Always So Proud

We all know Miss Leslie is just a little bit emotional.  When the students dance beautifully beyond my expectations, I just gush tears of pride and joy.  I have to say that everyone at the Cinderella auditions went beyond themselves to moments to brilliance in technique and artistry.  If I hadn't been so busy with so many dancers to look at and so many things to consider, there would have been tears.  The kids love it when I cry.  They know it means they've done their absolute best. 

I was especially amazed at how well Miss Rae's Ballet 1 students did.  I will have plenty of Cinderellas in the future-I know I have Miss Rae to thank for that.  I even had a 4 year old from Miss Rae's pre-primary try-the kid asked, I couldn't say no, big sister was auditioning so why not-there will definitely be a part for this little future star.  She already has the lift of a professional ballerina at 4, I can't wait to see her at 16.

Next week is going to be tough.  Casting with such a deep pool of talent is never easy.

I spent the entire day putting promotional videos together and finishing the testimonial page of the new website.  The house is a mess but I'm very proud of what I created.  The dust can wait a few days.  The videos and testimonials really represent the studio well.  But, the beauty would not be there if it were not for the beauty the dancers create.  I am grateful every day for all the talented dancers I have been blessed to work with.

I gave myself till Friday to make my final casting decisions.  Even that may not be enough time.

I have to add this.  Monday night during the final auditions I saw a level of dancing in some very special 10 and 11 years old dancers that was amazing.  They are holding their centers on some very difficult partnering turns better than most 13 year olds.  I am both amazed and blessed.

How Do I Choose Cinderella

Hello from Miss Leslie, The Artistic Director of Art of the Dance.

Many new and exciting things are happening at Art of the Dance.  The studio is moving closer and closer to the professional level I have always envisioned. 

Our full length story ballet this year will be Cinderella.  This production should add even more professional polish of our studio.

One question I was asked last week was how do I select the student who will be Cinderella? Believe me this is going to be an extremely difficult task this year.  I have at least 6 student ballerinas who could dance this role with the pointe technique and acting skills that it requires.  I have spent more than one sleepless night thinking about this. 

So how will I pick Cinderella.  With my heart and soul.  I will make the best choice I can knowing that 5 other dancers are going to be disappointed.  I know that even if they don't show it and congratulate the girl who is chosen, they are crying a little on the inside.  They may go home, slam the door to their room or maybe cry a little then. 

Because I didn't always get the part I wanted, I know what that disappointment is like.  I've thrown pillows across the room in frustration and cried.  But as an adult I know that I would never had been so hurt if it wasn't important to me.  Some people never have anything in their life that touches their soul so deeply that it can be wounded so easily.  There has been more than one occasion when the part I got turned out to be better for me to shine as a star than the part I wanted.  And the determination developed in the face of disappointment has served me well in almost every other aspect of my life.  In every disappointment there is a life lesson.  Although at 11  to 13 years old, it might not seem so.

When we put ourselves in front of any audience we take a chance.  That students so young are not afraid to take that chance is a wonder.  I will honor each one of their dreams as I make my choice.  I hope that choice will be a learning experience no matter how it goes.