Posted by Veronica Moretti Niebuhr
Things have been crazy crazy at the studio. We just finished our spring performance where I dared to tackle the Firebird. They certainly exceeded my expectations and the audience was quite impressed with them. The girls have improved so much, but it is always a challenge to do something which requires a sort of mature expression of the movements. Getting the translation or feeling to kids from 6-17 years old is a major feat.
Here’s a short youtube of the girls in Firebird rehearsal.
ps.
the Firebird made me an insomniac-the music just haunted me. It was good. I was very happy with it. Even though it completely tortured me!
The opening of our show features the classical variations section. Except we faked out the audience and when the curtain opened that song from pulp fiction plays and the girls just hot dog it. Fouette turns, zig zag
they got the audience pumped for all that ballet!!! It was so fun.
Angela/Kashei/Kitri
This is Ansley. My newest (well I’ve taught since she was 5) rising star.
Caitlin came home and I threw her in the show, she choreographed her own piece to a Radiohead song, which was beautiful and so unique. Following the show, I took Angela and Caitlin to the American Ballet Competition, which is a valuable learning experience. There was some very deep talent there. They decided not to rehearse so much………..It was still a good experience and I think both girls needed to find themselves again like we always need to. I am so proud of them.
Why do we dance?????? I read today in the times the Diana Vishneva article and it touched me so much. There is no perfect body. there is a will, a desire to share, something more…..
View from the hotel in Miami, Florida for the American Ballet Competition.
Kieran came along to support Angela and Caitlin in Miami. So, Caitlin sat on her.
Caitlin and Angela before they compete..
We warm up to Life is Beautiful (on repeat so the sound guy doesn’t lose his mind) at the theatre
A tough moment for Caitlin before she competed at the American Ballet competition.
While in Miami, we did venture out and there was this balloon guy………….My son Enzo likes Spongebob and I kind of wanted a balloon!
Angela poses by this crazy tree in Miami and it reminds us of ABT’s Swan Lake….
Well as you know, it can be pretty expensive to do those summer programs. Caitlin and Angela went to the American Ballet competion at the prompting of their so supportive Mom’s, who by the way, are two of the most beautiful people I know, with the hopes of receiving a summer program scholarship. But the girls were not up to this.
Caitlin, who is struggling with growing up and keeping her inspiration did not need this at all. And Angela, who has improved about 2 years worth in 6 months didn’t really need her confidence shaken. I tried to explain to them that it was that they needed to believe in themselves. That there is no reason to do this if you don’t think you are good yourself.
How do you explain that they are facing more rejection than acceptance in their future? But that it is worth it to keep pursuing it? I never thought twice about my own abilities, but I don’t know why I didn’t. Teaching sometimes takes you here. They don’t believe it, but I do!
They didn’t make the finals in Miami-but they could have. And I believe it. I wish they could .
Ms. v
