high demi-pointe, one way across the floor. After this was everyone's favorite. A fellow camp counselor, Kiera, volunteered to be a prince. She got in the center set one hand on her "sword", puffed up her chest, and had a very princey look on her face. All of the campers were laughing. Once the laughter died down, they walked on their tip toes to the "prince" took "his" hand, walked around "him", and then gracefully walked offstage. So cute!

My ballet class was over. Sadly, it was the only ballet class I will teach this week. But I did choreograph the finale that they will perform this Friday. After ballet class, we had a snack, and we all sat around our beautiful throne (will post pics) and listened to Kiera give a devotional.

The camp counselors each picked out two costumes (old ones that my teacher had brought) and gave one to each of their buddies. I gave Lucy a pink satin tutu, with a bow on the bodice. I gave Jadah a purple Rapunzel dress. They did a little free dance, and then we started choreography. The two dances were taught today. On Friday, there will be a ball, and three dances will be performed. A dance with younger girls, older girls, and a finale with all of them. I choreographed the finale. Today, I helped teach the older girls.

After this, we took their costumes off, and we headed into the back room the make crafts. Today, we put little foam flowers in little flower pots. After THIS, we headed back into the studio, and played games until their parents arrived.

All of this took about 3 hours.

hfbghfghghghfhfghfhghfhgh! (I was trying to whistle)

Sorry no pics today. I forgot my camera ;)

I will take pictures tomorrow!

Until then!
(did you notice this wasn't a late post?)

2011-06-12T23:45:00.003-04:00

again with the late post! i am such a ding-dong......

my late posts are officially going to become things on Etsy. sorry, Amazon people.

what a pretty headpiece!

ok. good night ya'll.

7 minutes....

2011-06-11T23:53:00.004-04:00

until tomorrow. sorry for being so late on today's post ;). I was at a local laser show since 4. fun stuff.

today I am going to share with you an incredibly awesome item I found on Etsy.

so cool.

good night! sleep well ;)

Tutorial: Anthro Knock-Off Turban Headband

2011-06-10T13:51:00.000-04:00

My first day! I cannot believe it! To be fair I was............

Ahh, no excuses, so I prepared a tutorial for ya'll!

I was browsing Anthropologie a while ago and I found this adorable headband!

Sosostris Headband

My Headband

Pretty cool, right? Here is my turorial:

Supplies:

1/4 yd knit fabric (or an old piece of clothing)
Matching Thread
Ball point pins (optional but kinda necessary)

I used fabric, but You could easily use an old sweatshirt, pj pant, or a t-shirt.

I did all of the math for you, so you don’t have to measure your head. Cut a piece that is 9x30.

Note: Some knits like to roll up on the edges, like mine. Don’t let this scare you.

Fold your piece right sides together and pin with ball point pins along the long edge. Sew a ¼ inch seam across the cut edge.

Turn the tube inside out, and center the seam in the middle.

Note: Do not press.

Turn the tube outside (no seam) facing up. Tie a large knot, and twist the two “arms” until they both have the outside facing up. Don’t tie the knot too tight.

Wrap the thing around your head, making sure it isn’t too tight/loose. If it is too loose, determine the seam allowance by how loose it is. If it is too tight, pull the knot tighter and do a ¼ inch seam.

The seam you will be making is the two cut ends of the headband, right sides together. If you have a serger/overlock, finish the seam.

Tada! Your finished product!

2011-06-09T22:05:00.002-04:00

well.... this counts as a post for today.

creating a tutorial for ya'll. it's an anthro knock-off. super cute.

i couldn't post it today because I ate too much junk food yesterday and I am not keeping my meals down :( i hope I get better before monday! (i have to teach a ballet camp for 4-9 year olds) Because I am so sick, my creativity is stunted. sorry.

ok. good night. post to you tomorrow.

last time....

2011-06-07T22:23:00.003-04:00

I will take no more unexpected, inconvenient, and rude breaks.
I will take no more unexpected, inconvenient, and rude breaks.
I will take no more unexpected, inconvenient, and rude breaks.
I will take no more unexpected, inconvenient, and rude breaks.
I will take no more unexpected, inconvenient, and rude breaks.

I am training myself.

I am setting a goal.

I am going to post once a day all summer.

For every day that I skip a post, I will whip up a tutorial for ya'll.

Comment on any post. anytime for tutorials you want to see.

Bye.

Wait! Don't leave!

I have something to show you.

buy it

isn't it awesome?

Ok, you can go now.

Wait! Now.

In a trance....

2011-05-01T14:59:00.001-04:00

Anyone else stay up all night Thursday? I thought so. There is something magical about a royal wedding sleepover...........

Everything in my life seems so unfair after I witnessed a regular girl becoming a princess like that! (i was snapping)

At least I have the special book-thingy about the wedding.

Isn't he dreamy????

Most of my friends are swooning over Harry. But not me.

Umm, why couldn't have at least combed his hair for the royal occasion?

Did anyone else see Harry's little peek during the wedding? I did. My friends and I kept rewinding and trying to figure out what he said. We finally agreed on "Dude, she's hot!"

Who are you in trance from? William or Harry?

My Spring Break........

2011-04-19T20:37:00.002-04:00

Remember when I posted about Hoppa Bunny? Yeah, well i got bored that week. Here are the finished products.

Copycat Goodness

2011-04-04T20:35:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, Spring break. Sometimes you get bored. Most of the time, since you have no school, you are sucked into occupying your chatty 5-year-old sister.

"Can we do a craft? Why not? Please? PLEEEEAAAAAAASE?!?!?!?!"

After being pestered for hours about making a craft, I agreed. But, since I am a crafty person, I decided to go all out. I wasn't going to make homemade crayons or playdough. I was going to copy something vintage off of Little Pink Studio. Yup. I was clad in battle-gear (pajamas).

After scrolling through a couple of posts, I came upon this lovely. I was intrigued by the mosaic, and my sister immediately pointed out the miniature bunny below the image in the top left corner. I decided to make my own.

So after hours of work, my fat fingers could hardly attach teeny tiny eyes to the head. This rabbit is TINY. Here is my slideshow of the finished product.

So, like I said before, it was hard. But I was satisfied.

Later, I found that the bunny in the picture (the one I copied) was made from a free Martha Stewart tutorial. THERE WAS A TUTORIAL??!?!?!?!?!

Oh, well. I became so obsessed with them, I decided to make families and sell them. Have any ideas for prices? They are tricky and time-consuming, but I don't want to ask for too much.

Now, I am going to relax on the couch and watch Tangled with my sis for the 293809277237830732277th time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T11:05:00.004-05:00

For the next two weeks, all proceeds from Funky Junky Hats will go to an adoption fund for some dear friends of ours. They received a call about a baby that needs a home, but need to find a way to pay the attorney's fees. Their daughter Sarah loves holding my baby sister, so please held her get a baby sister of her own.
Click here to help Kennedy!
http://pliestopirouettes.blogspot.com/2011/02/buy-any-funky-junky-hat-in-next-two.html
*****************************************************************************************************************

photo via Ballet News

Buy Any Funky Junky Hat in the Next Two Weeks and You Can Help Kennedy Get a Home!

2011-02-10T17:55:00.004-05:00

Did you know that I have an Etsy shop?

Yep.

It's called Rosie Daisy.

Here's the description:

Welcome to my little bit of style heaven. I specialize in making one-of-a-kind items from designer fabric for the little people in my life, and I'm happy to share the love with your little people! Right now, my current passion is making funky junky hats based on the Jack and Jill pattern from Izzy and Ivy Designs.

Cute, huh?

Well, these next two weeks, I am giving all of the proceeds to the adoption fund of our good friends. They got a call this week saying that there was a little girl who needed a home. They took up the offer, but need to pay off a significant amount of the attorney's fees. This is your chance to help give an orphan a home.

If you buy any one of my Funky Junky Hats, you can give little Kennedy 25$ towards having a family.

This is Sarah, the family's daughter. She loves holding my baby sister, so you can help her get a baby sister of her own.

Click on the banner above to visit my shop.

Here is some picture of the hats:

Click anywhere on the pictures to see the hats in the shop.

Cure (I think) to Pronation

2011-02-01T21:34:00.003-05:00

In many ballet classes, dancers are assigned "problems" to work on. Once you work on fixing those for a while, and eventually lose the bad habit, you are assigned another. A few of my previous problems were turning out too much, arching the back, and holding improper alignment.

The day has come. My problem is pronation. Perfect. I have tried and tried, but no matter how hard i work on it, I still pronate. It is impossible for me too demi plie without rolling.

I think I have the solution.

I have some small shoe inserts that I dug out of my closet, and figured they would be good for my back. So, I slipped them in my favorite shoes and started wearing them around. They took a while to get used to, but I wore them from the time that I got up, to the time I went to bed. I didn't take them off at all. I did the same for the next couple days.

Tonight, I took them of and stared doing some demi plies, mindlessly. I realized something was different about them - I wasn't rolling.

I am not saying that this will cure every case of the pronation pox, but it's worth a shot. My arches were so used to being lifted up in the shoes, they just stayed the same when I took them off.

The inserts that I am using are these:

I highly recommend getting a pair of these. Not only can they help solve pronation, but they are very good for your back. I like the 3/4 length, because you can put them in almost any shoe. I love wearing them in my brown and gold AE ballet flats.

Click the link below, and select "Find Powerstep Retailers" under "ProTech 3/4". Fill in your postal code, and distance you are willing to travel to retrieve these life-savers. Then you will see a long list of retailers near you.

http://www.powersteps.com/ProTechThreeQuarters

Have a long happy journey towards lifted arches!

2011-01-24T09:24:00.001-05:00

When I was little I just to think that if you cried the night before, your eyes would look pretty in the morning.

It's true.

Performance week got the best of me.

How Bent is My Knee in Attitude?

2011-01-23T19:28:00.003-05:00

I am always trying to figure out how bent my knee should be in attitude. I have finally figured it out.

First, put your feet in coupe (front or back). Now, keeping your knee bent at the same angle, take it up to attitude. There! A perfectly bent knee.

Quick tip: When is attitude back, remember to keep your leg turned out. Imagine your knee above your foot. Reverse for front; imagine your foot above your knee.

Turn Out your Turnout!

2011-01-20T16:56:00.003-05:00

Ballet dancers have been turned out since the time of ballet de cour, well before the days of ear-high developpes. Turnout enables the dancer to move easily from side to side, to jump, and to pose without ever turning away from the audience. Dancers have always believed that it looks better that way. Back in the days of court dancing, women wore huge, concealing skirts, but men showed their well-formed legs in elegant silk hose. Turnout displayed those handsome calf muscles to better advantage.

Turnout is what enables a dancer to raise the leg elegantly to the side without displacing the hips or torso. Try to do this without turning out and you'll find that when your leg reaches waist height, your hips become uneven and your alignment is lost. Turnout facilitates everything you do in ballet, and batterie would be quite impossible without it: absent good turnout the heels get in the way of the beats.

Proper turnout starts deep in the hips socket and continues all the way down the leg to the knee, ankle, and foot. Led by the inner-thigh musccles, the entire leg rotates. A few lucky dancers have a full 180-degree turnout, but it's impossible to dance with none. Work fully with what you have-your imperfect turnout properly used looks better than perfect turnout on someone who can't control it. You can and should stretch gently to help open your hips. Turnout should be carefully coaxed, never forced.Working in incorrect, overly turned-out positions can cause injury.

Your knees are aligned directly over your toes at all times; position your feet accordingly and do not roll inward, especially when you plie.

Turn out both legs equally at all times

Don't let the pelvis "tuck under" in and effort to increase turnout

It's a rotation within the hips, not a clenching of the buttocks

Don't force your feet into a perfect toe-to-heel-heel-to-toe fifth position if it means the slightest compromise or straight knees or a properly placed pelvis

Never force your feet to turn out in a plie and then try to straighten your legs - it could injure your knees

Now you have achieved an almost perfect state of readiness; your body is properly placed and lifted, correctly turned out, free of tension. There's just one more thing: a pleasant, intelligent expression on your face.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a sheet of "homework" from my pre-pointe teacher. I have no idea where she got it, or even if she wrote it herself. The page looks like it was scanned out of a book. I just want to say, if anyone recognizes it as theirs, please contact me. Credit is where credit is due.

Perfect by Definition

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever beat yourself up because you don't have the "perfect" ballet body?

The dictionary's definition of perfect:

entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings

My definition of perfect:

stand-out, personal, different and utterly beautiful

Both definitions are describing ballet bodies. The first, describing an Odette, or Aurora floating on the stage, completely fake.

The other is more realistic. There is no perfect ballet body. EVERYONE'S body is different, so if one girl had an ideal body built for ballet, no one else would have it. That's what makes HER special. If another girl has thick legs, but a narrower upper body, that's what makes HER special.

My body type: tight hips, abnormally long legs, and a short torso. That's MY perfect ballet body. It's what makes ME special.

A Corps de Ballet isn't made up of 10-20 clones of one girl. They ALL have different shapes and sizes, and help each other grow in dance.

Body types are especially hard on late-bloomers, and a lot of them often fall into dangerous food disorders. Stopping meals is not the solution to getting a trimmer body. It can put your life in danger.

So whether you're tall, short, thick or thin, you are beautiful.

2011-01-17T22:34:00.003-05:00

After 9.5 hours of rehearsals, I'm pretty wrecked.

Any Suggestions?

Hot Chocolate......Bubble Bath.........A BIGGER PAIR OF BALLET SHOES?!?!?!

I decided to practice what I preach, and did one of my own little shoe tests. All five were yes. Time for a new pair :)

Snug Fits

2011-01-12T21:19:00.002-05:00

Having properly fitting ballet shoes is VERY important in a ballerina's life. To make sure that you have correct shoes at all times, check your shoes frequently, about every 2 weeks. If you notice your shoes becoming a tad bit painful, start saving money for a new pair, or alert your parents.

Remember, ballet shoes are meant to be snug, so follow these simple steps to find out whether your ballet shoes are KEEP or TOSS.

Before testing, put your shoes on.

Step 1. Walk across the room. Do a couple pirouettes, releves, whatever gets your feet moving. Do you feel an uncomfortable pressure on your HEEL? Is there a red mark?

Yes: TOSS No: KEEP

Step 2: Pointe your foot. Do you feel the tip of your shoes pulling on your toes?

Yes: TOSS No KEEP

Step 3: Do 32 changement. Do you find yourself tripping (a tiny bit) over your toes?

Yes: TOSS (get a snugger fit) No: KEEP

Step 4: Do you have more than 1 BIG hole in your shoe?

Yes: TOSS No: KEEP

Step 5: After doing all of this, do the sides (next to the nails) of your big toes hurt?

Yes: TOSS No: KEEP

Mostly Yes:

It's time for those shoes to go. Ask your dance teacher for advice on what kind works for you.

Mostly No:

You can hold onto those puppies for a little while longer! Check 'em again in 2 weeks!

BRING OUT THE SLEDS!

2011-01-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

so much for ballet class....

2011-01-02T12:59:00.001-05:00

Snapshot of my Logic Book

Yick. Need I say more?

Vote Now For the Top Dance Blogs of 2010!

2010-12-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

The polls are open, so go vote for the Top Dance Blogs of 2010!

Vote Now For the Top Dance Blogs of 2010!

2010-12-26T17:48:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick snapshot of my backyard............ SO HAPPY (and cold).

The Best Christmas Present.......... EVER!

2010-12-26T17:39:00.002-05:00

What did you get for Christmas this year? Its seems to me that everyone and their brother got an Ipad.............. Are they really all they are cracked up to be? This year, my favorite presents were a camcorder, a nice camera, and Project Life by Becky Higgins.

My mother had gotten a Project 365 (an earlier version) kit a couple years back, but couldn't keep up with it. My New Year's Resolution is to keep up with Project Life (and From Plies to Pirouettes) all year long. Think I can do it?

Project Life is an amazing kit that includes a three-ring binder, scrapbook paper, cards, and more! On Becky Higgins' site, there are tons of suggestions for a theme of the scrapbook, but I chose to take a photo everyday (with my new Nikon Coolpix S4000).

So I just wanted to brag about MY stuffy stuff, instead of posting things from a new Ipad.

A White Christmas After All.......

2010-12-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

Whatdya know? It's snowing on Christmas!!!!!! The first time since 1882.......

Merry Christmas everyone!

Top Dance of 2010 Contest!!

2010-12-17T10:27:00.006-05:00

To all of those ballerina/bloggers out there, are you totally excited about Dance Advantage's top dance blog contest???? I AM!

All YOU have to do to enter is follow these directions.

Since I love you (and hopefully you love me) I am entering the contest! All I have to do to be nominated is to get a whole wheelbarrowful of supporting comments ON THIS POST from you guys! The blogs with the most comments will be nominated for the best dance blog of 2010!

Let me say it again:

Leave a supporting comment on THIS POST to help me get a little further in the contest.

One more time:

Supporting comment ON THIS POST before December 22 to help me win the Top Dance Blogs of 2010 Contest!

You can find the link here:

http://danceadvantage.net/2010/12/08/top-dance-blog/

2010-12-15T16:46:00.002-05:00

Snapshot of My Back Porch

Sure enough, as soon as I clicked "PUBLISH POST"...... It started snowing!

Even this little snow will satisfy me...

Snow?

2010-12-15T13:00:00.002-05:00

I could use one of these..............

Not really. The thing about the South is that Fall is gorgeous. The bright leaves, the crunchy grass, and all the colorfulness of the season! Winter is another story. Most years, winter is cold, but not unbearably cold, like up North. And there is NO snow. Not even on Christmas.

Occasionally we will have a little snow for a few days in January or February, but instead of light, fluffy snow, we get hard, icy lumps that leave marks for weeks when you get a snowball thrown at you.

Strep + Flu + No Snow = Time to watch White Christmas ;)

A Little Step into Victorian Heaven.......

2010-12-13T19:20:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had high tea?

I've never done it before this weekend, when the Woodland Fairies participated in the most memorable party of my life.

This year, our studio is putting on the production of Snow White in January. I was cast as a Woodland Fairy. This weekend, our ballet teacher took us to a quaint house in a small subdivision to have a tea party. Before we stepped inside, I thought it was just going to be a rinky-dinky tea party with store-bought cookies and cupcakes.

But when we walked into the house, we were surrounded by vintage decorations of all sorts. No matter where you turned your head, there was something new to look at. In the grand entrance (front hallway), there were things for sale, anything from dainty teacups, to loaf candles.

In the room to the right, our table was set up. the room was lovely, with a gorgeous garland above to doorway, and several china hutches filled with antiques. Our table had a beautiful centerpeice; dazzling flowers with tiny fairies snoozing among the leaves.

In the next room, several more tables were set up, each one with a delicate design. Some seated five, while on ewas set up for two little girls. Although we were the only people there, my mind was incredibly noisy, with thinking about all of the wonderful things.

Sonn after arriving, it was time for tea. We sat down at the table, all 10 of us, and began the first course. Scones with tiny chocolate chips on top were served, along with pomegranate-blueberry sparkling water and "Christmas in a Cup" tea. With the scones, clotted cream and lemon curd was served.

When we were finished, a double-sided platter was brought out. This course was called savory and sweet. As you can imagine, one side of the platter was filled with savory treats, while the other side, sweet. The savory side had three delicious snacks. The first was an apple-quiche, and how good it was! The next sandwich was a cucumber acorn; a small acorn-shaped sandwich stuffed with cream cheese and cucumbers. The last part of the savory side were tiny sandwiches with ham and a special sauce.

After finishing the savory side, small plates of fruit kabobs were placed on the table, "to ready the taste buds for the sweet side". The sweet side was delightful, but even though there was very little (it was high tea, after all), I could hardly finish. The sweet platter consisted of three more treats. The first was a little red velvet cupcake dipped in a creamy chocolate ganache and topped with a light cream cheese frosting. Next was a spritz cookie in the shape of a Christmas tree and covered in green icing. And last but not least, a Victorian treat. A small pie completely made of cake crumbs and jam was my favorite part of the meal.

Afterwards, we walked around the house and looked at the beautiful things. I had to leave to the bathroom (or, "powder room", as it was labeled), an wipe the tears off my face. Everything was so beautiful, I was crying.

Well, that's how I spent my weekend. Or, Saturday, at least. Sunday I got Strep Throat and I am still suffering. As I am coughing out these last words, I am wondering what you did this weekend......

I've Been Thinking........

2010-12-13T19:09:00.002-05:00

As you all may have noticed, I tend to take a lot of unplanned breaks here at From Plies to Pirouettes. This has happened A LOT, and I was trying to figure out why..........

The reason why this blog is being neglected, is because it has morphed into something I never wanted it to be.

The real reason I started this blog is when I first started ballet, I felt clumsy and awkward. I tried to find resources on the internet, but I never found quite what I was looking for. I created From Plies to Pirouettes to express what I WAS looking for.

Every week, I say to myself "UGGGHHH! I have to sit down and schedule my blog posts for the week!" and "This is so annoying. I hate doing Wednesday's Ballet." So I decided to make some changes.

I will no longer post the weekly things. But I will keep posting. The new posts will be fewer, but more heartfelt. And without random (and really long) breaks.

So, the post above will be the first post of the new From Plies to Pirouettes, telling you a little something that I did this weekend.

Thanksgiving Break

2010-11-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

As it is Thanksgiving this week, I will be taking a break from blogging. I will return with next week's theme on Sunday!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with lots of mashed potatoes, turkey, ham, Indian pudding, cornbread, and many other festivities!

Lovely Paintings

2010-11-19T17:32:00.002-05:00

I was paroozing the internet for something pretty to look at, when I came across Holly Farrell. She paints gorgeous paintings. Here are a few of her works:

Check out her website for more lovelies.

Holly Farrell

Friday's Finds - 11/19/10

2010-11-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

1. What is the most performed ballet around Christmastime?
2. I presented an entire week full of Christmas Cheer!
3. Find out 21 fun ways to celebrate the season.
4. Stock up on tunes to choreograph your barre to!
5. It is our tradition to give each other a Christmas ornament from Hallmark every year.

Christmas Cheer Week: Day 5 - Tree Ornaments

2010-11-19T06:59:00.000-05:00

Have your tree out yet? If not, make some of these ornaments to make it shine!

I love these whimsy paper mache Christmas ornaments!These ornaments are just plain gorgeous!

I have fallen in love with these vintage music sheet ornaments!

These elegant curly wire Christmas balls will look so pretty on your tree!

Thursday's Inspire

2010-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I am not only presenting an uplifting photo to you this week, I am going to go into a bit more detail......

Take a look at the picture below. She's not in a 180 degree angle arabesque, a perfect split, or lifting her leg to her ears. She is in a simple position, with her legs low, and arms poised in an angle. Look in front of the mirror, and try her position. If you have little or no ab strenght, you will a) not be able to do this at all or b) the position will look awkward.

LaVilla Party Planning

Let's look at the picture in more detail.

As you can see, the purple represents positions using the core muscles (abs) and the red represents positions using other muscles, such as the deltoids, rectus femoris, etc.

Let's look at the lifted leg. While the leg muscles are used for height, the core muscles are working to hold it there without slipping down. Both play an important part in ballet.

Take a look at the torso. You can see the purple spot in the middle, representing the core muscles. Right outside, you can see two lines around the body. Creating this slant in the body takes skill - and strength.

The arms are holding themselves in place, but also creating weight, putting more pressure on your core muscles.

If you feel that you may have weak or no strength in your core, visit pre-pointe week, if you already haven't. Girl who are already en pointe may do these exercises, too. Especially the crunches.

Christmas Cheer Week: Day 4 - Treats

2010-11-18T06:59:00.001-05:00

Today, I am going to round up a bunch of yummy snacks and treats for you to give to someone special.

Get this cute little Hot Cocoa Mix and many others from LollyChops.

We always make thumbprint cookies for Christmas.

These coconut wreaths look so pretty!

These chocolate-peppermint cookies look so delicious!

Wednesday's Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

2010-11-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

In a magical Fairy Kingdom, a Princess named Aurora was born to a wonderful King and Queen. The Kingdom’s Fairy of Protection, Lilac Fairy, and all of her maidens were invited to celebrate Princess Aurora’s birth. In the midst of the excitement, the royal family forgot to invite the wicked fairy, Carabosse. Although Carabosse is distraught by their neglect, she and her crew come to party anyway, but with evil intentions. She disguises herself as a beautiful fairy and pretends to enjoy the festivities. However, her evil becomes her and she casts a spell over Princess Aurora saying that on her 16th birthday she will prick her finger and die. Quick to save the Princess, the Lilac Fairy casts another spell saying that she will only fall asleep after pricking her finger. Once Carabosse leaves, the party is restored and everyone continues to celebrate.

Sixteen years later, the royal family begins to celebrate Princess Aurora’s 16th birthday. Since the night of her birth, the King had ordered that all sharp objects be kept out of the kingdom so she could not hurt herself. His rules were broken, however, on the night of her party. During the celebration, Carabosse disguises herself again, this time as a beautiful seamstress, and presents Princess Aurora with a beautiful tapestry. Enchanted by its beauty, Princess Aurora grabs the tapestry and pricks her finger on a needle that Carabosse secretly embedded. Carabosse laughs in victory and runs out of the castle. Remembering the spell she had cast before, Lilac Fairy appears to make sure Princess Aurora fell asleep. Lilac Fairy casts a spell on the entire family and court to fall asleep ensuring them of their safety.

One hundred years later in a dark forest, a Prince by the name of Florimund is hunting with his friends. He leaves his friends and insists on being alone. Lilac Fairy hears the commotion and ventures out to Prince Florimund. He tells her that he is lonely and is in need of love. She has the perfect idea. She presents an image of Princess Aurora to him and he instantly falls in love.

She leads him to the castle to rescue the beautiful Princess and put an end to the evil fairy, Carabosse. Lilac Fairy reveals the hidden castle to Prince Florimund. Just when Prince Florimund steps into the castle doorway, Carabosse appears before him. She will not let him pass and a battle quickly follows. Prince Florimund finally overpowers her and he races into the castle. Knowing the only way to break the spell, he quickly finds Princess Aurora and kisses her. The spell is broken and Carabosse is finally defeated. Princess Aurora and her entire family wake up from their deep sleep. Princess Aurora accepts Prince Florimund's proposal for marriage and her family approves.

The castle is filled with music and laughter as the family and maids clean the dusty old castle for the wedding. The wedding is attended by the Prince’s family as well as the fairies. And like every great fairytale, they seal their marriage with a kiss and live happily ever after.

Synopsis courtesy About.com, found here

Christmas Cheer Week: Day 3 - Friends

2010-11-17T06:59:00.000-05:00

I have already written up a round-up for ballet friends, but I'm not so sure that all of your friends would like heel lotions, or Nutcracker statuettes.

Don't these look comfy? I made one and I added a band of colorful fabric to the bottom.

These make-up brush holders are super-cute, and super-easy.

I am loving this little cuff bracelet!

Ucreate has a few tutorials on her blog with ribbon and lace jewelry.

Black Friday Ads!

2010-11-16T18:01:00.001-05:00

Black Friday is next week! Some of the ads are out, and I would like to share them with you.

I used the first site last year, but I discovered the other one, too.

www.bfads.net

and

www.black-friday.net

Tuesday's Tips: "Timing" Your Pointe Shoes with A Dancer's Days

2010-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today, we are revisiting a former Tuesday's Tips post, featuring BallerinaBlogger from A Dancer's Days!

BallerinaBlogger from A Dancer's Days wrote an article on "Timing" Your Pointe Shoes. It was something I had never thought about before. I had thought about keeping them from wearing out, but never preparing for when they wore out. Here is the article:

"Timing" Your Pointe Shoes

That title is probably boggling your mind right now. :-)

No really, it's important to "time" when you wear your shoes and how long you wear them. Especially during summer camp.

Your shoes typically last a few hours. Mine have been lasting longer and longer as my feet have been growing stronger. It's important to know how long it takes for your shoes to "die" so by the time your shoes are dead, you have another pair ready to go. Believe me, you don't want to end up with a pair of extremely dead shoes and brand new ones. Can you say "ow"?

Ridiculously enough, that is EXACTLY what happened to me this week. Save yourself the trouble of learning this the hard way and take my advice! :P

Keep a notebook that tracks how long your shoes are lasting. Record every time you wear a specific pair and how long you wore them. Also put in notes about how soft/flexible they are. I would do this for about four pairs of shoes to know for sure what the average time-line is.

By doing this, you'll know when it's time to start breaking in a new pair of shoes. When it comes to pointe shoes you ALWAYS want to be prepared! I'd keep at least three pairs with you at all times. That gives you plenty of options depending on what your feet need or what would work
best with the dance you're rehearsing.

BTW: BallerinaBlogger wrote this article HER blog for HER readers, not specially for this blog. I had nothing to do whatsoever with the article.

BallerinaBlogger has been very kind and has answered these questions that I put together. Thanks so much BallerinaBlogger!

When did you get your first pointe shoes? Were you aware of the dangers you could put them in by leaving them in a plastic bag, or not airing them out after class, or were you super careful?

I got my first pair of pointe shoes almost five years ago. I was ten years old and was super excited! I was aware of those dangers as the teacher putting me on pointe had taught us a lot about pointe shoes before taking us to buy our first pair. And plus my mom had spent some time doing research about pointe shoes in order to know how to properly take care of them. I'm so glad my mom had gotten so involved with my dancing and although she herself never did ballet, she knows practically just as much about it as I do.

When you started summer camp, did you realize a change in your pointe shoes, they were wearing out faster, hurting your feet and ankles? Is this what gave you the idea to write this article?

The first summer camp I had ever done en pointe, I immediately noticed them softening faster and the many changes in their shape as they softened. Now that I have been dancing/doing summer intensives for so many years, I know what to expect and how to deal with my many shoes. I actually made the mistake of not lining up very many shoes before beginning my summer intensive and ended up with a pair of extremely worn shoes and brand new ones. They KILLED my feet! I was so frustrated and wanted to precaution everyone to come prepared like I use to. Really dead shoes tend to be more dangerous because you have much more flexibility in your shoes and it makes "rolling" over your ankle much easier. That could lead to so many different injuries.

Define "Your shoes typically last a few hours". By "dying" do you mean becoming soft, and the box begins to wear down? If so, when shoes "die", are they "dead" or are the done for the day?

Haha! Your pointe shoes "dying" is a term that dancers use to say "my shoes are getting very soft and worn". When shoes are "dead" they are DONE. AKA: it's time to store them away or put them in the trash. I personally like to keep my old shoes in a giant chest; it doesn't feel right to throw away something so special... And expensive! When I say "your shoes typically last a few hours" I literally mean that. I once had a pair of shoes that only lasted me 4 1/2 hours. It depends on how long you're wearing your shoes, your brand of shoes and the moisture they're obtaining. I couldn't tell you how long a certain brand of shoes lasts because every situation is different and every foot is different. It's impossible to know until you've worn a single brand and size for a fair amount of time.

Can you suggest a way to organize your pointe shoes in you notebook? (i.e. filing under brand, type, or feel)

When I organize the information (Which I don't really need to do anymore because I am so use to my shoes) I would write it out kind of like this:

Brand: Russian Pointe (Example)

Length:

Width:
Original shank hardness: (Pointe shoes typically come in soft, medium or hard shanks)

Shoes have been worn for: (Record how many hours shoes have been worn. You can record your hours each day and then add them up when your shoes have fully died)

At what "point of pain" do you suggest to start breaking in a new pair of pointe shoes?

Firstly, if there's a lot of pain going on down in those feet, I would get them checked out! There's a clear line between the "ow" kind of hurt and the "oh-my-gosh-I-think-I-just-broke-something" kind of hurt.

Breaking in pointe shoes is all about their hardness or stiffness. It also depends on how many pairs you want at once. If you want two pairs to wear at once, then I would break in a pair until they got getting slightly soft. So they're flexible enough to dance with in the center but still on the newer side. That's when I would start to wear the brand new pair at the barre.

It's really a process that you have to figure out on your own. That's why it's good to know how long it takes for your shoes to break in/what their lifespan is. Then you'll know right when to start breaking in the next pair.

Thanks for answering all of these questions. I've found the information really useful. Do you have any final words for budding ballerinas?

My last piece of advice for the day is to experiment. There is no harm in trying something new to find exactly what works for you. I myself have tried countless different brands of shoes. (No joke) Ask your instructors for advice/tips but always remember that it's your dancing career, your life and your body.

Thanks for all of the info, BallerinaBlogger!

And lastly, I have a surprise tutorial for you........

Pointe Shoe Notebooks!

*Supplies*

Unused Composition Book
2 pieces scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Old Paint Brush
Ruler
Scissors

Find an old composition note book.

Measure it across the top, and down the side. Make sure that you measure from the edge of the black tape.

mine was 6 3/4 x 9 3/4 inch. your is probably about the same.

Cut 2 pieces of scrapbook paper the same measurements as the notebook. Set the scraps aside.

You can use pretty much any kind of Mod Podge........I used Outdoor because that was the only kind that I could find in our basement ;)

Paint your Mod Podge onto the cover with the old paintbrush. Use smooth strokes, and cover the entire thing. Right before you lay the paper on, smooth out all of the gluebumps with the paint brush. Lay to paper on. Rub the paper starting at the center and working outwards. Smooth all of the bumps out. Over-glazing is optional, I went without.

Trim the edges and round the corners. Do the same with the back.

Rip up two pieces of the scrap paper. Note: If you want to write your name on the notebook, do the smaller piece in plain white, not pattern.

Put Mod Podge on the back of the larger piece, and stick it to the notebook, wherever you want, smoothing it out from the center, to the corners.

Put Mod Podge on the back of the smaller piece, and put it ontop of the bigger piece. Once again, over-glazing is optional.

There you have it!

Your pointe timing notebook is ready to go to Ballet class!

If you liked this tutorial, check out Mod Podge Rocks! and Paint Me Plaid

I hope you liked today's Tuesday's Tips! Come back tomorrow for Wednesday's Ballet.

Christmas Cheer Week: Day 2 - Dads

2010-11-16T06:59:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure whether or not your dad wants armwarmers for Christmas.........so I will dedicate a post to them ;)

These paper weights are so sweet! What a great stocking stuffer ;)

If you are looking for something a wee bit more sophisticated....... you might want to make some of these bottlecaps!

How about painting a pas de deux with dad on the front of this mug?

For those sewers out there, create a tie for dad!

Monday's Blog Brag: ballerina by day...

2010-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

This week, I am going to brag about a girl named Ashley, and her blog, ballerina by day....

Here are some of the things that she blogs about:

Perfecting Pirouettes

Behind the Velvet Curtain

Turnout Troubles

Fun Finds

Christmas Cheer Week: Day 1 - Fellow Balletfreaks

2010-11-15T06:59:00.000-05:00

Today, I am rounding up a bunch of gift ideas to give to your fellow pirouettes (that's what me and my ballet peeps call each other). Enjoy!

Round up a bunch of sweaters and make tons of these armwarmers for your friends to warm up in!

I personally have used this, and I can confidently say that if one of your ballet buddies receives this, they will be eternally grateful!

I don't know about you, but I would love to come home from a long ballet class, run a hot bath, and light up one of these babies.

Make a few of these adorable little flower pot dancers!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2010-11-14T20:27:00.003-05:00

We loved our previous themes, Halloween, late-blooming dancers, pre-pointe, right? Well, this week we are going to get a jump on the Christmas season. You can NEVER start too early.

This week, I am going to have a round-up every day for gifts for fellow balletfreaks, dads, best friends, and more!

Another way to get started on the season is to make a Holiday Control Journal. If you don't know how to do that, click here to find out.

Thursday's Inspire

2010-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tarzan Dan Photography

Pre-Pointe Week: Day 4 - Releve Checklist

2010-11-11T06:59:00.000-05:00

One thing that I used to struggle with is staying pulled up and centered throughout the pre-pointe exercises. To be honest, I used to be so focused on getting pre-pointe over with, that I was pushing on the barre (dresser or desk) or lifting my shoulders. My pre-pointe teacher gave me a simple checklist to memorize while I am doing my releves.

1: Am I pulled up in my center?

2: Are my shoulders down?

3: Are my knees straight and pulled up?

4: Am I using the barre for support?

5: Is my demi-point the absolute highest it can be?

6: Am I really pushing myself or can I give a little more?

Let me go into a little more detail:

1: Am I pulled up in my center?
Don't get too overwhelmed with this one. It does not mean suck in your stomach and hold your breath. It means hold your abs and lift your chest slightly. Have good alignment.

2: Are my shoulders down?
This is simple: Are your shoulders down?

3: Are my knees straight and pulled up?
If your knees are not straight, there is no point of releves. It's not even worth the time. Make sure that you pull up your knees, too.

4: Am I using the barre for support?
This is key: You might start out gently holding the barre at the beginning of releves, but as your legs start to burn, your grasp will get tighter and tighter. As my pre-pointe teacher says: "Don't choke my barre!"

5: Is my demi-pointe the absolute highest it can be?
The higher you go, the easier it will be. This will help build muscles faster.

6: Am I really pushing myself, or can I give a little more?
This is the most important part of any kind of pre-pointe. If you are in Lah-Lah Land just bouncing up and down, then you will never go en pointe! Really push yourself, because there's a light at the end of each dark tunnel.

Giving Thanks Giveaway by DanceAdvantage!

2010-11-11T06:22:00.003-05:00

So we've entered all of the crafty, yummy, pretty, cute, and ruffly giveaways, right?

Well it's about time there was a ballet giveaway!

How about a ballet giveaway roundup?

DanceAdvantage.net is hosting a week of ballet giveaways, just for you! Scoot on over and enter!

You can find the amazing giveaways here:

http://danceadvantage.net/2010/11/04/thanks-giveaway-preview/

Wednesday's Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

2010-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

We could all use a good love story once in a while ;)

Romeo and Juliet is a ballet about two lovers who's families hate each other. It all starts when the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, begin to fight in the street. The town authority breaks up the fight, and threatens anyone who "disturbs the street".

The Capulets plan a great celebration, and everyone in the town is invited, except the Montagues. The main reason for the celebration is for their daughter, Juliet, to meet a man to marry. Although not invited, Romeo, his cousin Benvolio, and his friend Mercutio decide to attend in disguise. The moment Romeo laid eyes on Juliet, he fell in love with her. He dances with her, and Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, realizes that there is and enemy at the party. He warns the authorities, but there was no fight because Romeo sneaked out the back.

He sat and listened to Juliet talking about the danger of loving an enemy. They made secret vows to marry each other the next day. So Romeo went to Father Lawrence and begged him to marry them. They get married, and they are together only in the secret of night. Meanwhile, Tybalt tries to fight with Romeo. Romeo refuses to fight with him for sake of Juliet, but Mercutio draws his sword. They fight until Mercutio is laying dead on the ground. Romeo is so angry, he kills Tybalt, and is banished by the town authority.

Unaware of the secret marriage, the Capulets plan for Juliet to marry another man named Paris. Panicking, Juliet goes to Father Lawrence, and he gives her a potion that will make her seem dead for a few days. When she awakes, she will be reunited with Romeo.

Romeo returns, and he hears of his wife's death and is heartbroken. In despair, he goes to her tomb, drinks a deadly amount of poison, and joins her in death. Juliet awakes too late, and finds her lover dead beside her. She then takes Romeo's dagger, and kills herself with it.

I am going to get together with a bunch of my ballet buddies and watch my special edition of Romeo and Juliet: The Ballet STARRING Rudolf Nureyev as Romeo! OOOOOhhhhh I get the chills just typing it ;)

Pre-Pointe Week: Day 3 - It Ain't Just Releves, Honey!

2010-11-10T06:59:00.001-05:00

Alright, so you get the point (pun intended) that you need to exercise everyday, and you have a simple schedule. But if you look at the schedule again, you will realize that it isn't just releves and calf muscles that will get you en pointe.

The most important muscle for pointe work is the abs. What do you think holds you up? How do you stay balanced when you are standing on 1 square inch of your foot? Your abs! If you have weak abs ( or "flabby abs" as my pre-pointe teacher calls them ) it will be extremely hard to balance. Stand on demi-pointe. Hold there, and ask yourself, Am I wobbling? Now, fix your alignment, and squeeze your abs. Not sucking in your stomach, clenching the muscles. This may feel awkward, but are you wobbling less? If you can't stand straight on demi-pointe, how will you ever stand straight on full pointe?

The greatest way to get strong abs is doing crunches. Before you move on to the next post (I know you don't want to get tied up with this) watch this video so that you can do them properly, and do "earn" hard, strong ab muscles.

Work on that routine everyday!

For those of you who are non-squeemish, check out this chart to see a diagram of the ab muscles.

Tuesday's Tips: Take Time to Smell the Roses and Bake Some Pumpkin Bread

2010-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

With all of this running back and forth to school, to ballet, to gymnastics, to your little brother's football game, things can get a little crazy. Time to wind down. Bake some pumpkin bread, brew some tea, and sit back and relax.

Here is our family's recipe for delicious pumpkin bread!

Ingredients

* 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 cups packed dark brown sugar

* 2/3 cup white sugar
* 2 cups pumpkin puree
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2/3 cup coconut milk
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 2/3 cup flaked coconut
* 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, coconut milk, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon. Mix until all of the flour is gone. Fold in the nuts and flaked coconut. Pour batter into the prepared pans.

3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cover loaves with foil tightly. Allow to steam for 10 minutes. Remove foil and turn out onto a cooling rack. Tent lightly with the foil and allow to cool completely.

Recipe courtesy Allrecipes.com.

Pre-Pointe Week: Day 2 - School and Ballet Collide!

2010-11-09T06:59:00.000-05:00

Last week, for school, we had to write a short paper on what we would be willing to work for over a two-year period. Me, being a ballet-head, decided to write about pointe shoes. I would like to share with you my paper! Keep in mind that this paper was written to be presented to a class full of non-balletfreaks ;)

I am a dancer. Once I became a dancer, nothing could pull me away from it. When I am dancing, there is nothing like the feeling of soaring through the air in a grande jete, spinning round and round in speedy pique turns, and high assembles. When I am dancing, I feel invincible. I can fly to the farthest corners of the earth, and swim to the deepest parts of the ocean. When I am dancing, I lose myself, and all of my worries vanish. I don’t mind the sweat, aches, sores, and pains, as long as I am dancing. One day, I will have my own ballet studio, and teach people, young and old, to love dance like I do.

Every dancer’s biggest dream is to go en pointe. Going en pointe is graduating from soft, canvas ballet shoes, to sturdy, satin ballet shoes, called pointe shoes or toe shoes. These shoes allow a dancer to stand on her tippy toes, elongating her figure, and creating the illusion that she is floating. But before a dancer may go en pointe, she must consider a number of things like strength, technique, and mental and emotional ability. If a dancer gets her toe shoes too early, then she could suffer permanent nerve damage that would end her dancing forever. An average dancer would go en pointe after 2-3 years of ballet training, depending on their foot type. They must undergo agonizing exercises, pass numerous exams, and struggle emotionally to keep it up before they are able to get their toe shoes.

I am one of those dancers who longs to be seen gracefully bourreeing across the floor in glorious toe shoes, but just as any other dancer, I must work hard for them. Taking classes from an excellent teacher is one start. If I can’t dance correctly, it would be harder to dance en pointe. Even if I have good technique, I might lack in strength. Every day, I will have to exercise my ankles, toes, calves, and even my brain to be strong enough. Doing these exercises for an hour a day is excruciating, but in the end, it will be worth it. I have to manage my time, so that I can do these exercises every day, and that I won’t be “too busy”. In the future, I will have to save my own money for dance classes to be able to keep up my training.

Even after I have these mastered, there are many obstacles to dodge. I know I will spend days in the studio, leaving me sore constantly, sometimes so sore, I would hardly be able to walk. I know that I will miss out on events that I am invited to, a movie, a retreat, a day to go shopping, to be able to take more ballet classes. I know I will have to spend birthdays and holidays working in the studio. I know that I will face emotions when one of my classmates gets her toe shoes before me. I know I will have to battle envy in numerous situations. I know that I will make sacrifices for those beloved shoes.

But throughout these toils and troubles, the hard work will be worth it. I can see myself, lacing up my ribbons and stepping onto that stage in the Fabulous Fox Theater, a glorious place where the most prestigious of companies perform. The ceiling has a deep blue hue, so deep; I can imagine myself flying up to the stars. As I walk onstage, I hear the soft clop of my shoes on the vintage hardwood floor. I start to shake, and I give myself a quick pinch to make sure I’m not dreaming. With the spotlight on me, I have everyone’s attention. My mouth goes dry as I hear the first elegant creak of the orchestra’s violins. I begin to dance to a glorious tune, with my shimmery pink tutu moving gracefully with my body, and when I step out for the final curtsy, the crowd startles me with an uproar of clapping, shouting, and tears. I feel my eyes becoming moist, and I raise my arms, motioning that that dance was for God’s glory, not mine. I am dancing for the Lord who made me to worship him with the body he skillfully made to be a dancer.

Winner of the Bun Decoration Giveaway!

2010-11-08T12:57:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Julie who won the bun decoration! To claim your prize, please email me at abitofbecca at gmail dot com!

Monday's Blog Brag: ballerina project

2010-11-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for Monday's Blog Brag! This week, I am not necessarily featuring a blog. I am featuring ballerina project, and you can best see their amazing works through their facebook page. They do, in fact, have a blog, and click here to view it. But on the facebook page, a new photo is posted almost everyday! Here are some of their best photos.

Pre-Pointe Week: Day 1 - A Basic Routine

2010-11-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

So we know that we need to do pre-pointe every day to go en pointe, right? Well, where do you start? Start with a basic routine. I created one for you, but you are welcome to bend, squish, twist, plop, pat, poke, punch, or add to this one ;)

A hard-core ballerina would do and hour a day, and this is what I have scheduled:

Pre-Pointe

Morning Routine:

Releves: 10 minutes
3 counts of eight, going all the way down to the floor, slowly
1 count of eight, going halfway down, slowly
Do this in each position; first, second, fourth w/ right leg in front, fifth w/ right leg in front, fourth w/ left leg in front, fifth w/ left leg in front

1 count of eight in first position, slowly, rise on each count
1 count in coupe, slowly
1 count in retire, slowly
1 count attitude, slowly
Repeat on left leg

Rise to releve in two counts
While still in releve, bend knees to push arches over toes, two counts
Keeping knees bent, lower heels to stretch tendons, two counts
Straighten knees, two counts
Repeat 10 times

Crunches: 10 minutes

30 crunches, knees bent, feet on floor

*Challenge*
2 counts bicycle, 2 counts scissors, 2 counts 100’s: added to crunches

30 back crunches
Be sure to stretch out afterward!

Balances: 10 minutes

Stand in first position. Rise to releve, and hold for 3 counts. As you get stronger, move to 5 counts, and then to 8 counts. Try to be as still as possible. Repeat in sous-sous

Stand in parallel (sixth position). Rise to releve, and hold for 1 count. Without coming down, move arms to fifth position. Hold one count. Last count, close your eyes.

*Challenge*
Instead of closing your eyes, do small developpes.

Evening Routine:

Therabands: 15 minutes
Sit in a pike position with legs out in front. Stay pulled up in your center the entire time. With one foot in the band, flex as hard as you can. Push ankle to demi-pointe, and then full pointe. Go back to demi. This is one half of a count. Do 10 of these, and work yourself up to 20. Do on both legs.

Put one foot in the band, and roll your ankle around in a circle. Once it starts to burn, keep rolling and count to ten slowly. Do on both legs

While holding foot in theraband, write the alphabet with your ankles. Cursive or manuscript.

Balances: 15 minutes
Put a tennis ball between your ankles. Stand in parallel.

Rise to releve, and hold for 3 counts. As you get stronger, move to 5 counts, and then to 8 counts. Try to be as still as possible. Repeat.

Rise to releve, and hold for 1 count. Without coming down, move arms to fifth position. Hold one count. Last count, close your eyes.

Scared? Don't be. Remember, "EMBRACE THE BURN!!!" Haha, I'm just joking. If you are sore after the first round, go ahead and skip one. But as you keep doing it every day, try not to skip any.

It would help to have a timer, just as it says in your Student Control Journal. Happy burning!

Introducing Pre-Pointe Week

2010-11-06T06:59:00.000-04:00

Let's get down to business. We enjoyed the crafts, recipes, and discoveries of new dancers in the past few themes, but as my pre-pointe teacher always says, "EMBRACE THE BURN, YOU WIMPS!" No joke.

Alright, I'm kidding. But I will have lectures, routines, and much more this week for pre-pointe.

Lots of girls begin pre-pointe, but never do it everyday. You need to glue the following statement in your mind:

YOU WILL NEVER GO EN POINTE UNLESS YOU DO PRE-POINTE EVERYDAY.

It's true.

Many girls also don't understand the danger of going en pointe too early. I don't even have to explain it, because the mention on PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE pretty much scared me just enough to make me a little more careful.

Girls who are en pointe reading this should do pre-pointe also. Here is a fact that I had no idea of until my teacher told me: pre-pointe is also pre-partnering. It's not just the guy that hold you up. You must use your abs and butt muscles to be poised in the perfect fish dive, swallow lift, anything!

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Alright, the giveaway ends TONIGHT at Midnight, and will be announced tomorrow morning........ so go enter!

Click here to enter the bun "headband", or decoration giveaway.

Friday's Finds - 11/5/10

2010-11-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

1. Get these awesome sneakers at Discount Dance Supply.
2. Find these stylish fishnet gloves only at Discount Dance.
3. Complete you costume with this over-the-top hip-hop tutu.
4. Every good hip-hop dance needs a pair of sunglasses.
5. Guess who is the top hip-hop singer these days?

Late-Blooming Legends Week: Rudolf Nureyev

2010-11-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter. Only 2 more days to enter!

I have enjoyed this week of Late-Blooming dancers, have you? Lets finish it up and tie it with a bow with Rudolf Nureyev, shall we?

He began when he was 17, pretty old, huh?

Yet, he turned out to be one of the greatest dancers in the world.

Got suggestions for an upcoming week's theme? Email me at abitofbecca at gmail dot com!

PS: If you are wondering why I spell out my email address, I am trying to keep phishers from getting a hold of it ;)

Thursday's Inspire

2010-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Late-Blooming Legends Week: Vanessa Sah

2010-11-04T06:59:00.000-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Today is going to be short, but luckily I found a profile on Vanessa Sah, a dancer in the Anaheim Ballet who started in college.

Wednesday's Ballet: Giselle

2010-11-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

The ballet begins in a village, where a young girl named, Giselle is living with her attentive mother, Berthe. The village gamekeeper, Hilarion is madly in love with Giselle, yet Prince Albrecht comes into the spotlight. He is bored with his everyday life, and wants to escape from his fiance, Bathilde. Upon seeing Giselle, he disguises himself as a peasant named Loys, and approaches her by buying the cottage next to Berthe's, and begins showering them with gifts.

As soon as Hilarion gets wind of this, he is infuriated. He sees that Giselle is madly in love with Albrecht, so he mistakes that they are getting married.

That night, Berthe has a dream that Giselle will become a Wili, a bride who dies the day before her wedding. Every night, the Wilis emerge and trap any men who lurk their premises. Meanwhile, Hilarion finds out that Loys is not who he says he is and reveals his identity and fiance, Bathilde. Giselle is heartbroken, and dies that very night.

At the tomb of Giselle, the Wilis appear to anoint Giselle as one of their own. But soon, Albrecht comes to visit her tomb, feeling guilt and remorse for her death. Hilarion is soon found doing the same. The Wili queen, Myrta, orders her Wilis to dance around them until they die of exhaustion. The Wilis try, but they are unable to break the invisible bond of true love between Albrecht and Giselle. In the end, Albrecht is saved, and Giselle returns with the Wilis for eternity.

Come back tomorrow for Thursday's Inspire!

Late-Blooming Legends Week: Martha Graham

2010-11-03T06:59:00.000-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

I have seen pictures and videos of the famous Martha Graham, but had no idea that she was a late-bloomer, too! After seeing the gracefulness of Ruth St. Denis at the Mason Opera House, she began ballet training at the age of 17.

Late-Blooming Legends Week: Misty Copeland

2010-11-02T18:45:00.002-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

The American Ballet Theatre. One of the most graceful (and hard to get into) companies in the world. If you have any hope of performing there, you have had to be doing ballet since you could walk, to be at least a soloist. Really? What about Misty Copeland?

Misty began when she was 13. That's later than I started! Yet, look at her now, a strong, beautiful dancer performing in one of the greatest companies in the world.

She could do it, why not you?

For those of you with the pre-pointe blues, here is a clear glimpse at the perfectly shaped muscles for pointe work.

This literally made me cry. After two years of dancing, at 15, Misty performed this at a competition. AFTER TWO YEARS?!?!?! It took my breath away.

Tuesday's Tips: Staying Organized

2010-11-02T18:18:00.005-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

This week, I am going to share with you about keeping organized. As you begin ballet lessons, it is not too important, but when you start formal dance training, it plays a huge part in building your career.

This may sound crazy, but do you know how I got back to staying on top of From Plies to Pirouettes? FlyLady. I'm not kidding. Now, us dancers definitely do not have enough time to make it to classes and school on time and be able to clean the house. But it is a HUGE help to your mother. Once you have a good day, and everything is organized, take notes on how you managed your time, and use the same schedule everyday.

Now, I am going to take you step-by-step through instructions to get started on a balanced ballet life.

Go to www.flylady.com and scroll down until you see How To Get Started. Click on the link, and then select Join FlyLady Here!. Read through the email group contents, and click on the Bigtent link. Click on Sign Up and follow the steps to create an account. Don't worry, it's free.

After completing this, you will be at the FlyLady homepage on Bigtent. You can browse around for a bit, and then click on the Files tab. Here, you will see a list of Control Journals. The Student Control Journal is the best for me, but you can pick any one you want. Click Download, and print it out. You can choose to staple it, bind it, or what works best, put it in a binder. Now you have your Student Control Journal set up!

I can't take you through every page, so read this and start doing whatever is scheduled for the day. I love this because we can write our dance schedule in it!

Next Step:

This is optional, but since it's cutting so close to Christmas, I printed out the Holiday Control Journal and put it in the back of my Student Control Journal. Now you are on your way to be organized!

Monday's Blog Brag: Beginner Ballerina

2010-11-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Are you ready for Monday's Blog Brag? Let's get started!

Today, I am going to brag about a blog called Beginner Ballerina. Here are some of the things that she blogs about:

Improving Your Arches

Late-Bloomer Profiles

All About Going on Pointe

Posture Tips

Late-Blooming Legends Week: Sabra Johnson

2010-11-01T06:59:00.002-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

For those who watch So You Think You Can Dance, you know that those dancers have some mad skillz, huh? I always think to myself: "She must to have been dancing since she was a child to be able to do that!". I'd like to introduce to you Sabra Johnson. She started dance 4 years before winning Season 3 of SYTYCD. Amazing, right?

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This gorgeous dancer was born in the Netherlands, and began formal dance training in Utah at Dance Impressions. When she entered the SYTYCD competition, she had no idea what was in store for her.

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Fun Fact about Sabra: She had a backup role in High School Musical in the "Stick to the Status Quo" scene as one of the skaters

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I must apologize, this is Monday's post, but for some reason it didn't show up. I had to re-post it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well, It's Halloween tonight! I thought that I might share some of my favorite Pumpkin Carvings with you!

Introducing Late-Blooming Legends Week

2010-10-30T06:58:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

We all enjoyed last week's theme of Halloween crafts, giveaways, recipes, and tons more, right?

This week's theme is outstanding dancers that started at an old age.

Did you know that Rudolf Nureyev, one of the best male dancers in history, started ballet at the age of 17?

Nureyev "en pointe" +

If you have anything that you would like to see in upcoming themes, please email me at abitofbecca at gmail dot com.

Friday's Finds - 10/29/10

2010-10-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

1. Discount Dance carries amazing costumes, including this Lady Gaga leotard.
2. Martha Stewart shows you how to make these gorgeous leaf pumpkins.
3. Get this awesome tutu on Discount Dance Supply.
4. The Official Snickers Website. Why? Just Because.
5. Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway?

No Tricks - Just Treats Week: Last Day!

2010-10-29T06:59:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Alright, today is the last day of the No Tricks - Just Treats Week. Even though this is that last round-up, you still have a chance to win a one-of-a-kind bun decoration! Go here to enter. And now for the round-up!

I love this book pumpkin!

These vintage inspired Halloween ornaments are so cute!

Indie Fixx helps you make these mini pom pom pumpkins.

This tree is gorgeous! So want to make one.....

Been Booed?

2010-10-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Going out to Boo a friend.

Have you been Booed yet?

www.beenbooed.com

Jar of Hearts - Contemporary Revelation

2010-10-28T16:23:00.004-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

I was watching this video on YouTube, and I was amazed at the dances! I do admit, the whole heart-stealing-thing is a little creepy, but the dancing is worth it!

Thursday's Inspire: Dancers Among Us

2010-10-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Jeffrey Smith
Gallery

No Tricks - Just Treats Week: Day Four

2010-10-28T06:59:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Here's a treat: a whole round-up of goodies!

Those who expect a sweet treat will get a surprise when they bite into these slime-filled cupcakes!

Knock your guest's socks off with these awesome witch cupcakes!

These mini witches brooms are so cute!

Pumpkin Cheesecake. Need I say more?

Wednesday's Ballet: Cinderella

2010-10-27T07:00:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

In the StoryBook Ballet class(4-5 year olds) that I demonstrate, we dance Cinderella near Halloween, because of the pumpkin carriage. What better way to get into the season? So grab a cupcake (or theraband for that matter ), and waltz into the story of a common girl............

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Poor Cinderella. Left an orphan, she was forced to live with her evil stepmother and two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. Instead of being taken in as a daughter or sister, they made her a maid, and ordered her around, day in, and day out. But instead of sitting in her misery, Cinderella was a cheerful young woman, and always had a smile on her face.

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One day, while Cinderella was happily scrubbing the floors, a message arrived from the palace. The prince was in search of a wife, and had invited every maiden in the kingdom to a ball. The stepsisters were overjoyed, but never considered poor Cinderella. But Cinderella read the note, too. It clearly said every maiden in the kingdom; not just rich ones. Cinderella asked her stepmother about the ball, and she responded with a sly smile: "Why Cinderella, the note did say every maiden, didn't it? Of course you may go, but only if you finish all of you chores." Cinderella gladly accepted, and went strait to work. She even found one of her mother's old dresses, and fixed it up to the latest fashion.

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She finished her chores, and put on her dress. When she walked downstairs, her stepsisters became jealous of her beauty, and tore her dress apart. They left for the ball in evil chuckles, while Cinderella was left in the dust.

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Because she was crying so hard, Cinderella did not see the swarm of magic around her. Her fairy godmother had arrived, and had turned her rags into the most beautiful ballgown in the kingdom. She turned a pumpkin into a gleaming white carriage, and common mice into brave horses. Cinderella rode in the carriage all the way to the ball, where she met the prince.

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She danced with the prince until midnight, when the spell on the pumpkin, dress, and mice broke. She fled from the ball, but since the prince was in love with her, he followed, and found that she had lost her glass slipper on the way. He ordered for every maiden in the kingdom to try on the shoe; but only one fit. When Cinderella's slender foot slipped into the glass slipper, the prince knew he had found his wife, and they lived happily ever after.

No Tricks - Just Treats Week: Day Three

2010-10-27T06:59:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

Grab a few of your felt pumpkin people and check out today's round-up!

What cute favors to give out on Halloween?

I love this vintage pendant by The Swell Life!

These are so cute! Fill them with candy corn and put them in the center of your table.

I've always wanted to know how to do this.......

Help with Blogger!

2010-10-26T18:11:00.006-04:00

Lately, I have been experiencing technical difficulties with publishing posts. When I publish them, the font comes out all weird. Some text is huge, and some is tiny. Has anyone else had this problem?

Anyways, I figured out a solution. When editing the post, under the "Compose" tab, everything looks normal. But if you look under the "Html" tab, there are numbers and letters everywhere. Now I am somewhat Html savvy, so this did not look right to me. So I went back to the "Compose" tab, highlighted everything, and copied it into a document. Then, I went to the "Html" tab and deleted every single thing. Yep, just highlighted and deleted. Then, I pasted the post under the "Html" tab, and everything was normal! All I had to do was replace a picture and two links, but it was worth it. I don't know if you saw my changement post before I fixed it, but it was a mess! It's better now, so go practice!

Tuesday's Tips: Changement

2010-10-26T18:05:00.003-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

I don't know about you, but I have been struggling a lot with changement jumps. If you don't know what changement are yet, click here and look up changement.

I have something I call CDPD. I know, the name isn't that attractive, but it sure helps you with your changement here's how it goes:

C heck Position. No thirds, demi-fourths, or sixths positions.

D eep Plie. Note: "Deep" does not mean grande plie. It means to go down into the deepest demi-plie you can. Really feel those tendons stretching.

P oint Your Toes! As hard as you can! This will give you height, and gracefulness in your changement.

D eep Plie. Land with one of those deep plies I mentioned above.

Note: This system can be used with almost any jump, faille, assemble, entrechat, etc.

I hope you liked Tuesday's Tips! Now, go practice those changement!

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-26T16:36:00.003-04:00

If you haven't entered the giveaway for the handmade bun decorations, I have made a slight change. I just extended the entry time to two weeks instead of one. You have until November 7th to enter.

Keep in mind that this is my first giveaway, but I am planning many more!

NOTE: YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EVERY ENTRY. OTHERWISE, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTERED.

No Tricks - Just Treats Week: Day Two

2010-10-26T06:59:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

How were your Morning Mummies?

How adorably adorable are these little felt people?

Not into scooping gooey pumpkin seeds? No problem! Just make one of these easy tin can jack o' lanterns!

How cute are these? I think I might go and bake some...........

Check out this beautiful, elegant centerpiece!

Rainy Day Affairs

2010-10-25T14:16:00.001-04:00

Baking a cookie cake for a friend's birthday. It's raining today, and I have ballet class in an hour.

What do you do on rainy days?

Monday's Blog Brag: Grand Allegro

2010-10-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

ps: Did you enter the No Tricks - Just Treats Giveaway? If not, scroll down or click here to enter.

This week, I would like to brag about a very special dancer named Sara. Sara runs an amazing blog called Grand Allegro. Heard of it? It is a great source on finding a professional dancer's point of view. Here are some of the things she blogs about:

Happenings at the Company

Opening Seasons

Youch!

Off to Colorado!

I'd also like to give a big Congratulations to Sara! She is going to be in the production of Dracula! Who knew they made a ballet out of that? Anyway, she got the part of Lucy, and one of the Brides! Congrats!

That's all for Monday's Blog Brag!