| | Posted by Susan

For a few lucky students in southern California, this past Thanksgiving probably had less to do with stuffing and spiced apple cider than it did with tutus and pointe shoes.

True to the parting promise they made when they left California this past June, Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner returned to the state over the holidays and, with the help of some of our friends at Danse Conservatory and Classical Dance Center, held special lessons and master classes for the students with whom they had grown so close in the year past.

There is little I can say to describe how wonderful the reunion was–how excited the students were to see and take class from their former teachers and how pleased both Amanda and John were at the progress the dancers have made in the past few months. I figured I should let the photographs do the talking:

Cleo and Amanda are thrilled to see each other.

Warming up and catching up, all at once.

Amanda does pliés and port de bras with the class.

Amanda explains to Madeleine and Hadley where to place the foot in a passé.

Sammy very carefully follows Amanda’s lead.

Amanda and Anabella lead the class in a chassé temps levé combination.

Amanda corrects Kyle’s placement.

Balancing in passé.

The girls have Amanda’s full attention…

John, too, watches the dancers carefully.

John gives Jazel a “point”-er.
(Poor pun intended!)

Amanda takes class with the students.

The students work hard for their teachers.

Amanda watches Alyssa practice a variation.

John keeps Emma focused during barre.

Andie gets partnering pointers from both Amanda and John.

John and Jennifer practice a little pas de deux.

Amanda joins Rachel in a port de bras.

One student stopped me to give me a hug and said, “I feel as though Christmas came early this year.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself if I tried.