November/December 2011
This month was very busy! I continued to help out with local teen and miss pageants, and rehearsed up a storm for both Nutcrackers. I had a great time visiting to elementary schools in Delaware. I was able to speak about my platform with kindergarten students at the Academy of Dover and first and third graders of Woodbridge Elementary. I also performed for them and talked to them about being in a production. The kids were awesome and really enjoyed the presentation.
November 19th and 20th I performed the Jazz Nutcracker at Clara with the Delaware Dance Alliance. It was such a neat experience. I learned a bit a swing dancin’…hmmm maybe a little “Dancing with the Stars” in my future???? LOL!
My family and I traveled to Philly on Thanksgiving Eve (very late since I had partnering practice until 9) for the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving day parade! Even though I woke up at 3 a.m. throwing up…I still had a blast. I was able to catch up with my girls from nationals! We even had a live shot on “Good Morning America” with Sam Champion…at 6:45 a.m.!!!!! The parade was so spectacular! My little sister really loved it…especially the bands and the Disney floats.
Nutcracker weekend was a blast as usual. I always have such an amazing time performing and hanging out with all the dancers. This year was particularly special since I would be performing the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and dancing my great-grandmother’s choreography. My mom was even a big part of the show this year…as the production coordinator!
As soon as Nutcracker was over I was on the hunt for a part-time job! Wow…that was easy. I found a job as a hostess at Texas Road House. Come and see me!!!! Christmas was awesome as I was able to spend time with family and friends. Christmas morning was the best this year because this was the first year my little sister was really into it…she is 3 1/2. We had so much fun opening gifts and playing.
The rest of the break I spent working, hanging out with friends and babysitting. Before I knew the break was coming to an end and I am now preparing for a return to school, dance, work…reality!!!!
October 2011
This month has been full of so much! I have had several pageant appearances. Congrats to all the local teen winners so far! My junior class at Caesar Rodney High School has worked hard…well for 2 days…on our parade float…WE WON! And boy oh boy…I have had practice, practice, and practice for both Nutcrackers. It has been an extremely busy month. We are going up to Wilmington for partnering practices in addition to our regular practices. We are also preparing for several community appearances. I will be visiting the Academy of Dover and Woodbridge Elementary to promote my platform, along with The Nutcracker ballet. I am also going to be performing at the Mispillion Art League and the Milford Senior Center.
September 2011
Wow!!! Amazing!!! Incredible!!! Must I go on! No one single word can describe my experience at nationals. I met the most amazing girls and had a blast. It was so much fun the memories I made are irreplaceable. From photo shoots, interviews, production rehearsals, dinners, events, and just “hanging out”…the 10 days were filled to the top with things to do. I loved getting to dress up in all my gorgeous dresses, gowns, and outfits. One of the highlights of the week was getting to spend time with Lacey. She is such an amazing young woman…genuine, smart, caring, and a true role model for all teens.
Unfortunately the week had to come to an end…and after a full day of travel it was BACK TO SCHOOL! My first week was awesome. It was great to see all my friends…I missed them so much! I also had Nutcracker auditions for both Diamond Dance Company and Delaware Dance Alliance. I was lucky to be cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Classical ballet version with DDC and as Clara in the jazzy version with DDA! I have my work cut out for me!!!! On top of all that I have to keep up my ballet classes, school work, and local teen pageants are beginning!
On September 15th my family suffered a terrible loss. My great-grandmother, Tatiana, died. She was my inspiration in dance and we will miss her so much! I am so lucky to have had her in my life and am so honored to be performing her choreography as the Sugar Plum Fairy this year. I only hope that I can live such a long and successful life….92 years!!!!! We had to make a 9 hr. trip to Columbus, OH for my grandmother’s burial. It was great to meet family and to see where my great-grandfather and great-great grandparents were buried.
Looking forward to a great school year and Nutcracker season doing what I love most...dancing!!!
