Winter seemed to take a long time to make it’s exit but finally, Spring has sprung, well here in Savannah it’s more like summer!

Here is a quick update on what’s been happening at the STUDIO:

I went to the Youth America Grand Prix NY finals in April with Alston Macgill, 11, who had won 1st place at the regionals and also with two younger students Karilena Barfield,9 and Isabel Macgill, 8, who were invited to the workshop. It was an interesting 7 days.  We worked hard rehearsing at STEPS and also made some time to meet with Finis Jhung, who was so encouraging and helpful.  All in all the time leading up to competition day was a great experience for Alston.  When that day came, Alston really gave her best performance. We all felt as though she danced not only with great technique, but with artistry as well-not forced, but like she just loved every second of it.  But when it came time for the awards ceremony-we were pretty surprised that she hadn’t made it into the top 12.  Oh, well you think, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.  I was absolutely thrilled with what she has accomplished this year so it was not important to me, but I think Alston was pretty disappointed.  Usually the boys are separated from the girls if there are a lot of them, and there were. But for some reason they didn’t separate them when they announced the winners.  Anyway, I can’t even try to understand or explain any of that.  It turns out that just a couple of days ago YAGP decided to put up the results and sure enough Alston’s name was up there in the top 12!  She was one of just 3 girls from the United States to make it in there.  I am just sad that she didn’t get to enjoy the moment at the awards ceremony after having worked so hard!

I brought my son Enzo with me on the trip, to get him back in touch with his roots:)

In the meantime, I would like to mention another student, Angela Novelli, 16, who has just gotten her first job!  She is making a dance film called “Silence:dancing through fear” with choreographer, Vincent Brosseau.  She was pretty excited about this, since she has had a rough year recovering from Mono.

I am, as always,  super proud of all of my students!

The economy has really affected the studio, since it is so small.  I had to cancel our Spring performance, partly due to that and partly due to low attendance.  It has been quite frustrating.  I think it is time for me to re-evaluate what I am doing and make some changes. It seems I am always in a constant state of wondering why I do this at all!

I also, very stupidly, tore my calf muscle! It is a real pain.  I do not like it one bit!

Well, we are looking forward to our June workshop with Martha Faesi and Amy Uhl and then who knows what the summer will bring, other than some much needed time spent with my kids!